[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
[January 26, 2005]
[Pages 73-86]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]
The President's News Conference
January 26, 2005
The President. Good morning. With the second term underway and a new
Congress at work, we're moving forward on great goals for our country.
In my Inaugural Ad-
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dress I renewed this Nation's commitment to expanding liberty at home
and promoting liberty abroad.
Because our own freedom is enhanced by the expansion of freedom in
other nations, I set out the long-term goal of ending tyranny in our
world. This will require the commitment of generations, but we're seeing
much progress in our own time. In late 2004, the people of Afghanistan
defied the threats of terrorists and went to the polls to choose their
leaders. The Palestinian people have elected a President who has renounced violence. This week, Ukraine
inaugurated a new President, President Yushchenko. And just 4 days from now, the people of Iraq will vote in
free national elections.
Terrorists in that country have declared war against democracy,
itself, and thereby declared war against the Iraqi people, themselves.
Yet the elections will go forward. Millions of Iraqi voters will show
their bravery, their love of country, and their desire to live in
freedom. Across the world, freedom has deadly enemies, yet across the
world, freedom has great and growing momentum.
There has been enormous sacrifices made by some of our citizens in
the spread of freedom. Families suffer as the result of the loss of a
loved one. We continue to offer our condolences and prayers for those
who do suffer. We'll honor the memories of their loved ones by
completing our missions.
Next week, I will report to Congress on the State of the Union and
describe in more detail a legislative agenda to serve the goals I have
outlined. I will ask the House and Senate to act soon on the issue of
Social Security, so that we don't pass a bankrupt system on to our
children and our grandchildren. I'm open to good ideas from Members of
Congress. I'll work with both parties to get results. Any solution must
confront the problem fully and directly by making the system permanently
solvent and providing the option of personal accounts.
For this new term, I've assembled an exceptional Cabinet, and
several members are taking office this week. In addition to speedy
action on all my nominees, I especially urge the Senate to confirm
Condoleezza Rice today and to promptly act
and confirm Judge Al Gonzales.
We have a full agenda. I'm looking forward to the work ahead. And
now I'm looking forward to answering some of your questions. Terry
[Terence Hunt, Associated Press].
Upcoming Iraqi Elections
Q. Mr. President, the insurgents in Iraq are threatening to kill
anyone who comes out to vote on Sunday. Do you think they'll succeed in
killing or scaring away enough people so that the elections will be
rendered seriously flawed or not credible?
The President. We anticipate a lot of Iraqis will vote. Clearly,
there are some who are intimidated. Surveys show that the vast majority
of people do want to participate in democracy, and some are feeling
intimidated. I urge all people to vote. I urge people to defy these
terrorists. These terrorists are--do not have the best interests of the
Iraqi people in mind. They have no positive agenda. They have no clear
view of a better future. They're afraid of a free society.
I am impressed by the bravery of the Iraqi citizens. I am heartened
by the strong words of Prime Minister Allawi. I
talked to him yesterday on the phone. He is determined to lead his
country forward into the elections. I appreciate the hard work of the
United Nations, which is providing good leadership on the ground. And I
anticipate a grand moment in Iraqi history. If we'd been having this
discussion a couple of years ago and I'd have stood up in front of you
and said the Iraqi people would be voting, you would look at me like
some of you still look at me, with a kind of blank expression. People
are voting, and
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this is a part of a process, to write a constitution and then elect a
permanent assembly. And it's exciting times for the Iraqi people.
Steve [Steve Holland, Reuters].
Q. Can I ask a followup, sir? What would be a credible turnout
number?
The President. The fact that they're voting, in itself, is
successful. Again, this is a long process. It is a process that will
begin to write a constitution and then elect a permanent assembly. And
this process will take place over this next year. It is a grand moment
for those who believe in freedom.
Foreign Policy Goals in Inaugural Address
Q. Sir, your Inaugural Address has been interpreted as a new,
aggressive posture against certain countries, in particular Iran. Should
we view it that way?
The President. My Inaugural Address reflected the policies of the
past 4 years that said--that we're implementing in Afghanistan and Iraq,
and it talked about a way forward. I think America is at its best when
it leads toward an ideal, and certainly, a world without tyranny is an
ideal world. The spread of freedom is important for future generations
of Americans. I firmly believe that free societies are peaceful
societies, and I believe every person desires to be free. And so I look
forward to leading the world in that direction for the next 4 years.
Q. Do you see it as a policy shift?
The President. No, as I said, it reflects the policy of the past,
but it sets a bold new goal for the future. And I believe this country
is best when it heads toward an ideal world. We are at our best. And in
doing so, we're reflecting universal values and universal ideas that
honor each man and woman, that recognize human rights and human dignity
depends upon human liberty. And it's--I'm looking forward to the
challenge, and I'm looking forward to reaching out to our friends and
allies to convince them of the necessity to continue to work together to
help liberate people.
Yes, Terry [Terry Moran, ABC News].
Arrest in Jordan/Human Rights
Q. Mr. President, let me take you up on that, if I may. Last month
in Jordan, a gentleman named Ali Hattar was arrested after delivering a
lecture called ``Why We Boycott America.'' He was charged under section
191 of their penal code for slander of Government officials. He stood up
for democracy, you might say. And I wonder if here and now, you will
specifically condemn this abuse of human rights by a key American ally.
And if you won't, sir, then what, in a practical sense, do your fine
words mean?
The President. I am unaware of the case. You've asked me to comment
on something that I didn't know took place. I urge my friend His
Majesty to make sure that democracy
continues to advance in Jordan. I noticed today that he put forth a
reform that will help more people participate in future governments of
Jordan. I appreciate His Majesty's understanding of the need for
democracy to advance in the greater Middle East. We visited with him at
the G-8, and he has been a strong advocate of the advance of freedom and
democracy.
Now--let me finish. Obviously, we're discussing a process. As I said
in my speech, not every nation is going to immediately adopt America's
vision of democracy, and I fully understand that. But we expect nations
to adopt the values inherent in a democracy, which is human rights and
human dignity, that every person matters and every person ought to have
a voice. And His Majesty is making progress
toward that goal.
I can't speak specifically to the case. You're asking me to speak
about a case that I don't know the facts.
Q. Fair enough. If I could just follow up. Will you then--does your
Inaugural Address mean that when it comes to people
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like Mr. Hattar, you won't compromise because of a U.S. ally, and you
will stand----
The President. Again, I don't know the facts, Terry. You're asking
me to comment on something; I do not know the facts. Perhaps you're
accurate in your description of the facts, but I have not seen those
facts. Now, nevertheless, we have spoken out in the past and we'll
continue to speak out for human rights and human dignity and the right
for people to express themselves in the public square.
Secretary of State-designate Rice
Q. Mr. President, in the debate over Dr. Rice's confirmation,
Democrats came right out and accused you and the administration of lying
in the runup to the war in Iraq. Republicans, in some cases, conceded
that mistakes have been made. Now that the election is over, are you
willing to concede that any mistakes were made? And how do you feel
about----
The President. Let me talk about Dr. Rice--you asked about her
confirmation. Dr. Rice is an honorable, fine public servant who needs to
be confirmed. She will be a great Secretary of State. And Dr. Rice and I
look forward to moving forward. We look forward to working to make sure
the Iraqis have got a democracy. We look forward to continuing to make
sure Afghanistan is as secure as possible from potential Taliban
resurgence. We look forward to spreading freedom around the world. And
she is going to make a wonderful Secretary of State.
Q. No reaction to the lying? No reaction? [Laughter]
The President. Is that your question? The answer is no.
Next.
U.S. Super Stallion Helicopter Crash in Iraq
Q. I'd like to ask you--sir, I'd like to ask you about the deficit.
But before I do that, there is a developing story this morning--the
helicopter crash in Iraq. Can you tell us what you know about that, what
may have caused it, and your reaction to it?
The President. I know that it's being investigated by the Defense
Department. And obviously, any time we lose life, it is a sad moment.
Q. Don't know whether it was weather-related or not----
The President. Not yet. I've heard rumors, but I'll wait 'til the
facts.
Taxes/Federal Deficit
Q. You're preparing to ask Congress for an additional $80 billion in
war spending in Afghanistan and Iraq. The White House is also prepared
to predict a budget deficit of $427 billion for this year. You talk
about sacrifice in this country. Do you think that you're really asking
Americans to sacrifice financially when you're asking them to fund the
war, yet at the same time, perhaps pay an exorbitant amount to set up
private accounts in Social Security, pay for a prescription drug
benefit, as well as other spending plans?
The President. So the----
Q. And tax cuts, to make those permanent? It's a lot of money.
The President. Okay, let me see if I can dissect your question into
separate parts. First, Americans pay a lot of taxes. They pay tax at the
Federal level. They pay tax at the State level. They pay tax at the
local level. Americans do pay taxes.
Secondly, I made the commitment to our troops, we'll fund them. And
that's exactly what we're doing. We've got people in harm's way; I look
forward to working with Congress to fund what is necessary to help those
troops complete their mission.
Thirdly, we have presented a plan in the past, and we'll present one
here next--earlier--later on this--in February that will show we will
cut the deficit in half. And it's obviously going to require cooperation
with the United States Congress to make some very difficult decisions
when it comes to funding the budgets.
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Fourthly, we not only were attacked and needed--therefore, needed to
defend ourselves, we also had a recession. And I felt it was very
important to reduce the tax burden on the American people to get out of
the recession. In other words, we were dealing with twin problems. And
because of the tax relief, our economy is growing forward.
Last year at this time, the projected budget was $527 billion. You
might remember that. It turned out that the budget was 412 billion for
last year. Now the budget is projected to be at 427 billion. We look
forward to working to hold the line with the United States Congress on
spending. And as I say, I'll promote a package that will show the budget
being cut in half over the next 5 years.
John [John King, Cable News Network].
Progress in Iraq
Q. Mr. President, I want to try another way to ask you about Iraq.
When you made the decision to go to war in Iraq, you clearly had
majority support in the country. A string of recent polls have shown a
clear majority of the American people now believe it was a mistake to go
to war in Iraq. You've asked for $80 billion in more money on top of the
billions already spent. The Army says that we'll probably have 100,000
or more troops in Iraq for at least another year. What would you say to
the American people, including a significant number who supported you at
the beginning of the war, who now say this is not what we were led to
believe would happen?
The President. A couple of things, John. I'd say the world is better
off without Saddam Hussein in power. A world
with Saddam Hussein in power would have been a more dangerous world
today. Secondly, that we're making progress in helping Iraq develop a
democracy. And in the long term, our children and grandchildren will
benefit from a free Iraq.
In terms of troop levels, obviously we'll have the troop levels
necessary to complete the mission. And that mission is to enable Iraq to
defend herself from terrorists, homegrown or terrorists that come in
from outside of the country. And so our mission is focused on not only
an increase in the number of Iraqis in uniform, whether it be Army or
National Guard or border patrol or police, but to make sure the quality
of their ability to fight is enhanced. And so, over the next year we'll
be advancing our plan to make sure the Iraqis are better prepared to
defend themselves and to fight. There's been some really fine units that
have been stood up so far, and obviously we want to make sure there are
more units that are capable of fighting.
Listen, this problem will eventually be solved when the Iraqis take
the initiative and the Iraqi people see Iraqi soldiers willing to defend
them. And so--and the American people, when they see the Iraqis step up
and begin to fight, will see progress being made toward an objective
which will make this world a better place.
I don't want to rehash something that I'm sure you got tired of
hearing me talk about on the campaign trail, but it is--the decisions we
make today can affect how people live 30, 40, or 50 years from now. And
I bring up, once again, my example about working with Prime Minister
Koizumi of Japan. And it wasn't all that
long ago that Japan was a bitter enemy. And today, because Japan is a
democracy and a free country, the Japanese are strong allies with the
United States of America, and we're better off for it.
And listen, the story today is going to be very discouraging to the
American people. I understand that. We value life. And we weep and mourn
when soldiers lose their life. And--but it is the long-term objective
that is vital, and that is to spread freedom. Otherwise, the Middle East
will be--will continue to be a caldron of resentment and hate, a
recruiting ground for those who have this vision of the world that is
the exact opposite of ours.
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Carl [Carl Cameron, FOX News], welcome to the beat. Is everybody
thrilled Carl is here?
Q. Yes. [Laughter]
Q. Thanks very much.
The President. Please express a little more enthusiasm for him.
[Laughter]
Social Security Reform
Q. A question on Social Security, if we may, sir. There has been, as
you work forward to making final--your ultimate proposal, growing
concern among Republicans on Capitol Hill. We had Chairman Thomas last
week with some concern about the process, and Senator Olympia Snowe on
the other side suggesting that she's concerned about an absentee--
guaranteed benefit, excuse me. Are you prepared today to say that those
who opt into a potential private account--personal account could in fact
have a guaranteed benefit as well? And what do you say to Republicans
who are beginning to worry?
The President. I am looking forward to working with both Republicans
and Democrats to advance a plan that will permanently solve Social
Security.
There is--I met yesterday with Members of the United States Senate.
I'm meeting today with Members of the House of Representatives to
discuss the need to work together to get a solution that will fix the
problem. And here's the problem: The--as dictated by just math, there
is--the system will be in the red in 13 years, and in 2042 the system
will be broke. That's because people are living longer and the number of
people paying into the Social Security trust is dwindling. And so
therefore, if you have a child--how old is your child, Carl?
Q. Fourteen years old.
The President. Yes, 14. Well, if she were----
Q. He, sir.
The President. He, excuse me. [Laughter] I should have done the
background check. [Laughter] She will--when she gets ready to--when
she's 50, the system will be broke, if my math is correct. In other
words, if you have a child who is 25 years old, when that person gets
near retirement, the system will be bankrupt. And therefore, it seems
like to me--and if we wait, the longer we wait, the more expensive the
solution. So therefore, now is the time to act.
And Social Security has been an issue that has made people nervous.
I understand that. I mean, it's--people felt like it was the third rail
of American politics. That means if you touch it, you will have--it will
be political death. I have said to the American people that our job is
to confront issues and not pass them on. And we have a serious issue
with Social Security. The math shows that we have an issue, and now is
the time to come together to solve it. And so--what you're hearing a
little bit is whether or not it is worth the political price. I think it
is. And I'm looking forward to leading the Congress, and I'm looking
forward to taking the case to the American people.
I will begin--``begin''--I will continue that process with the State
of the Union Address. And then I look forward to taking off shortly
thereafter and traveling around the country discussing this issue,
similar to what President Clinton did.
President Clinton highlighted the issue as an issue that needed to be
addressed and an issue that needed to be solved. He fully recognized,
like I recognize, that it's going to require cooperation in the House
and the Senate. And in anticipation of this moment, obviously--you might
remember we brought together a distinguished group of our citizens to
analyze the issue, and they came forth with some very interesting ideas.
As well it is very important for us to reassure the seniors that
nothing changes. I fully understand the power of those who want to
derail a Social Security agenda by scaring people. It's been a tactic
for a long period of time by those who believe the status quo is
acceptable. And so one of
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the things you'll hear me constantly doing is reminding our senior
citizens that nothing will change and that we have a duty to act on
behalf of their children and grandchildren.
David [David Sanger, New York Times], and then Baker [Peter Baker,
Washington Post].
Foreign Policy Goals in Inaugural Address
Q. Mr. President, if I could return for a moment to your Inaugural
Address. Dr. Rice referred in her testimony to ``six outposts of
tyranny,'' countries where we clearly, I think, have a pretty good idea
of your policies. What we're confused by right now, I think, or at least
what I'm confused by, is how you deal with those countries like Russia,
China, Saudi Arabia, with whom we have enormous broad interests. Should
the leaders of those countries now be on notice that the primary measure
of their relationship with the United States should be their progress
toward liberty? Or can they rest assured that, in fact, you've got this
broad agenda with them and you're willing to measure liberty up against
what China does for you on North Korea, what Russia does for you in
other areas?
The President. I don't think foreign policy is an either/or
proposition. I think it is possible, when you're a nation like the
United States, to be able to achieve both objectives--one objective, the
practical objective of dealing, for example, as you mentioned, with
North Korea. But I--in my meetings with Chinese leadership in the past
and my meetings with Chinese leadership in the future, I will constantly
remind them of the benefits of a society that honors their people and
respects human rights and human dignity. I have--for example, in
meetings with the Chinese in the past, I have brought up the Dalai
Lama. I've brought up concerns of
the Catholic Church. I have discussed my belief that a society that
welcomes religious freedom is a wholesome and--religious freedom is a
part of a wholesome society and an important part of a society.
Vladimir Putin--I have discussed with
Vladimir Putin some of his decisions. I will continue--as you might
remember in our meeting in Chile. I will continue to do so. I will
remind him that if he intends to continue to look West, we in the West
believe in Western values.
I--democracy is a--progress--you'll see progress toward a goal.
There won't be instant democracy. And I remind people that our own
country is a work in progress. We declared all people equal, and yet all
people weren't treated equally for a century. We said, ``Everybody
counts,'' but everybody didn't count.
And so I fully understand developing a democratic society in the--
adhering to the traditions and customs of other nations will be a work
in process. That's why I said we're talking about the work of
generations. And so in my talks, in my discussions with world leaders to
solve the problem of the day, I will constantly remind them about our
strong belief that democracy is the way forward.
Yes, Peter.
Promoting Democracy
Q. Mr. President, Dr. Rice--again quoting your future Secretary of
State--wrote in Foreign Affairs magazine in 2000, outlining what a
potential Bush administration foreign policy would be, talked about
things like security interests, free trade pacts, confronting rogue
nations, dealing with great powers like China and Russia, but promotion
of democracy and liberty around the world was not a signature element of
that prescription. I'm wondering what's changed since 2000 that has made
this such an important element of your foreign policy.
The President. I'm the President. I set the course of this
administration. I believe freedom is necessary in order to promote
peace, Peter. I haven't seen the article you're referring to. I can
assure you that
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Condi Rice agrees with me that it's
necessary to promote democracy. I haven't seen the article. I didn't
read the article. Obviously, it wasn't part of her job interview.
[Laughter] Condi is a firm believer in democracy.
Yes, sir.
Social Security and Tax Reform
Q. Mr. President, Chairman Thomas and some others on the Hill have
suggested taking up tax reform at the same time that you deal with
Social Security reform and to consider alternatives, such as a value-
added tax, to the current payroll tax for financing Social Security. Are
you willing to consider combining those two big projects, or do you
prefer to keep them on separate tracks?
The President. I look forward to working with the Congress to move
the process forward. I appreciate people bringing forth ideas. I think
it is a constructive part of the process. I'll have my own--I'll be a
little more specific as time goes on and perhaps at the State of the
Union, talking about how to--how I think we can have a real, long-term
solution.
But I think it's constructive that Chairman Thomas, who will be charged with having a bill come out of the
Ways and Means, is thinking creatively, is willing to figure out ways to
bring people along. I am--and you'll find, as this process unfolds, that
there will be a lot of different suggestions, some of them valid, some
of them not valid. But the idea that people are bringing forth ideas is
a really good sign.
The threshold question is, will Congress--is Congress willing to say
we have a problem? We do have a problem. The math shows we have a
problem. And now is the time to act on that problem. And once people
realize there's a problem, then I believe there's an obligation for all
sides to bring forth ideas. And that's what you're seeing with Chairman
Thomas. And I appreciate that. I'm looking
forward to my visit with him this afternoon.
Yes, sir.
Attorney General-designate Gonzales
Q. Mr. President, I'd like to ask you about the Gonzales nomination
and specifically about an issue that came up during it, your views on
torture. You've said repeatedly that you do not sanction it; you would
never approve it. But there are some written responses that Judge
Gonzales gave to his Senate testimony that have troubled some people,
and specifically his allusion to the fact that cruel, inhumane, and
degrading treatment of some prisoners is not specifically forbidden so
long as it's conducted by the CIA and conducted overseas. Is that a
loophole that you approve?
The President. Listen, Al Gonzales reflects our policy, and that is,
we don't sanction torture. He will be a great Attorney General, and I
call upon the Senate to confirm him.
Social Security Reform
Q. Mr. President, at the beginning of your remarks today you
referred to two criteria that you're looking for on the Social Security
fix, namely permanent solvency and personal accounts. Does that mean
that you would be willing to consider some changes that might broaden
the base of revenues for the system as a way of addressing solvency?
The President. I look forward to a fruitful discussion of all ideas,
with the exception of raising the payroll tax.
Judy [Judy Keen, USA Today].
Director of National Intelligence
Q. Thank you, Mr. President. Sir, can you update us, please, on your
search for a Director of National Intelligence? Are you having trouble
finding the right person? And do you worry at all that the delay might
suggest to some people that it's not a high priority for you?
The President. When the bill looked like it wasn't going to pass, we
weighed in to get it passed, and we worked with members
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of both parties to get a bill out of the Congress. It's clearly a high
priority. It is a priority for us to make sure that I get the very best
intelligence in order to make wise decisions for the American people.
And a search goes on to find the right person to handle this very
sensitive position.
We're dealing with a brand new agency that is going to require a--
somebody with extraordinary experience. And we're looking. And no one
should read anything other than, we want to make sure we make the right
choice.
Yes, ma'am.
Social Security Reform
Q. Thank you, sir. Any--back on Social Security--any transition to
personal accounts is estimated to cost between 1 to 2 trillion dollars
over 10 years. Without talking about specific proposals, do you plan to
borrow that money, or will you, when your plan comes out----
The President. You're asking me to talk about specific proposals.
And I'm looking over----
Q. ----will you be able to pay for it, though?
The President. Over the--I fully understand some people are
concerned about whether or not this is affordable. And at the
appropriate time, we'll address that aspect of reform. But personal
accounts are very important in order to make sure that young workers
have got a shot at coming close to that which the Government promises.
They're also important because a personal account, obviously under
strict guidelines of investment, will yield a better rate of return
over--than the money--the person's money is earning in the Social
Security trust. And personal accounts will enable a worker to be able to
pass on his or her ownings to whoever he or she chooses, which is an
important part of promoting an ownership society. We want people to own
and manage their own assets. After all, it is their own money.
And so it's a very important part, in my judgment, of reforming the
system permanently. But there--I fully understand that accounts is not
the only thing that will be necessary to make sure the system is
permanently secure.
Ken [Ken Herman, Austin American-Statesman]. Welcome. Is this--let
me ask you, are you here temporarily, permanently, and who do you
represent?
Q. Well, that will be up to my wife, sir, as you well know.
The President. Yes, thank you.
Q. Mr. President, on Social Security, you say the math clearly
shows--as you know, most of us became reporters because of our deep
affection for math. If the math clearly shows it, why are you having so
much trouble on the Hill getting some to share your urgency? Do you
think they're looking at the numbers differently, honestly, or are they
running from the third rail?
The President. Glad to have you here. [Laughter] I am going to
continue to speak directly to the American people about this issue and
remind them about the math and remind them that if you're a senior,
nothing changes, and speak to the younger folks coming up about the
forecasts. I mean, if you're a 20-year-old person and you look at the
math, you realize that you will inherit a bankrupt system, which means
either there will be significant benefit cuts or significant payroll tax
increases in order to fund that which the Government has laid out for
you as a part of your retirement. And the Congress tends to listen to
the people. And so I will continue to speak to the people and, at the
same time, reach out to members of both parties.
We have been through these kinds of questions before, in my early
press conferences. I can remember--I can't remember exactly the
questions, but I do remember the tone, about people saying, ``How can
you possibly get tax cuts through the Congress when so-and-so said that
they shouldn't be done,'' or ``Such-and-such said
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this,'' or ``This report said that,'' or ``The American people didn't
want this.'' And so I am heartened by past experiences to believe that
it is possible to do big things in Washington, DC. And I look forward to
working with Members of the Congress to achieve big, notable reform.
Yes, Ken, followup. This is a home-boy followup.
Q. I seem to remember a time in Texas on another problem, taxes,
where you tried to get out in front and tell people, ``It's not a crisis
now; it's going to be a crisis down the line.'' You went down in flames
on that one. Why----
The President. Actually, I--if I might. [Laughter] I don't think a
billion dollar tax relief that permanently reduced property taxes on
senior citizens was ``flames,'' but since you weren't a senior citizen,
perhaps that's your definition of ``flames.''
Q. I never got my billion----
The President. Yes. Because you're not a senior citizen yet--acting
like one, however. Go ahead. [Laughter]
Q. What is there about Government that makes it hard----
The President. Faulty memory. [Laughter]
Q. ----to address things in advance, before it's a crisis?
The President. Do we have a crisis in Texas now on school property
taxes?
Q. Yes, we do.
The President. Thank you.
Q. Are you going to put forward your own plan on Social Security, or
not?
Q. Mr. President----
The President. Let's get some order here, please.
Q. Mr. President----
The President. April [April Ryan, American Urban Radio Networks].
Abril.
Iraq
Q. Thank you, Mr. President. First of all, I have two questions, one
on Iraq. You say about the troop withdrawal----
The President. No, no, I said what?
Q. No, I'm going to the question--to the answer----
The President. I thought you said on troop withdrawal----
Q. I'm--yes, I'm talking about troop withdrawal. Don't mess me up,
now. [Laughter]
You said in a response just now that it depends on the initiative of
the Iraqis. Are you giving the Iraqis a timetable for what you're going
to do with troop withdrawal and when?
The President. We will complete the mission as quickly as possible.
And that mission of a secure and stable Iraq will be achieved when the
Iraqis are fighting the former regime elements and people like
Zarqawi. Therefore, the--it is
important that we continue to press forward with proper training. Now,
training means not just signing people up. Training means equipping and
preparing them for tough fights as well as developing a chain of
command. A good military requires a chain of command from top to bottom,
so that orders and plans and strategies can be effected efficiently. And
we have work to do there, and we will do the work.
Second question.
Race Relations/Civil Rights
Q. Second question, on race. You brought it up in the Inaugural
Address, and yesterday and today you have black leaders here at the
White House discussing issues of race. Yesterday you didn't discuss
civil rights. But where are you in the second term as it relates to race
in America?
The President. Civil rights is a good education. Civil rights is
opportunity. Civil rights is homeownership. Civil rights is owning your
own business. Civil rights is making sure all aspects of our society are
open for everybody. And we discussed that yesterday. And I believe that
what I said was important, that we've got to shed ourselves of bigotry
if we expect to lead by example. And I'll do the very best I can as the
President to make sure that the
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promise--and I believe in the promise of America--is available for
everybody.
Let's see. Hold on for a second--Mark [Mark Knoller, CBS Radio]. The
person who doesn't yell will be called on.
Armstrong Williams/Independent Press
Q. Mr. President, do you think it's a proper use of Government funds
to pay commentators to promote your policies?
The President. No.
Q. Are you going to order that----
The President. Therefore, I will not pay you to--[laughter].
Q. Fair enough. Are you ordering that there be an end to that
practice?
The President. Yes, I am. I expect my Cabinet Secretaries to make
sure that that practice doesn't go forward. There needs to be
independence. And Mr. Armstrong Williams admitted he made a mistake. And
we didn't know about this in the White House, and there needs to be a
nice, independent relationship between the White House and the press,
the administration and the press. So, no, we shouldn't be going for it.
Yes, sir.
Q. Well, Mr. Williams made a mistake----
The President. Who?
Q. Mr. Williams made a mistake; did the Department of Education make
a mistake?
The President. Yes. They did.
Q. What will happen to the people that made this decision?
The President. We've got new leadership going to the Department of
Education. But all our Cabinet Secretaries must realize that we will not
be paying commentators to advance our agenda. Our agenda ought to be
able to stand on its own two feet. I'm confident you'll be, over the
course of the next 4 years, willing to give our different policies an
objective look--won't you? Yes, I can see that.
Yes, sir.
National Economy/Legislative Agenda
Q. Thank you. Senate Democratic leaders have painted a very bleak
picture of the U.S. economy. Harry Reid was talking about soup lines,
and Hillary Clinton was talking about the economy being on the verge of
collapse. Yet in the same breath, they say that Social Security is rock-
solid and there's no crisis there. How are you going to work--you said
you're going to reach out to these people--how are you going to work
with people who seem to have divorced themselves from reality?
The President. Continue to speak to the American people. Right after
my State of the Union, I think I'm going to four or five States to
continue to address this issue. You know, I can remember President
Clinton doing the same thing on Social
Security. I thought he was very effective in teeing up the issue, of
making the case. And I will do the same thing.
There is a--in terms of whether the economy is growing or not, there
is a--the jobs are increasing; the forecast looks strong. Obviously,
there are some things we need to do to make sure that America is a good
place to continue to risk capital and invest. That's why I'm urging the
Congress to pass legal reform. You might remember, one of the first
issues that I addressed after election was legal reform, asbestos
reform, class-action reform, medical liability reform. I believe if
there is a--that we've got a chance to get some good, meaningful
legislation out of the Congress early, which will send a good signal
that we will address those issues that make--that stand in the way for
further economic expansion. We need an energy bill, and I look forward
to working with members of both parties to get a good energy bill out.
Obviously, people in the capital markets are going to be watching
the issue of twin deficits--on the one hand, the spending deficit, the
fiscal deficit. We'll address that in our budget that we're getting
ready to submit to Congress. Obviously, we're going
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to have to work closely together to send the signal that we're willing
to tackle some tough issues. The budget I'll be submitting is one that
says, ``We'll spend money on projects that work, but we must make sure
we're not wasting the taxpayers' money.''
In terms of the trade deficit, it is important for us to make sure
that in countries that are--that countries treat their currencies in
market fashion. I've been working with China, in specific, on that
issue. Secondly, that people knock down their barriers to our goods and
services. Thirdly, that we continue to grow our economy at home by
making--by some of the reforms I've just discussed.
But I think most people are optimistic about the economy next year.
It's very important that we continue to put progrowth policies in place.
Iraq/Spread of Democracy
Q. Mr. President, Senator Ted Kennedy recently repeated his
characterization of Iraq as a, quote, ``quagmire'' and has called it
your Vietnam. And the questioning of Alberto Gonzales and Condi Rice in
the Senate has been largely used by Democrats to criticize your entire
Iraq program, especially what you're trying to do postwar. I wonder if
you have any response to those criticisms? And what kind of an effect do
you think these statements have on the morale of our troops and on the
confidence of the Iraqi people that what you're trying to do over there
is going to succeed?
The President. I think the Iraqi people are wondering whether or not
this Nation has the will necessary to stand with them as a democracy
evolves. The enemy would like nothing more than the United States to
precipitously pull out and withdraw before the Iraqis are prepared to
defend themselves. Their objective is to stop the advance of democracy.
Freedom scares them. Zarqawi said
something interesting the other day, that--he was talking about
democracy and how terrible democracy is. We believe that people ought to
be allowed to express themselves, and we believe that people ought to
decide the fates of their governments.
And so I--the notion that somehow we're not making progress, I just
don't subscribe to. I mean, we're having elections. And I think people
need to put this moment in history in proper context. That context, of
course, starts with whether or not the world would be better off with
Saddam Hussein in power and whether or not
America would be more secure. After all, I've always felt the Iraqi
theater is a part of the war on terror.
And I am encouraged and I am heartened by the fact the Iraqi
citizens are showing incredible bravery. They're losing a lot of people.
Obviously, these targeted assassinations of innocent civilians is having
an effect on Iraqi families. But they want to vote. They want to
participate in democracy. They want to be able to express themselves.
And to me, that is encouraging. There is a notion in some parts of the
world that certain people can't self-govern, certain religions don't
have the capacity of self-government. And that condemns people to
tyranny, and I refuse to accept that point of view.
I am optimistic about the advance of freedom, and so should the
American people. After all, look what's happened in a brief period of
time: Afghanistan; the Palestinian elections, which I think are
incredibly hopeful elections; as well as the Ukraine; and now Iraq. It
is--we're witnessing amazing history. And the fundamental question is,
can we advance that history? And that's what my Inauguration speech
said. It said, ``Yes, we can.'' I've firmly planted the flag of liberty,
for all to see that the United States of America hears their concerns
and believes in their aspirations. And I am excited by the challenge and
am honored to be able to lead our Nation in the quest of this noble
goal, which is freeing people in the name of peace.
[[Page 85]]
Bennett [Bennett Roth, Houston Chronicle].
Immigration Reform
Q. Mr. President, the Senate Republicans recently listed their
priorities, and immigration reform wasn't on it. Do you think this means
it's dead for this year? And why are you having so much trouble with
your own party on that?
The President. No, I appreciate that question. It will be one of my
priorities. I believe it's necessary to reform the immigration system.
I'm against amnesty. I've made that very clear. On the other hand, I do
want to recognize a system where a willing worker and a willing employer
are able to come together in a way that enables people to find work
without jeopardizing a job that an American would otherwise want to do.
I also happen to believe immigration reform is necessary to help
make it easier to protect our borders. The system right now spawns
``coyotes'' and smugglers and people willing to break the law to get
people in our country. There is a vast network of kind of shadowy
traffickers. And I believe by making a--by advancing a program that
enables people to come into our country in a legal way to work for a
period of time, for jobs that Americans won't do, will help make it
easier for us to secure our borders. And so----
Q. Why the resistance in your party so much?
The President. Well, I think--I'm looking forward to discussing it
with members of both parties. I believe it's a very important issue that
we need to address. I've had a lot of experience with dealing with
borders, as the Governor of Texas. I know there's a compassionate,
humane way to deal with this issue. I want to remind people that family
values do not stop at the Rio Grande River. People are coming to our
country to do jobs that Americans won't do, to be able to feed their
families. And I think there's a humane way to recognize that, at the
same time protect our borders, and at the same way to make sure that we
don't disadvantage those who have stood in line for years to become a
legal citizen. And I'm looking forward to working with people of both
parties on the issue.
David [David Jackson, Dallas Morning News].
Political Climate/Legislative Agenda
Q. Mr. President, we saw the Democrats yesterday devote 9 hours to
Ms. Rice. We may see something similar with regard to Judge Gonzales.
There's just simply a lot of anger on the Hill by Democrats at you,
personally, and at your administration. And isn't this going to dog your
efforts at whatever you do down the line, from the Supreme Court to
immigration to whatever?
The President. You know, we're all here to serve the people. And as
I say, I'm going to go out and explain why I think it's important for us
to address big issues like Social Security reform and take my case to
the people and let them hear the rationale about why even address big
issues, much less the reason why I think, for example, in Social
Security there is an issue. As I just laid out the math, it is clear
that now is the time to act.
And I don't know about hostility and all that business. That's--I
guess that's your job to gauge that. When I've talked with people, I
feel like people are looking forward to working with us.
Q. Well, you had a Democratic Senator basically call your Secretary
of State nominee a liar. That's pretty harsh language coming from----
The President. Well, there are 99 Senators other than that
person. And I'm looking forward to working with
as many Members as we can. Condi Rice is a
fine, fine public servant, greatly admired here in America and greatly
admired around the world. And she will make a great Secretary of State.
And I'm looking forward to working with her.
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Listen, thank you all very much for your time. I appreciate this.
And I'm looking forward to working with you all as we have a productive
2005.
Thank you.
Note: The President's news conference began at 10 a.m. in the James S.
Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House. In his remarks, he
referred to President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) of the Palestinian
Authority; President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine; Prime Minister Ayad
Allawi of the Iraqi Interim Government; King Abdullah II of Jordan;
former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; Prime Minister Junichiro
Koizumi of Japan; President Vladimir Putin of Russia; senior Al Qaida
associate Abu Musab Al Zarqawi; and Armstrong Williams, television and
radio show host and columnist. The Office of the Press Secretary also
released a Spanish language transcript of this news conference.