This is fine, but perhaps this will just make him dig in his heels and get more truculent.
Putin looked like he was sucking on lemons sitting next to Bush.
I can't wait to see how the NY Slimes characterizes this press conference. Wanna bet it won't seem anything like this?
Good grief..I watched that news conference and afterwards the talking heads did not have this take on it as "humiliation" of Putin in any form or fashion!
Good move! Antagonize another country and do it in the most injurious way to their leader's pride. Who is Bush impressing with this act? American don't really care about Russia. Is this a desperate attempt to win the favor of Europeans. Neocons put him up to it? I'd like to get a better handle on it.
Why be democratic when it's so much easier to be authoritarian!
One more point- it's become obvious that the Bush administration cowers before strength and laughs in the face of weakness. This is why we gave Mommar nothing when Libya disarmed voluntarily but refuse to take action in N. Korea or Iran. Further, China has arguably worse "democractic values" than Russia, but they are a surging economic powerhouse and we don't want to pick a fight with them. So you'll never hear Bush condemn Hu Jintao during a press conference like this. But for Russia, which is in economic shambles, Bush finds it easy to kick them around. All this does is give our enemies one message- threaten the US credibly and you have it made.
Bush was intimdated.
It's all so confusing.
Hey Action Figure! This is your hero here huh? I guess the Cobra Commander is calling you to action to sort this out huh? HAHAHAHAHA!!!
As always, give my regards to Putin, comrade!
Sounds like a short term gain and a long term loss. Can't Bush praise publicly and criticize in private? My guess is Russia will be a swing in the next world war -- and it's better if they're on our side.
Putin's justifications were that rich and powerful men were successfully manipulating elections and that measures were taken to prevent it. Also that those measure were in compliance with democracy.
My take is that a country needs to pas laws to contain this particular problem, not limit speech or use appointments rather than elections for regional governors.
At one time, we appointed Senators. But governors have always been elected.
He could also break up some of these provinces into smaller pieces.
Lots of other options available. Get the Duma to do something, and quit grabbing more and more power Mr.Putin.
I watched that press conference and I didn't see that at all. I thought they did really well. Bush defended Putin and Putin defended Bush.
From the article, if Putin felt any discomfort it was because our president doesn't shift or put on appearances. He is not usually an in-your-face kind of guy, either. Putin's problem was that he was off of Russian turf and is normally shielded from this type of exchange.
Remarks by President Bush and President Putin in a Press Availability
Joint Statement by President Bush and President Putin on Russia's Accession to WTO
Joint Statement by President Bush and President Putin on Nuclear Security Cooperation
Joint Statement by President Bush and President Putin on U.S.-Russian Energy Cooperation
U.S.-Russia Arrangement on Cooperation in Enhancing Control of Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS)
President Bush addresses and thanks citizens of Slovakia
President Bush and Slovakian Prime Minister Dzurinda discuss policy
U.S.-Russia Joint Fact Sheet: Bratislava Initiatives
U.S. First Lady Laura Bush participates in Ceremonial Opening of InfoUSA Bratislava
Slovak Post to issue a SLOVAKIA SUMMIT 2005 stamp
Discussion Round Table "Slovakia - the Driving Force in Automotive Manufacture"
Invitation: Press conference and presentation "Slovakia: World’s Foremost Reformer" on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. in the "Incheba" Press Center (auditorium)
The press conference of the Mayor of Bratislava, Capital City of the Slovak Republic
February 23, 2005, 3:00 p.m., Incheba Press Center
Theme: Bratislava and its investment development in international context
The international press conference of the Mayor of Bratislava, Capital City of the Slovak Republic
February 24, 2005, 1:30 p.m., Incheba Press Center
Theme: Bratislava as an appealing tourist destination
An invitation to the press conference "Slovakia on the way to the new healthcare" with Mr. Rudolf Zajac, Minister of Health of the Slovak Republic, on Feb 24, 2005 (Thursday) at 12:30 p.m.
Transcript of the interview with George W. Bush by Olga Bakova, correspondent of the Slovak Radio in Washington D.C.
Transcript of the Press Briefing by National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley on the President´s trip to Europe
Announcement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Eduard Kukan, relating to the official visit of the U.S. President, George W. Bush, to Slovakia next week
Slovak Tourism Agency preparing for Bush & Putin Summit
Special Bush & Putin Summit stamp launch to take place in Incheba
Slovak Post to issue special stamp for Bush & Putin Summit
Press Release on initial plans for Media facililties for the Slovakia Summit 2005 (The first press conference of the Permanent Secretariat and unveiling of the Slovak Government official website for Summit activities)
Pooty poot must not of liked his can of whoop ass.
When President Bush said it was true that journalists did get fired in America, but by their editors and not the government, one almost started to feel sorry for President Putin.
Score one for GW.
I deny that Russia was the first real test if G.W. meant as he said. The press refuses to acknowledge his successes and would rather set up their own faux benchmark.
If we are to deny the revolutions of freedom (and causes of) sweeping the Globe as proof he means as he says., would not at least our announced alliance with Japan signal a change above and before a press conference with Putin?
I'll confess I'm reluntant to join in the Putin bashing. The Press on both aisles is too eager for the exhibit, and this makes me automatically sympathtic to Putin.
I'm not a sympathizer of what he has done. Putin is reverting to Soviet techniques and his involvement with Ukraine was inexcusable. I'm only aware there are other factors at play here, and while Putin deserves condemnation, I'm not eager to aid others against him for less than admirable motives themselves. The end result of doing so is that their enemy is defeated, making one less obstacle to distract their attention in their attempts to be a counterpart to the U.S.
Russia acts as a counterpart to Europe and China. It isn't in our interests to allow them to sell nukes to the M.E. nor interfere with free elections, but it isn't in our interests to strengthen Europe and China by destroying Russia for them either.
I don't trust Putin, but I trust France, Germany and China far less.
BTTT