Watched the hour-long cringefest that was the Presidential Press Conference this morning (thanks, TiVo) before going off to work. The Washington Post has the transcript. Be advised: you should read this on an empty stomach.
My favorite bit was this little exchange between the president and Mike Allen of the WaPo:
QUESTION: Mr. President, why are you and the vice president insisting on appearing together before the 9-11 commission? And, Mr. President, who will we be handing the Iraqi government over to on June 30th?
BUSH: We’ll find that out soon. That’s what Mr. Brahimi is doing. He’s figuring out the nature of the entity we’ll be handing sovereignty over.
And, secondly, because the 9-11 commission wants to ask us questions, that’s why we’re meeting. And I look forward to meeting with them and answering their questions.
QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE) I was asking why you’re appearing together, rather than separately, which was their request.
BUSH: Because it’s a good chance for both of us to answer questions that the 9-11 commission is looking forward to asking us. And I’m looking forward to answering them.
Let’s see. Hold on for a minute. Let’s see. Oh, Jim.
QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. President.
BUSH: I’ve got some must-calls. I’m sorry.
In other words: “The reason why I can’t testify on my own is, uh…” (waves arms frantically) “Look over there!”
By the way, reading the transcript is no substitute for watching Shrub attempt to make a coherent argument. He stammers. He flails.
He is an embarrassment to this nation.