For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 10, 2002
President Bush Discusses Iraq
Remarks by the President to the Pool Before and After Golf - Crawford, Texas
Ridgewood Country Club
Waco, Texas
7:19 A.M. CDT
THE PRESIDENT: Anybody got anything?
Q Do you, sir?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I do. I'm in close consultations with my
senior staff on a variety of subjects. As I said yesterday, I have no
timetable for any of our policies as regards to Iraq. That --
yesterday I spent time with my principal advisors on that subject, as
well as others. I am pleased with the reports about the productivity
of American workers. I thought that was a continuing signal that our
economy grows and strengthens.
Next week I'll be having an economic summit that we'll discuss ways
that we can further job growth. So, anyway, I'll be spending some time
on subjects that might interest you all.
Q Mr. President, yesterday in an interview I guess with Scott,
you described Iraq as the enemy.
THE PRESIDENT: I described them as the axis of evil once. I
described them as an enemy until proven otherwise. They obviously, you
know, desire weapons of mass destruction. I presume that he still
views us as an enemy. I have constantly said that we owe it to our
children and our children's children to free the world from weapons of
mass destruction in the hands of those who hate freedom. This is a man
who has poisoned his own people, I mean he's had a history of tyranny.
Q I'm sorry, if I could follow up. Are you surprised that you
haven't been able to build more support within the region and within
Europe for taking action?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, Stretch, I think most people understand he is
a danger. But as I've said in speech after speech, I've got a lot of
tools at my disposal. And I've also said I am a deliberate person.
And so I'm -- we're in the process of consulting not only with
Congress, like I said I do the other day, but with our friends and
allies. And the consultation process is a positive part of really
allowing people to fully understand our deep concerns about this man,
his regime and his desires to have weapons of mass destruction.
Last question, and then I've got to go chip and putt for a birdie.
(Laughter.) It was a good drive.
Q It looked kind of right.
Q Do you think the American people are prepared for casualties
in Iraq?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think that that presumes there's some kind
of imminent war plan. As I said, I have no timetable. What I do
believe the American people understand is that weapons of mass
destruction in the hands of leaders such as Saddam Hussein are very
dangerous for ourselves, our allies. They understand the concept of
blackmail. They know that when we speak of making the world more safe,
we do so not only in the context of al Qaeda and other terrorist
groups, but nations that have proven themselves to be bad neighbors and
bad actors.
Thank you. Have fun today.
7:22 A.M. CDT
* * * * *
9:56 A.M. CDT
THE PRESIDENT: I'm having a lot of fun. It's good to be back here
with my friends in Texas -- including Senator Sibley, a fine lad.
SENATOR SIBLEY: A young man. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: We're just talking about the old days, what it's
like to be in a legislative environment where Republicans and Democrats
can get together to do what's right; what it's like to be in a
legislative environment where people decide to do what's best for a --
something greater than themselves as opposed to what's best for a
political party.
Q Think you'll be able to do that in Washington with pension
reform?
THE PRESIDENT: I hope so, on all issues. My call is that
Republicans and Democrats need to work together -- like on homeland
security, on terrorism insurance, on pension reform. There's too much
politics in Washington.
SENATOR SIBLEY: I don't remember anybody ever busting a judge.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, busting judges, as he mentioned. There's too
much politics.
SENATOR SIBLEY: It never happens.
THE PRESIDENT: Of course, he's talking about a fine Texas woman
named Priscilla Owen, who's being busted for political reasons. She's
been elected statewide here in Texas. People know here and trust her
judgment and, yet, they're playing politics with her. Thank you for
remembering that.
Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful afternoon.
END 9:58 A.M. CDT
|