[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.