[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 28 (Monday, July 16, 2007)]
[Pages 938-939]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.

[[Page 939]]

    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----
    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 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.