    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [August 10, 2002]
    [Pages 1372-1373]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1372]]

    Exchange With Reporters in Waco, Texas
    August 10, 2002

    Iraq/President's Economic Forum

        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 advisers 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
    [Scott Lindlaw, Associated Press], 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 [Richard Keil, Bloomberg News], 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 Qaida and other terrorist groups
    but nations that have proven themselves to be bad neighbors and bad
    actors.
        Thank you. Have fun today.

    [At this point, the President continued his round of golf.]

    President's Visit/Legislative Bipartisanship

        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.
        Former State Senator David 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

    [[Page 1373]]

    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.

    Judicial Nominee Priscilla Owen

        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.

    Note: The exchange began at 7:19 a.m. during a round of golf at the
    Ridgewood Country Club. During the exchange, the President referred to
    President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; and Texas Supreme Court Justice
    Priscilla Owen, nominee to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit.
    A tape was not available for verification of the content of this
    exchange.