President Bush was caught by an open microphone during a candid conversation with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. During the conversation, the president allegedly expressed anger and frustration towards the United Nations for their apparent lack of action in the latest Arab-Israeli crisis.
Bush turned to Blair and said: "See the irony is what they need to do is get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this shit and it's over."
Further, non expletive-containing comments included a rip at Secretary General Kofi Annan:
"What about Kofi Annan?" Bush asked Blair. "I don't like the sequence of it. His attitude is basically cease-fire and everything else happens." "I think the thing that is really difficult is you can't stop this unless you get this international presence agreed," responded Blair.President Bush has been steadfast in calling for the dismantling of Hezbollah under a U.N. resolution calling for the removal of Lebanese militias. Interestingly enough, he also pointed out that he was blaming neither the Lebanese nor the Israeli government for the warfare that has raged into its sixth day.
As far as the public relations ramifications of these off the cuff remarks, I don’t see any. President Bush’s administration has responded properly by not responding at all in this case. Also, the remarks, whether considered vulgar or not (and I do not think the word shit is overly vulgar), teach us nothing new and offer no new insights into the president’s plan for the Middle East region. The American government has a track record of supporting “Israel’s right to defend itself,” and is in consensus with much of the world in regarding Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
What Bush does have to prove is that Iran and Syria are indeed giving financial aid and supplies to Hezbollah. A tentative link will not be sufficient.
Article comments
1 - Mayank Austen Soofi
Shit!
2 - Phillip Winn
At dinner last night my wife asked, "Do you know what was on the front page of CNN.com today? The front page!" I can't believe this is news myself.
Is it the shock that President Bush's public and private statements line up? The idea that Presidents shouldn't swear? I don't get it.
3 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
Gosh, it must've been a slow news day--nothing else going on in the world, I guess...
4 - Steve
I suspect for the journalists covering it, it was a big day. Leaders talking off the cuff and all. I guess they're so starved of these because of all the scripted conferences that they cover, that this was a refreshing change for them.
Maybe it'll relax the jornalists a little bit, knowing that scripted statements have some connection with how the leaders really feel (at least these two). I've been getting the feeling many of them have been getting angry about perceived lying from leaders the last few years.
Not such a big deal for most of the viewing audience I suspect (except maybe Bush's Christian base, due to his slight case of potty mouth).
5 - Slugman California
Israel will continue the work necesaary to bomb Syria and Iran and do the job that the US and UN won't do. And that is put an end to these factions for the sack of world peace. Americans should read their American History and realize that it is our role in the world to ensure peace, even if means losing US soliders and dropping 500 pound bombs. We need a new world peace slogan "Join or Die".
6 - Baronius
I'm a Christian and a prude, but I can't get too upset about Bush's comments. It was a private conversation after all. It was also a perfect two-word analysis of Hezbollah's actions, describing a part of the world that doesn't lend itself to straightforward analysis.
I like Winn's point about the President's consistency. Imagine if he'd said, "I just do what Israel tells me to do" or "we're not invading Lebanon til 2011, after Iran and Egypt". Or better yet, "big oil said to start bombing at $72 a barrel".
Oh, I got another one: "Mr. Blair, my dark lord, there must be seven years of war in Judah before you take the crown of Europe".
7 - compassion
The facts r so much more creditable than conjecture. Syria & Iran r not being bombed, Lebanon is which holds a strong Democratic & Christian base. No, they r not armed 2 the teeth & able 2 take out the Hezbollah militant strong-hold faction of their (society). While the bullies Hezbollah were building Hospitals, establishing social programs 4 communities, feeding the destitude after 15yrs of civil strife & occupation. We the World community were enjoying theirs beachs and beautiful country side; the sleeping gaints. So far the casualties by far r civilians. In my minds eye conjecture is more creditable when diplomacy is involved. When Syria was kicked out & Democracy stepped in the World community should have relentlessly, one-upped The Bullies Hezbollah w/even better fasilities and goodwill; & in layman terms (we got your back). Diplomacy is dead w/o works, I truly believe force should be the last resort 2 any conflict. And yes, I conseed force is sometimes necessary. Yet when u say join or die be mindful: The German nazi's, the slave traders, communist Russia, post 80's South Africa etc.., all stood resolutely by that (slogan). Would u rather B Loved or Feared? Slogans will not invite world peace, indifference does not promote diplomacy. Compassion my definition; the ability 2 mirror the hurt and pain of another & B moved 2 action.
All I can give the Israeli & Lebanese children & elders r (words of compassion). Their voice was lost when this became totally physical they r 2 old & 2 young 2 fight. And with the roar of bombs they proably will not be heard above the noise, retortic. So compassionately I've tried 2 put myself in their shoes; so I think if u ask civilian actually getting hit by bombs whether they would rather be loved or feared, they'd say first can't I just live I only have one life 2 live. Please don't take it.