Worst:
The president needs a new hair stylist. And some sleep. And what is up with that tie?
Best (that I remember):
“Freedom isn’t our gift to the world. It’s the Almighty’s gift to the world."
“We're doing the right thing . . . I don't make decisions based on polls.”
“Never allow our youngsters to die in vain.”
Funny:
The curled, sneering, sweating upper lip on the reporter who asked why President Bush and Vice President Cheney were appearing together before the 9/11 Commission.
George W. Bush is no glib-tongue communicator, no Condi Rice. He misspeaks and stumbles over words. However, as he mentioned, when he says something he means it. (It sounded like he might have had occasion to use that line more than once in the past twenty years or so.) To use an LOTR metaphor, who would you rather have in the breach? Samwise Gamgee or Grima Wormtongue?
*****
I just saw a news report with the statistic that this was only the president’s twelfth news conference. Contrast that with his father’s 75 (the most of the last five presidents, even Reagan and Clinton). I think that this is a mistake on his part. This format isn’t his strong suit, however I think that his unwillingness to talk directly to the press contributes to their antipathy towards him. It’s a mutual contempt society there. I’m not saying that contempt isn't justified (on his part), but throwing red meat to the vultures is part of the unwritten job description. And, during a time of war, it's essential to "buck up the troops," and not just the real ones.
All in all, however, this was a good, genuine give-and-take from the president, even in the face of a hostile question or two.
