Most bizarre/scary moment of the press conference:

[pnwmom]

IMHO, the "You think I'm nuts?" moment. If you read it in context, it came completely out of left field. It made no sense at all. A reporter had just asked him if he could ask a follow up question, and then thanked him. And Bush's response was "You think I'm nuts?" exactly as if Bush was . . . nuts.



Q But the results are being interpreted as a repudiation of your leadership style in some quarters. I wonder what your reaction is to that. And do you -- should we expect a very different White House? Should we expect a very different leadership style from you in these last two years, given that you have a whole new set of partners?

THE PRESIDENT: You know, I really haven't -- I'm still going to try to speak plainly about what I think are the important priorities of the country, and winning this war on terror is, by far, the most important priority. And making sure this economy continues to grow is an important priority. And making sure our children have a good education is an important priority.

Obviously, there's a shift in the Congress and, therefore, in order to get legislation passed, we've got to work with the Democrats. They're the ones who will control the committees; they're the ones who will decide how the bills flow. And so you'll see a lot of meetings with Democrats, and a lot of discussion with Democrats.

And in terms of the election, no question Iraq had something to do with it. And it's tough in a time of war when people see carnage on their television screens. The amazing thing about this election, and what surprised me somewhat -- which goes to show I should not try punditry -- is that this economy is strong. And a lot of times, off years are decided by the economy. And yet, obviously there was a different feel out there for the electorate. The economy -- the good news in the economy was overwhelmed by the -- by the toughness of this fight and toughness of the war.

And so, Jim, look, I understand people don't agree -- didn't agree with some of my decisions. I'm going to continue making decisions based upon what I think is right for the country. I've never been one to try to fashion the principles I believe or the decisions I make based upon trying to -- kind of short-term popularity. I do understand where the people -- the heart of the people. I understand they're frustrated. I am, too, as I said the other day. I wish this had gone faster. So does Secretary Rumsfeld. But the reality is, is that it's a tough fight, and we're going to win the fight. And I truly believe the only way we won't win is if we leave before the job is done.

Yes, Jim.

Q May I follow, sir?

THE PRESIDENT: I know, terrible principle. I'm sorry.

Q Thank you, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: You think I'm nuts? (Laughter.) You think -- you think my sensibility has left me as a result of working hard on the campaign trail, Gregory? (Laughter.)

Q But to follow, we were speaking about the war, and during the campaign, two very different viewpoints of the war came out. You spoke a lot, as Bret mentioned, about what you saw as the Democratic approach to the war, which you were greatly concerned about. Are you worried that you won't be able to work with the Democrats, or do you feel like you have to prevail upon them your viewpoint?

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/11/20061108-2.html

[MadMaddie]

1. I say he will have major meltdown in the next couple of months

he is not used to being told no....

[pnwmom]

2. Based on that press conference, and others,

you have to wonder . . . .

[Divine Discontent]

3. it was rather comical indeed

i turned shortly after that. we cracked up. he actually was likeable in that questioning, and he's usually a rude PUNK. he's a tool that's led astray by darth cheney. and yes, you're crazy mr. bush, you showed it today! lol...


www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable <<-- antibush prodem stickers/shirts

[Danascot]

4. He's had a near death experience

He sounded almost human today. But I don't trust it to last. He'll be back to his "everyone else is to blame" whining tomorrow.

[Berry Cool]

5. To me, this was the most chilling moment.

When he said this:

And in terms of the election, no question Iraq had something to do with it. And it's tough in a time of war when people see carnage on their television screens. The amazing thing about this election, and what surprised me somewhat -- which goes to show I should not try punditry -- is that this economy is strong. And a lot of times, off years are decided by the economy. And yet, obviously there was a different feel out there for the electorate. The economy -- the good news in the economy was overwhelmed by the -- by the toughness of this fight and toughness of the war.

Translation: He was surprised that we, the voters, could not stop thinking about the carnage of this war, including the deaths of our own soldiers, long enough to say to ourselves "But you know, the economy is strong" (as if it is).

"Sure, I know we have people fighting and dying in Iraq for no damn good reason--but by golly, I'm going to the polls to reelect Republicans, because the economy is good!"

In short: The election has taught him nothing. He still hasn't a clue.

[pnwmom]

6. It IS amazing to see how his mind works, isn't it? n/t

[grasswire]

7. there was a remark made by someone to his right

I thought it was Karl Rove. Maybe it was David Gregory. Anyway, someone said something to him and that's when he replied "You think I'm nuts?"

Perhaps it was because the reporter named "Jim" got to ask a followup question. That would explain why Bush says "I know, terrible principle" because he often denies followup questions.