The Press Could Learn From Bush

Our press could learn something from George W Bush. Bush is notorious for not answering the questions he is asked. Instead, he rambles on vaguely coming close to the topic upon which the original question was based, but in the end, he avoids the question.

For example, here is how Bush answered a question regarding the Iraqi civil war: (from ThinkProgress.org)

Q Mr. President, thank you, sir. What is the difference between what we’re seeing now in Iraq and civil war? And do you worry that calling it a civil war would make it difficult to argue that we’re fighting the central front of the war on terror there?

PRESIDENT BUSH: You know, the plans of Mr. Zarqawi was to foment sectarian violence. That’s what he said he wanted to do. The Samarra bombing that took place last winter was intended to create sectarian violence, and it has. The recent bombings were to perpetuate the sectarian violence. In other words, we’ve been in this phase for a while. And the fundamental objective is to work with the Iraqis to create conditions so that the vast majority of the people will be able to see that there’s a peaceful way forward.

Wow! See what I mean. He did not come anywhere near answering those questions.

Now let's see what happens when Bush asks a question: (from the Washington Post)

At a recent White House reception for freshman members of Congress, Virginia's newest senator tried to avoid President Bush. Democrat James Webb declined to stand in a presidential receiving line or to have his picture taken with the man he had often criticized on the stump this fall. But it wasn't long before Bush found him.

"How's your boy?" Bush asked, referring to Webb's son, a Marine serving in Iraq.
"I'd like to get them out of Iraq, Mr. President," Webb responded, echoing a campaign theme.

"That's not what I asked you," Bush said. "How's your boy?"

"That's between me and my boy, Mr. President," Webb said coldly, ending the conversation on the State Floor of the East Wing of the White House.

Man! What a journalist! Did you see that. Bush didn't get an direct answer to his question, and he simply stated, "That's not what I asked you." Then he asked the question again. Amazing. He did not care that he was being rude and inconsiderate or even feel any guilt or remorse that he was the reason Webb's son was in senseless and failed war where Webb's son's life is in constant danger.

Perhaps Bush is in the wrong job. (Obviously.) Maybe he should resign and get a job as a reporter. I bet he could get a president to answer a question.

Sarcasm aside, the press has done a very poor job of questioning this administration, and Bush, in all his lack of compassion and lack of self-awareness, has shown just how easy it is.