    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [May 17, 2007]
    [Pages 586-595]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's News Conference With Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom
    May 17, 2007

        President Bush. Thank you. I'm pleased to welcome Tony Blair back to
    the White House. He is a good friend. He has led the British people for
    a long time, since 1797. [Laughter]
        You know, I was sitting with Tony on the Truman Balcony last night,
    and we were discussing a lot of issues. And it dawned on me, once again,
    what a clear strategic thinker he is. Somebody asked me the other day,
    how would you define Tony Blair and your relationship with him? I said,
    first of all, it's cordial; it's open; and I appreciate the fact that he
    can see beyond the horizon. And that's the kind of leadership the world
    needs.
        I do congratulate the Prime Minister for being a--when he gets on a
    subject, it's dogged. Witness his patience and resolve regarding
    Northern Ireland. And congratulations for your leadership.
        We talked about a lot of issues at dinner and our meetings. We
    talked about, of course, Iraq. As a matter of fact, the Prime Minister
    and I have just finished a video conference with our respective
    commanders and Ambassadors from Baghdad. We got a full briefing on the
    situation on the ground. I appreciated Tony's willingness to interface
    with our people there. I remind our people that the best decisions are
    made when you listen to the commanders. And our commanders have got
    good, specific advice as how to achieve our objectives--which I believe
    we'll achieve--objectives that I know are necessary for

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    peace, peace in the Middle East, peace in the United States and the
    United Kingdom.
        We talked about Afghanistan. We strongly support our NATO mission in
    Afghanistan, and I informed the Prime Minister that the Secretary
    General of NATO
    will be coming to Crawford this weekend. I'm looking forward to talking
    to him about how we can continue to work together. And I want to thank
    you for your strong commitment to the NATO mission and the people of
    Afghanistan.
        We talked about the Middle East, and we're concerned about the
    violence we see in Gaza. We strongly urge the parties to work toward a
    two-state solution. I'm looking forward to continue to work on this
    issue. I've instructed my Secretary of State to be actively engaged. She represents the
    position of the Bush Government, which is two states living side by side
    in peace. We believe that vision is possible, but it requires strong
    leadership on both sides of the issue.
        The Prime Minister and I discussed the humanitarian needs of the
    Palestinian people. We recognized the deep humiliation that can come as
    a result of living in a land where you can't move freely and where
    people can't realize dreams. We talked about the need to reject and
    fight terrorism. We understand the fright that can come when you're
    worried about a rocket landing on top of your home. I'm committed to
    peace in the Middle East, and I appreciate Tony Blair being a partner in
    peace.
        We talked about Iran. We fully recognize that the Iranians must not
    have a nuclear weapon. And therefore, it's important for us to continue
    to work in the international arena to speak with one voice. And if we're
    unable to make progress with the Iranians, we want to work together to
    implement new sanctions through the United Nations to continue to make
    it clear that Iran with a nuclear weapon is not in the interests of
    peace in the world.
        We talked about, of course, Africa. We spent a lot of time talking
    about Africa. I told the Prime Minister that the AIDS initiative that
    got started under my administration will continue, that I'll work with
    Congress to make sure that the PEPFAR initiative that has been so
    effective at getting antiretroviral drugs to people on that continent
    will continue. It's an important initiative of ours.
        I applaud the Prime Minister's education initiative on the continent
    of Africa. It's a bold stroke. And we look forward to working with you
    on that initiative.
        We talked about Darfur and how frustrated I am--and I know the Prime
    Minister is frustrated--at the inability for the international community
    to react with consequence in Darfur. And I explained to him my strategy
    of moving forward with sanctions and, hopefully, a new, stronger United
    Nations resolution if we don't see some improvement in the lives of the
    people there.
        And we talked, of course, about climate change. We spent a lot of
    time on climate change. And I agree with the Prime Minister, as I have
    stated publicly: This is a serious issue, and the United States takes it
    seriously, just like we take energy security seriously. We talked about
    the upcoming G-8, and I assured the Prime Minister we want to be a part
    of a solution, that we want to work constructively together. He's got
    some really good ideas on how to advance the technologies that are going
    to be necessary to help solve this problem. And I told him I've got some
    good ideas as how to convince China and India to be a part of a global
    solution. We have a lot of common ground that we've been discussing
    today.
        Finally, we agreed to improve defense cooperation by working towards
    an agreement reducing barriers to trade in defense goods and services
    and information between the United States and the United Kingdom,
    including defense industries. This

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    is an important issue for the Prime Minister; it's an important issue to
    me. I made it clear to the Prime Minister we will work on this issue
    tirelessly until we can get it solved.
        It's been a joy having you back here. I appreciate--every time I'm
    with you, I appreciate very much the insight you provide. And here, I
    guess, for the final time as Prime Minister, you get to address the good
    folks in our country from the Rose Garden.
        Prime Minister Blair. Well, thank you very much, Mr. President, and
    thank you, as ever, for the kindness and graciousness of your welcome to
    me here at the White House. And thank you also for the strength of your
    leadership over the past few years. You have been a strong leader at a
    time when the world needed strong leadership. You've been unyielding and
    unflinching and determined in the fight that we face together. And I
    thank you for that.
        And I also would take this opportunity of saying that I believe that
    the relationship between the United States of America and Britain is a
    relationship that is in the interests of our two countries and in the
    interests of the peace and stability of the wider world. And sometimes
    it's a controversial relationship, at least over in my country, but I've
    never doubted its importance. I've never doubted that it's based on
    principle, on shared values, and on a shared purpose, which is to make
    our world a better, more free, more just place in which people of all
    nations and all faiths can live. So, I would like to thank you for the
    strength, also, of that relationship over these past few years.
        The President has, rightly and comprehensively, gone through the
    various issues that we discussed. And I would like to pick out from
    those, first of all, the discussion we were able to have with our
    Ambassadors and commanders in respect of Iraq, where there's no doubt at
    all it's immensely challenging, immensely difficult. But also, there is
    a huge amount that is being done, not just to improve the security
    there, which is important, but also in respect to the politics where, as
    they were telling us, there are the majority elements in each of the
    main communities, whether Sunni or Shi'a or Kurd, who actually want to
    live in peace with one another and want a future for that country that
    is not marred by terrorism and sectarianism. And we, of course, want to
    see that happen in the interests of that country and the interests of
    the stability of the wider region and the world.
        Again, in respect of Afghanistan, where American troops and, of
    course, British troops, down in the Helmand Province, are doing an
    extraordinary job--a heroic job, actually--and I think we can be so
    proud of the Armed Forces of both countries and what they're doing in
    the world today. The situation is fraught with danger, which they take
    on with immense courage and immense determination.
        And down in the south of Afghanistan at the moment, there are
    operations the whole time against the Taliban, in favor of, again, what
    the Afghan people want, which is the chance to have a better future and
    escape from the poverty and misery and oppression of the Taliban years.
        We discussed, of course, the Middle East and the very dangerous,
    difficult situation there, and our belief, again, that the important
    thing is how we make progress towards the two-state solution, which is
    the only solution in the end that will offer a realistic prospect of
    progress in that region.
        And of course, also, we talked about the upcoming G-8, where there's
    going to be important negotiations over the issue of climate change and
    over the issue of Africa. I mean, in respect of climate change, I
    welcome very much what the President has said today. I mean, the
    important thing is that we see if it is possible for people to come
    together on an agreement for the future that will allow us to reduce
    greenhouse gas emissions, that will allow us to have a way forward that
    involves not just

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    Europe and the United States of America but China and India and the rest
    of the developing world also. And that also addresses what is an issue
    of top, top priority now in Europe but also, I know, here, which is
    energy security.
        So, there are two reasons why this issue is on the agenda in a way
    that is perhaps more acute than ever before. There is the issue of the
    environment; there's the issue of energy security. And I think there's a
    synergy between those two issues and the way they come together, which
    offer some prospect of hope for the future.
        And in respect of Africa, as you will know, at the Gleneagles summit
    a couple of years ago, we made Africa, if you like, the center piece of
    the summit. I think it's important that we recommit to the undertakings
    we gave there to help people in Africa and that we do not lose sight of
    that as a major--in some senses, the major moral course of our time,
    which is to lift people out of poverty on that troubled continent. And I
    totally agree with what the President was saying. We have the same
    position exactly on Darfur and the need to take action there.
        And finally, can I thank the President for what he has said on the
    issue to do with defense and trade between our two countries. This is an
    issue that seems technical but actually is a very important way of
    trumpeting the understanding, the work that we're doing together on the
    issue of defense and technology between our two countries.
        And so let me end where I began, which is the importance of the
    relationship between the United States and Britain. I mean, whether it's
    in respect of fighting terrorism, the big issues to do with energy and
    climate change, the cause that is Africa, the agreements between our two
    countries in respect of defense: our two nations should always work
    together. It's served us well in the past. But it's not a relationship
    that's founded on history, it's a relationship that is about a shared
    future.
        Thank you.
        President Bush. So as a parting gift to the Prime Minister, we'll
    take some questions. [Laughter]
        Hunt [Terence Hunt, Associated Press].

    United Kingdom-U.S. Relations/Emergency Supplemental Appropriations

        Q. Thank you. Mr. Prime Minister, will Britain in the coming months
    and years be as staunch an ally in Iraq for the United States as it has
    been under your leadership?
        And, Mr. President, will you sign a war spending bill that has
    consequences for the Iraqi Government if it fails to meet benchmarks for
    progress?
        Prime Minister Blair. The answer to your question is yes, I believe
    that we will remain a staunch and steadfast ally in the fight against
    terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere.
        Let me just explain one thing that came out very powerfully from the
    discussion we had with our commanders this morning. Essentially, what we
    have in Iraq at the moment is a situation where there is a renewed
    attempt to find political reconciliation, between Sunni and Shi'a,
    particularly. And I believe there are signs, real and genuine signs of
    progress there.
        But what you are seeing in Iraq is an attempt by Al Qaida--through
    these appalling suicide bombs and, also, particularly down in the south,
    through the improvised explosive devices by Iranian-backed elements--to
    try to disturb any prospect of Sunni and Shi'a coming together and
    delivering what the people of Iraq want to see.
        And the only point that I would make is this, and this is the reason
    why it's important that Britain holds steadfast to the course of
    fighting, alongside America in this battle against terrorism: The forces
    that we are fighting in Iraq--Al Qaida on the one hand, Iranian-backed
    elements on the other--are the same forces we're fighting everywhere.
    And over these past few weeks, you can see in different parts of the
    world--Morocco, Algeria, Pakistan, in Saudi

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    Arabia recently--where this extremism is rearing its head, is trying to
    dislodge the prospects of stability and progress in so many different
    countries. There is no alternative for us but to fight it wherever it
    exists. And that is true whether it's in our own countries, which have
    both suffered from terrorism, or in Iraq or Afghanistan.
        And so this is not a--it's not about us remaining true to the course
    that we've set out because of the alliance with America. It is about us
    remaining steadfast because what we are fighting, the enemy we are
    fighting, is an enemy that is aiming its destruction at our way of life
    and anybody who wants that way of life. And in those circumstances, the
    harder they fight, the more determined we must be to fight back.
        If what happens is, the harder they fight, the more our will
    diminishes, then that's a fight we're going to lose. And this is a fight
    we can't afford to lose.
        President Bush. I've instructed Josh to
    stay in touch with leaders--Josh Bolten, Chief of Staff, stay in touch
    with leaders-- both Democrat and Republican, about moving a supplemental
    as quickly as possible. First, I applaud what Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi said, that
    time is of the essence; we've got to get the bill done, and if need be--
    I think they said--they would keep Members here to get the troops
    funded.
        Secondly, I appreciate you trying to get me to negotiate here on the
    platform. Josh has been told that; we
    understand benchmarks are important. I talked specifically about
    benchmarks, and he'll work with Members of Congress to come up with a
    supplemental that we--both sides can live with. And I'm confident we can
    get the job done.
        And there's been a series of votes in Congress that people have been
    able to express their opinion. Now it's time to put forth a spending
    bill that doesn't have artificial timetables for withdrawal, doesn't
    micromanage the military, and is wise about how we spend the people's
    money. And we'll work it hard, and I think we can get a deal.
        Q. [Inaudible]--question?
        President Bush. As I said, you're trying to get me to negotiate. Our
    negotiator is Josh. And we fully understand
    the need to have benchmarks in a bill. I accept, respect the Members'
    desire to have benchmarks--after all, I'm the person who laid them out
    initially. We will work through something we can all live with and
    enable us to get the job done.
        And again, I--this is an issue that has been very emotional here in
    Washington. People have got strong opinions. I do appreciate the
    leadership of the Speaker and the leader in saying, okay, now let's work together and get it
    solved. Optimistic we can do so.

    Finance Minister Gordon Brown of the United
    Kingdom/Prime Minister Blair

        Q. Adam Boulton, Sky News. During the course of this visit, it has
    been confirmed that Gordon Brown is going to be the next British Prime
    Minister, taking over in 40 days' time. I wonder if I could have both
    your reactions to that. And, in particular, to Mr. Blair, what do you
    say to those people who are saying, now there is a new Prime Minister in
    place, you should go sooner? And to Mr. Bush, whether----
        President Bush. That's a lovely question--isn't it?--for the guy.
    [Laughter]
        Q. ----however inadvertently, you once said that you would like Tony
    Blair to stay for the duration of your Presidency. He's not doing that.
    Do you think you're partly to blame for that?
        President Bush. I haven't polled the Labour conference, but could
    be. [Laughter] The question is, am I to blame for his leaving? I don't
    know.
        Q. And what do you think of Brown?
        President Bush. I hope to help him in office the way Tony Blair
    helped me. Newly elected President, Tony Blair came

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    over, and he reached out; he was gracious--was able to converse in a way
    that--where our shared interests were the most important aspect of the
    relationship. I would hope I would provide the same opportunities for
    Gordon Brown. I met him; thought he was a good fellow.
        But my attitude is this: This man here is the Prime Minister; we've
    got a lot of work to do until he finishes. He's going to sprint to the
    wire. He's going to finish the job that the people want him to do, and
    I'm going to work with him to do it. The meetings today weren't--this
    wasn't, like, a farewell deal; this was ``how can we continue to work
    together for the common good?'' And that's what we'll do.
        As to why things happen politically in Great Britain, I'd suggest
    you go over there and ask people. Nice to see you again. [Laughter]
        Prime Minister Blair. You had kind of forgotten what the British
    media were like, hadn't you? [Laughter] But these things----
        President Bush. He woke up to ask the question. [Laughter]
        Prime Minister Blair. First of all, I'm--having signed Gordon's
    nomination forms to nominate him as leader, of course I wish him well,
    and I believe he'll make a great Prime Minister. And I know he believes
    in the relationship with America too. And as for me, I mean, I will
    carry on doing the things that I've set out over the next few weeks that
    I need to do, not least and what we're talking about with the upcoming
    G-8 summit and the deal which we've been trying to put together,
    different countries involved on climate change and Africa.
        And then, of course, you've got the European agreement then at the
    end of June, which is going to be very important. And just let me to
    stress to you, incidentally, there will be a Government position. I
    mean, that's--it will be a Government negotiation that goes on there.
    But it's very, very important so that we can make sure that Europe moves
    forward. And then, of course, there are various domestic issues, too, as
    well.
        But I--I'll answer the question about the President, as well, in
    relation to me. I mean, you can debate that as much as you like, but I
    want to say one thing to you, since it will be the last chance I get to
    do a--is to have a press conference in the Rose Garden, standing next to
    President Bush. I've admired him as a President, and I regard him as a
    friend. I have taken the view that Britain should stand shoulder to
    shoulder with America after September the 11th. I have never deviated
    from that view. I do not regret that view. I am proud of the
    relationship we have had. I am proud of the relationship between our two
    countries.
        And I think that sometimes in politics, there are all sorts of
    issues where you've got to negotiate and compromise, but when it comes
    to the fundamental questions that affect our security and the future of
    the world, you should do what is right. I have tried to do that. And I
    believe that is what he has done as well. And----
        Q. Would you do it again?
        Prime Minister Blair. And I would take the same position of alliance
    with America again; yes, I would.
        President Bush. Steve [Steve Holland, Reuters].

    World Bank President Paul D. Wolfowitz

        Q. Thank you, sir. The fate of Paul Wolfowitz appears to be hanging
    in the balance. After all we've heard in recent days, is it still
    possible for him to provide the kind of leadership needed at the Bank?
        President Bush. First of all, I believe all parties in this matter
    have acted in good faith. I regret that it's come to this. I admire Paul
    Wolfowitz. I admire his heart, and I particularly admired his focus on
    helping the poor. There is a board meeting going on as we speak. All I
    can tell you is, I know that Paul Wolfowitz has a interest in what's
    best for the Bank and--just

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    like he's had an interest in what's best for making sure the Bank
    focused on things that matter: human suffering, the human condition. I--
    and so I applaud his vision; I respect him a lot. And as I said, I
    regret that it's come to this right now.
        Prime Minister Blair. David.

    International Relations/Prime Minister Blair

        Q. David Grossman from BBC Newsnight. Mr. Blair, you outlined some
    very big policy areas there in your discussions with the President. Is
    it really possible, do you think, to make significant progress on them
    in the time that you have left?
        And, Mr. President, if I could ask you, is this really still the
    right man to be talking to?
        President Bush. Yes. No question about it; it's the right man to be
    talking to. And, yes, we can get a lot done.
        Prime Minister Blair. You know, we're going to have a G-8 summit in
    a couple of weeks' time, at which these issues to do with climate change
    in Africa are going to be debated and discussed. And, I mean, I hope
    very much, because you come together at the G-8, a bit like we did a
    couple of years ago at Gleneagles, and it's an opportunity for the
    international community, a major part of the international community, to
    come together and reach, in principle, agreements. And I think most
    people would accept that what happened at Gleneagles a couple of years
    ago was very important.
        I think what happens in Germany in a couple of weeks' time could be
    equally important, and that will be the time when we come to those
    decisions. So, of course, I want to see that through, because I've been
    involved in this all the way through.
        And the important thing, as well, is that I think you will find at
    the German summit that not just the G-8 countries are there, but also
    China and India and Brazil and Mexico, South Africa, maybe some of the
    African nations. And so it will be an opportunity for us to recommit on
    Africa and for the world to make important commitments on that and then
    to see if it's possible to agree the elements that could go into a more
    comprehensive climate change deal. So it's a pretty important thing, and
    that's what we're working on.
        President Bush. You know, it's interesting, like trying to do a tap
    dance on his political grave, aren't you? I mean, this--you don't
    understand how effective Blair is, I guess, because when we're in a room
    with world leaders and he speaks, people listen. And they view his
    opinion as considered and his judgment as sound.
        And I find it interesting the first two questions are, is this the
    right guy? Well, he happens to be your Prime Minister, but more
    importantly, he is a respected man in the international arena. People
    admire him. Even if they may not agree with him 100 percent, they admire
    him a lot. And it's not just the American President who admires him; a
    lot of people admire him. And so he's effective. He's effective because
    he is--his recommendations to solve problems are sound. He's also
    effective because he is the kind of person who follows through.
        There's a lot of blowhards in the political process, you know, a lot
    of hot-air artists, people who have got something fancy to say. Tony
    Blair is somebody who actually follows through with his convictions and,
    therefore, is admired in the international community.
        And so I guess this is the appropriate question to ask, right guy,
    or is he still standing? Yes. This guy is a very strong, respected
    leader, and he's absolutely the right guy for me to be dealing with.
        Kelly [Kelly O'Donnell, NBC News]. By the way, if I'm not mistaken,
    this is your birthday. It is? Would you like me and the Prime Minister
    to do a duet, you know? [Laughter]
        Q. I didn't realize the intel briefing was so far-reaching.
    [Laughter]

    [[Page 593]]

        President Bush. That's right. Kelly O'Donnell.

    Terrorist Surveillance Program

        Q. Thank you, sir. There's been some very dramatic testimony before
    the Senate this week from one of your former top Justice Department
    officials, who describes a scene that some Senators called stunning,
    about a time when the wireless--when the warrantless wiretap program was
    being reviewed. Sir, did you send your then Chief of Staff and White
    House Counsel to the bedside of John Ashcroft while he was ill to get
    him to approve that program? And do you believe that kind of conduct
    from White House officials is appropriate?
        President Bush. Kelly, there's a lot of speculation about what
    happened and what didn't happen; I'm not going to talk about it. It's a
    very sensitive program. I will tell you that, one, the program is
    necessary to protect the American people, and it's still necessary
    because there's still an enemy that wants to do us harm.
        And therefore, I have an obligation to put in place programs that
    honor the civil liberties of the American people, a program that was, in
    this case, constantly reviewed and briefed to the United States
    Congress. And the program, as I say, is an essential part of protecting
    this country.
        And so there will be all kinds of talk about it. As I say, I'm not
    going to move the issue forward by talking about something as highly
    sensitive, highly classified subject. I will tell you, however, that the
    program is necessary.
        Q. Was it on your order, sir?
        President Bush. As I said, this program is a necessary program that
    was constantly reviewed and constantly briefed to the Congress. It's an
    important part of protecting the United States, and it's still an
    important part of our protection because there's still an enemy that
    would like to attack us. No matter how calm it may seem here in America,
    an enemy lurks. And they would like to strike. And they would like to do
    harm to the American people because they have an agenda. They want to
    impose an ideology; they want us to retreat from the world; they want to
    find safe haven. And these just aren't empty words; these are the words
    of Al Qaida themselves.
        And so we will put in place programs to protect the American people
    that honor the civil liberties of our people and programs that we
    constantly brief to Congress.
        Prime Minister Blair. Hi, Tom.

    United Kingdom-U.S. Relations

        Q. Hello. [Inaudible]--Prime Minister--[inaudible]--many times in
    the course of the last 6 years. But it's been 5 years since a leader of
    the British Conservative Party set foot in this city. Mr. President,
    does it surprise you that aides close to David Cameron say that he does
    not want to be seen with you? And can I ask you both what it means for
    the prospect of future relations between Britain and America when the
    leader of the opposition dare not set foot in Washington?
        President Bush. Well, I can just tell you, my relationship with the
    leader of Great Britain has been unbelievably productive, and I have
    enjoyed working with Tony Blair more than I could have possibly
    imagined.
        It's hard to define our relationship in sound bites or press
    conferences, or to--in a way that really reflects the depth of what we
    have done together. And so I--you know, I don't regret things about what
    may or may not have happened over the past 5 years. I honor a
    relationship that I truly believe has been laying the foundation for
    peace.
        This may not interest you, but I'll tell you anyway. I read three
    histories on George Washington last year. It's interesting to me that
    they're still analyzing the Presidency of our first President. And my
    attitude is, if they're still analyzing 1, 43 doesn't need to worry
    about it. [Laughter] I'm not going to be around to see the final history
    written on my administration.

    [[Page 594]]

        When you work on big items, items to--agendas based upon sound
    philosophy that will transform parts of the world to make it more
    peaceful, we're not going to be around to see it. So my--let me finish.
    My relationship with this good man is where I've been focused, and
    that's where my concentration is. And I don't regret any other aspect of
    it.
        And so I--we filled a lot of space together. We have had a unique
    ability to speak in terms that help design common strategies and tactics
    to achieve big objectives. And it's--will I miss working with Tony
    Blair? You bet I will. Absolutely. Can I work with the next guy? Of
    course.
        And I'm here to make it clear to the people of our respective
    countries that this relationship is one that is vital to accomplish big
    objectives. It has been vital in the past; it has stood the free world--
    it has enabled the free world to do hard things. And it's a relationship
    that I believe is necessary to do the hard things in the 21st century.
    And so I honor Tony Blair.
        Q. What about David Cameron?
        President Bush. Never met him.
        Prime Minister Blair. Well, I don't--I mean, I--it's not for me to
    give advice to the leader of the Conservative Party or a different
    political party. And that's up to them as to what they do and up to him
    as to whether he comes here or not.
        But I do just make this observation to you, and--that what we are
    trying to do is--never mind these two individual leaders, but the two
    countries; let's accept for a moment that at least--even if people very
    strongly disagree with Iraq, for example--that at least people
    understand that there is a battle that we are fighting around the world
    today.
        And let's at least accept, also, that it's a battle about the type
    of values that govern the world in the early 21st century. You don't win
    those battles by being a fair-weather friend to your ally. You don't win
    those battles by being hesitant or withdrawing support for each other
    when the going gets tough. You don't win those battles by losing the
    will to fight if your enemy's will to fight is very strong and very
    powerful.
        And actually, the values that we represent, as two countries, are
    shown by what we--what we've been through today. I mean, the President
    gets tough questions from the American press corps; I get, I like to
    say, even tougher questions--[laughter]--or at least as tough questions
    in the British press corps. And----
        President Bush. If you want to define them as tough. [Laughter]
        Prime Minister Blair. And we can--here as we speak at this press
    conference, I mean, I can't make out the words that they're shouting
    over there, but I bet they're not totally complimentary to either of us.
    [Laughter]
        President Bush. Wait a minute. I don't know about that. [Laughter]
        Prime Minister Blair. I mean, it could be the supporters we brought
    in, but I've got a feeling the likelihood is, no. [Laughter] And that's
    what it's about. It's about democracy, and it's about people being free
    to express their views, and it's about politicians having to face the
    pressure to justify their decisions, to be punished if the people don't
    like those decisions. And it's a commonality of values that we have that
    is so important for the world today.
        And so you know, yes, of course, it's like--anybody who's sitting
    there advising a politician in any part of Europe today, if you want to
    get the easiest round of applause, get up and attack America. You can
    get a round of applause if you attack the President. You get a----
        President Bush. Standing ovation. [Laughter]
        Prime Minister Blair. Yes. And that's fine if everyone wants to do
    that, but when all of that is cleared away, you're left with something
    very, very simple, fundamental, and clear, that that battle for values
    is still going on.

    [[Page 595]]

        And you can debate about the mistakes and the issues, and you can
    debate about Iraq, whether we should have done this, or we should have
    done that. But actually, what is happening in Iraq today is that our
    enemy is fighting us, and, therefore, if what happens when our enemy
    fights us is that we drift away from our friends, that we kind of make
    the little accommodations so that we don't escape some of the difficulty
    and the responsibility and, occasionally, opprobrium of decisionmaking,
    if we do that, our enemy takes heart from that; they watch that. They
    watch what we're doing the whole time. They ask: ``Are these guys
    standing up for what they believe, or if we carry on, is their will
    going to diminish and they're going to give up because it's just too
    difficult, because the public opinion is too difficult, because the
    opinion polls tell them it's too difficult?''
        Now, that is the decision of leadership. And it's not just a
    decision for me and him; it's a decision for everybody who's engaged in
    politics. And people run down politics and say it's all just a series of
    positions and attitudes and sound bites and, occasionally, even lies and
    all the rest of it. Actually, what politics is in the end, when it's
    done in the right way, when people stand up for what they believe, is,
    it's about public service. And there's nothing to be ashamed of in that.
    And the fact is, the decisions are difficult; of course, they're
    difficult.
        And we took a decision that we thought was very difficult. I thought
    then and I think now, it was the right decision. History will make a
    judgment at a particular time. But one thing I know is that what we
    represent coming here today, speaking in the Rose Garden to you people
    and getting your questions and being under your pressure, that is a
    finer and better way of life than either a brutal, secular dictatorship
    or religious extremism. It's a better way of life, and it's the way of
    life, actually, people, any time they are given the choice, choose to
    have. And what we should be about, our two nations, is giving as many
    people in the world as possible that choice and being proud of it.
        President Bush. What I know is, the world needs courage. And what I
    know is, this good man is a courageous man.
        Thanks for coming. Appreciate you.

    Note: The President's news conference began at 11:23 a.m. in the Rose
    Garden at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to Secretary
    General Jakob Gijsbert ``Jaap'' de Hoop Scheffer of the North Atlantic
    Treaty Organization. A reporter referred to former Deputy Attorney
    General James B. Comey; former White House Chief of Staff Andrew H.
    Card, Jr.; Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales; and former Attorney
    General John Ashcroft.