    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [July 11, 2007]
    [Pages 945-946]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Renovated James S. Brady
    Press Briefing Room and an Exchange With Reporters
    July 11, 2007

        The President. Thank you very much. Yes, thanks. I like a good,
    short introduction. [Laughter]
        Q. [Inaudible]
        The President. Yes. [Laughter] After all, it is your room. Yes.
    [Laughter] Welcome back to the West Wing. We missed you--sort of.
    [Laughter] I can already tell this place has improved. The last time I
    was in here to hold a press conference, I broke out into a sweat, not
    because of your questions but because of the climate. The air-
    conditioner seems to work well. I hope the facility is--suits your
    needs. I really do.
        The relationship between the President and the press is a unique
    relationship, and it's a necessary relationship. I enjoy it. I hope you
    do. As I say, sometimes you don't like the decisions I make, and
    sometimes I don't like the way you write about the decisions. But
    nevertheless, it's a really important part of our process. And the fact
    that you were working in substandard conditions just wasn't right. It
    really wasn't.
        And so my White House worked with Steve and
    Ann, worked with Mark Smith to get it right. And I think it's going to benefit
    future Presidents and future White House press corps to be working in
    modern conditions, conditions where a fellow like me will feel
    comfortable coming in here answering a few questions without losing 20
    pounds. [Laughter]
        It was really hot in here. As a matter of fact, I can't imagine how
    Snow could handle it on a regular basis. But now
    it's modern, and it's going to enable you to do a better job. And I'm
    glad that's the case.
        I want to thank Peter Doherty. Where is
    he? Yes, Peter, thanks for working hard here. You get a lot of credit
    for making sure this thing works. And one of these days Laura and I are looking forward to coming and actually see
    what it's like working here. I've never toured--I've never even been
    able to get beyond the podium--[laughter]--if you know what I mean. As a
    matter of fact, I've always felt comfortable behind the podium in front
    of you, kind of as a shield. [Laughter] But I would like a tour.
        Q. Bulletproof----
        The President. Well, it's not exactly bulletproof. Some of your
    bullets are able to--verbal bullets--[laughter]--are able to penetrate.
    But you've been around a long time, see; you know what it's like to
    query Presidents. You've been--you're kind of an older fellow.
    [Laughter]
        Q. [Inaudible]
        The President. Yes, proudly so. Thanks for the birthday greeting
    too. I appreciate that thoughtful gesture.
        But anyway, we're glad to join you for this ribbon-cutting, and we
    thank you very much for working with Hagin and the
    bunch to make sure this thing--deal works. And it's going to. And it's
    going to make your life better, and frankly, it's going to make the
    lives of future Presidents better as well. And so it's a good
    contribution that you all have left behind. And we're glad to have been
    a part of it. And so----

    White House Press Pool

        Q. What, do you think I'm going to ask a question?
        The President. Yes. I do think you're going to ask me a question,
    yes. [Laughter]
        Q. I am. [Laughter]
        The President. Well, maybe some other time.
        Q. Oh, but do you think you open----
        The President. See what I'm saying? [Laughter]
        Q. You can't come to the press room, especially a modern press
    room----

    [[Page 946]]

        The President. Wait a minute, let's do this--let me cut the ribbon
    and----
        Q. You think anything has changed?
        The President. Let me cut the ribbon--are you going to cut it with
    me, Steve--and then why don't you all yell
    simultaneously? [Laughter] Like, really loudly--[laughter]--and that way
    you might get noticed.
        Q. It doesn't sound like you're going to answer----
        The President. No, I will. I'll, like, listen----
        Q. And leave?
        The President. ----internalize, play like I'm going to answer the
    question, and then smile at you and just say, gosh--[laughter]--thanks,
    thanks for such a solid, sound question.
        Okay, here we go. Ready? I'm going to cut the ribbon. [Laughter]
    Then, would you--no, then you yell. I cogitate--and then smile and wave.
    [Laughter]
        Ready? Are you going to come, Laura? Here we
    go.

    [At this point, the President cut the ribbon.]

        Q. [Inaudible]
        The President. Brilliant question.
        Q. [Inaudible]--cogitating that, right?
        The President. Thank you all. See you soon.
        Q. We look forward to seeing you come and do a little Q & A----
        The President. I will see you soon. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:05 a.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    Steve Scully, president, Ann Compton, vice president, and Mark Smith,
    former president, White House Correspondents Association; and Peter
    Doherty, facilities and equipment manager, ABC News.