BernieHund: The Political Watchdog

“It’s a tough time for our economy.”  That was his opening line, followed up by a brief list of his suggestions and how Congress has voted to block them.  Bush was willing to push his agenda by suggesting oil exploration in Anwar.  He mentioned refining capacity saying that it had been more than 30 years since a refinery had been built.  Nuclear power was brought up, the President saying it was clean and safe.  Coals plants were mentioned and the tough emission standards. 

Food prices were discussed in terms of the present Farm Bill before Congress.  He did mention that the Farm Bill was filled with subsidies for the wealthy farmers and the fat should be cut from the bill.

The housing market is in the toilet and Congress has not acted.  Student loans are few and far between because Congress has not acted.  The Federal government needs to be able to buy student loans.  President Bush chastised Congress for stalling progress on housing and loans.

Bush said he would reach out to Congress and asked that Congress send him “sensible” bills.

Taking questions, Bush responded that the first stimulus checks were reaching the checking accounts.  On the gas tax issue, Bush diverted the topic to exploring Anwar and taking old military bases to build refineries.  He didn’t answer the tax question.  A follow up to the gas tax situation, Bush responded that he wouldn’t be dragged into the ‘08 race as one reporter pressed the issue.  Bush would consider any good ideas.

Bush said words don’t care what we call the economic situation but do care about how we handle the situation.  He refused to say “recession” but said, “These are tough times.”  Again, he diverted the attention to finding oil at home.  He then went to the idea of alternative fuels.  And, back to the exploration for oil at home and building refineries.  About the Saudis, he said that the high price of oil injured economies, but demand is rising faster than supply…. and that’s why it’s important for us to explore at home.  Opening up Anwar is not a long term project.  It would be intermediate.  He said if there was a magic wand to wave he would be waving it. 

When asked about renewable energy, the president said that switch grass was being investigated as a source.  Long term steps are needed.  Again, Bush went back to Anwar, discussing how it could be drilled without damaging the environment.

When asked about opening the strategic petroleum reserves, Bush said that he had thought about it but he believes that opening the source would not affect gas prices.  That includes only 1/10 of 1% of global demand. 

On food prices and energy prices.  85% of the cost rise is due to demand, etc.  Only 15% due to ethanol production… the numbers Bush used.  The international situation is of concern as far as scarcity.  We should buy food from local farmers to help with scarcity and to support our infrastructure.

About the Karzai assassination attempt, Bush stated we are making progress in Afghanistan.  The liberation of Afghanistan has opened a young democracy and is a big change.  He is pleased with number of roads and schools being built.  When asked if we are winning, Bush said we are making progress.  He refused to say we are winning, but continually went back to the phrase “we are making progress.”

In Iraq in 2006, Bush said we were winning and was questioned if this comment on Afghanistan was similar.  He said again there is tough fighting in Afghanistan, but we are making progress.  It’s not over.  We are in a long struggle.  The defeat comes by an advance in democracy. 

About the Israel bombing of Syria, it was brought out that last week pictures were brought out showing the Syrian refinery.  Bush said 22 members of Congress had been briefed.  He was concerned that an early disclosure would initiate retaliation or confrontation in the middle east.  He also wanted to advance policy objectives, such as we know more about the North Koreans than they thought.  We have an interest in sending a message about how destabilizing nuclear proliferation would be.  These programs can exist and people don’t know about them. 

When asked about Jimmy Carter’s meeting with the Hamas, Bush responded that Hamas was the one who is a significant problem to peace.  That’s why Bush said he isn’t talking to them. 

Frustration has been expressed with Congress about the Colombian trade agreement and other issues.  Bush believes Congress is letting the American people down.  On the FISA issue, Bush said it is either a lack of understanding of the issue or a lack of leadership.

The Colombian free trade agreement would be good for the economy now.  It would allow more exports to Colombia if the agreement was passed.  Bush said he was perplexed by lack of action on the issues.

Congress should make the tax cuts permanent.

Bush said he would not accept a supplemental to the war that went over his stated objective.  He is willing to work on veterans’ benefits, but not willing to go over the $108 Billion he set for the supplemental. 

The president stated that he believes John McCain will be the next president and that he will continue the war on terrorism.  The nation has had the tendency in the past to become isolationist.  He believes McCain will not say that he is not willing to continue the fight.  Protectionism is strong in the United States, and it is time to open the doors to trade.  It is a sign that we are loosing our confidence according to Bush.

When asked what would it take for Bush to say we are in a recession, Bush again stated that these are tough economic times and will let the economists define it.  He then went into his speech on permanent tax cuts and the necessity.  The response concluded that the government can either make the people more anxious or less anxious.  He believes the tax cuts would relieve some of the anxiety.

About Zimbabwe, it is clear the people voted for change… as they should have.  The human conditions are terrible.  The violence and intimidation are unacceptable.  We support the UN Security Council discussion that are going on.  The people are tired of failed leadership.

The President concluded the press conference.