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The President's Monday Morning Press Conference -- Welcome back Dubya!!!
Just found out from Fox that the President held a press conference this morning. I haven't had time to read the transcript yet but according to Michelle Malkin and several people she linked to it went quite well. I'll be back after bit with some excerpts and my reaction.
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Click here for the official transcript and video of the press conference. I'm going to study it myself and post some comments before I start surfing for other reactions.
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I watched part of the press conference, then decided that with my hearing problems I'd be better off just reading the transcript. Some highlights:
As President and Commander-in-Chief, I have the constitutional responsibility and the constitutional authority to protect our country. Article II of the Constitution gives me that responsibility and the authority necessary to fulfill it. And after September the 11th, the United States Congress also granted me additional authority to use military force against al Qaeda.
[...]
So, consistent with U.S. law and the Constitution, I authorized the interception of international communications of people with known links to al Qaeda and related terrorist organizations. This program is carefully reviewed approximately every 45 days to ensure it is being used properly. Leaders in the United States Congress have been briefed more than a dozen times on this program. And it has been effective in disrupting the enemy, while safeguarding our civil liberties.
[...]
[K]ey provisions of [the Patriot Act] are set to expire in 12 days. The House of Representatives voted for reauthorization, but last week, a minority of senators filibustered the Patriot Act, blocking the Senate from voting to reauthorize key provisions of this vital law. In fact, the Senate Democratic leader boasted to a group of political supporters that the Senate Democrats had "killed the Patriot Act." Most of the senators now filibustering the Patriot Act actually voted for it in 2001. These senators need to explain why they thought the Patriot Act was a vital tool after the September the 11th attacks, but now think it's no longer necessary.
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Q Mr. President, thank you, sir. Are you going to order a leaks investigation into the disclosure of the NSA surveillance program? And ...
THE PRESIDENT: Let me start with the first question. There is a process that goes on inside the Justice Department about leaks, and I presume that process is moving forward. My personal opinion is it was a shameful act for someone to disclose this very important program in a time of war. The fact that we're discussing this program is helping the enemy.
[...]
Let me give you an example about my concerns about letting the enemy know what may or may not be happening. In the late 1990s, our government was following Osama bin Laden because he was using a certain type of telephone. And then the fact that we were following Osama bin Laden because he was using a certain type of telephone made it into the press as the result of a leak. And guess what happened? Saddam -- Osama bin Laden changed his behavior. He began to change how he communicated.
We're at war, and we must protect America's secrets. And so the Justice Department, I presume, will proceed forward with a full investigation. I haven't ordered one, because I understand there's kind of a natural progression that will take place when this kind of leak emerges.
[...]
Q Thank you, Mr. President. You say you have an obligation to protect us. Then why not monitor those calls between Houston and L.A.? If the threat is so great, and you use the same logic, why not monitor those calls? Americans thought they weren't being spied on in calls overseas -- why not within the country, if the threat is so great?
THE PRESIDENT: We will, under current law, if we have to. We will monitor those calls. And that's why there is a FISA law. We will apply for the right to do so. And there's a difference -- let me finish -- there is a difference between detecting so we can prevent, and monitoring. And it's important to know the distinction between the two.
Q But preventing is one thing, and you said the FISA laws essentially don't work because of the speed in monitoring calls overseas.
THE PRESIDENT: I said we use the FISA courts to monitor calls. It's a very important tool, and we do use it. I just want to make sure we've got all tools at our disposal. This is an enemy which is quick and it's lethal. And sometimes we have to move very, very quickly. But if there is a need, based upon evidence, we will take that evidence to a court, in order to be able to monitor calls within the United States.
[...]
And without revealing the operating details of our program, I just want to assure the American people that, one, I've got the authority to do this; two, it is a necessary part of my job to protect you; and, three, we're guarding your civil liberties. And we're guarding the civil liberties by monitoring the program on a regular basis, by having the folks at NSA, the legal team, as well as the inspector general, monitor the program, and we're briefing Congress. This is a part of our effort to protect the American people. The American people expect us to protect them and protect their civil liberties. I'm going to do that. That's my job, and I'm going to continue doing my job.
Got that? "That's my job, and I'm going to continue doing my job. "
THE PRESIDENT: You see, I hope by now you've discovered something about me, that when I say we're not going to have artificial timetables of withdrawal, and/or try to get me out on a limb on what the troop levels will look like -- the answer to your question on troop levels is, it's conditions-based. We have an objective in Iraq, and as we meet those objectives, our commanders on the ground will determine the size of the troop levels.
Nice try. End of your try.
I love it!
Q Mr. President, you said last night that there were only two options in Iraq -- withdraw or victory. And you asked Americans, especially opponents of the war, to reject partisan politics. Do you really expect congressional Democrats to end their partisan warfare and embrace your war strategy? And what can you do about that to make that happen?
THE PRESIDENT: Actually, I said that victory in Iraq is much larger than a person, a President, or a political party. And I've had some good visits with Senate and House Democrats about the way forward. They share the same concerns I share. You know, they want our troops out of Iraq as quickly as possible, but they don't want to do so without achieving a victory. These are good, solid Americans that agree that we must win for the sake of our security. And I'm interested in, Joe, their ideas, and will continue to listen carefully to their ideas.
On the other hand, there are some in this country that believe, strongly believe that we ought to get out now. And I just don't agree with them. It's a wrong strategy, and I'd like to tell you again why. One, it would dishearten the Iraqis. The Iraqis are making a great -- showing great courage to setting up a democracy. And a democracy in Iraq -- I know I've said this, and I'm going to keep saying it because I want the American people to understand -- a democracy in Iraq is vital in the long run to defeating terrorism. And the reason why is, is because democracy is hopeful and optimistic.
Secondly, it sends the wrong signal to our troops. We've got young men and women over their sacrificing. And all of a sudden, because of politics or some focus group or some poll, they stand up and say, we're out of there. I can't think of anything more dispiriting to a kid risking his or her life than to see decisions made based upon politics.
Thirdly, it sends the wrong signal to the enemy. It just says, wait them out; they're soft, they don't have the courage to complete the mission -- all we've got to do is continue to kill and get these images on the TV screens, and the Americans will leave. And all that will do is embolden these people. Now, I recognize there is a debate in the country, and I fully understand that, about the nature of the enemy. I hear people say, because we took action in Iraq, we stirred them up, they're dangerous. No, they were dangerous before we went into Iraq. That's what the American people have got to understand. That's why I took the decision I took on the NSA decision, because I understand how dangerous they are. And they want to hit us again.
Let me say something about the Patriot Act, if you don't mind. It is inexcusable for the United States Senate to let this Patriot Act expire. You know, there's an interesting debate in Washington, and you're part of it, that says, well, they didn't connect the dots prior to September the 11th -- "they" being not only my administration, but previous administrations. And I understand that debate. I'm not being critical of you bringing this issue up and discussing it, but there was a -- you might remember, if you take a step back, people were pretty adamant about hauling people up to testify, and wondering how come the dots weren't connected.
Well, the Patriot Act helps us connect the dots. And now the United States Senate is going to let this bill expire. Not the Senate -- a minority of senators. And I want senators from New York or Los Angeles or Las Vegas to go home and explain why these cities are safer. It is inexcusable to say, on the one hand, connect the dots, and not give us a chance to do so. We've connected the dots, or trying to connect the dots with the NSA program. And, again, I understand the press and members of the United States Congress saying, are you sure you're safeguarding civil liberties. That's a legitimate question, and an important question. And today I hope I'll help answer that. But we're connecting dots as best as we possibly can.
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So I'm just going to keep doing my job. Maybe you can keep focusing on all these focus groups and polls, and all that business. My job is to lead, keep telling the American people what I believe, work to bring people together to achieve a common objective, stand on principle, and that's the way I'm going to lead. I did so in 2005, and I'm going to do so in 2006.
Read that last paragraph again:
So I'm just going to keep doing my job. Maybe you can keep focusing on all these focus groups and polls, and all that business. My job is to lead, keep telling the American people what I believe, work to bring people together to achieve a common objective, stand on principle, and that's the way I'm going to lead. I did so in 2005, and I'm going to do so in 2006.
Welcome back Dubya!!! The only line I didn't hear that I wish I had is "We don't tell the whole damned Congress every move we make because we know a lot of 'em can't keep a secret."
Sorry for the lengthy excerpt but I consider everything I excerpted too important to let anyone miss. (Do read the whole thing.) I'll be back after bit with some other blogosphere reaction.
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A J Strata:
... Bush is knocking this one out of the ballpark. The press tried the angle we are spying on Americans, and Bush pointed out that we are connecting known Al Qaeda agents overseas to their contacts here in the US. Just as we should have done prior to 9-11. There is no getting around this argument. But the press tried.
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Bush is just knocking the liberal media senseless. He keeps reminding these people he has answered the details, the process is legal, and he will continue to use it.
He does expect there is a leak investigation and this is excellent news. Maybe Fitzgerald can learn how it is really done. ...
Bulldogpundit:
... In general, the message was obvious on both the Patriot Act and the "spying" - It's my job to protect the American people, and I'm using whatever I'm doing to do that. Some don't realize that by criticizing this program and by refusing to reauthorize the Patriot Act, you are jeopardizing Americans.
Also pointed out many times (as he should) that he did consult with Congress on this surveillance. Was extremely angry it was leaked and said that by doing that, and by asking for intricate details, you are helping the enemy.
A great job by him in laying out the bottom line principle - We're at war with an enemy, and we have to do all we can to defeat them. Basically gives critics same line that he gave on 9/20/01 joint address to Congress - "You are either with us or with the terrorists" Indeed.
Oh, and once again, the press proved their bias and incompetence by the questions the asked. ...
Lorie Byrd:
Hell Yes, Baby – Santa Has Come Early!
Brian at Iowa Voice:
I just finished watching the press conference, and then I channel surfed to see what the talking heads were saying. Not surprisingly, each network had a different take on things, and for the most part seemed to ignore some things he said, and in other cases twisting his words.
About midway through the press conference, I could tell he was pissed...royally pissed. And you can't blame him, either. The press has played this game, which they think is all in good fun, and he's been the baseball to their bat. Well, it's clear that he's had his fill.
Some highlights: ...
Sister Toldjah:
Check out this ridiculous question from one of the reporters in attendance (emphasis added): [...]
See, that’s how our beloved liberal media frames the debate. THEY decide what’s “checked” or “unchecked” power and frame their questions accordingly, and you watch - it doesn’t matter that the President said he disagreed with the assertion that the power was “unchecked” (nor does it matter to the press that the power actually IS checked) - they’ll continue to run with the “unchecked” assertion anyway.
Scott Ott:
Bush Announces Do-Not-Wiretap List
(2005-12-19) — Just days after the New York Times released classified information about eavesdropping by the NSA on Americans linked to international terrorists, President George Bush at a news conference today announced creation of a new website which allows people to voluntarily exclude their phone numbers and email addresses from NSA wiretap lists. ...
Curt at Flopping Aces:
All I have to say his Bush opened up a can of whoop ass on the reporters today. [BF note: something every true Texan is known to carry with him at all times.]
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