Posted on 11/04/2004 1:26:13 PM PST by Uncledave
Is it my gloaty enthusiasm, or does Bush now speak to the press with more - what's the word - I'll say "confidence" but it's more than that.
Perhaps winning with such a Mandate and seeing the MSM crushed has just made him feel more loose and consequently eloquent
Below is how he consicely took one question on the Mid East (full transcipt at above link). I believe this is a sign of his communications style and confidence to come...
******************
Q Thank you, Mr. President. On foreign policy, more broadly, do you believe that America has an image problem in the world right now, because of your efforts and response to the 9/11 attacks? And, as you talked down the stretch about building alliances, talk about what you'll do to build on those alliances and to deal with these image problems, particularly in the Islamic world.
THE PRESIDENT: I appreciate that. Listen, I've made some very hard decisions: decisions to protect ourselves, decisions to spread peace and freedom. And I understand in certain capitals and certain countries, those decisions were not popular.
You know, you said -- you asked me to put that in the context of the response on September the 11th. The first response, of course, was chasing down the terror networks, which we will continue to do. And we've got great response around the world in order to do that. There's over 90 nations involved with sharing information, finding terrorists and bringing them to justice. That is a broad coalition, and we'll continue to strengthen it.
I laid out a doctrine, David, that said if you harbor terrorists, you're equally as guilty as the terrorists, and that doctrine was ignored by the Taliban, and we removed the Taliban. And I fully understand some people didn't agree with that decision. But I believe that when the American President speaks, he'd better mean what he says in order to keep the world peaceful. And I believe we have a solemn duty, whether or not people agree with it or not, to protect the American people. And the Taliban and their harboring of al Qaeda represented a direct threat to the American people.
And, of course, then the Iraq issue is one that people disagreed with. And there's no need to rehash my case, but I did so, I made the decision I made, in order to protect our country, first and foremost. I will continue to do that as the President. But as I do so, I will reach out to others and explain why I make the decisions I make.
There is a certain attitude in the world, by some, that says that it's a waste of time to try to promote free societies in parts of the world. I've heard that criticism. Remember, I went to London to talk about our vision of spreading freedom throughout the greater Middle East. And I fully understand that that might rankle some, and be viewed by some as folly. I just strongly disagree with those who do not see the wisdom of trying to promote free societies around the world.
If we are interested in protecting our country for the long-term, the best way to do so is to promote freedom and democracy. And I -- I simply do not agree with those who either say overtly or believe that certain societies cannot be free. It's just not a part of my thinking. And that's why during the course of the campaign, I was -- I believe I was able to connect, at least with those who were there, in explaining my policy, when I talked about the free election in Afghanistan.
There were -- there was doubt about whether or not those elections would go forward. I'm not suggesting any of you here expressed skepticism. But there was. There was deep skepticism, and -- because there is a attitude among some that certain people may never be free -- they just don't long to be free or incapable of running an election. And I disagree with that. And the Afghan people, by going to the polls in the millions, proved -- proved that this administration's faith in freedom to change peoples' habits is worthy. And that will be a central part of my foreign policy. And I've got work to do to explain to people about why that is a central part of our foreign policy. I've been doing that for four years.
But if you do not believe people can be free and can self-govern, then all of a sudden the two-state solution in the Middle East becomes a moot point, invalid. If you're willing to condemn a group of people to a system of government that hasn't worked, then you'll never be able to achieve the peace. You cannot lead this world and our country to a better tomorrow unless you see a better -- if you have a vision of a better tomorrow. And I've got one, based upon a great faith that people do want to be free and live in democracy.
Hes got nothing to lose now.He will be like Ronald Reagan when Historians look back and see he was RIGHT!
He sounded almost..dare I say "Reaganesque"?
Now that he doesn't have to stand for re-election, he can be himself. I am looking forward to the next four years.
Yes,Its on now!!!!
I noticed it, too. His tone has definitely changed. And for the better.
Time to let Bush be Reagan.
And he Will!
Could be....however now that's he in for 4 more yrs w/o re-election worries; he can go after the MSM creeps. On another note, he tried to treat the MSM with respect...didn't help him one little bit. They were ruthless and told many lies about him...so hopefully he's decided to hell with them...I'm takin' the gloves off. ;o)
Dare to say it!
Personally, I prefer his TR/Rough Rider aspect.
The President was in command of that room, and gravitas personified. It amazed me how he changed from affable, gregarious campaigner to dignified statesman ready and able to take care of business. This man has studied and learned well.
As he mentioned in his speech: While he Washington he learned a few things (or words to that effect) Hehe. They ain't seen nothin' yet.
I love MY PRESIDENT.
bump for later
Makes you proud to have worked for and voted for him.
A - No, next question?
No matter how well he articulates his views and policies, the press and the left will not listen and they will keep saying that he has no plan to get out of Iraq, etc. Bush can tell them exactly what his ideas are, and they just cannot hear him because they are too busy thinking of their next attack line.
And.... did you notice a more respectful tone from the press toward President Bush. He is now "Sir" and not "Mr. Bush".
GWB Is The Man ~ Bump!
I agree. Totally in control. Even joked about mangling the English language.
Its the 3rd term the Gipper never got.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.