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Search for Soldiers in Iraq; A Soldier Remembered; Blair's Farewell Visit
Aired May 17, 2007 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning, everyone. You're with CNN. You're informed.
I'm Tony Harris.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Hi, everybody. I'm Heidi Collins.
Developments keep coming into the NEWSROOM on this Thursday, May 17th.
Here's what's on the rundown.
Brothers in arms. President Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair in their last White House meeting on Iraq.
Later this hour, a Rose Garden news conference live.
HARRIS: Tireless search. Six days and no sign of three soldiers missing in Iraq this hour. A live update from the men's home base, Fort Drum, New York.
COLLINS: New recall. In the last hour, CNN confirms thousands of pounds of beef pulled from stores. E. coli concerns in NEWSROOM.
HARRIS: The search for missing soldiers in Iraq now in its sixth day. The effort is intense, massive and exhaustive, but troops refusing to stop until they find three of their own.
CNN's Arwa Damon is embedded with the searchers.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ARWA DAMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Pushing themselves to the limit, some soldiers are collapsing from the oppressive heat. But the hunt continues, defined by long hours and glimmers of hope.
They've trudged across miles and miles of fields and farmland, navigated the harsh terrain to avoid the roads and the bombs. They even drained this canal parallel to the attack site to look for clues.
LT. COL. JOHN VALLEDOR, U.S. ARMY: Yesterday, our soldiers, those in the brigade, physically walked the canal, and on both sides to make sure -- you know, make sure that, you know, that there isn't anything in here related to our -- to our missing soldiers.
DAMON: They've said the same thing hundreds of times since Saturday.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Any information will help us.
DAMON: Information that leads to the missing soldiers is worth $200,000, and they have been receiving tantalizing tips. But none have panned out. It's a hunt for three men in an area about 330 square miles.
COL. MIKE KERSHAW, U.S. ARMY: A piece of U.S. equipment which we think could possibly be from the soldiers that were abducted or could have been just equipment abducted from the site.
DAMON: Nothing is taken for granted or left to chance.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are in here almost every day, so this is -- this is kind of a -- just covering all the bases. We're out -- we're just making sure, we're checking every house again.
DAMON (on camera): It's day five in the search for the missing soldiers. These men have been out for about seven, eight hours now. They are both physically and mentally exhausted, but no one is even talking about giving up.
(voice over): These men have been fighting out here in an area better known as the Triangle of Death for nine months now.
KERSHAW: This sector is historically one of the most lethal in Iraq, and there are some very capable insurgents out there. And we do not underestimate them.
DAMON: The military doesn't underestimate them, but it is determined to defeat them.
CAPT. DAN HURD, U.S. ARMY: All the motivation they need is what they're going after. You know, we talk about the soldiers and, you know, they know who -- they know who they're looking for. They know their names.
And that's as much motivation as they ever need. And every time they get tired, they think of that and keep going.
DAMON: All these soldiers have sworn never to leave a man behind.
Arwa Damon, CNN, Yusufiyah, Iraq.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: Now let's show you a live picture. Let's take you to Fort Drum in New York City. We are monitoring a news conference there right now for the very latest information on the missing soldiers. If you would like to see this news conference in its entirety, let me direct you now to Pipeline. That's cnn.com/pipeline.
COLLINS: Family and friends are sharing memories of one of the soldiers killed in the Iraq ambush. Their story from CNN's Brianna Keilar.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Chris Murphy knew at a young age that he wanted to be in the military.
ROSEMARY BALIAN, PFC. MURPHY'S MOTHER: He went in head first.
KEILAR: Even as a sophomore, when Murphy joined the William Campbell High School football team, his parents, Rosemary and Darryl Balian, say he hoped it would help him slim down to meet the weight requirement to enlist.
BRAD BRADLEY, FOOTBALL COACH: Chris was not given a lot of God- given talent, you know, in terms of size or speed or things like that, but he made up for those things in terms of hard work, you know, commitment. He came every day.
KEILAR: Murphy graduated in 2004 with a state football championship under his belt and entered the Army. He loved the camaraderie, and Rosemary and Darryl supported his dream, aware of the danger it brought.
R. BALIAN: When I was driving in with him one day, I noticed him looking -- he kept looking to the left, and I looked at him and I said, "Christopher, why are you looking to the left?" And he said, "Well, ma, I don't want to worry you," he said, "but I find myself, you know, out of habit looking to the left because I'm looking for bombs."
KEILAR: Like so many lost in Iraq, Murphy's vigilance was not enough. He was killed in an ambush Saturday, along with three other soldiers. The last time his parents saw him was two months ago while he was on leave. At that time, Murphy told them he wanted to re- enlist, despite misgivings about the war.
R. BALIAN: He did not necessarily agree with the reasons for the war. You know, when he put that uniform on, you know, he knew that he was serving his country, and that's what he concentrated on.
DARRYL BALIAN, FATHER: He was proud. He was very proud of it. He was very proud of it. He loved the Army.
KEILAR: Brianna Keilar, CNN, Lynchburg, Virginia.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COLLINS: Israel makes good on its threat of a harsh response to Palestinian rocket attacks. New Israeli air strikes on Gaza today. Targets included a Hamas security compound in Gaza City and a car that Israel says was carrying a Hamas rocket squad. The attacks killed two people.
Israel says dozens of rockets have been fired from Gaza this week. HARRIS: More pain at the pump this morning. Gas prices rising, each time you fill up, it seems. AAA reporting a record high for the fifth straight day today.
The average price for a gallon of self-serve unleaded now at $3.11, but drivers are staying on the road. AAA predicts more people will travel by car this Memorial Day holiday weekend than last year.
COLLINS: Britain's Tony Blair and President Bush about to hold a news conference this hour. Mr. Blair wrapping up his final visit to the White House as prime minister.
Let's go live to our White House correspondent, Elaine Quijano, on the telephone with us from the Rose Garden now.
Hi, Elaine.
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Heidi.
Well, it's been a busy morning for President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The two leaders had breakfast in the residence, walked over to the Oval Office together, and sat down in the Situation Room here at the White House for a joint U.S.-U.K. secure video conference with the American and British teams in Baghdad. We're told that, of course, taking part on the U.S. side were General David Petraeus and U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker.
Now, Prime Minister Blair, of course, has been President Bush's staunchest ally on Iraq, even as other European leaders have distanced themselves from the United States on that issue. The prime minister has continued to stand shoulder to shoulder with President Bush, but that alliance has proven to be politically costly for Blair, as the Iraq war has grown increasingly unpopular in Britain.
Nevertheless, Prime Minister Blair not set to step down for another six weeks or so. He and the President are expected to meet once more next month at the G-8 summit. So, while this is, Heidi, a farewell visit, Iraq certainly at the top of the agenda. Other issues expected to be discussed, as well, including climate change and global trade -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Yes. We were just getting word here, too, Elaine -- want to let everybody know -- apparently it's possible the news conference will begin at 11:15. It looks like about five minutes from now or so.
Just want to ask you while we have you, Elaine, what are they talking about in all of these -- we know there were some working meetings going on behind the scenes before they actually come to the podiums there. At this point, what's the business at hand?
QUIJANO: Well, the business at hand really has to center mostly on Iraq. Of course, as I noted, this is an alliance that has been tested certainly over the years as Prime Minister -- Prime Minister Blair has taken a great deal of criticism in Britain for standing so close to President Bush. At the same time, the president, of course, anxious to look ahead as well.
You will hear the President, of course, thank the prime minister for the very strong alliance that has existed, but already, the White House, of course, wondering what in fact the relationship between Britain and the United States will look like once the man who is very likely to succeed Prime Minister Blair takes office. That person expected to be Chancellor Gordon Brown.
Will President Bush have as staunch an ally in him? Brown has said publicly that he certainly backs the war. He says, though, that he has accepted mistakes were made in Iraq, but he's also ruled out an immediate pullout of British troops.
So, all of those topics on the agenda. The future of Iraq certainly first and foremost when these two leaders come out and speak to reporters just a short time from now -- Heidi.
COLLINS: All right. We know you'll be watching it for us. And we're going to try to take some of that live, of course.
Elaine Quijano for us in the Rose Garden.
Thanks, Elaine.
HARRIS: Another story we're following this morning, her debts led to her death. The only problem, she's still alive.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have to have proof of it.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: OK. You have to have proof that I'm not dead.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: Well, now she's haunted by financial ghosts.
That story coming up for you in the NEWSROOM.
COLLINS: Save the whales. Rescuers sound a call for a pair of humpbacks. Will it lure them to safety?
We're watching it for you in the NEWSROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: We've been telling you about a news conference that was expected from Fort Drum on the three missing U.S. soldiers. We want to give you some of that sound now. This from Lieutenant Colonel Paul Fitzpatrick on the very latest.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LT. COL. PAUL FITZPATRICK, PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, FORT DRUM: We receive updates from our 2nd Brigade in Iraq, and we know that from the very beginning of the search and rescue operation, detentions have been made.
The command in Iraq is working diligently to update those leads. And hopefully, you know, one of those leads comes to a successful resolution. There are many leads, but once again, we only need one positive tip to come to a successful resolution of this operation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: And they are dealing with a lot of tips. Unfortunately, none of them have panned out quite yet. But again, that was sound coming in from Lieutenant Colonel Paul pits Patrick on the latest from Fort Drum.
HARRIS: Imagine this for a moment, you're told you're dead, but you're very much alive. Experts say it can happen to anyone when their financial health is failing.
CNN's Keith Oppenheim reports.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MADELINE COBURN, CONSUMER: What did you do today?
KEITH OPPENHEIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): For single mom Madeline Coburn, the rather shocking news came in March, when her student loans were suddenly cut off.
(on camera): So this is a student loan notice?
COBURN: Yes.
OPPENHEIM: What's it telling you?
COBURN: That I'm deceased.
OPPENHEIM (voice over): Deceased, as in six feet under.
(on camera): What was your first reaction when you heard you were dead?
COBURN: Like I'm doing now. I laughed, because it's like, come on, you see me. You know, how could I be dead?
OPPENHEIM (voice over): But it was anything but funny. Madeline's untimely and false death was connected to a very real and very shaky financial situation.
COBURN: Bank accounts frozen, can't do anything.
OPPENHEIM (on camera): It happened after one of her credit card accounts was turned over to a collection agency. The agency then called an old phone number and received some bad information.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Someone stated that they were your cousin and said that you had passed away on November 26th.
COBURN: Why would your company not verify that I was actually alive?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We're not the client, and they're supposed to find it out, not us.
OPPENHEIM (voice over): Madeline's bank, which reported her death to credit agencies, blamed the debt collector.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If we get verification from a third-party agency, as far as we know, they have verified that, yes, you are deceased.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It can happen to anyone. And that's what's scary.
OPPENHEIM: Madeline's lawyer, Deborah Lumpkin, says this case is not easy to fix, because credit reporting agencies and banks concerned about fraud need verification she's alive.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have to have proof of it.
COBURN: OK. You have to have proof that I'm not dead, but you didn't have to have proof to put that I'm dead?
OPPENHEIM: Experts tell us that embedded electronic data listing Coburn as dead can live for a very long time, haunting her financial future.
Keith Oppenheim, CNN, St. Louis.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: Well, we spoke to several credit agencies for this story, and there are some signs Coburn's status is about to change. So far, one bank and one credit reporting agency tells us the problem has been corrected, but Coburn worries other financial institutions still believe she is dead.
COLLINS: It's a videotape that ignited outrage across the country. Remember this? A Chicago bartender attacked by a man more than twice her size.
His rage apparently triggered by her refusal to serve him more alcohol. The suspect, an off-duty police officer.
Now he's entered a not guilty plea to the beating and charges that he tried to suppress the tape. An indictment alleges he threatened to plant drugs on bar employees if the tape was made public. The officer, a 12-year veteran, is now on unpaid leave.
HARRIS: All right. Let's see, what items do airline screeners frown upon? Knives, scissors, pepper spray -- oh, yes, mortar shells.
Believe it or not, that's what turned up in baggage last night at Los Angeles International Airport. Officials partially evacuated one terminal before they figured out the mortars were harmless. Owners of the luggage say they bought the hollowed-out shells at a novelty shop.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COLLINS: Quickly, we want to give you some response that we have gotten from the Department of Justice and Alberto Gonzales' office. Want to just read it to you in response to this story that we brought you from Joe Johns a little bit earlier today, in fact.
"In response to questions about press accounts of internal dissent within the Justice Department over the intelligence programs, surveillance programs we've talked about, the attorney general, in his testimony to Congress, relayed that there had not been serious disagreement about the terrorist surveillance program. And again, it says at the same time the attorney general acknowledged that there have been disagreements about other intelligence activities, as one would expect. The attorney general's testimony on these points was and remains accurate."
Again, a statement coming to us from the Department of Justice.
HARRIS: And a short break now.
President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair planning a joint news conference any moment now.
We'll take a quick break and come right back. You're in the CNN NEWSROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: And there you have it, a picture of the Rose Garden. Split that with the White House.
We are just moments away, we understand, from President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair taking part in a joint news conference.
Boy, sort of the official end of an era, as these two men get together for the last time. No, no, no, not the last time. I think we heard last hour that there will be another opportunity for these two men to get together at the G-8 summit next month, but certainly this press conference coming one week after the announcement from the British prime minister that he is giving up, ending his premiership on June 27th.
As you see, the president and the British prime minister now coming to the microphones. These men side by side, as they have through thick and thin. And there has been plenty of both.
Let's listen in.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRES. OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you.
Pleased to welcome Tony Blair back to the White House. He is a good friend. He has led the British people for a long time: since 1797. (LAUGHTER)
You know, I was sitting with Tony on the Truman Balcony last night, and we were discussing a lot of issues, and it dawned on me once again what a clear strategic thinker he is.
Somebody asked me the other day, "How would you define Tony Blair and your relationship with him?"
I said, "First of all, it's cordial, it's open. And I appreciate the fact that he can see beyond the horizon."
And that's the kind of leadership the world needs.
I do congratulate the prime minister for being a -- when he gets on a subject, is dogged.
Witness his patience and resolve regarding Northern Ireland.
And congratulations for your leadership.
We talked about a lot of issues at dinner and our meetings. We talked about, of course, Iraq. As a matter of fact, the prime minister and I have just finished a video conference with our respective commanders and ambassadors from Baghdad.
We got a full briefing on the situation on the ground. I appreciated Tony's willingness to interface with our people there.
I remind our people that the best decisions are made when you listen to the commanders. And our commanders have got good specific advice as to how to achieve our objectives, which I believe we'll achieve; objectives that I know are necessary for peace: peace in the Middle East, peace in the United States and the United Kingdom.
And we talked about Afghanistan. We strongly support our NATO mission in Afghanistan. And I informed the prime minister that the secretary-general of NATO will be coming to Crawford this weekend. I'm looking forward to talking to him about how we can continue to work together.
And I want to thank you for your strong commitment to the NATO mission and the people of Afghanistan.
We talked about the Middle East. And we're concerned about the violence we see in Gaza.
We strongly urge the parties to work toward a two-state solution. Looking forward to continuing to work on this issue. I've instructed my secretary of state to be actively engaged. She represents the position of the Bush government, which is two states living side-by- side in peace. We believe that vision is possible but it requires strong leadership on both sides of the issue.
The prime minister and I discussed the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. We recognize the deep humiliation that can come as a result of living in a land where you can't move freely, where people can't realize dreams.
We talked about the need to reject and fight terrorism. We understand the fright that can come when you're worried about a rocket landing on top of your home.
We're committed to peace in the Middle East. And I appreciate Tony Blair being a partner in peace.
We talked about Iran. We fully recognize that the Iranians must not have a nuclear weapon. And therefore it's important for us to continue to work in the international arena to speak with one voice.
And if we're unable to make progress with the Iranians, we're going to work together to implement new sanctions through the United Nations, to continue to make it clear that Iran with a nuclear weapon is not in the interest of peace in the world.
We talked about, of course, Africa. We spent a lot of time talking about Africa.
I told the prime minister that the AIDS initiative that got started under my administration will continue; that I'll work with Congress to make sure that the PEPFAR initiative that has been so effective in getting anti-retroviral drugs to people on that continent will continue. It's an important initiative of ours.
I applaud the prime minister's education initiative on the continent of Africa. It's a bold stroke.
And we look forward to working with you on that initiative.
We talked about Darfur, and how frustrated I am -- and I know the prime minister's frustrated -- at the inability for the international community to react with consequence in Darfur.
And I explained to him my strategy of moving forward with sanctions, and hopefully a new, stronger United Nations resolution, if we don't see some improvement in the lives of the people there.
We talked, of course, about climate change. We spent a lot of time on climate change.
And I agree with the prime minister: As I have stated publicly, this is a serious issue, and the United States takes it seriously, just like we take energy security seriously.
We talked about the upcoming G-8. And I assured the prime minister we want to be a part of a solution, that we want to work constructively together.
He's got some really good ideas on how to advance the technologies that are going to be necessary to help solve this problem. And I told him I've got some good ideas as how to convince China and India to be a part of a global solution.
We have a lot of common ground that we've been discussing today. Finally, we just agreed to improve defense cooperation by working toward an agreement reducing barriers to trade in defense goods and services and information between the United States and the United Kingdom, including defense industries.
This is an important issue for the prime minister; it's an important issue to me. I made it clear to the prime minister we will work on this issue tirelessly until we can get it solved.
Then, I enjoy having you back here. I appreciate -- every time I'm with you, I appreciate very much the insights you provide. And you're here, I guess, for the final time as prime minister. You get to address the good folks in our country from the Rose Garden.
TONY BLAIR, PRIME MINISTER OF GREAT BRITAIN: Well, thank you very much, Mr. President. And thank you, as ever, for the kindness and the graciousness of your welcome to me here at the White House. And thank you, also, for the strength of your leadership over the past few years.
You have been a strong leader at a time when the world needed strong leadership. You've been unyielding and unflinching and determined in the fight that we face together. And I thank you for that.
And I also take this opportunity of saying that I believe that the relationship between the United States of America and Britain is a relationship that is in the interest of our two countries and in the interest of the peace and stability of the wider world.
And sometimes it's a controversial relationship, at least over in my country. But I've never doubted its importance. I've never doubted that it's based on principle, on shared values, and on a shared purpose, which is to make our world a better, more free, more just place in which people of all nations and all faiths can live.
So I would like to thank you for the strength, also, of that relationship over these past few years.
The president has rightly and comprehensively gone through the various issues that we discussed.
I would like to pick out from those, first of all, the discussion we were able to have with our ambassadors and commanders in respect to Iraq, where there's no doubt at all it's immensely challenging, immensely difficult, but also that there is a huge amount that is being done, not just to improve the security there, which is important, but also in respect to the politics, where, as they were telling us, there are the majority elements in each of the main communities, whether Sunni or Shia or Kurd, who actually want to live in peace with one another and want a future for that country that is not marred by terrorism and sectarianism.
And we, of course, want to see that happen, in the interests of that country, in the interests of the stability of the wider region and the world. Again, in respect of Afghanistan, where American troops and of course British troops down in the Helmand province are doing an extraordinary job -- a heroic job, actually. And I think we can be so proud of the armed forces of both countries and what they're doing in the world today in situations fraught with danger, which they take on with immense courage and immense determination.
And down in the south of Afghanistan at the moment, there are operations the whole time against the Taliban in favor of, again, what the Afghan people want, which is the chance to have a better future, an escape from the poverty and misery and oppression of the Taliban years.
We discussed, of course, the Middle East and the very dangerous, difficult situation there -- and our belief, again, that the important thing is how we make progress toward the two-state solution, which is the only solution in the end that will offer a realistic prospect of progress in that region.
And, of course, also we talked about the upcoming G-8, where there's going to be important negotiations over the issue of climate change and over the issue of Africa.
I mean, in respect of climate change, I welcome very much what the president has said today.
I mean, the important thing is that we see if it is possible for people to come together on an agreement for the future that will allow us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; that will allow us to have a way forward that involves not just Europe and the United States of America but China and the rest of the developing world, also; and that also addresses what is an issue of top, top priority now, in Europe, but also, I know, here, which is energy security.
So there are two reasons why this issue is on the agenda in a way that is perhaps more acute than ever before. There is the issue of the environment. There is the issue of energy security.
And I think there's a synergy between those two issues in the way they come together which offers some prospect of hope for the future.
And in respect of Africa, as you know, at the Gleneagles summit a couple of years ago, it made Africa, if you like, the centerpiece of the summit.
I think it's important that we recommit to the undertakings we gave there to help people in Africa and that we do not lose sight of that as a major -- in some sense as "the" major -- moral course of our time, which is to lift people out of poverty on that troubled continent.
And I totally agree with what the president was saying. We have the same position, exactly, on Darfur and the need to take action there.
And, finally, can I thank the president for what he said on the issue to do with defense and trade between our two countries? This is an issue that seem technical but actually is a very important way of trumpeting the understanding, the work that we're doing together on the issue of defense and technology between our two countries.
And so let me end where I began, which is the importance of the relationship between the United States and Britain. I mean, whether it's in respect to fighting terrorism, the big issues to do with energy and climate change, the cause that is Africa, the agreements between our two countries in respect to defense, our two nations should always work together.
It's served us well in the past, but it's not a relationship that's founded on history; it's a relationship that's about a shared future. Thank you.
BUSH: So, as a parting gift to the prime minister, we'll take some questions.
(LAUGHTER)
QUESTION: Thank you.
Mr. Prime Minister, will Britain, in the coming months and years, be as staunch an ally in Iraq for the United States as it has been under your leadership?
And, Mr. President, will you sign a war spending bill that has consequences for the Iraqi government if it fails to meet benchmarks for progress?
BLAIR: The answer to your question is: Yes. I believe that we will remain a staunch and steadfast ally in the fight against terrorism in Iraq, in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
Let me just explain one thing that came out very powerfully from the discussion we had with our commanders this morning.
Essentially what we have in Iraq at the moment is a situation where there is a renewed attempt to find political reconciliation, between Sunni and Shia particularly. And I believe there are signs, real and genuine signs, of progress there.
But what you are seeing in Iraq is an attempt by Al Qaeda, through these appalling suicide bombs -- and also, particularly down the south, through the improvised explosive devices by Iranian-backed elements -- to try to disturb any prospect of Sunni and Shia coming together and delivering what the people of Iraq want to see.
And the only point that I would make is this, and this is the reason why it's important that Britain holds steadfast to the course of fighting alongside America in this battle against terrorism: The forces that we are fighting in Iraq -- Al Qaeda on the one hand, Iranian-backed elements on the other -- are the same forces we're fighting everywhere.
And over these past few weeks, you can see in different parts of the world -- Morocco, Algeria, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, recently -- where this extremism is rearing its head, is trying to dislodge the prospects of stability and progress in so many different countries.
There is no alternative for us but to fight it wherever it exists. And that is true whether it's in our own countries -- which have both suffered from terrorism -- or in Iraq or Afghanistan.
And so, you know, this is not -- it's not about us remaining true to the course that we've set out because of the alliance with America. It is about us remaining steadfast because what we are fighting, the enemy that we are fighting, is an enemy that is aiming its destruction at our way of life and anybody who wants that way of life.
And in those circumstances, the harder they fight, the more determined we must be to fight back. If what happens is, the harder they fight, the more our will diminishes, then that's a fight we're going to lose. And this is a fight we can't afford to lose.
BUSH: I've instructed Josh to stay in touch with leaders -- Josh Bolten, chief of staff -- stay in touch with leaders, both Democrat and Republican, about moving a supplemental as quickly as possible.
First, I applaud what Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi said: that time is of the essence; we ought to get the bill done.
BUSH: And, if need be, I think they said they would keep members here to get the troops funded.
Secondly, I appreciate you trying to get me to negotiate here on the platform. Josh has been told that we understanding benchmarks are important. I talked specifically about benchmarks, and he'll work with members of Congress to come up with a supplemental that both sides can live with, and I'm confident we can get the job done.
And there's been a series of votes in Congress that people have been able to express their opinion. Now it's time to put forth a spending bill that doesn't have artificial timetables for withdrawal, doesn't micromanage the military and is wise about how we spend the people's money. And we're working hard. I think we can get a deal.
QUESTION: Consequences?
BUSH: As I've said, you're trying to get me to negotiate. Our negotiator is Josh, and we fully understand the need to have benchmarks in the bill. I accept and respect the members' desire to have benchmarks.
After all, I'm the person who laid them out initially. And we will work through something we can all live with and enable us to get the job done.
Again, this is an issue that has been very emotional here in Washington. People have had strong opinions.
I do appreciate the leadership of the speaker and the leader, in saying: OK, now, let's work together and get this solved. Optimistic we can do so.
QUESTION: During the course of this visit, it has been confirmed that Gordon Brown is going to be the next British prime minister, taking over in 40 days time. I wonder if I could have both your reactions to that.
And in particular, to Mr. Blair, what do you say to those people who say now there's a new prime minister in place you should go sooner?
And to Mr. Bush...
BUSH: Lovely question, isn't it?
QUESTION: ... however inadvertently, you once said that you would like Tony Blair to stay for the duration of your presidency.
QUESTION: He's not doing that.
BUSH: Yes.
QUESTION: Do you think you're partly to blame for that?
BUSH: I haven't polled the Labour conference. But could be.
The question is: Am I to blame for his leaving? I don't know.
QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)
BUSH: I hope to help him in office the way Tony Blair helped me. Newly elected president -- Tony Blair came over, he reached out, he was gracious; you know, was able to converse in a way where our shared interests were the most important aspect of the relationship.
I would hope I would provide the same opportunities for Gordon Brown. I met him. Thought he's a good fellow.
But my attitude is this: This man here's the prime minister. We got a lot of work to do until he finishes. He's going to sprint to the wire, you know?
He's going to finish the job that the people want him to do. And I'm going to work with him to do it.
The meetings today weren't -- this wasn't like a farewell deal. This was, "How can we continue to work together for the common good?" And that's what we'll do.
As to why things happen politically in Great Britain, I'd suggest you go over there and ask people.
Nice to see you again.
(LAUGHTER)
BLAIR: You've kind of forgotten what the British media are like...
(LAUGHTER)
BUSH: At least he woke up to ask the question.
BLAIR: First of all, having signed Gordon's nomination forms and nominated him as leader, of course I wish him well. And I believe he'll make a great prime minister. And I know he believes in the relationship with America, too.
And as for me, I mean, I will carry on doing the things that I've set out over the next few weeks that I need to do, not least in what we're talking about with the upcoming G-8 summit and the deal which we've been trying to put together -- different countries involved on climate change and Africa.
And then, of course, you've got the European agreement then at the end of June which is going to be very important. And just let me stress to you, incidentally, there will be a government position. I mean, it will be a government negotiation that goes on there, but it's very, very important so that we can make sure that Europe moves forward. And then, of course, there are various domestic issues too as well.
But I'll answer the question about the president, as well in relation to me. I mean, you can debate that as much as you like, but I want to say one thing to you since this will be the last chance I get to do this type of press conference in the Rose Garden standing next to President Bush.
I've admired him as a president and I regard him as a friend. I have taken the view that Britain should stand shoulder to shoulder with America after September 11. I have never deviated from that view.
I do not regret that view. I am proud of the relationship we have had. I am proud of the relationship between our two countries.
And I think that sometimes, in politics, there are all sorts of issues where you've got to negotiate and compromise. But when it comes to the fundamental questions that affect our security and the future of the world, you should do what is right.
I have tried to do that. And I believe that is what he has done as well. And I would take the same position of alliance with America again -- yes, I would.
QUESTION: The fate of Paul Wolfowitz appears to be hanging in the balance. After all we've heard in recent days, is it still possible for him to provide the kind of leadership needed at the bank?
BUSH: First of all, I believe all parties in this matter have acted in good faith. I regret that it's come to this. I admire Paul Wolfowitz.
I admire his heart. And I particularly admire his focus on helping the poor.
There's a board meeting going on as we speak. All I can tell you is I know that Paul Wolfowitz has a interest in what's best for the bank. And just like he's had an interest in what's best for making sure the bank focused on things that matter -- human suffering, the human condition.
And so I applaud his vision. I respect him a lot. And, as I say, I regret that it's come to this right now.
QUESTION: Mr. Blair, you outlined some very big policy areas there in your discussions with the president.
Is it really possible, do you think, to make significant progress on them in the time that you have left?
And, Mr. President, if I could ask you: Is this really still the right man to be talking to?
BUSH: Yes. No question about it, it's the right man to be talking to.
And, yes, we can get a lot done.
BLAIR: You know, we're going to have a G-8 summit in a couple of weeks' time at which these issues to do with climate change and Africa are going to be debated and discussed.
And, I mean, I hope very much, because you come together at the G-8 a bit like we did a couple of years ago at Gleneagles -- and it's an opportunity for the international community, a major part of the international community to come together and reach in-principle agreements.
And I think most people would accept that what happened at Gleneagles a couple of years ago was very important.
I think what happens in Germany in a couple of weeks' time could be equally important.
And that will be the time when we come to those decisions.
So, of course, I want to see that through. Because I've been involved in this all the way through.
And the important thing as well is that I think you will find at the German summit that not just the G-8 countries are there, but also China and India and Brazil and Mexico, South Africa, maybe some of the African nations.
And so it will be an opportunity for us to recommit on Africa, and for the world to make important commitments on that, and then to see if it's possible to agree the elements that could go into a more comprehensive climate change deal.
So it's a pretty important thing. And that's what we're working on.
BUSH: You know, it's interesting -- like trying to do a tap dance on this political grave, aren't you?
I mean this -- you don't understand how effective Blair is, I guess, because when we're in a room with world leaders and he speaks, people listen. And they view his opinion as considered and his judgment as sound.
And I find it interesting the first two question are: Is this the right guy? Well, he happens to be your prime minister. But, more importantly, he is a respected man in the international arena. People admire him. Even if they may not agree with him 100 percent, they admire him a lot.
And it's not just the American president who admires him. A lot of people admire him. And so he's effective. He's effective because his recommendations to solve problems are sound. He's also effective because he is the kind of person who follows through. There's a lot of blowhards in the political process, a lot of hot air artists, people who've got something fancy to say.
Tony Blair is somebody who actually follows through with his convictions and, therefore, is admired in the international community.
So here, I guess this is an appropriate question to ask, you know -- right guy? You know, is he still standing?
Yes. This guy is a very strong, respected leader. And he's absolutely the right guy for me to be dealing with.
Kelly, by the way, if I'm not mistaken, this is your birthday?
It is. Would you like me and the prime minister to do a duet, you know...
(LAUGHTER)
QUESTION: I didn't realize the intel briefing was so far- reaching.
Thank you, sir.
There's been some very dramatic testimony before the Senate this week from one of your former top Justice Department officials, who describes a scene that some senators called stunning about a time when the wireless -- or when the warrantless wiretap program was being reviewed.
Sir, did you send your then-chief of staff and White House counsel to the bedside of John Ashcroft, while he was ill, to get him to approve that program? And do you believe that kind of conduct from White House officials is appropriate?
BUSH: Well, Kelly, there's a lot of speculation about what happened and what didn't happen. I'm not going to talk about it. It's a very sensitive program.
I will tell you that, one, the program is necessary to protect the American people, and it's still necessary because there's still an enemy that wants to do us harm.
And therefore I have an obligation to put in place programs that honor the civil liberties of the American people, a program that was, in this case, constantly reviewed and briefed to the United States Congress.
And the program, as I say, is an essential part of protecting this country.
And so there would be all kinds of talk about it. As I said, I'm not going to move the issue forward by talking about something that's a highly sensitive -- highly classified subject.
I will tell you, however, that the program is necessary.
QUESTION: Was it on your order, sir?
BUSH: That's what I said. This program is a necessary program that was constantly reviewed and constantly briefed to the Congress.
It's an important part of protecting the United States. And it's still an important part of our protection because there's still an enemy who would like to attack us.
No matter calm it may seem here in America, an enemy lurks, and they would like to strike, they would like to do harm to the American people because they have an agenda. They want to impose an ideology. They want us to retreat from the world. They want to find safe haven.
And these just aren't empty words; these are the words of Al Qaeda themselves.
And so we will put in place programs to protect the American people that honor the civil liberties of our people, and programs that we constantly brief to Congress.
(CROSSTALK)
QUESTION: The prime minister has come here many times in the course of the last six years.
It has been five years since a leader of the British Conservative Party set foot in this city.
Mr. President, does it surprise you that aides close to David Cameron say that he does not want to be seen with you?
And can I ask you both what it means for the prospect of future relations between Britain and America when the leader of the opposition dare not set foot in Washington? BUSH: I can just tell you, my relationship with the leader of Great Britain has been unbelievably productive. And I have enjoyed working with Tony Blair more than I could have possibly imagined.
It's hard to define a relationship in, you know, sound bites or press conferences or to, you know -- in a way that really reflects the depth of what we have done together.
And -- so I don't regret things about what may or may not have happened over the past five years. I honor a relationship that I truly believe has been laying the foundation for peace.
You know, this may not interest you, but I'll tell you anyway. I read three histories on George Washington last year. It's interesting to me that they're still analyzing the presidency of our first president. And my attitude is, if they're still analyzing 1, 43 doesn't need to worry about it.
(LAUGHTER)
I'm not going to be around to see the final history written on my administration. When you work on big items, items to -- agendas based upon sound philosophy that will transform parts of the world to make it more peaceful, we're not going to be around to see it.
So my...
(CROSSTALK)
BUSH: Let me finish.
My relationship with this good man is where I've been focused. And that's where my concentration is. And I don't regret any other aspect of it.
And so, I -- you know, we've filled a lot of space together. We have -- we have had a -- a unique ability to speak in terms that help design common strategies and tactics to achieve big objectives.
And it's -- you know, will I miss working with Tony Blair? You bet I will. Absolutely. Can I work with the next guy? Of course.
And I'm here to make it clear to the, you know, people of our respective countries that this relationship is one that is vital to accomplish big objectives.
It has been vital in the past. It has stood the free world -- it has enabled the free world to do hard things. It's a relationship that I believe is necessary to do the hard things in the 21st century.
And so, you know, I honor Tony Blair.
QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)
BUSH: Never met him. BLAIR: Well, I don't -- I mean, it's not for me to give advice to the leader of the Conservative body or to a political party. And that's up to them, as to what they do, and up to him as to whether he comes here or not.
But I do just make this observation to you, that, you know, what we're trying to do is -- never mind these two individuals, but the two countries.
Let's accept for a moment that at least -- even if people very strongly disagree with Iraq, for example, that at least people understand that there is a battle that we are fighting around the world today.
And let's at least accept, also, that it's a battle about the type of values that govern the world in the early 21st century.
You don't win those battles by being a fairweather friend to your ally. You don't win those battles by being hesitant or withdrawing support for each other when the going gets tough. You don't win those battles by losing the will to fight if your enemy's will to fight is very strong and very powerful.
And, actually, the values that we represent as two countries are shown by what we've been through today.
I mean, the president gets tough questions from the American press corps. I get, I like to say, even tougher questions.
(LAUGHTER)
Or at least as tough questions from the British press corps.
BUSH: If you want to define them as tough.
BLAIR: And, you know, we can hear as we speak at this press conference -- I mean, I can't make out the words that they're shouting over there, but I bet they're not totally complimentary to either of us.
BUSH: Wait a minute. I don't know about that.
(LAUGHTER)
BLAIR: I mean, it could be the supporters we brought in, but I've got a feeling the likelihood is no.
(LAUGHTER)
And that's what it's about. It's about democracy, and it's about people being free to express their views, and it's about politicians having to face the press to justify their decisions, to be punished if the people don't like those decisions. And it's a commonality of values that we have that is so important for the world today.
And so, you know, yes, of course it's like -- anybody who's sitting there advising a politician in, you know, any part of Europe today, if you want to get the easiest round of applause, get up and attack America. You could get a round of applause -- you attack the president, you get a...
BUSH: ... standing ovation.
BLAIR: Yes.
(LAUGHTER)
And that's fine if everyone wants to do that. But when all of that is cleared away, you're left with something very, very simple, fundamental and clear -- that that battle for values is still going on.
And, you know, you can debate about the mistakes and the issues and you can debate about Iraq; whether we should have done or we should have done that. But actually what is happening in Iraq today is that our enemy is fighting us.
And therefore, if what happens when our enemy fights us is that we drift away from our friends, that we kind of make the little accommodations so that we don't escape some of the difficulty and the responsibility and occasionally opprobrium of decision-making.
BLAIR: If we do that, our enemy takes heart from that. They watch that. They watch what we're doing the whole time. They ask, "Are these guys standing up for what they believe; or, if we carry on, is their will going to diminish and they're going to give up because it's just too difficult, because the public opinion is too difficult, because their opinion polls tell them that it's too difficult?"
Now, that is the decision of leadership. And it's not just a decision for me and him. It's a decision for everybody who's engaged in politics.
And people run down politics and say it's all, you know, just a series of positions and attitudes and sound bites and occasionally even lies and all the rest of it.
Actually, what politics is in the end, when it's done in the right way, when people stand up for what they believe, is it's about public service. And there's nothing to be ashamed of in that.
And the fact is, the decisions are difficult.
Of course they're difficult.
And we took a decision that we thought was very difficult. I thought then, and I think now, it was the right decision. History will make a judgment at a particular time.
But one thing I know is that what we represent coming here today, speaking in the Rose Garden to you people and getting your questions and being under your pressure, that is a finer and better way of life than either a brutal, secular dictatorship or religious extremism. It's a better way of life and it's the way of life actually people, any time they are given the choice, choose to have.
And what we should be about, our two nations, is giving as many people in the world as possible that choice, and being proud of it.
BUSH: What I know is the world needs courage, and what I know is this good man is a courageous man.
TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR, NEWSROOM: That was the moment there at the end, you heard in Tony Blair a restatement of why he sent troops, British troops to Iraq, why he still feels that this is the fight worth fighting, the global challenge of our day. There at the very end, I think you heard a restatement of his purpose and this country's purpose, why they're in this battle side by side with the United States of America.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR, NEWSROOM: Yeah and lots of question about what will happen next now with his successor coming in and what the relationship between Washington and London will be, of course. So we will as usual continue to follow all of that for you. Interesting news conference.
HARRIS: It was.
COLLINS: Last get together for the two of them until next week, sorry. Next week.
All right. Meantime, NEWSROOM does continue just one hour from now.
HARRIS: "Your World Today" is next with news happening across the globe and here at home. I'm Tony Harris.
COLLINS: And I'm Heidi Collins. We'll see you tomorrow.
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