LIVE THREAD: President Bush News Conference 03/06/03

http://freerepublic.com ^ | March 6, 2003

[Howlin]

President Bush's new conference regarding current events

[Catspaw]

The Spitter (Chris Matthews) described Bush as "grim" and "sober." Bob Woodward on CNN called him "somber."

[Scott from the Left Coast]

Yes, it was substantive, but I got a bit of different take on the substance: We are a minimum of two weeks from any hostilities in Iraq, and probably we are further than that from it -- which does bring the interesting aspect of the April weather (sandstorms and somewhat increased heat, mostly the sandstorms). Those will be in play.

The other bit of substance is that he definitely "put the brakes" on this talk of "inevitable war". He was extremely careful to always couch his war terms as "if necessary". He could be signaling someone somewhere or he could simply be playing the reluctant warrior. But clearly, in his mind, the possibility of not going to war is still there (either that or he's lying to the people through the press, which I don't think he does).

Yes, much substance. But not substance toward action, substance toward the current diplomatic process continuing on for at least some more weeks.

All in all, I think he was thrown off-stride by what occurred in Turkey and maybe by the virulence of Franco-German-Russian (and pip-squeak) resistance. I think he thought he'd have U.N. backing by now. Thus, I think, he's regrouping to have another go at the diplomatic process.

[AzJohn]

These are all things the American public wants to know and the libs want to attack him for. The questions gave our President a chance to answer them.

I agree. It's the job of the reporters to ask these questions. And a few of the reporters had an axe to grind, but it's still important for the President to come out and answer the questions that the reporters have, and a lot of the American people have.

[zarf]

Iraq is in the belly of the beast, namely the middle east. Effect change there and you effect to the root cause of Islamofascism (9/11). Collateral damage would include the Israeli Palestinian question.

The NK question involves proliferation and has to be dealt with, probably through negotiation due to the nukes involved and the location of Seoul. I wouldn't be surprised to see us completely withdraw from SK.

Inconsistant? Maybe, but such is international relations.

[Palladin]

I am very sorry to hear that your mother died in the Murrah Building. I, too, am convinced that Iraquis (and/or their cohorts) were involved. They were allowed to slither right out of the country, to go back to their safe houses and plan further destruction.

Thanks to our president, Saddam Hussein is one Arab who will not slither off the hook.

Peace through strength! Peace through Victory!!

[LS]

Er, no, Jim Angle is on FOX. I know, I don't watch ABC and yet I see Jim Angle as Brit Hume questions him every night.

[ruready4eternity]

LETS NOT FOEGET THE MIDDLE EASTERN MAN WHO WAS LET GO AND WHO ACCOMPANIED TIMOTHY MCVEIGH (HE MAY BE A REPUBLICAN GUARD) DOES ANYONE REMEBER THERE WAS ANOTHER MAN, NOT TERRRY NICHOLS BUT THE MIDDLE EASTERN MAN?>

[churchillbuff]

Ahh...another Freeper Sleeper

Right - - I'm "disloyal" because I think the Bush policy toward N Korea makes sense for Iraq as well.

Only in Iraq (and N Korea) -- and on this board -- are people who exercise independence of judgment, and don't march in lockstep, called "sleepers" or disloyal.

[John Valentine]

This guy churchillbuff is either an intentional disruptor or a complete nincompoop. My guess is disruptor, because nobody could be as stupid and dense as he seems to be.

Either way, I think we should just ignore him, the same way President Bush is ignoring the other noisemakers.

[Mo1]

But can he hold on to it? By Sunday he'll be back to normal.

True .. but he looked like he got it ..

[Amelia]

But if containment will work against N Korea (as Bush says it will ) then I'd like to see it tried against Iraq - or like to hear why the double standard.

Again, I'll say that you seem remarkably uninformed about North Korea for someone who is spending so much time ranting about it. I'd suggest that you do a search on FR using "Korea" and thread titles.

While you're searching, if you read the comments, look particularly for what AmericanInTokyo, John Valentine, sushiman, and TigerLikesRooster have to say, because they are in the area and know the people.

I think you'll find two things: one is that the risk of civilian casualties is several orders of magnitude higher with an attack on North Korea, and the other is that the North Korean regime is thought to be in its death throes - if we sit tight, there's a fair chance it will collapse of its own accord shortly.

There's also the China factor, but this is probably enough for you to look up at one time.

[Politico2]

Thanks for your help in getting me back on that horse...
Back in the saddle again. :)

[VRWC_minion]

It's crazy - until you realize that it's fundies who make the Book of Revelation and the Middle East mania their guide for foreign policy

Your premise is that Bush is taking orders from fundies ? Don't you know that most "fundies" believe they are not going to be around here for that battle ?

Look sir, your ignorance about biblical matters is almost painful to observe.

[smpc]

Once Saddam's regime is gone,there will be only one country in the region with any kind of modern military capability.That country is an ally of the USA.Im sure that is ONE of the reasons someone could argue for force rather than containment.

[smpc]

Once Saddam's regime is gone,there will be only one country in the region with any kind of modern military capability.That country is an ally of the USA.Im sure that is ONE of the reasons someone could argue for force rather than containment.

[Friend of thunder]

Thank you. After feeling betrayed (too strong a word perhaps) by so many politicians it is nice to find one who continuously surprises me in a positive way.

[Ipberg]

LOCK AND LOAD WE'RE GOING TO WAR

[oreolady]

Whoops, sorry oldeconomy , I don't know what happened, this was meant for the guy talking against religion, forgot his handle.

[Tree of Liberty]

Jim Angle has worked for Fox News Channel since 1996. He was at ABC prior to that time.

[StarFan]

Whoa .....Juan Williams just sided with the President SECOND TIME! To hear him after the State of the Union Address, I thought he would surely change parties. He was truly moved by the humanity of this President.

Newt saying our President was serving notice to Hans Blitz tomorrow that the question is quite simple. Is he in compliance, yes or no. If no, than we know what we have to do!