Press Conference Starts (10:01 AM)
Talks about Bob Gates swearing in. Claims he will bring in new ideas. War on terror is "the calling of the new generation". Says we need to permanently increase size of Army, Marines.Want's to work with Congress on this. Talks about Iraqi elections and sectarian violence.
Update (10:11 AM)
Goal is still a free and democratic government in Iraq. We'll ask more of our Iraqi partners. Bigger military will help boost economy. Talks about economic gains in US. Encourages everyone to "go shopping more". We need to take action against earmarks. Must step up research of alternative energy.
Wasn't this conference supposed to be about Iraq?
We must put aside our partisan differences. Doesn't expect Democrats to compromise their principles. Takes questions.
Asks about if we are winning in Iraq. "We're gonna succeed", says yesterdays comments meant we aren't succeeding at a fast enough pace.
Update (10:15 AM)
Next question. Would you overrule commanders if you thought we needed more troops in Iraq if they didn't. He says he will consider what everyone has to say before deciding.
Next. Would more troops increase Iraqi division? Says he hasn't yet decided on whether or not to send more troops and that he won't answer rhetorical questions. It's Iraqi's responsibility to govern and secure Baghdad and that it's our job to help them do that.
Update (10:22 AM)
Asks about Rumsfeld's "stronger, lighter army" and if Bush still agrees. Says he thinks it's still a good idea but we must make sure our military has enough resources to triumph over "the ideology of hate". Won't speculate as to specific theaters(*cough*Iran*cough*).
Next. Asks about CBS poll showing Americans want to pull out of Iraq. Asks if Bush is still willing to go against American people. Bush says he will still follow path to victory. Claims most Americans don't want us to pull out of Iraq right away. Americans want success.Says that he want's favorable public opinion but he also understands what failure would mean.
Next. Asks if Iraq is causing painful realization for him. Says most painful part is troops being killed in Iraq. Says he is inspired by spirit of families of soldiers. Says he doesn't want soldiers to die in vain. Doesn't question his decision to invade Iraq.
Update (10:28 AM)
Can we really afford new tax breaks now? Low taxes have helped the economy and talks about cutting deficit in half early. Talks about importance of education and says "No Child Left Behind Act" is an important part of his plan. Talks about need to reduce the use of oil. Nuclear power is important and such. Blah, blah, blah... Dodges the question. Talks about how free trade is good.
Update (12:39 AM)
What's he think about Cheney being called to testify. Just says he thinks it's interesting.
Next. Asks about what changes he'd make to laws for gay rights after Mary Cheney's pregnancy. Says everyone should be treated equal. Says Mary will be good mother.
Next. I missed the question. He talks about Iran, says they need to stop enrichment program before talks can take place. Says Iran won't talk with us until we pull out of Iraq. Say's Iranian people can do better. Says Iran Holocaust conference shows Iranian leader says things to hurt people and willingly distances Iran from the rest of the world. Moves on to Syria. Says we've talked to Syria while he was President, claims Syria is making some progress.
Next. Asks if he ordered investigation into Hadley (SP?) memo. Says he doesn't remember ordering investigation but he does remember some "angst". Says he doesn't like leaks. He doesn't know if there is an investigation. Says we need consequences for leakers.
Next. What lessons has he learned from Iraq? Says sectarian violence wasn't expected.
Blogging Client Freezes, Missed a few questions. (10:43 AM)
Talking about how we need a better immigration plan. Says border patrol needs help and says we need a guest worker program.
Next. Asks what he wants his legacy to be and how he plans to keep his agenda with Democrats controlling Congress. Says they need to work together on NCLB, earmarks, energy, immigration, and a few other issues. Says people are trying to write the history of his term before it's over.
Press Conference Ends (10:51 AM)
Matthew's goes to shopping quote first. That's going to haunt him.
I'll try and find a transcript on whitehouse.gov later today.
