The Olympics: Did anyone see....

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

What's to disagree with - the man comes across like a total clown.

[HAL 9000 96]

Perhaps we can have a Bush vacation fund that is completely optional for people to pay into.

Most other jobs get a very clear and defined set of parameters for vacation time. I believe he already took his, right? Maybe I'm wrong.

Other than that I suppose he does have the right to go and support the Team as the Head of State that he is. I am sure a good majority of the athletes, however, would rather not have his presence around them.

[chri'stina 190]

Well I saw athletes happy to wave to him, so it's not true for all of them. The beach volleyball team of Misty and her teammate were happy about it before the opening ceremony going on and on about hanging out with the Pres and his fam, during the ceremony as they excitedly waved to him in the stands, and the US basketball team seemed happy he was there to watch. I am sure not everyone cared or wanted him, but some did.

Edited August 11, 2008 by Parivar CSK

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I dunno - its like what's Bush going to really say. People have been criticising China for years over its treatment of its citizens. Then along comes old George with his profound take on the situation:

"See here, there's this thing called human rights - and... I don't think some folks are being treated very well and everyone should be able to have free elections and democracy and stuff and we should all work together to make sure that everyone has freedom and liberty".

I mean is it possible to get any more pedestrian about this stuff? Its almost like if you throw enough buzzwords out there that people will think that not only is he doing something about it, but that he actually understands what he's talking about.

BTW he weighed in on the Russia/Georgia thing with (paraphrased - but he did use this basic phraseology): "I find it interesting that while we're out in the world trying to promote freedom that someone has gone and started a conflict".

Edited August 11, 2008 by Number 6

[Ban Hammer 13,109]

I know I'm going to sound like a dummy but I like seeing him there to support our teams and he is also getting other political work done too. He has spoken about certain lacking freedoms while inside the country. It's not just fun. But some people want to hate Bush no matter what he does instead of disagreeing with his policies.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

BTW he weighed in on the Russia/Georgia thing with (paraphrased - but he did use this basic phraseology): "I find it interesting that while we're out in the world trying to promote freedom that someone has gone and started a conflict".

Oh the irony.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

BTW he weighed in on the Russia/Georgia thing with (paraphrased - but he did use this basic phraseology): "I find it interesting that while we're out in the world trying to promote freedom that someone has gone and started a conflict".

Oh the irony.

I wish I could find the clip - but that's basically what he said. As though he's surprised that everyone isn't on the Liberty chapter of Book one in the Freedom series...

[baxxy 0]

Well I saw athletes happy to wave to him, so it's not true for all of them. The beach volleyball team of Misty and her teammate were happy about it before the opening ceremony going on and on about hanging out with the Pres and his fam, during the ceremony as they excitedly waved to him in the stands, and the US basketball team seemed happy he was there to watch. I am sure not everyone cared or wanted him, but some did.

I agree with the bolded part, I mean no matter how dumb your president is, at an event such as the Olympics it is nice to see him there no matter what, it's about pride and representing your country.

As far as anything else goes, hes an idiot and it's embarassing to know that he can't pronounce the name of the Russian president. Last night on the Costas interview, he prounced it wrong (as usual) then the second time he referred to him as the "russian president", because he was aware that he screwed it up the first time. Come on now, time for lil' Bush to go back to school.

[baxxy 0]

BTW he weighed in on the Russia/Georgia thing with (paraphrased - but he did use this basic phraseology): "I find it interesting that while we're out in the world trying to promote freedom that someone has gone and started a conflict".

Oh the irony.

I wish I could find the clip - but that's basically what he said. As though he's surprised that everyone isn't on the Liberty chapter of Book one in the Freedom series...

Heres the interview, I can't find the video clip.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...8/20080811.html

[Marilyn. 340]

oh yeah I saw part of that interview, I think.. Bush wasn't making much sense

[baxxy 0]

Bush wasn't making much sense

Thats putting it mildly. I actually cringed at some parts of that interview, I know 5th graders that could have done better.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Q All right, Al, we thank you. In a few minutes we'll have more of the women's team qualifying from Sunday afternoon here in Beijing. But now, live, we're joined by President George W. Bush, who has been at these games since the Opening Ceremony. You say the Opening Ceremony. You've seen Michael Phelps and company at the pool. You went to beach volleyball, the USA's win over China in basketball last night. What are your impressions so far?

THE PRESIDENT: First of all, I think the Chinese are being great hosts. The venues are fantastic. And our team is fired up -- and so am I. I'm excited to be here. It's -- it's such a thrill to watch our men and women compete.

Q You met with the ballplayers before the basketball game last night.

THE PRESIDENT: I did. (Laughter.)

Q What was their response to you?

THE PRESIDENT: Their response was -- well, first of all, obviously these are great stars. And their response was, thanks for coming; we are really, really honored to represent America. And I was impressed by them. And of course they go out and put on a great performance.

Q And winning 101 to 70. Our time here is limited. We'll get to as much as we can. The Opening Ceremonies were glorious. There's much to admire about China's people, China's culture, and its present accomplishments. But this remains an authoritarian state --

THE PRESIDENT: That's true.

Q -- with an abysmal human rights record. In the long run, is China's rise irreconcilable with America's interests?

THE PRESIDENT: No. In the long run, America better remain engaged with China, and understand that we can have a cooperative and constructive, yet candid relationship. It's really important for future Presidents to understand the relationship between China and the region, and it's important to make sure that America is engaged with China -- even though we may have some disagreements.

Q You met with President Hu Jintao not just at the Opening Ceremony, but privately since then. Did you press him on the full array of American concerns -- human rights, press freedom, Tibet, China's support of rogue regimes like Sudan and Myanmar?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes -- and North Korea, and Iran.

Q It was all on the table?

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, absolutely, every time -- every time. And you got to understand something, Bob, I don't need the Olympics to advance America's agenda. I've met with Hu Jintao a lot since I have been the President. And, yes, I had a full range -- listen, we agree with them on a lot of things. And we disagree with them on things. And that's the way the relationship is going to be. It needs to be, as I mentioned, constructive and cooperative.

Q This past week you restated America's fundamental differences with China.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q But given China's growing strength and America's own problems, realistically how much leverage and influence does the U.S. have here?

THE PRESIDENT: First of all, I don't see America having problems. I see America as a nation that is a world leader, that has got great values. And leverage is -- I don't think you should look at the relationship as one of leverage. I think you ought to look at the relationship of one of constructive engagement where you can find common areas, like North Korea and Iran, but also be in a position where they respect you enough to listen to your views on religious freedom and political liberty.

Q If these Olympics are as successful as they are shaping up to be, most people believe this only further legitimizes the ruling party in the minds on most Chinese citizens. And even absent true liberty as we understand it, the lives of hundreds of millions of Chinese people are much better than they once were. Therefore, what's the party's incentive to reform?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, if you're a religious person, you understand that once religion takes hold in a society it can't be stopped. And secondly, I think the Olympics are going to serve as a chance for people to come and see China the way it is, and let the Chinese see the world and interface and have the opportunity to converse with people from around the world. This is a very positive development, in my view, for peace.

And who knows how China is going to progress? They've been through some very difficult political times -- the Cultural Revolution, for one, where the leadership actually created violent anarchy and society turned on itself. All I can tell you is, is that it's important for the United States to be active in this part of the world with all countries, and to stay engaged with China.

Q Moving away from China for just a second. During the Opening Ceremony we saw you conferring with Vladimir Putin.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q We now know you were talking about the conflict that had erupted that day --

THE PRESIDENT: That's true.

Q -- between Russia and Georgia. Now, Georgia is a former Soviet republic that is sympathetic to the West --

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q -- and that is attempting to embody many Western values. But just as you need China, you need Russia strategically around the globe. You got to walk a fine line. What did you say to Putin?

THE PRESIDENT: I said this violence is unacceptable -- I not only said it to Vladimir Putin, I've said it to the President of the country, Dmitriy Medvedev. And my administration has been engaged with both sides in this, trying to get a cease-fire, and saying that the status quo ante for all troops should be August 6th. And, look, I expressed my grave concern about the disproportionate response of Russia and that we strongly condemn bombing outside of South Ossetia.

It was just interesting to me that here we are trying to promote peace and harmony and we're witnessing a conflict take place.

Q Right, no Olympic truce in this case.

THE PRESIDENT: There wasn't. And I was very firm with Vladimir Putin -- he and I have got a good relationship -- just like I was firm with the Russian President. And hopefully this will get resolved peacefully. There needs to be a international mediation there for the South Ossetia issue.

Q A couple more quick things.

THE PRESIDENT: Sure.

Q China is a nation that warmly received Omar al-Bashir of Sudan, who has since been indicted by the International Court on charges of genocide.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q Then this past week they revoked the visa of Joey Cheek, an exemplary Olympian who had planned to come here not to directly protest China's government, but to call attention to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q What's your reaction?

THE PRESIDENT: My reaction is I'm sorry Joey Cheek didn't come, he's a good man. Joey Cheek has just got to know that I took the Sudanese message for him. My attitude is, is if you got relations with Mr. Bashir, think about helping to solve the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. That was my message to the Chinese government.

Q As you attempt to press these points with them, do you find Hu Jintao not just warm toward you personally, but is he receptive? Do you sense any movement?

THE PRESIDENT: It's hard to tell. I mean, it's -- all I can tell you is, is that it is best to be in the position where a leader will listen to you. I went to church here, and I'm sure the cynics say, well, you know, it was just a state-sponsored church. On the other hand -- and that's true. On the other hand, it gave me a chance to say to the Chinese people, religion won't hurt you, you ought to welcome religious people. And it gave me a chance to say to the government, why don't you register the underground churches and give them a chance to flourish? And he listened politely. I can't read his mind, but I do know that every time I met with him I pressed the point.

Q Your father has longstanding connections to China. He was an envoy here even before we established an official ambassador's position, during the 1970s, and he is here with you on this trip. So there's a connection, a family connection.

THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely. Yes, there's a great connection. You know, I can remember riding my bike around Beijing in 1975, and it is --

Q Only bikes then, just about.

THE PRESIDENT: -- unbelievable how far this has changed. I mean, it is -- and he feels the same way. And we were honored yesterday when the President, Hu Jintao, invited my dad and me and Laura and my sister and my daughter, my brother, for dinner. It was a -- lunch. It was just a great gesture of kindness.

Bob, it's very important for the American people to know that coming here gave me a chance, obviously, to root for our team, and you've captured that, but it's also coming here is a sign of respect for the Chinese people. And this is a big, important nation. We'll have our differences, we'll have our agreements. But in order to find common ground and to move the world toward peace, it is important for this country to show respect for the people of the country.

Q Briefly, one more sports question.

THE PRESIDENT: Sure.

Q You have been outspoken -- your past connections to baseball; you used a State of the Union speech to do it, to talk about performance-enhancing drugs in sports. Marion Jones recently petitioned you for clemency.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q She's serving time because of involvement in the BALCO case -- one-time Olympic hero. We know many Olympians and in your favorite sport and mine, baseball, big names -- Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens. What's your feeling about this and how much do you, as an American, trust the integrity of the sports you watch?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, well, you know, let's just talk about baseball. Obviously one of the great things about baseball is we can compare the records of the players of the '50s to the '60s and the '70s, and obviously the 1990s, and it is very important for there to be a -- for the sport to be clean so that the great continuity and the history of baseball is real. And secondly, we don't want adults sending mixed messages to children, that it's okay to shoot up drugs in order to become a star, because it's not okay.

Q Are you going to go to a few more events before you leave?

THE PRESIDENT: I'm going to swimming here -- if you'd ever let me off this set. (Laughter.)

Q All right. You are dismissed.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, sir.

Q Thank you, Mr. President.

Classic Bush.

P.S. On supporting the team - a mascot would probably have been cheaper (and not dissimilar in this case)

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Bush wasn't making much sense

Thats putting it mildly. I actually cringed at some parts of that interview, I know 5th graders that could have done better.

That's kind of what offends me most about him - he clearly, obviously, doesn't have the slightest clue what he's talking about, so he pulls words out of the air and strings them together with point-scoring buzzwords - almost like some bad corporate manager with "a business is..." metaphors.

It doesn't make any kind of sense - so he has to fall back on this idea that he's a nice, fun guy.

Its so embarrassing.

[chri'stina 190]

Umm I must be an idiot too because I didn't think what you posted was that hard to understand...

[HAL 9000 96]

Well I saw athletes happy to wave to him, so it's not true for all of them. The beach volleyball team of Misty and her teammate were happy about it before the opening ceremony going on and on about hanging out with the Pres and his fam, during the ceremony as they excitedly waved to him in the stands, and the US basketball team seemed happy he was there to watch. I am sure not everyone cared or wanted him, but some did.

I guess some are not too particularly interested in what the President has done/not done vs. just having the President pay attention to them on our tax $. If only for a moment.

Well I saw athletes happy to wave to him, so it's not true for all of them. The beach volleyball team of Misty and her teammate were happy about it before the opening ceremony going on and on about hanging out with the Pres and his fam, during the ceremony as they excitedly waved to him in the stands, and the US basketball team seemed happy he was there to watch. I am sure not everyone cared or wanted him, but some did.

I agree with the bolded part, I mean no matter how dumb your president is, at an event such as the Olympics it is nice to see him there no matter what, it's about pride and representing your country.

As far as anything else goes, hes an idiot and it's embarassing to know that he can't pronounce the name of the Russian president. Last night on the Costas interview, he prounced it wrong (as usual) then the second time he referred to him as the "russian president", because he was aware that he screwed it up the first time. Come on now, time for lil' Bush to go back to school.

Yes, that is what it should be about.

Q All right, Al, we thank you. In a few minutes we'll have more of the women's team qualifying from Sunday afternoon here in Beijing. But now, live, we're joined by President George W. Bush, who has been at these games since the Opening Ceremony. You say the Opening Ceremony. You've seen Michael Phelps and company at the pool. You went to beach volleyball, the USA's win over China in basketball last night. What are your impressions so far?

THE PRESIDENT: First of all, I think the Chinese are being great hosts. The venues are fantastic. And our team is fired up -- and so am I. I'm excited to be here. It's -- it's such a thrill to watch our men and women compete.

Q You met with the ballplayers before the basketball game last night.

THE PRESIDENT: I did. (Laughter.)

Q What was their response to you?

THE PRESIDENT: Their response was -- well, first of all, obviously these are great stars. And their response was, thanks for coming; we are really, really honored to represent America. And I was impressed by them. And of course they go out and put on a great performance.

Q And winning 101 to 70. Our time here is limited. We'll get to as much as we can. The Opening Ceremonies were glorious. There's much to admire about China's people, China's culture, and its present accomplishments. But this remains an authoritarian state --

THE PRESIDENT: That's true.

Q -- with an abysmal human rights record. In the long run, is China's rise irreconcilable with America's interests?

THE PRESIDENT: No. In the long run, America better remain engaged with China, and understand that we can have a cooperative and constructive, yet candid relationship. It's really important for future Presidents to understand the relationship between China and the region, and it's important to make sure that America is engaged with China -- even though we may have some disagreements.

Q You met with President Hu Jintao not just at the Opening Ceremony, but privately since then. Did you press him on the full array of American concerns -- human rights, press freedom, Tibet, China's support of rogue regimes like Sudan and Myanmar?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes -- and North Korea, and Iran.

Q It was all on the table?

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, absolutely, every time -- every time. And you got to understand something, Bob, I don't need the Olympics to advance America's agenda. I've met with Hu Jintao a lot since I have been the President. And, yes, I had a full range -- listen, we agree with them on a lot of things. And we disagree with them on things. And that's the way the relationship is going to be. It needs to be, as I mentioned, constructive and cooperative.

Q This past week you restated America's fundamental differences with China.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q But given China's growing strength and America's own problems, realistically how much leverage and influence does the U.S. have here?

THE PRESIDENT: First of all, I don't see America having problems. I see America as a nation that is a world leader, that has got great values. And leverage is -- I don't think you should look at the relationship as one of leverage. I think you ought to look at the relationship of one of constructive engagement where you can find common areas, like North Korea and Iran, but also be in a position where they respect you enough to listen to your views on religious freedom and political liberty.

Q If these Olympics are as successful as they are shaping up to be, most people believe this only further legitimizes the ruling party in the minds on most Chinese citizens. And even absent true liberty as we understand it, the lives of hundreds of millions of Chinese people are much better than they once were. Therefore, what's the party's incentive to reform?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, if you're a religious person, you understand that once religion takes hold in a society it can't be stopped. And secondly, I think the Olympics are going to serve as a chance for people to come and see China the way it is, and let the Chinese see the world and interface and have the opportunity to converse with people from around the world. This is a very positive development, in my view, for peace.

And who knows how China is going to progress? They've been through some very difficult political times -- the Cultural Revolution, for one, where the leadership actually created violent anarchy and society turned on itself. All I can tell you is, is that it's important for the United States to be active in this part of the world with all countries, and to stay engaged with China.

Q Moving away from China for just a second. During the Opening Ceremony we saw you conferring with Vladimir Putin.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q We now know you were talking about the conflict that had erupted that day --

THE PRESIDENT: That's true.

Q -- between Russia and Georgia. Now, Georgia is a former Soviet republic that is sympathetic to the West --

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q -- and that is attempting to embody many Western values. But just as you need China, you need Russia strategically around the globe. You got to walk a fine line. What did you say to Putin?

THE PRESIDENT: I said this violence is unacceptable -- I not only said it to Vladimir Putin, I've said it to the President of the country, Dmitriy Medvedev. And my administration has been engaged with both sides in this, trying to get a cease-fire, and saying that the status quo ante for all troops should be August 6th. And, look, I expressed my grave concern about the disproportionate response of Russia and that we strongly condemn bombing outside of South Ossetia.

It was just interesting to me that here we are trying to promote peace and harmony and we're witnessing a conflict take place.

Q Right, no Olympic truce in this case.

THE PRESIDENT: There wasn't. And I was very firm with Vladimir Putin -- he and I have got a good relationship -- just like I was firm with the Russian President. And hopefully this will get resolved peacefully. There needs to be a international mediation there for the South Ossetia issue.

Q A couple more quick things.

THE PRESIDENT: Sure.

Q China is a nation that warmly received Omar al-Bashir of Sudan, who has since been indicted by the International Court on charges of genocide.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q Then this past week they revoked the visa of Joey Cheek, an exemplary Olympian who had planned to come here not to directly protest China's government, but to call attention to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q What's your reaction?

THE PRESIDENT: My reaction is I'm sorry Joey Cheek didn't come, he's a good man. Joey Cheek has just got to know that I took the Sudanese message for him. My attitude is, is if you got relations with Mr. Bashir, think about helping to solve the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. That was my message to the Chinese government.

Q As you attempt to press these points with them, do you find Hu Jintao not just warm toward you personally, but is he receptive? Do you sense any movement?

THE PRESIDENT: It's hard to tell. I mean, it's -- all I can tell you is, is that it is best to be in the position where a leader will listen to you. I went to church here, and I'm sure the cynics say, well, you know, it was just a state-sponsored church. On the other hand -- and that's true. On the other hand, it gave me a chance to say to the Chinese people, religion won't hurt you, you ought to welcome religious people. And it gave me a chance to say to the government, why don't you register the underground churches and give them a chance to flourish? And he listened politely. I can't read his mind, but I do know that every time I met with him I pressed the point.

Q Your father has longstanding connections to China. He was an envoy here even before we established an official ambassador's position, during the 1970s, and he is here with you on this trip. So there's a connection, a family connection.

THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely. Yes, there's a great connection. You know, I can remember riding my bike around Beijing in 1975, and it is --

Q Only bikes then, just about.

THE PRESIDENT: -- unbelievable how far this has changed. I mean, it is -- and he feels the same way. And we were honored yesterday when the President, Hu Jintao, invited my dad and me and Laura and my sister and my daughter, my brother, for dinner. It was a -- lunch. It was just a great gesture of kindness.

Bob, it's very important for the American people to know that coming here gave me a chance, obviously, to root for our team, and you've captured that, but it's also coming here is a sign of respect for the Chinese people. And this is a big, important nation. We'll have our differences, we'll have our agreements. But in order to find common ground and to move the world toward peace, it is important for this country to show respect for the people of the country.

Q Briefly, one more sports question.

THE PRESIDENT: Sure.

Q You have been outspoken -- your past connections to baseball; you used a State of the Union speech to do it, to talk about performance-enhancing drugs in sports. Marion Jones recently petitioned you for clemency.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q She's serving time because of involvement in the BALCO case -- one-time Olympic hero. We know many Olympians and in your favorite sport and mine, baseball, big names -- Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens. What's your feeling about this and how much do you, as an American, trust the integrity of the sports you watch?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, well, you know, let's just talk about baseball. Obviously one of the great things about baseball is we can compare the records of the players of the '50s to the '60s and the '70s, and obviously the 1990s, and it is very important for there to be a -- for the sport to be clean so that the great continuity and the history of baseball is real. And secondly, we don't want adults sending mixed messages to children, that it's okay to shoot up drugs in order to become a star, because it's not okay.

Q Are you going to go to a few more events before you leave?

THE PRESIDENT: I'm going to swimming here -- if you'd ever let me off this set. (Laughter.)

Q All right. You are dismissed.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, sir.

Q Thank you, Mr. President.

Classic Bush.

P.S. On supporting the team - a mascot would probably have been cheaper (and not dissimilar in this case)

Cheaper and potentially less traumatic for those of us that are offended by mad cowboys.