seriously, we know these are tough times, mr president...

WOW. It's not the entire transcript, but I'm sure all of it will be up before the end of the hour. OK, so he needs to lay off the tough-talk, and as the mighty leader of our great nation, he should consider NOT peppering his responses with countless "ums" and "uhs." I listened to most of the conference on the radio, but about halfway through, I had to see his face, because he sounded like he was in pain. A few gems: -We can no longer hope that oceans protect us from harm.* -He was a threat because he funded suiciders (re: Saddam). -We weren't on a war footing, yet the enemy was at war with us.* -They want to as us questions, and that's why we're meeting (re:joint meeting with cheney before the 911 commission)* -I'm sure something will pop into my head... (re: biggest mistake, post 9-11) quotes marked with a * indicate those that were re-stated once (or twice) throughout theconference. This was our President, folks, our great leader that hates being "under the spot", our great leader that wants to "lead the fight on AIDS on Africa". Has he failed to state his case to the American public? Yes. He said it himself: "The votes will decide; that's what elections are all about." That was his answer. Why can't he admit to any of his mistakes? Why is he able to get away with saying he felt "angry and sad" after being asked if he felt any personal responsibility for 9-11? The whole thing made me feel uncomfortable. more later...