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At a press conference today wih presumptive Republican nominee John McCain, Pres. Bush (who, despite popular opinion, is still president) officially endorsed the Arizona Senator and took a few questions from those wacky reporters who still have the gall to ask questions.
During the ten minute media bonanza, Bush showed how little he cares for the free press and, apparently, for McCain. He continually interrupted the Senator and attempted to show, with body language and words, who is still the cowboy in charge, ultimately ending the awkward and somewhat contentious affair by calling the press out for being unruly.
Why? They didn't stop asking questions. Oh, those reporters and their reporting.
An example of how Bush was an asshole to the press
To a reporter who wanted to follow up a question about how McCain will "make the case that [he is] going to provide the change that the voters seem to want, both on Iraq and the economy?"
Question: Can I follow-up, sir? How would you - Bush: No, you can't follow up. Thank you. (Laughter.)
Question: Yes, on -
Bush: No, no, not you.
He repeatedly interrupted McCain and, in more than once case, answered a question for him.
Question: And Senator McCain, where would you like the President to campaign with you? Bush: As I told you, you know, if he wants me to show up, I will. If he wants me to say, "You know, I'm not for him," I will. Whatever he wants me to do, I want him to win. And, you know, Wolf, I don't know where. I mean, look -
McCain: Could I start out with -
Bush: I'm focusing on, you know, protecting America, and succeeding in Iraq, and dealing with the North Korea, and dealing with the Iranian, and dealing with the issues around the world where we're making a difference in terms of keeping peace. I want to get this in as good as a position as possible so that when John McCain is the President -- and he will be -- he can deal with these issues in a way that yields peace.
After Bush declared an end to the affair, the press continued to holler questions as is their right under, you know, a free society.
Obviously we've invited some unruly members of the fourth estate here. I'm disappointed in the conduct of some of the people that have come. I told John it would be a nice and polite crowd.
Read the transcript from the press conference, or watch the fun:
Photo by AP
