JOURNALISM OR AN AGENDA?

Dubya has a no-nonsense streak in him that comes out at unexpected times. Last week, after a few days of intensive travel, the President was a bit tired and lost his diplomatic cap for a few minutes at a press conference.

In this case, it was NBC News White House correspondent David Gregory who was chided for asking a very stupid question during a joint press conference Dubya shared with French President Jacques Chirac.

There had been token anti-American protests during President Bush’s trips to Russia, Germany and France. Also, the French have not always spoken very kindly about the United States. Add to the fact that a large number of editorialists throughout Europe are stone-faced socialists -- some even card-carrying communists -- and had all sorts of nasty things to say about our government. On the other hand, there was President Bush, drumming up support for the war on terrorism -- some say effectively.

Now comes the press conference in France and the attempt by an American reporter to embarrass the President of the United States in a foreign country:

Gregory asked. "I wonder why it is you think there are such strong sentiments in Europe against you and against this administration? Why, particularly, there's a view that you and your administration are trying to impose America's will on the rest of the world, particularly when it comes to the Middle East and where the war on terrorism goes next?"

Then, turning to French President Chirac, he attempted in French: "And, Mr. President, would you maybe comment on that?"

"So, you go to a protest and I drive through the streets of Berlin, seeing hundreds of people lining the road, waving," Bush said calmly. "I don't view hostility here. I view the fact that we've got a lot of friends here." Bush added: "And the fact that protesters show up -- that's good. I mean, I'm in a democracy."

President Bush continued: "Look, the only thing I know to do is speak my mind, to talk about my values, to talk about our mutual love for freedom and the willingness to defend freedom. And, David, I think a lot of people on the continent of Europe appreciate that. There's a heck of a lot more that unites us than divides us. We share the same values; we trade $2 trillion a year. I feel very comfortable coming to Europe; I feel very comfortable coming to France. I've got a lot of friends here."

The Washington Times reported that there were 300 protesters in Moscow, 20,000 Berlin and just 4,500 in Paris. That’s nothing, really. It is little more than a reflection of the socialist party’s organizational skills in those particular areas.

President Chirac’s reply was quite correct: "These demonstrations are really marginal demonstrations. You shouldn't give too much credit to these demonstrations. They do not reflect a so-called natural aversion of such-and- such a people in Europe to the president of the United States or to the U.S. people as a whole." Chirac stated that the bond between America and Europe is "an increasingly important relationship, and it would be the sign of shortsightedness to refuse to acknowledge that."

With his famous form of sarcastic whit, Don Imus called reporters like that "agenda driven weasels" and I agree. In the game of journalism, this reporter intentionally spiked the ball.

Let’s face it, I am far from being a trained “journalist” but, put me in front of the President of the United States and I am going to ask a few questions that are on topics that interest many American People. The President may not like some of the questions, but at least I would know going in that he would certainly not become angry with the stupidity of the questioner.

For instance: Now that you have had an opportunity to speak privately with these world leaders, Mr. President, what kind of assistance can the United States expect in the War on Tourism?

Or: The European Union has warned of many restraints on American exports to Europe. What support for our products have you garnered in the meetings you have had these past few days?

And for President Chirac: There have been many threats of terrorism and riots in Europe over the past few years. How do you propose European leaders aide in the War on Terrorism so as to help keep the peace in all of our countries?

Bush: There's a heck of a lot more that unites us than divides us.

Chirac stated that the bond between America and Europe is "an increasingly important relationship, and it would be the sign of shortsightedness to refuse to acknowledge that."

The protestors were little more than a reflection of the socialist party’s organizational skills in those particular areas.

Imus re Gregory: Agenda driven weasel.

War on Tourism should be War on Terrorism.

I caught the mistake before posting and neglected to correct the post. My error, not Doug's.

Actually the War on Tourism, is not such a bad idea. I plan on visiting Normandy,but wish there was a way to do it-without putting any of my money in the French economy.

I totally dismiss this garbage about the President being jet lagged, therefore..........

The President responded appropriately to the weasel.........whom I understand, felt the President went over the line!!!!!!!!!!!! LOLOLOL

You cant see it in this posting but in the complete exchange Bush started his answer by openly mocking the reporter. I dont recall the exact words but the gist of it was "Ooooooh, you know a sentence in french! Gosh, I'm so impressed....youre so smart!" That would probably be the "over the top" part of the answer (in the mind of the reporter). You see, they can openly mock the president with thinly veiled opinion pieces masquerading as unbiased news but they get all huffy if he ever acts condescending of the self-important "fourth estate".

I saw the entire exchange on TV, several times, there was nothing 'over the top' it was all mocking by the President.

Frankly, I don't care if David thought it 'was over the top'. Of course he would say that......he was not going to say a true word about the President if his life depended upon it...because he hates the President and all things republican.

The very fact that CNN would have a round table and discuss such an inane topic is typical of their looking for an issue, any issue.

99% of the country doesn't know or care who Gregory is.

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