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CNN Live Event/Special

Bush Talks to Reporters

Aired August 10, 2002 - 09:57   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: As usual, President Bush always has his weekly radio address on Saturday mornings, and today of course the topic is Iraq, what else? And he's exploring perhaps some other things. In a few minutes, we're going to be taking that taped comment coming from President Bush. Of course, he's vacationing and he's working in Crawford, Texas.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: And earlier this morning, we talked to an Iraqi opposition figure who will actually be talking with Vice President Dick Cheney via a video monitor. Cheney is vacationing in Wyoming at his ranch, and he'll be talking with opposition leaders from Iraq.

WHITFIELD: All right, well, we're going to go to that right now, the taped version of his discussion with reporters. It's not his radio address, but let's listen in.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Anybody got anything?

QUESTION: Do you have anything, sir?

BUSH: Well, I do. I'm in close consultations with my senior staff on a variety of subjects. As I said yesterday, I have no timetable for any of our policies as regards to Iraq. Yesterday I spent time with my principal advisers on that subject as well as others.

I am pleased with the reports about productivity of American workers. I thought that was a continuing signal that our economy grows and strengthens. Next week, I'll be having an economic summit that will discuss ways that we can further job growth.

So anyway, I've been spending some time on subjects that might be -- might interest you all.

QUESTION: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?

BUSH: I described them as the axis of evil once, I described them as an enemy until proven otherwise. They obviously desire weapons of mass destruction. I presume that he still views us as an enemy. I have constantly said that we owe it to our children, our children's children, to free the world from weapons of mass destruction in the hands of those who hate freedom. This is a man who has poisoned his own people. I mean, he's had a history of tyranny.

QUESTION: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) surprised that you haven't been able to (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?

BUSH: Well, Stretch, I think most people understand he is a danger, but as I've said in speech after speech, I've got a lot of tools at my disposal. And I've also said I'm a deliberate person. And so I'm -- we're in the process of consulting not only with Congress, like I said I'd do the other day, but with our friends and allies. And the consultation process is a positive part of really allowing people to fully understand our deep concerns about this man, his regime, and his desires to have weapons of mass destruction.

One last question, then I got to go chip and putt for a birdie. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) drive, unbelievable. Yes?

QUESTION: Do you think your (UNINTELLIGIBLE) people are prepared for (UNINTELLIGIBLE) in Iraq?

BUSH: Well, I think that that presumes there's some kind of imminent war plan. As I said, I have no timetable. What I do believe the American people understand is that weapons of mass destruction in the hands of leaders such as Saddam Hussein are very dangerous for ourselves, our allies. They understand the concept of blackmail. They know that when we speak of making the world more safe, we do so not only in the context of al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, but nations that have proven themselves to be bad neighbors and bad actors.

Thank you. Have fun today.

I hope you understand the definition of the early morning administration.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And he is indeed an early riser. The press corps will tell you that. This guy gets started very early, and you see he's already out on the golf course while he's on his working vacation in Crawford, Texas. But of course he wants to take time to talk about the most important matters on the agenda for the Bush administration. In this case, it's Iraq, it's Saddam Hussein.

COOPER: Saying that he did not have an imminent timetable set, but obviously watching the situation very closely.

WHITFIELD: That's right.

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