[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
[July 19, 2001]
[Pages 870-871]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Exchange With Reporters in London, England
July 19, 2001

Bipartisan Foreign Policy

    Q. Mr. President, any comment on Senator Daschle's comments this 
morning, saying he was concerned about U.S. isolationism?
    The President. One of the things that America has prided itself on 
is a bipartisan foreign policy, and I would hope that that tradition 
continues. It's a very important tradition. I think the people of 
America appreciate the foreign policy positions we've taken, that we're 
not retreating within our borders. But I'll represent the American 
interests.
    And secondly, the world leaders have found that I'm a person who 
speaks plainly and openly about key issues. We're willing to listen, but 
I will still continue to stand for what I think is right for our country 
and the world.
    I happen to believe missile defense is important to keep the world 
more peaceful, and I believe we need to work together to reduce 
greenhouse gases. But I refuse to accept a treaty that will harm our 
country's economy.
    Q. Did Tom Daschle go too far? Did he break the tradition?
    The President. I think that's going to be up for Tom 
Daschle to make up his own mind whether he 
did or not. I do believe it's important to have a bipartisan spirit when 
it comes to foreign policy. I would hope that tradition continues.

National Missile Defense/President's Schedule

    Q. Putin backed off a little bit on the possibility yesterday of a 
missile defense thing.
    The President. We're having a good discussion with President 
Putin on missile defenses. I was pleased to 
see his comments. Remember, I want you all to remember that he was the 
first world leader to indicate that perhaps we needed to think 
differently about the new threats of the 21st century.
    He clearly talked about theater defenses, 
as well as the capacity to develop technologies to intercept missiles on 
launch. I still believe he understands that need. I look forward to 
discussing that with him in Genoa. It's going to be part of our dialog.
    Now I'm going to go see Her Majesty. I 
look forward to renewing a friendship. I met her when she came to visit 
Washington, DC. My mother and dad kindly invited Laura to, and me, to 
the--a private lunch with her. And it's such an honor to go represent my 
country there at Buckingham Palace. And of course, we're off to see 
Prime Minister Blair. I'll be glad to visit with 
you after I visit Prime Minister Blair.

1991 Meeting With Queen Elizabeth II

    Q. Is the ``black sheep'' story true, sir?
    The President. You need to ask my mother. [Laughter] Yes. Very good 
research. Well researched.

[[Page 871]]

President's Visit to London

    Q. London in general--are you enjoying your trip so far?
    The President. You know, I have. Somehow, the press got this notion 
I had never been to London. I was reading in one of our major newspapers 
the other day that this is the first time I had been to London, which is 
simply not the case. It is a spectacular city. I was struck by a couple 
of things, one, how diverse the city is and how clean it is. And it is a 
beautiful city.

Winston Churchill

    Q. Is it true that you asked specifically to go to the Cabinet War 
Rooms later on because of your interest in Churchill?
    The President. I am. Well, I've always been intrigued by Churchill. 
I think he was one of the really fascinating leaders. Last week, or, 
let's see, this week--sometimes, time flies--at some point in the recent 
past, the British Ambassador brought a 
bust on loan from the English Government to the Oval Office. So 
Churchill is now watching my every move.
    I loved Churchill's stance on principle. Sometimes in this world, it 
is important to have a world leader stand up on principle and defend 
policy based upon principle, not trying to figure out politics.
    I also loved his sense of humor. The man was blessed with a 
wonderful gift of kind of bringing light to politics. And we need that. 
We need that a lot of times. People need to learn to laugh. And when 
they gave him the Order of the Garter, he said, ``How can I accept the 
Order of the Garter? I just got the order of the boot.'' [Laughter] 
That's right after he had been defeated.
    Q. Is that your favorite Churchill anecdote, or----
    The President. Well, I've got some, but I can't repeat in mixed 
company, if you know what I mean. He was a great leader, and he was 
blessed with a lot of talents. And I'm really looking forward to seeing 
that part of his life. You bet.
    Q. Thank you.

Visit to the British Museum

    Q. Mr. Bush, what do you think of Camden, the Bar of Camden? What do 
you think so far from what you've seen?
    The President. If you're asking about this, the Reading Room was 
spectacular. I mean, there's no way to describe it other than 
spectacular. What I found interesting was, we saw the--they have 
catalogued the list of folks who have signed in over the past to use the 
room. And Karl Marx and Lenin, Mark Twain, George W. Bush. [Laughter] 
From one end of the spectrum to the other.
    Q. Continuity?
    The President. One end of the spectrum to the other.
    Thank you all.

Note: The President spoke at 11:45 a.m. after an event in the Reading 
Room at the British Museum. In his remarks, he referred to President 
Vladimir Putin of Russia; and Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister Tony 
Blair, and Ambassador to the United States Christopher Meyer of the 
United Kingdom. A reporter referred to a conversation between George W. 
Bush and Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom during former 
President George Bush's administration. A tape was not available for 
verification of the content of this exchange.