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Behind the scenes of the 2000 presidential campaign, Carl Cameron was one of the 10 or so reporters who covered George W. Bush day in and day out. Overall, he had more than 30 one-on-one interviews with the then-Texas governor. Following are some of the reporter's impressions of the new president.
WASHINGTON To capture George W. Bush's attention - and keep it - baseball, jogging, and his ranch are surefire topics. Want to lose him? Bring up any policy issue other than education.
But he's not as uninformed or indifferent as critics charge. He just prefers to set broad goals, delegate the details, and move on quickly. He can also go on for hours about political tactics and strategy, though he tends to keep such thoughts private, lest he appear too calculating.
When it comes to political rivals and critics, President Bush is publicly and, for the most part, genuinely respectful. But when his patience wears thin, he has been known to shrug them off with a sniff that suggests "they are beneath my radar." Fairly regularly, he demonstrates a fluency with four-letter cuss words in keeping with his cherished self-image as a plain-talkin' Texan.
In the beginning, his campaign hoped familiarity would foster positive coverage, so most of Bush's conversations with journalists were on the record. Toward the end, just about everything that wasn't on camera was off the record. Aides wanted to prevent his increasingly hasty and heated comments from becoming headlines.
When he wanted to unwind, he would often leave his seat at the front of the jet and amble back to visit. As a natural cut-up and tease, he'd nod and kid his way past the section with his staffers. He'd exchange tough-guy glances with Secret Service agents and the Texas marshals, then turn to the reporters' section.
We wanted to talk about the campaign. He wanted to small-talk. Sometimes he'd linger with those who had covered him the longest. He nicknamed some of us: CNN's Candy Crowley is "Dulce," Spanish for sweets - Candy. I got "Camarones," Spanish for shrimp. At 6 feet, 2 inches, I never took it as a jab. I figure he was just playing off my last name.
As a candidate, Mr. Bush was often impatient and easily distracted. During many of those campaign conversations, it was obvious to some of us that he was itching to get to the back of the plane. That was where the camera crews and technical people were seated, and Bush would spend hours joking and yakking with folks he regularly referred to as "my people."
Like most politicians, Bush believes he can persuade just about anyone to like him - including reporters - through sheer force of personality. But he makes no secret of his distrust of the media, particularly the Washington media. This creates a dilemma for George W. Bush.
Even during rocky times Bush would want to hang out with the media, and it gave his staffers fits. They would often pull him aside in the front of the plane and almost shout, "Don't go back there, stay away from those people, they are not your friends."
But when reporters, myself included, wrote or broadcast something accurate that was potentially damaging, he seemed to go out of his way to be friendly.
The day after Fox first reported the story of Bush's old arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol, he gave me his only interview on the subject - his last interview before Election Day.
Bush also likes to be underestimated. On his very first campaign swing, in June 1999, he almost boasted that he'd be ridiculed as "slow" in the same way Ronald Reagan was. Bush uses that, of course. It's easy to make a strong impression when expectations are low.
He has a disdain for elitists; he's an antisnob snob. He takes great pleasure in besting those who think they are better than everyone else.
He can be tough, and has a temper. He doesn't hold most grudges very long, but can blow up. He's glared and barked at certain reporters and on occasion refused to grant interviews to those he thinks have been unfair or dishonest.
That hothead image goes back to his youth; he admits getting the short fuse from his mother. Already in Washington, that reputation has served him well. D.C. veterans who knew him in his wilder days recognize that he has become a more seasoned, mature leader - but remember that "W" is not a man to be crossed.
Though Bush claims to ignore polls, he's always been a poll-watcher. He knows demographics and state-by-state politics, and knows that now that he's in office, rough patches can be waited out. He also knows honeymoons don't last forever.
Here's a warning for those inclined to heap praise on Bush, warranted or not: He has little use for suck-ups. He prefers the unpretentious. His own humility, often expressed through self-deprecating humor, is not an affectation. Nor is his Christianity. Nor is his commitment to keeping political promises.
Many in Washington see such things as naive at best, contrived at worst. On the campaign trail, it took a while for some of us to realize that much about Bush is what it appears to be. Take "compassionate conservatism." Fiscally and socially, he is undeniably conservative. As for compassion, our 43rd president cries - with loved ones as well as with polite acquaintances. He sees similarities between himself and Bill Clinton when it comes to showing emotion. Yup, he said it.
Though Bush prefers to avoid mortal combat in both his political and personal dealings, he will not run from fights.
There is one thing about Bush that I know for sure: He is sure of himself. He knows his limitations, liabilities, and weaknesses, and he knows his strengths.
And he likes to win. Over the next four years, his rivals should never forget that.
o Carl Cameron is Fox TV's chief national political correspondent.
And one of the best!
Here's a warning for those inclined to heap praise on Bush, warranted or not: He has little use for suck-ups. He prefers the unpretentious. His own humility, often expressed through self-deprecating humor, is not an affectation. Nor is his Christianity. Nor is his commitment to keeping political promises.
Hallelujah!
Bump!
Thanks for posting this. Carl is a good man. I really grew to like his honest and straight forward reporting which is a drastic change from the outright leftist propaganda of the typical lockstep liberal reporters.
I loved this insightful article. This has been a very good day. I love Ronald Reagan and watched Nancy christen his ship with George W. by her side. I think I will quite probably love George W. Bush as much as I did Ronald Wilson Reagan. That is quite amazing to me, since the Gipper was truly one-of-a-kind....the President of a lifetime.
the Gipper was truly one-of-a-kind....the President of a lifetime.
I saw on another thread that the "Gipper" is the nick name for the USS Ronald Reagan! Love it!
This was a good piece. I am glad he likes talkin' baseball. I'll remember that if I ever meet him. I am glad he sets broad goals and moves on. In my professional life, I have come to view micromanagers as woefully misguided. You must empower the people who work for you, or else they will not give maximum effort. I'm glad he's an anti-snob. I like the way he uses what I call the "Columbo" strategy. Remember the old tv show? Columbo would have the bad guy thinking he was an amiable dunce, until it was too late!
Basically, I am a guy who voted for Harry Browne, closed ranks during the Florida fiasco and has been legitimately won over by GW.
A little reminiscing by Carl Cameron
....And he likes to win. Over the next four years, his rivals should never forget that. ......
There is one thing about Bush that I know for sure: He is sure of himself. He knows his limitations, liabilities, and weaknesses, and he knows his strengths.
And he likes to win. Over the next four years, his rivals should never forget that.
One of the many reasons I LUBYA DUBYA! W stands for Winner!
I like the fact that the journalist took a while to figure out that what you see is what you get.
I also like the fact that he liked hanging out with the techies and camaramen, it shows that his heart is with the people.
,,,,,,,,His own humility, often expressed through self-deprecating humor, is not an affectation. Nor is his Christianity. Nor is his commitment to keeping political promises. .......
bttt
It's nice to read this about our president. It's even better to hear a reporter admit that he's the genuine article.
Yes, the "Gipper" as nickname is great!!
About G. W. and the Gipper, I think some of the traits that they have in common (and I love) are honesty, faith, love of country, love of Nancy and Laura, and that little knowing wink. I see them both as men who know who they are and what they believe. If others want to join in their grand adventure (life with purpose) great!........if not, well, George and the Gipper are just not going to lose any sleep over it! God Bless them both.
This was an honest opinion of our 43rd president. I think Carl likes the man and it is nice to see him say that basically what you see is what you get. That has always been my opinion of President Bush, as well. And I am glad that he cries - that is a strength. I am also glad that he can play tought - he will need that skill with the dishonest democrats. God bless him and Laura.
He sees similarities between himself and Bill Clinton when it comes to showing emotion. Yup, he said it.
I doubt very much that President Bush can go from laughter to tears, like Slick did at Ron Brown's Memorial Service. I doubt that very much. President Bush is genuine, Slick is a piece of $hit.
He has a disdain for elitists; he's an antisnob snob. He takes great pleasure in besting those who think they are better than everyone else.
My favorite part.....plus the fact that I like to win also....;~)
.....plus the fact that I like to win also....]
Well the nutria seem to be besting you at this time..... hehe.
Camerones is also one of the hardest working journalist, and does spin, left or right. I like him, along with Brit Humus.
BMP
Well the nutria seem to be besting you at this time..... hehe.
Naaah....don't underestimate me. I may be small, but I can bite too....hehe.
Ping :)
Bush is a straight shooting, tough, no nonsense type of guy and he's not a quitter either. Best of all Dubya's not a phony, but he is a real conservative who cares about what happens to America's future. In time, may be more reporters will break with the traditional liberal media and have the guts to speak out like Carl Cameron has. Along with Dubya's own political skills, he's got his mothers toughness, his fathers desire for public service and a Reaganesque nature about him that people simply love.
Thank you SO much for posting this. How endearing and wonderful it is to have a genuine person in the White House after 8 years of absolute scum.
I think one comment that's a bit negative deserves a closer look. "Want to lose him? Bring up any policy issue other than education." This is not because Bush scorns details. It's because he wants to control the agenda--which at that time was education--and not have the media picking apart his other policy plans. He's sensible enough not to put a plan forward and let other people pick it apart until he's ready to run with it.
Basically, I am a guy who voted for Harry Browne, closed ranks during the Florida fiasco and has been legitimately won over by GW.
Thank you...Thank you....there is a God. Please talk to your Harry friends. They're still driving us nuts!
Thanks for the flag.
He has a disdain for elitists; ...
My kind of man!
Thank you for posting this. I value Carl's opinion, because he has been one of the best on Fox, or for that matter, anywhere.
Well, it seems the impressions we gained during the campaign are pretty much accurate. Salty language? BIG TIME!! LOL! His Christianity is real...that I was sure of. I am glad to see someone acknowledge his toughness...too many here think he is weak.
A man who know his strengths and limitations and is still confident..that is the mark of a mature person. I am very pleased and I believe President Bush will be a great president.
That comment on education illustrates the vast difference between Reagan and Bush the younger. Reagan acknowledged that the federal government has no proper role in education, He even wanted to dismantle the DoE.
The education issue and the vow to prop up certain welfare programs is what tipped me that GW is no Reagan. Let's don't let euphoria over getting rid of Clinton/Gore cause us to make GW something he isn't.
I think one comment that's a bit negative deserves a closer look. "Want to lose him? Bring up any policy issue other than education." This is not because Bush scorns details. It's because he wants to control the agenda--which at that time was education--and not have the media picking apart his other policy plans. He's sensible enough not to put a plan forward and let other people pick it apart until he's ready to run with it.
I think this is an important point. W is not a bs artist as his predecessor was. He talks well, forcefully, and intelligently on the issues that are on his agenda. The times he gets criticized are when he is asked questions that he does not really want to answer - yet. A good example is the way he was uncomfortable answering questions about the EU strike force *before* he had met with Blair. Clearly, he wanted to have that conversation with Blair before he committed to the press.
I think that was a smart idea. I'd rather have a President who fumbles a bit with questions he isn't ready to answer than one who will bs on any issue and can never be trusted to mean a thing he says.
And, not being ready to answer a question doesn't mean that he doesn't know what the issue is. It can mean simply that he hasn't talked to everyone who needs to be "in the loop".
Thanks for the flag. This is a really a fine article.
Carl's made out of some good stuff.
Thanks for the post.
Thought you would to read this!
A great read...thanks for posting it.
It is good to see some honest and straight forward reporting for a change. There are too many people wrapped up in their own agenda's to see the qualities of this man who is our President. Many are opening their minds and hearts and discovering him, like Huck here on this thread.
What I find amazing is that a high percentage of Democrats who watching his speech the other night came away with a positive feeling. The President' sincerity and message got through to them. Here is an honest and humble man...who has come to Washington with a purpose.
EXCELLENT! Thank you for posting this!
Thanks for the flag! I really enjoyed this, and I don't think I disagreed with any of Carl's observations.
One other thing I would add is that Dubya has one of those awesome memories for names. Once he's met you, he knows your face and name forever. That's an incredibly handy talent for a politician.
Great article. Glad I voted for the guy.
bump. Love Bush; love Carl, Britt, and Jim Angle. (love that Karen Hughes...boy, has she done a terrific job!)
Thank you for posting this terrific article. What a joy to read an honest, straightforward description of GW by someone who thinks he really knows him, and is not afraid to show his admiration for the man, both as a person, and as an effective politician. Makes me even more disappointed that I can't get the FoxNews Channel!
BUMP!
Thanx for a great post. BTTT!
I couldn't watch the christening but I'm sure they'll be running it on C-Span.
It will be an honor for our sailors to serve on a ship named for Ronald Reagan and serve with G.W. Bush as Commander-in-Chief.
You must empower the people who work for you, or else they will not give maximum effort.
This is so true. You find the best and encourage them. That's a leader.
Want to lose him? Bring up any policy issue other than education.
I think "Camarones" is hooking the reader before he feeds them this next sentence:
But he's not as uninformed or indifferent as critics charge. He just prefers to set broad goals, delegate the details, and move on quickly. He can also go on for hours about political tactics and strategy, though he tends to keep such thoughts private, lest he appear too calculating.
He's letting G.W.'s opponents know he's got the fight and the will and they better watch out,
'cause they won't see him coming. I think it's beautiful because it will keep them off guard.
A man who know his strengths and limitations and is still confident..that is the mark of a mature person.
Bump!
Here is an honest and humble man...who has come to Washington with a purpose.
We can be proud our president and tell our children to strive for humility and honesty, like the President of the United States.
He is sure of himself. He knows his limitations, liabilities, and weaknesses, and he knows his strengths. And he likes to win. Over the next four years, his rivals should never forget that.
Great interview. Great observations. I like Carl and wish I still had cable. I miss Fox!
Thanks for the flags.
Makes me even more disappointed that I can't get the FoxNews Channel!
I understand Phoenix and some place in Spain just got Fox, so keep asking for it!
I like Carl and wish I still had cable. I miss Fox!
He's been looking a little tired lately. Maybe he can get some rest now.
This is so true. You find the best and encourage them. That's a leader.
It's one thing I really like about him is his management style. Contrast that with der Schlickmeister. Even if Nolan, Podesta, and whatsisname were lying, it is entirely credible that Clinton ignored their recommendations. Now how does affect a person, if your boss doesn't listen? At the very least he should explain to them, for their benefit, why he was going against their recomendation. (I know, this is assumingthey aren't all liars). At some point, a boss has to trust his people. You show trust by giving responsibility. And you let them know that you suuport them and that you will give them anything they need to do their job. Mr. Bush follows what I believe to be the right model. He identified his priorities, he set boundaries, and he assigned projects to people. In a Bush administration, I think it would be totally incredible to suggest that he would go against the recommendations of his direct reports without them knowing why.
Bump!
I saw on another thread that the "Gipper" is the nick name for the USS Ronald Reagan!
Peggy Noonan was calling it that at the ceremony. She also said the captain was the "Gipper Skipper"! What a hoot! :o) fsf
PS to CW: Great post.
Makes me even more disappointed that I can't get the FoxNews Channel!
Wow, you don't get FOX news channel there? Call your cable provider and DEMAND it. That's the only way to get it.
Nice to see something from you :)
Norb
Yesterday, after the festivities were concluded, Peggy Noonan showed up on FOX to comment on them. She said the night previous, she had met the captain of the RR carrier. She called him a "fabulous young man" and then said that she or someone in her party dubbed the captain "the skipper of The Gipper." I find her to be refreshing.
Mr. Bush follows what I believe to be the right model. He identified his priorities, he set boundaries, and he assigned projects to people.
Bump!
Bump
Wow, you don't get FOX news channel there? Call your cable provider and DEMAND it. That's the only way to get it
Hello, Norb! I HAVE been calling and begging, for about two years! They keep saying, "Yes, FoxNews is the most requested channel," and stringing me along. Yesterday the explanation I was given was that they don't have the equipment necessary to add FoxNews. Total frustration, but I never give up!
Bump
Bump
Thanks for the flag. I do like Carl. He seems like an honest sort and I think he's right about GWB.
Cut the cable, get a dish, mine is cheaper than cable was and the signal is heads above cable. FR is my home page and my tv is on FOXNEWS 90% of the time.
Thanks for the advice! I will look into it. Dishes are not allowed in our subdivision, but the new ones are so small that they can be hidden, right? HMMMMM....
May W. serve the Lord to the Lord's 'great purpose'---bttt
One other thing I would add is that Dubya has one of those awesome memories for names.
Could be one of the reasons for his habit of giving people nicknames...old memory association skill.
Amen.
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.
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