George Bush IS intelligent, says PM (John Howard)

news.com.au ^ | 3rd September 2007

[naturalman1975]

GEORGE W. Bush was an intelligent and likeable man, Prime Minister John Howard said today ahead of the US President's arrival in Australia.

Large parts sections of central Sydney have been cordoned off with a 3m security fence amid predictions of violent protests to coincide with Mr Bush's visit to the APEC leaders' summit.

Protesters are keen to target Mr Bush over the US-led involvement in the Iraq war and his perceived failure to address climate change.

But Mr Howard today had only praise for Mr Bush, saying the US President had a "special position" as the democratically elected leader of Australia's most important ally.

"He has his critics," Mr Howard said during an unusual appearance on Channel 9's Mornings with Kerri-Anne.

"I like him. I find him an intelligent, likeable man to deal with on a personal basis."

Mr Howard promised to stick by Mr Bush because he would "never" walk away from a friend.

"I don't care how much they're criticised. You form a view of somebody and their character and I tend to stick with them," Mr Howard said.

"It may not always enjoy total support, but I do it in a way that doesn't damage the interest of my country."

Mr Howard said a strong relationship between Canberra and Washington was crucial to Australia's security.

"It's in Australia's interest to have a close alliance with America - not always to agree with America, we disagree with America on a lot of things," he said.

"But overwhelmingly America remains a force for good, it is our security guarantor, and that alliance with the United States is fundamental to our future."

[hsalaw]

"But overwhelmingly America remains a force for good, it is our security guarantor, and that alliance with the United States is fundamental to our future."

Right backatcha, Australia. It's a real benefit to the United States to have Australia as an ally, as well.

[JoanVarga]

"But overwhelmingly America remains a force for good, it is our security guarantor, and that alliance with the United States is fundamental to our future."

See, there? It can be said out loud. Amazing.

Joan

[spinestein]

I just love how journalists are so petty as to make a point of never using the word “president” right before George Bush’s name. They would have been stripped of their official knee pads if they’d even thought about doing that to President Clinton.

Every reference to President Bush from this story:

[...GEORGE W. Bush was...
...the US President’s arrival...
...with Mr Bush’s visit...
...Mr Bush over...
...for Mr Bush, saying the US President had...
...by Mr Bush...]

I know it’s not on topic, but I just couldn’t help but point that out.

[familyop]

There are good similarities between Australia and Texas (often better communication between people of various levels of wealth), along with bad ones (the heat, the landscape). Language and mannerisms shared between leaders and common folks can be assets.

[joseph20]

George Bush IS intelligent...

This is already known by those of us who don't suffer from BDS.

[liliesgrandpa]

“George Bush IS intelligent...”

So all those stupid things he does like a bigger government, major spending sprees, the Meijers nomination, driving his base away, etc. Are intelligent?
So we are just too dumb to see the brilliance of these wonderful actions?

[Gay State Conservative]

I just love how journalists are so petty as to make a point of never using the word “president” right before George Bush’s name.

If you're referring to this particular piece there's an explanation.This piece is from "news.com.au" which is an Australian source.The British press and the Australian press traditionally don't refer to a nation's leader as "President" or "Prime Minister"...they just use "Mister".It's not meant to show disrespect...it's just how they do things.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Libertarian = Good
Ron Paul’s bill with boat loads of Pork = Good.

[TAdams8591]

""I don't care how much they're criticised. You form a view of somebody and their character and I tend to stick with them," Mr Howard said."

Good for him. Also, my sentiments.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Oh, so he has no choice but to spend it. I see. And, isn’t this what every representative does? How is his better than anyone else. Anxiously awaiting.

[spinestein]

[So all those stupid things he does like a bigger government, major spending sprees, the Meijers nomination, driving his base away, etc. Are intelligent?
So we are just too dumb to see the brilliance of these wonderful actions?]

George Bush is intelligent but not necessarily wise. He’s angered his supporters as well as his opponents with his insistence on embracing “moderatism” as a policy on every issue, where he would be better served to simply pick one side or the other and fight for that. Plenty of intelligent people have been led astray by thinking you can be popular by trying to please both sides of a controversial issue at the same time.

His detractors can’t seem to bring themselves to be intellectually honest enough to limit their critique of him to this area, though, and get an illicit kind of satisfaction by pretending that he must be either stupid or malicious, or both.

[spinestein]

I didn’t know that.

Still, many American journalists do this, as well.