    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [August 21, 2006]
    [Pages 1529-1543]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's News Conference
    August 21, 2006

        The President. Thank you all. Please be seated. Fancy digs you got
    here. Thanks for your hospitality. It's good to visit with you. I look
    forward to taking some of your questions. I do want to talk to you about
    the latest developments in Lebanon and what we're doing to ensure U.N.
    Security Council 1701 is implemented and its words are quickly put into
    action.
        Resolution 1701 authorizes an effective international force to
    deploy to Lebanon, which is essential to peace in the region, and it's
    essential to the freedom of Lebanon. An effective international force
    will help ensure the cessation of hostilities holds in southern Lebanon
    once the Israeli troops withdraw. An effective international force will
    help the Lebanese Army meet its responsibility to secure Lebanon's
    borders and stop them from acting as--and stop Hizballah from acting as
    a state within a state. An effective international force will help give
    displaced people in both Lebanon and Israel the confidence to return to
    their homes and begin rebuilding their lives without fear of renewed
    violence and terror.
        An international force requires international commitment. Previous
    resolutions have failed in Lebanon because they were not implemented by
    the international community and, in this case, did not prevent Hizballah
    and their sponsors from instigating violence. The new resolution
    authorizes a force of up to 15,000 troops. It gives this force an
    expanded mandate. The need is urgent. The international community must
    now designate the leadership of this new international force, give it
    robust rules of engagement, and deploy it as quickly as possible to
    secure the peace.
        America will do our part. We will assist the new international force
    with logistic support, command and control, communications, and
    intelligence. Lebanon, Israel, and our allies agreed that this would be
    the most effective contribution we can make at this time. We will also
    work with the leadership in the international force, once it's
    identified, to ensure that the United States is doing all we can to make
    this mission a success.
        Deployment of this new international force will also help speed
    delivery of humanitarian assistance. Our Nation is wasting no time in
    helping the people of Lebanon. In other words, we're acting before the
    force gets in there. We've been on the ground in Beirut for weeks, and
    I've already distributed more than half of our $50 million pledge of
    disaster relief to the Lebanese people who have lost their homes in the
    current conflict. Secretary Rice has led
    the diplomatic efforts to establish humanitarian corridors so that
    relief convoys can get through, to reopen the Beirut airport to
    passenger and humanitarian aid flights, and to ensure a steady fuel
    supply for Lebanese powerplants and automobiles. I directed 25,000 tons
    of wheat be delivered in Lebanon in the coming weeks.
        But we'll do even more. Today I'm announcing that America will send
    more aid to support humanitarian and reconstruction work in Lebanon, for
    a total of more than $230 million. These funds will help the

    [[Page 1530]]

    Lebanese people rebuild their homes and return to their towns and
    communities. The funds will help the Lebanese people restore key bridges
    and roads. The funds will help the Lebanese people rehabilitate schools
    so the children can start their school year on time this fall.
        I've directed that an oil spill response team be sent to assist the
    Lebanese Government in cleaning up an oil slick that is endangering
    coastal communities; proposing a $42 million package to help train and
    equip Lebanon's armed forces. I will soon be sending a Presidential
    delegation of private sector leaders to Lebanon to identify ways that we
    can tap into the generosity of American businesses and nonprofits to
    continue to help the people of Lebanon.
        We take these steps--and I'll also work closely with Congress to
    extend the availability of loan guarantees to help rebuild
    infrastructure in Israel, infrastructure damaged by Hizballah's rockets.
        America is making a long-term commitment to help the people of
    Lebanon because we believe every person deserves to live in a free, open
    society that respects the rights of all. We reject the killing of
    innocents to achieve a radical and violent agenda.
        The terrorists and their state sponsors, Iran and Syria, have a much
    darker vision. They're working to thwart the efforts of the Lebanese
    people to break free from foreign domination and build their own
    democratic future. The terrorists and their sponsors are not going to
    succeed. The Lebanese people have made it clear: They want to live in
    freedom. And now it's up to their friends and allies to help them do so.
        I'll be glad to answer some questions, starting with you, Terry
    [Terence Hunt, Associated Press].

    Progress in Iraq

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. More than 3,500 Iraqis were killed last
    month, the highest civilian monthly toll since the war began. Are you
    disappointed with the lack of progress by Iraq's unity Government in
    bringing together the sectarian and ethnic groups?
        The President. No. I am aware that extremists and terrorists are
    doing everything they can to prevent Iraq's democracy from growing
    stronger. That's what I'm aware of. And therefore, we have a plan to
    help them--``them,'' the Iraqis--achieve their objectives. Part of the
    plan is political, and that is to help the Maliki Government work on reconciliation and to work on
    rehabilitating the community. The other part is, of course, security.
    And I have given our commanders all the flexibility they need to adjust
    tactics to be able to help the Iraqi Government defeat those who want to
    thwart the ambitions of the people. And that includes a very robust
    security plan for Baghdad.
        We've, as you may or may not know, Terry, moved troops from Mosul,
    Stryker Brigade, into Baghdad, all aiming to help the Iraqi Government
    succeed.
        You know, I hear a lot of talk about civil war. I'm concerned about
    that, of course, and I've talked to a lot of people about it. And what
    I've found from my talks are that the Iraqis want a unified country, and
    that the Iraqi leadership is determined to thwart the efforts of the
    extremists and the radicals and Al Qaida, and that the security forces
    remain united behind the Government. And one thing is clear: The Iraqi
    people are showing incredible courage.
        The United States of America must understand, it's in our interests
    that we help this democracy succeed. As a matter of fact, it's in our
    interests that we help reformers across the Middle East achieve their
    objectives. This is the fundamental challenge of the 21st century. A
    failed Iraq would make America less secure. A failed Iraq in the heart
    of the Middle East will provide safe haven for terrorists and
    extremists. It will embolden those who are trying to thwart

    [[Page 1531]]

    the ambitions of reformers. In this case, it would give the terrorists
    and extremists an additional tool besides safe haven, and that is
    revenues from oil sales.
        You know, it's an interesting debate we're having in America, about
    how we ought to handle Iraq. There's a lot of people, good, decent
    people saying, ``Withdraw now.'' They're absolutely wrong. It would be a
    huge mistake for this country. If you think problems are tough now,
    imagine what it would be like if the United States leaves before this
    Government has a chance to defend herself, govern herself, and listen to
    the--and answer to the will of the people.
        Patsy [Patricia Wilson, Reuters]. We're working our way here
    everybody.

    Iran/Democracy in the Middle East

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. Iran has indicated that it will defy
    the U.N. on nuclear enrichment. It's been holding military exercises,
    sending weapons and money to Hizballah. Isn't Tehran's influence in the
    region growing despite your efforts to curb it?
        The President. The final history in the region has yet to be
    written. And what's very interesting about the violence in Lebanon and
    the violence in Iraq and the violence in Gaza is this: These are all
    groups of terrorists who are trying to stop the advance of democracy.
    They're trying to thwart the will of millions who simply want a normal,
    hopeful life. That's what we're seeing. And it's up to the international
    community to understand the threat.
        I remember, right after Hizballah launched its rocket attacks on
    Israel, I said, this is a clarifying moment. It's a chance for the world
    to see the threats of the 21st century, the challenge we face.
        And so to answer your question on Iran, Iran is obviously part of
    the problem. They sponsor Hizballah. They encourage a radical brand of
    Islam. Imagine how difficult this issue would be if Iran had a nuclear
    weapon. And so therefore, it's up to the international community,
    including the United States, to work in concert to--for effective
    diplomacy. And that begins at the United Nations Security Council.
        We have passed one Security Council resolution, demanding that Iran
    cease its enrichment activities. We will see what their response is.
    We're beginning to get some indication, but we'll--let's wait until they
    have a formal response. The U.N. resolution calls for us to come back
    together on the 31st of August. The dates--dates are fine, but what
    really matters is will. And one of the things I will continue to remind
    our friends and allies is the danger of a nuclear-armed Iran.
        But, no, you're right; this is a--they're a central part of creating
    instability, trying to stop reformers from realizing dreams. And the
    question facing this country is, will--do we, one, understand the threat
    to America? In other words, do we understand that a failed--failed
    states in the Middle East are a direct threat to our country's security?
    And secondly, will we continue to stay engaged in helping reformers, in
    working to advance liberty, to defeat an ideology that doesn't believe
    in freedom? And my answer is, so long as I'm the President, we will. I
    clearly see the challenge. I see the challenge to what these threats
    pose to our homeland, and I see the challenge--what these threats pose
    to the world.
        Helen [Helen Thomas, Hearst Newspapers]. [Laughter] What's so funny
    about me saying ``Helen''? [Laughter] It's the anticipation of your
    question, I guess.

    Situation in the Middle East

        Q. Israel broke its word twice on a truce. And you mentioned
    Hizballah rockets, but it's--Israeli bombs have destroyed Lebanon. Why
    do you always give them a pass? And what's your view on breaking of your
    oath for a truce?
        The President. Yes, thank you. I like to remind people about how
    this started, how this whole--how the damage to innocent

    [[Page 1532]]

    life, which bothers me--but again, what caused this?
        Q. Why drop bombs on----
        The President. Let me finish--let--ma'am, let me--ma'am, please let
    me finish the question. It's a great question, to begin with. The
    followup was a little difficult, but anyway. [Laughter] I know you're
    waiting for my answer, aren't you, with bated breath. There you go.
        This never would have occurred had a terrorist organization, a state
    within a state, not launched attacks on a sovereign nation. From the
    beginning, Helen, I said that Israel, one, has a right to defend
    herself, but Israel ought to be cautious about how she defends herself.
    Israel is a democratically elected government. They make decisions on
    their own sovereignty. It's their decisionmaking that is--what leads to
    the tactics they chose.
        But the world must understand that now is the time to come together
    to address the root cause of the problem. And the problem was, you have
    a state within a state. You had people launch attacks on a sovereign
    nation without the consent of the Government in the country in which
    they are lodged.
        And that's why it's very important for all of us, those of us who
    are involved in this process, to get an international force into Lebanon
    to help the Lebanese Government achieve some objectives. One is their
    ability to exert control over the entire country; secondly is to make
    sure that the Hizballah forces don't rearm, don't get arms from Syria or
    Iran through Syria, to be able to continue to wreak havoc in the region.
        Let's see, we'll finish the first line here. Everybody can be
    patient.
        Q. Thank you.
        The President. Yes. [Laughter] It's kind of like dancing together,
    isn't it? [Laughter]
        Q. Yes, kind of. [Laughter]
        Q. Very close quarters.
        The President. If I ask for any comments from the peanut gallery,
    I'll call on you, Herman [Ken Herman, Cox]. [Laughter] By the way,
    seersucker is coming back. I hope everybody gets--[laughter]--never
    mind.
        Q. It's the summertime east Texas county commissioner look.
    [Laughter]
        The President. Yes. Yes, Martha [Martha Raddatz, ABC News]. Sorry.

    Iraq

        Q. That's quite all right. Mr. President, I'd like to go back to
    Iraq. You've continually cited the elections, the new Government, its
    progress in Iraq, and yet the violence has gotten worse in certain
    areas. You've had to go to Baghdad again. Is it not time for a new
    strategy? And if not, why not?
        The President. You know, Martha; you've covered the Pentagon. You
    know that the Pentagon is constantly adjusting tactics because they have
    the flexibility from the White House to do so.
        Q. I'm talking about strategy----
        The President. The strategy is to help the Iraqi people achieve
    their objectives and their dreams, which is a democratic society. That's
    the strategy. The tactics--now, either you say, yes, it's important we
    stay there and get it done, or we leave. We're not leaving, so long as
    I'm the President. That would be a huge mistake. It would send an
    unbelievably terrible signal to reformers across the region. It would
    say we've abandoned our desire to change the conditions that create
    terror. It would give the terrorists a safe haven from which to launch
    attacks. It would embolden Iran. It would embolden extremists.
        No, we're not leaving. The strategic objective is to help this
    Government succeed. That's the strategic--and not only to help the
    Government--the reformers in Iraq succeed but to help the reformers
    across the region succeed, to fight off the elements of extremism. The
    tactics are--which change. Now, if you say, are you going to change your
    strategic objective, it means

    [[Page 1533]]

    you're leaving before the mission is complete. And we're not going to
    leave before the mission is complete. I agree with General
    Abizaid: We leave before the mission is
    done, the terrorists will follow us here.
        And so we have changed tactics. Our commanders have got the
    flexibility necessary to change tactics on the ground, starting with
    Plan Baghdad. And that's when we moved troops from Mosul into Baghdad
    and replaced them with the Stryker Brigade. So in essence, we increased
    troops during this time of instability.
        Suzanne [Suzanne Malveaux, Cable News Network].
        Q. Sir, that's not really the question. The strategy----
        The President. Sounded like the question to me.
        Q. You keep saying that you don't want to leave. But is your
    strategy to win working? Even if you don't want to leave--you've gone
    into Baghdad before; these things have happened before.
        The President. If I didn't think it would work, I would change the--
    our commanders would recommend changing the strategy. They believe it
    will work. It takes time to defeat these people. The Maliki Government has been in power for less than 6 months. And
    yes, the people spoke. I've cited that as a part of--the reason I cite
    it is because it's what the Iraqi people want. And the fundamental
    question facing this Government is whether or not we will stand with
    reformers across the region. It's really the task. And we're going to
    stand with this Government.
        Obviously, I wish the violence would go down, but not as much as the
    Iraqi citizens would wish the violence would go down. But, incredibly
    enough, they showed great courage, and they want our help. And any sign
    that says we're going to leave before the job is done simply emboldens
    terrorists and creates a certain amount of doubt for people so they
    won't take the risk necessary to help a civil society evolve in the
    country.
        This is a campaign--I'm sure they're watching the campaign
    carefully. There are a lot of good, decent people saying, ``Get out now;
    vote for me; I will do everything I can to''--I guess, cut off money is
    how--is what they'll try to do to get our troops out. It's a big
    mistake. It would be wrong, in my judgment, for us to leave before the
    mission is complete in Iraq.
        Suzanne.

    Situation in the Middle East/United Nations Security Council Resolution
    1701

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. Back to Lebanon. The Lebanese Prime
    Minister, over the weekend, said that Israel flagrantly violated the
    cease-fire with its raid into Lebanon. And so far, the European allies
    who've committed forces, the U.N. security peacekeeping forces, have
    expressed reservations; those Muslim nations who've offered troops have
    been shunned by Israeli officials. Why shouldn't we see the cease-fire
    as one that essentially is falling apart? And what makes this more than
    a piece of paper if you don't have the will of the international
    community to back it up?
        The President. Yes. No, listen--all the more reason why we need to
    help our friends and allies get the forces necessary to help the
    Lebanese forces keep the cessation of hostilities in place, intact. And
    that's why we're working with friends, with allies, with Security
    Council members, to make sure the force that is committed is robust and
    the rules of engagement are clear. And so it's an ongoing series of
    conversations and discussions, and hopefully, this will happen quite
    quickly.
        Q. Will you pressure the French to contribute more troops?
        The President. Well, we're pressing on all. I was asked about the
    French the other day at Camp David, and I--listen, France has had a very
    close relationship with Lebanon; there's historical ties with Lebanon. I
    would hope they would put more troops in. I mean, they understand the
    region as well as anybody. And so we're working with

    [[Page 1534]]

    a lot of folks, trying to get this force up and running.
        Look, like you--I mean, you sound somewhat frustrated by diplomacy.
    Diplomacy can be a frustrating thing. I think the strategy can work, so
    long as the force is robust and the rules of engagement are clear.

    Iran/United Nations Security Council Resolution 1696

        Q. Mr. President, as you mentioned, we're just 10 days from the U.N.
    Security Council deadline on Iran. Judging by the public comments from
    the Iranians, it appears, at least, highly unlikely that they're going
    to stop or suspend their enrichment program. Are you confident that the
    U.N. Security Council will move quickly on sanctions if Iran thumbs its
    nose at the world again?
        The President. I certainly hope so. In order for the U.N. to be
    effective, there must be consequences if people thumb their nose at the
    United Nations Security Council. And we will work with people in the
    Security Council to achieve that objective, and the objective is that
    there's got to be a consequence for them basically ignoring what the
    Security Council has suggested through resolution.
        Q. Understanding that diplomacy takes time, do you think that this
    could drag out for a while?
        The President. You know, I don't know. I certainly want to solve
    this problem diplomatically, and I believe the best chance to do so is
    for there to be more than one voice speaking clearly to the Iranians.
    And I was pleased that we got a resolution, that there was a group of
    nations willing to come together to send a message to the Iranians--
    nations as diverse as China and Russia, plus the EU-3 and the United
    States.
        Kelly [Kelly O'Donnell, NBC News].

    Iraq/War on Terror

        Q. Morning, Mr. President. When you talked today about the violence
    in Baghdad, first you mentioned extremists, radicals, and then Al Qaida.
    It seems that Al Qaida and foreign fighters are much less of a problem
    there, and that it really is Iraqi versus Iraqi. And when we heard about
    your meeting the other day with experts and so forth, some of the
    reporting out of that said you were frustrated; you were surprised. And
    your spokesman said, no, you're determined. But frustration seems like a
    very real emotion. Why wouldn't you be frustrated, sir, about what's
    happening?
        The President. I'm not--I do remember the meeting; I don't remember
    being surprised. I'm not sure what they meant by that.
        Q. About the lack of gratitude among the Iraqi people.
        The President. Oh. No, I think--first of all, to the first part of
    your question, if you look back at the words of Zarqawi before he was
    brought to justice, he made it clear that the intent of their tactics in
    Iraq was to create civil strife. In other words, if you--look at what he
    said. He said, ``Let's kill Shi'a to get Shi'a to seek revenge,'' and
    therefore, to create this kind of, hopefully, cycle of violence.
        Secondly, it's pretty clear that--at least the evidence indicates
    that the bombing of the shrine was--it was an Al Qaida plot, all
    intending to create sectarian violence. No, Al Qaida is still very
    active in Iraq. As a matter of fact, some of the more--I would guess, I
    would surmise that some of the more spectacular bombings are done by Al
    Qaida suiciders.
        No question there's sectarian violence as well. And the challenge is
    to provide a security plan such that a political process can go forward.
    And I know--I'm sure you all are tired of hearing me say 12 million
    Iraqis voted, but it's an indication about the desire for people to live
    in a free society. That's what that means, see.

    [[Page 1535]]

        And the only way to defeat this ideology in the long term is to
    defeat it through another ideology, a competing ideology, one that--
    where Government responds to the will of the people. And that's really--
    really the fundamental question we face here in the beginning of this
    21st century is whether or not we believe as a nation, and others
    believe, it is possible to defeat this ideology.
        Now, I recognize, some say that these folks are not ideologically
    bound. I strongly disagree. I think not only do they have an ideology;
    they have tactics necessary to spread their ideology. And it would be a
    huge mistake for the United States to leave the region, to concede
    territory to the terrorists, to not confront them. And the best way to
    confront them is to help those who want to live in free society.
        Look, eventually Iraq will succeed because the Iraqis will see to it
    that they succeed. And our job is to help them succeed. That's our job.
    Our job is to help their forces be better equipped, to help their police
    be able to deal with these extremists, and to help their Government
    succeed.
        Q. But are you frustrated, sir?
        The President. Frustrated? Sometimes I'm frustrated--rarely
    surprised. Sometimes I'm happy. This is--but war is not a time of joy.
    These aren't joyous times. These are challenging times, and they're
    difficult times, and they're straining the psyche of our country. I
    understand that. You know, nobody likes to see innocent people die.
    Nobody wants to turn on their TV on a daily basis and see havoc wrought
    by terrorists. And our question is, do we have the capacity and the
    desire to spread peace by confronting these terrorists and supporting
    those who want to live in liberty? That's the question. And my answer to
    that question is, we must. We owe it to future generations to do so.
        Bill [Bill Plante, CBS News].

    Situation in the Middle East/United Nations Security Council Resolution
    1559

        Q. Mr. President, as you have reminded us a number of times, it was
    Hizballah that started the confrontation between Israel and Lebanon. But
    you were supportive of the holding off of any kind of cease-fire until
    Israel had a chance to clear out the Hizballah weapons. By all accounts,
    they did not exactly succeed in doing that. And by all accounts, the
    Lebanese Army, as it moved into southern Lebanon, had a-wink-and-a-nod
    arrangement with Hizballah not to disturb anything, to just leave things
    as they are, a situation not unknown in the Middle East. Do you demand
    that the peacekeeping force, if and when it gets up and running, disarm
    Hizballah?
        The President. The truth of the matter is, if 1559, that's the
    United Nations Security Council resolution number, had been fully
    implemented, we wouldn't be in the situation we were in to begin with.
    There is--there will be another resolution coming out of the United
    Nations giving further instructions to the international force. First
    things first--is to get the rules of engagement clear so that the force
    will be robust, to help the Lebanese.
        One thing is for certain--is that when this force goes in to help
    Lebanon, Hizballah won't have that safe haven or that kind of freedom to
    run on the--in Lebanon's southern border. In other words, there's an
    opportunity to create a cushion, a security cushion. Hopefully, over
    time, Hizballah will disarm. You can't have a democracy with a armed
    political party willing to bomb its neighbor without the consent of its
    Government, or just deciding, well, ``Let's just create enough chaos and
    discord by lobbing rockets.''
        And so the reality is, in order for Lebanon to succeed--and we want
    Lebanon's democracy to succeed--the process is going to--the Lebanese
    Government is eventually going to have to deal with Hizballah.

    [[Page 1536]]

        Q. But it's the status quo if there's no disarming.
        The President. Not really. I mean, yes, eventually, you're right.
    But in the meantime, there will be a--there's a security zone, something
    to--where the Lebanese Army and the UNIFIL force are more robust, UNIFIL
    force can create a security zone between Lebanon and Israel. That would
    be helpful.
        But ultimately, you're right. Your question is, shouldn't Hizballah
    disarm, and ultimately, they should. And it's necessary for the Lebanese
    Government to succeed.
        The cornerstone of our policy in that part of the world is to help
    democracies. Lebanon is a democracy; we want the Siniora Government to succeed. Part of our aid package is going
    to be, help strengthen the army of Lebanon so when the Government
    speaks, when the Government commits its troops, they do so in an
    effective way.
        Knoller [Mark Knoller, CBS Radio].

    Presidential Pardons

        Q. Yes, sir.
        The President. How are you feeling?
        Q. I'm good, sir. It's good to be back.
        The President. Good to see you. Yes, it's good to see you. Sorry we
    didn't spend more time in Crawford. I knew you were anxious to do so.
        Q. Always am.
        The President. That's good. [Laughter] That's why we love seeing
    you.
        Q. Thanks. Let me ask you about Presidential pardons. Last week, you
    issued 17 of them. That brought the number of pardons you've issued in
    your Presidency to 97, and that's far fewer than most of your recent
    predecessors, except your dad. And I want to ask you, do you consider
    yourself to be stingy when it comes to pardons? What is your philosophy
    on granting Presidential pardons?
        The President. You know, I don't have the criterion in front of me,
    Mark, but we have a strict criterion that we utilize--``we'' being the
    Justice Department and the White House Counsel. And I, frankly, haven't
    compared the number of pardons I've given, to any other President.
    Perhaps I should. But I don't think a scorecard should, necessarily, be
    the guidepost for pardoning people.
        McKinnon [John McKinnon, Wall Street Journal]. I'm going to go to
    you, Jackson [David Jackson, USA Today], and kind of work around.

    Energy/Alternative Fuel Sources

        Q. Thanks. Mr. President, what do you say to people who are losing
    patience with gas prices at $3 a gallon? And how much of a political
    price do you think you're paying for that right now?
        The President. I've been talking about gas prices ever since they
    got high, starting with this--look, I understand gas prices are like a
    hidden tax--not a hidden tax, it's a tax; it's taking money out of
    people's pockets. I know that. All the more reason for us to diversify
    away from crude oil. That's not going to happen overnight. We passed law
    that encouraged consumption through different purchasing habits, like
    hybrid vehicles. You buy a hybrid, you get a tax credit. We've
    encouraged the spread of ethanol as an alternative to crude oil. We have
    asked for Congress to pass regulatory relief so we can build more
    refineries to increase the supply of gasoline, hopefully taking the
    pressure off of price.
        And so the strategy is to recognize that dependency upon crude oil
    is--in a global market affects us economically here at home, and
    therefore, we need to diversify away as quickly as possible.
        Jackson.

    Hurricane Katrina Recovery Efforts

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. As you know, the one-year anniversary
    of Katrina is coming up. And there are a lot of retrospectives about
    what went wrong down there last year. Specifically, what has your
    administration done in the past year to help

    [[Page 1537]]

    the folks down there, and what remains to be done?
        The President. Yes, thanks. You know, I went to New Orleans, in
    Jackson Square, and made a commitment that we would help the people
    there recover. I also want the people down there to understand that it's
    going to take a while to recover. This was a huge storm.
        First things--the first thing that's necessary to help the recovery
    is money. And our Government has committed over $110 billion to help. Of
    that, a lot of money went to--went out the door to help people adjust
    from having to be moved because of the storm. And then there's rental
    assistance, infrastructure repair, debris removal. Mississippi removed
    about 97 percent, 98 percent of its what they call dry debris. We're now
    in the process of getting debris from the waters removed. Louisiana is
    slower in terms of getting debris removed. The money is available to
    help remove that debris. People can get after it, and I would hope they
    would.
        Q. What----
        The President. Let me finish. Thank you.
        We provided about $1.8 billion for education. That money has gone
    out the door. We want those schools up and running. As I understand, the
    schools are running now in New Orleans; a lot of schools are. Flood
    insurance--we're spending money on flood insurance. There is more work
    to be done, particularly when it comes to housing. We've spent about--or
    appropriated about 16 billion--$17 billion for direct housing grants to
    people in the gulf coast and in Louisiana.
        I made the decision, along with the local authorities, that each
    State ought to develop a housing recovery plan. That's what they call
    the LRA in Louisiana. They're responsible for taking the Federal money
    and getting it to the people. Same in--Mississippi has developed its own
    plan.
        I thought it would be best that there be a local plan developed and
    implemented by local folks. And so there's now, as I mentioned, $16
    billion of direct housing grants. Each State has developed its own plan,
    how much money goes to each homeowner to help these people rebuild their
    lives. And so I think the area where people will see the most effect in
    their lives is when they start getting this individualized CDBG grant
    money.
        Q. Is there anything that's disappointed you about the recovery, the
    Federal response?
        The President. I was concerned at first about how much Congress and
    the taxpayers would be willing to appropriate and spend. I think $110
    billion is a strong commitment, and I'm pleased with that. Any time we--
    I named a man named Don Powell to go down
    there, and the thing that's most important is for the Government to
    eliminate any bureaucratic obstacles when we find something that's not
    moving quick enough.
        I think, for example, about debris removal. There was the issue of
    whether or not the Government would pay for debris removal on private
    property, or not. So we worked out a plan with the local mayors and
    local county commissioners, local parish presidents to be able to
    designate certain property as a health hazard. And when they did so,
    then Government money could pay for it. In other words, we're trying to
    be flexible with the rules and regulations we have to deal with.
        But the place where people, I'm sure, are going to be most
    frustrated is whether or not they're going to get the money to rebuild
    their homes. And my attitude is, we've appropriated the money, and now
    we'll work with the States to get the money.
        April [April Ryan, American Urban Radio Networks], I suspect you
    have a followup on this.

    State and Local Government Role in Hurricane Recovery

        Q. Yes, I do, sir.
        The President. Why don't you let her go?

    [[Page 1538]]

        Q. And another question, sir. The followup: Some have a concern that
    you've given all of this money, but the Federal Government has moved
    away to let the local government, particularly in New Orleans, handle
    everything, and things are not moving like they expected. And that's one
    of the concerns. And another question, if you----
        The President. Well, let me address that, and I promise you can ask
    that other one.
        As I mentioned to you, the strategy from the get-go was to work with
    the local folks in Mississippi and Louisiana, and they would then submit
    their plans to the Federal Government, particularly for housing. And
    that upon approval, we would then disburse the appropriated monies--in
    this case, about $17 billion for housing grants. And so each State came
    up with a grant formula, and I can't give you all the details. But
    it's--the whole purpose is intended to get money into people's pockets
    to help them rebuild. And once the strategy is developed at the State
    and local level, it makes sense for the monies to be appropriated at the
    State and local level. And if there's a level of frustration there, we
    will work with the LRA, in this case.
        Second question.
        Q. Well, I have one followup on that. Do you think----
        The President. Well, how many--are you trying to dominate this
    thing? [Laughter]
        Q. No, sir, but I don't get a chance to talk to you as much as the
    others.
        The President. That's not--wait a minute. [Laughter]
        Q. But a followup real quick. Do you think that more needs to be
    done? Does the Federal Government need to put its hands on what's going
    on? Because New Orleans is not moving----
        The President. I think the best way to do this is for the Federal
    Government's representative, Don Powell, to
    continue to work with Mayor Nagin and Governor
    Blanco to get the money into the
    hands of the people. The money has been appropriated; the formula is in
    place; and now it's time to move forward.
        Now, you have another question, I presume.

    North Korea

        Q. Yes, sir. And this is it, sir. Chinese officials are saying that
    you need to get involved in the six-party talks, and that, ultimately,
    you have to be a part of the six-party talks in dealing with North
    Korea. And also, they're saying that you need to stop dealing with the
    issue of money laundering and deal with the real issue of ballistic
    missiles. What are your thoughts?
        The President. Well, counterfeiting U.S. dollars is an issue that
    every President ought to be concerned about. And when you catch people
    counterfeiting your money, you need to do something about it.
        We are very much involved in the six-party talks. As a matter of
    fact, I talked to Hu Jintao this morning about the
    six-party talks and about the need for us to continue to work together
    to send a clear message to the North Korean leader that there is a better choice for him than to continue to
    develop a nuclear weapon. The six-party talks are--is an important part
    of our--the six-party talks are an important part of our strategy of
    dealing with Kim Jong Il. And the North Korean--the Chinese President
    recognized that in the phone call today. And so we talked about how
    we'll continue to collaborate and work together.
        Jim [Jim Rutenberg, New York Times].

    War on Terror/Public Debate

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. You mentioned the campaign earlier. Do
    you agree with those in your party, including the Vice President, who
    have said or implied that Democratic voters emboldened Al Qaida types by
    choosing Ned Lamont over Joe Lieberman, and then as a message that--how
    Americans vote will send messages to terrorists abroad? Thank you.

    [[Page 1539]]

        The President. You're welcome. What all of us in this administration
    have been saying is that leaving Iraq before the mission is complete
    will send the wrong message to the enemy and will create a more
    dangerous world. That's what we're saying. It's an honest debate, and
    it's an important debate for Americans to listen to and to be engaged
    in. In our judgment, the consequences for defeat in Iraq are
    unacceptable.
        And I fully understand that some didn't think we ought to go in
    there in the first place. But defeat--if you think it's bad now, imagine
    what Iraq would look like if the United States leaves before this
    Government can defend itself and sustain itself. Chaos in Iraq would be
    very unsettling in the region. Leaving before the job would be done
    would send a message that America really is no longer engaged, nor cares
    about the form of governments in the Middle East. Leaving before the job
    was done would send a signal to our troops that the sacrifices they made
    were not worth it. Leaving before the job is done would be a disaster,
    and that's what we're saying.
        I will never question the patriotism of somebody who disagrees with
    me. This has nothing to do with patriotism; it has everything to do with
    understanding the world in which we live. It's like the other day; I was
    critical of those who heralded the Federal judge's opinion about the terrorist surveillance program. I
    thought it was a terrible opinion, and that's why we're appealing it.
    And I have no--look, I understand how democracy works--quite a little
    bit of criticism in it, which is fine; that's fine; it's part of the
    process. But I have every right, as do my administration, to make it
    clear what the consequences would be of policy. And if we think somebody
    is wrong or doesn't see the world the way it is, we'll continue to point
    that out to people.
        And therefore, those who heralded the decision not to give law
    enforcement the tools necessary to protect the American people simply
    don't see the world the way we do. They see, maybe these are kind of
    isolated incidents. These aren't isolated incidents; they're tied
    together. There is a global war going on. And somebody said, ``Well,
    this is law enforcement.'' No, this isn't law enforcement, in my
    judgment. Law enforcement means kind of a simple, singular response to
    the problem. This is a global war on terror. We're facing extremists
    that believe something, and they want to achieve objectives. And
    therefore, the United States must use all our assets, and we must work
    with others to defeat this enemy. That's the call. And we--in the short
    run, we've got to stop them from attacking us. That's why I give the
    Tony Blair Government great credit, and their
    intelligence officers, and our own Government credit for working with
    the Brits to stop this attack.
        But you know something--it's an amazing town, isn't it, where they
    say, on the one hand, ``You can't have the tools necessary--we herald
    the fact that you won't have the tools necessary to defend the people,''
    and sure enough, an attack would occur, and say, ``How come you don't
    have the tools necessary to defend the people?'' That's the way we think
    around this town.
        And so, yes, we'll continue--Jim, we'll continue to speak out in a
    respectful way, never challenging somebody's love for America when you
    criticize their strategies or their point of view. And, you know, for
    those who say that, well, all they're trying to say is, we're not
    patriotic, simply don't listen to our words very carefully, do they?
        What matters is that in this campaign that we clarify the different
    point of view. And there are a lot of people in the Democrat Party who
    believe that the best course of action is to leave Iraq before the job
    is done, period. And they're wrong. And the American people have got to
    understand the consequence of leaving Iraq before the job is done. We're
    not going to leave Iraq before the job is done, and we'll complete the
    mission in Iraq. I can't tell

    [[Page 1540]]

    you exactly when it's going to be done, but I do know that it's
    important for us to support the Iraqi people, who have shown incredible
    courage in their desire to live in a free society. And if we ever give
    up the desire to help people who live in freedom, we will have lost our
    soul as a nation, as far as I'm concerned.
        Ann [Ann Compton, ABC Radio].

    2006 Midterm Elections/Iraq

        Q. Is that a make-or-break issue for you, in terms of domestic
    politics? There's a Republican in Pennsylvania who says he doesn't think
    the troops should--would you campaign for Mike Fitzpatrick?
        The President. I already have.
        Q. And would you campaign against Senator Joe Lieberman, whose
    Republican candidate may support you, but he supports you too, on Iraq?
        The President. I'm going to stay out of Connecticut. [Laughter]
        Q. It's your native State, Mr. President. You were born there.
        The President. Shhh. [Laughter] I may be the only person--the only
    Presidential candidate who never carried the State in which he was born.
    Do you think that's right, Herman? Of course, you would have researched
    that and dropped it out for everybody to see, particularly since I
    dissed that just ridiculous looking outfit. [Laughter]
        Q. Your mother raised you better than that, Mr. President.
        The President. That is--so I'm not going to say it----
        Q. There is Al Gore.
        The President. I don't want anybody to know that I think it's
    ridiculous. Look, I'm not through yet.
        Q. ----make-or-break issue for you?
        The President. And by the way, I'm staying out of Connecticut
    because that's what the party suggested, the Republican Party of
    Connecticut. And plus, there's a better place to spend our money, time,
    and resources----
        Q. But you're the head of the party.
        The President. Right. I've listened to them very carefully. I'm a
    thoughtful guy. I listen to people. [Laughter] I'm openminded. I'm all
    the things that you know I am.
        The other part of your question? Look, issues are won based upon
    whether or not you can keep this economy strong--elections are won based
    upon economic issues and national security issues. And there's a
    fundamental difference between many of the Democrats and my party, and
    that is, they want to leave before the job is completed in Iraq. And
    again, I repeat, these are decent people. They're just as American as I
    am. I just happen to strongly disagree with them. And it's very
    important for the American people to understand the consequences of
    leaving Iraq before the job is done.
        This is a global war on terror. I repeat what our major general
    said--or leading general said, in the
    region. He said, ``If we withdraw before the job is done, the enemy will
    follow us here.'' I strongly agree with that. And if you believe that
    the job of the Federal Government is to secure this country, it's really
    important for you to understand that success in Iraq is part of securing
    the country.
        We're talking about a long-term issue here as well, Ann. In the
    short term, we've got to have the tools necessary to stop terrorist
    attack. That means good intel, good intelligence sharing, the capacity
    to know whether Al Qaida is calling into this country and why. We've got
    to have all those tools, the PATRIOT Act, the tearing down those walls
    between intel and law enforcement are a necessary part of protecting the
    country. But in the long term, the only way to defeat this terrorist
    bunch is through the spread of liberty and freedom.
        And that's a big challenge. I understand it's a challenge. It
    requires commitment and patience and persistence. I believe it's the
    challenge of this--the challenge for this

    [[Page 1541]]

    generation. I believe we owe it to our children and grandchildren to
    stay engaged and to help spread liberty and to help reformers.
        Now, ultimately, success is going to be up to the reformers. Just
    like in Iraq, it's going to require Iraqis--the will of Iraqis to
    succeed. I understand that. And that's why our strategy is to give them
    the tools necessary to defend themselves and help them defend
    themselves, in this case, right now, mainly in Baghdad, but, as well,
    around the country.
        At home, if I were a candidate, if I were running, I'd say, look at
    what the economy has done. It's strong. We created a lot of jobs--let me
    finish my question, please. These hands going up--I'm not--I'm kind of
    getting old and just getting into my peroration. [Laughter] Look it up.
    [Laughter] I'd be telling people that the Democrats will raise your
    taxes. That's what they said. I'd be reminding people that tax cuts have
    worked in terms of stimulating the economy. I'd be reminding people,
    there's a philosophical difference between those who want to raise taxes
    and have the Government spend the money, and those of us who say, you
    get to spend the money the way you want to--see fit; it's your money.
    I'd remind people that progrowth economic policies have helped us cut
    that deficit faster than we thought.
        I'd also remind people, if I were running, that the long-term
    problem facing the budget is Social Security and Medicare. And they
    look--Republican or Democrat ought to say, ``I look forward to working
    with the President to solve the problem.'' People expect us to come here
    to solve problems, and thus far, the attitude has been, let's just kind
    of ignore what the President has said and just hope somebody else comes
    and solves it for us.
        And that's what I'd be running on. I'd be running on the economy,
    and I'd be running on national security. But since I'm not running, I
    can only serve as an adviser to those who are.
        Yes, Herman.

    Public Opinion Polls/Iraq

        Q. Thank you, sir. Go ahead. [Laughter]
        The President. I don't need to, now that you've stood up and
    everybody can clearly see for themselves. [Laughter]
        Q. Mr. President, polls continue to show sagging support for the war
    in Iraq. I'm curious as to how you see this developing. Is it your
    belief that long-term results will vindicate your strategy and people
    will change their mind about it, or is this the kind of thing you're
    doing because you think it's right and you don't care if you ever gain
    public support for it? Thank you.
        The President. Thank you. Look, I mean, Presidents care about
    whether people support their policies. I don't mean to say, I don't
    care; of course I care. But I understand why people are discouraged
    about Iraq--I can understand that. There is--we live in a world in which
    people, I guess, hope things happen quickly, and this is a situation
    where things don't happen quickly because there's a very tough group of
    people using tactics, mainly the killing of innocent people, to achieve
    their objective. And they're skillful about how they do this, and they
    also know the impact of what it means on the consciousness of those of
    us who live in the free world. They know that.
        And so yes, I care; I really do. I wish--and so therefore, I'm going
    to spend a lot of time trying to explain as best as I can why it's
    important for us to succeed in Iraq.
        Q. Can I follow----
        The President. Let me finish. On the other hand, Ken, I don't think
    you've ever heard me say--and you've now been covering me for quite a
    while, 12 years--I don't think I've--12 years? Yes. Exactly. Yes. I
    don't think you've ever heard me say, ``Gosh, I'd better change
    positions because the polls say this or that.'' I've been here long
    enough to understand, you cannot make good decisions if you're trying to
    chase a poll. And so the second part of your question is, look, I'm
    going to do

    [[Page 1542]]

    what I think is right, and if people don't like me for it, that's just
    the way it is.

    War on Terror/Spread of Democracy in the Middle East

        Q. Quick followup: A lot of the consequences you mentioned for
    pulling out seem like maybe they never would have been there if we
    hadn't gone in. How do you square all of that?
        The President. I square it because, imagine a world in which you had
    Saddam Hussein who had the capacity to make a
    weapon of mass destruction, who was paying suiciders to kill innocent
    life, who would--who had relations with Zarqawi. Imagine what the world
    would be like with him in power. The idea is to try to help change the
    Middle East.
        Now, look, part of the reason we went into Iraq was--the main reason
    we went into Iraq at the time was we thought he had weapons of mass
    destruction. It turns out he didn't, but he had the capacity to make
    weapons of mass destruction. But I also talked about the human suffering
    in Iraq, and I also talked the need to advance a freedom agenda. And so
    my question--my answer to your question is, is that, imagine a world in
    which Saddam Hussein was there, stirring up
    even more trouble in a part of the world that had so much resentment and
    so much hatred that people came and killed 3,000 of our citizens.
        You know, I've heard this theory about everything was just fine
    until we arrived, and then--kind of the ``stir up the hornet's nest''
    theory. It just doesn't hold water, as far as I'm concerned. The
    terrorists attacked us and killed 3,000 of our citizens before we
    started the freedom agenda in the Middle East.
        Q. What did Iraq have to do with that?
        The President. What did Iraq have to do with what?
        Q. The attack on the World Trade Center?
        The President. Nothing, except for it's part of--and nobody has ever
    suggested in this administration that Saddam Hussein ordered the attack. Iraq was a--the lesson of
    September the 11th is, take threats before they fully materialize, Ken.
    Nobody has ever suggested that the attacks of September the 11th were
    ordered by Iraq. I have suggested, however, that resentment and the lack
    of hope create the breeding grounds for terrorists who are willing to
    use suiciders to kill to achieve an objective. I have made that case.
        And one way to defeat that--defeat resentment is with hope. And the
    best way to do hope is through a form of government. Now, I said going
    into Iraq, we've got to take these threats seriously before they fully
    materialize. I saw a threat. I fully believe it was the right decision
    to remove Saddam Hussein, and I fully believe
    the world is better off without him. Now the question is, how do we
    succeed in Iraq? And you don't succeed by leaving before the mission is
    complete, like some in this political process are suggesting.
        Last question. Stretch [Bill Sammon, Washington Examiner]. Who are
    you working for, Stretch?

    Food and Drug Administration/Plan B Contraceptive Pill

        Q. Washington Examiner.
        The President. Oh, good. I'm glad you found work. [Laughter]
        Q. Thank you very much. Mr. President, some pro-life groups are
    worried that your choice of FDA Commissioner will approve over the
    counter sales of Plan B, a pill that, they say, essentially can cause
    early-term abortions. Do you stand by this choice, and how do you feel
    about Plan B in general?
        The President. I believe that Plan B ought to be--ought to require a
    prescription for minors; that's what I believe. And I support Andy's decision.

    [[Page 1543]]

    James S. Brady Press Briefing Room Renovation

        The President.Thanks for letting me come by the new digs here.
        Q. Do you like them?
        The President. They may be a little too fancy for you.
        Q. We'd be happy to go back.
        Q. Are we coming back?
        Q. Ever?
        The President. Absolutely, you're coming back.
        Q. Can we hold you to that?
        The President. Coming back to the bosom of the White House.
    [Laughter] I'm looking forward to hugging you when you come back,
    everybody. When are you coming back?
        Q. As soon as they can have us.
        Q. You tell us.
        Q. May.
        The President. May, is that when it is scheduled?
        Q. They've sealed off of our--they sealed off the door. We're
    wondering if we're really coming back or not.
        Q. The decision will be made by commanders on the ground, sir.
    [Laughter]
        Q. There's no timetable.
        The President. What do you think this is, a correspondents dinner or
    something? [Laughter]
        Thank you all.
        Q. Thank you, sir.
        Q. Want to come down and see our workspace?
        The President. No. [Laughter]

    Note: The President's news conference began at 10:02 a.m. at the White
    House Conference Center Briefing Room. In his remarks, he referred to
    Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and former President Saddam Hussein of
    Iraq; Gen. John P. Abizaid, USA, commander, U.S. Central Command; Prime
    Minister Fuad Siniora of Lebanon; Mayor C. Ray Nagin of New Orleans, LA;
    Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco of Louisiana; President Hu Jintao of
    China; Chairman Kim Jong Il of North Korea; U.S. District Court Judge
    for the Eastern District of Michigan Anna Diggs Taylor; and Prime
    Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom. Reporters referred to
    senatorial candidates Ned Lamont and Alan Schlesinger of Connecticut;
    and former Vice President Al Gore.