In a historic blogosphere first, President Bush sat down with a small group of military bloggers, including yours truly from Defense Tech. I’ve got to tell you, all politics aside, it was a very cool experience.
First disclaimer to hardcore traditional media zealots. This meeting didn’t happen in the Press Room because it wasn’t designed to be a press conference. It was a conversation and an opportunity for the president to demonstrate that he was aware of what the milbloggisphere is capable of. And certainly the meeting came about
because the staffers were convinced the assembled had shown themselves in writing to be pro-mission (or in my case pro-military), if not pro-administration.
We met with the president in the West Wing’s Roosevelt Room, which is adjacent to the Oval Office. The president walked in without any fanfare and worked his way around the table, shaking hands and thanking folks for coming. He sat down at the head of the table and spoke for a time before opening up the floor for discussion. Here are some of the highlights from my notes. (Remember it’s hard to write and maintain eye contact with the Commander-in-Chief):
“The question is will we do what it takes to defend ourselves?”
“We should be optimistic that freedom can take root in parts of the world where it’s been written off.”
“We need to change the conditions that cause 19 kids to get on planes to kill Americans.”
“This strategy is my strategy.”
“I’m defining a horizon of peace.”
“I don’t mind people attacking me … that’s politics … but I do mind people impugning the integrity of our generals.”
The questions started with Bill Roggio and Bill Ardolino, who were beaming into the room via VTC from Baghdad — a nice touch in support of milblog cred. John from Castle Argghhh! mentioned that his local lawmaker (a Democrat) in Kansas has awakened to the power of the blogoshere. Matt from Blackfive.net allowed that he had an embed headed for the Phillipines to join a special forces unit there, which caused the president to chuckle and opine to General Lute (the recently-appointed war czar), “Milbloggers in the Phillipines.”
I was next. I started by telling President Bush that I had spent Tuesday morning watching the original 9–11 “Today Show” broadcast in real time and that the experience had left me, among other thoughts and emotions, wondering whether his petition to the nation had been strong enough in terms of calling citizens to duty. (You all remember the snippet made famous in “Farenheit 911″ where he tells the nation to “go to Disneyworld.”)
The president paused for a moment and then replied that he believed the nation had responded. “Volunteerism is up nationwide,” he said. “I’m headed to Quantico after this meeting to speak to a group of Marine second lieutenants, men and women who are joining the fight in spite of what they hear in the polls.”
About that time Chief-of-staff Josh Bolten poked his head in, a signal that told the president that Marine One was ready to go. “I want to show you all the Oval Office before I go, though,” he said as he rose from his chair.
I queued up behind him as he opened the big door to the Oval Office, and I was reminded of when Dorothy entered Oz. The colors, the lighting, the history (good and bad) … it was a rush. The president gave me one of his signature “it’s good to be king” expressions and quipped, “Pretty nice, huh?”
“Yessir, Mr. President. Pretty nice.”
So we each had our photo taken in front of his desk (I had a vision of the classic Nixon/Elvis shot), and I moved across the room to talk to Tony Snow (it was his last day on the job) and Dana Perino (who’s about five feet tall, max).
We finished our time with the Commander-in-Chief by ambling out to the Rose Garden and watching him get on Marine One for his flight to Quantico. He gave that same wave he always gives to the press corps and then paused at the top of the boarding ladder and waved back at us. As the helo flew out of sight somebody in the group spotted Barney, the First Dog. Bonus!
I will say, in general, at this meeting President Bush came off as more comfortable with the message than I’ve seen him appear on TV or in speeches. No deer-in-the-headlights stuff here. Truly unwaivering and passionate. He also grew very emotional as he made a linkage between his father’s service in World War II and the fact that Japan is now an ally and then said, “I’ve had meetings with the prime minister of the country he fought.” He actually teared up as he said that.
But my favorite quote came when he told us that he’d just finished reading three books about George Washington and his legacy. Again he gave that wry smile and said, “If they’re still writing about the first guy then the forty-third guy doesn’t have anything to worry about.”
All in all, it was an amazing day for Defense Tech and one I’ll never forget. In fact, I’d rank the event a close second to the time I sat in with Cheap Trick. It was that good.
So now please lecture me on how this isn’t an appropriate post for Defense Tech and this site used to be so much better …
(Photo: Bill Roggio’s view of the meeting through his VTC screen in Iraq. I’m on the far right. That’s President Bush in the middle. Looks comfortable, don’t he?)
– Ward
Ward — You “rock star,” you…
Seriously, glad you were able to meet the President, but more importantly, have a discussion with him.
And Barney? Cherry on top!
We couldn’t have done it without you, Andi. Thanks for everything you’ve done and continue to do for milblogging.
I just read a few of the accounts of the meeting and salute both the White House and their reaching out and all of the Milbloggers there and especially those in harms way. I read almost all of the milbloggers invited there regularly and anyone that says you folks aren’t qualified to write on the topics you do write about, or are some kind of shills don’t get it.
The notion that you have to be part of this self ordained journalistic profession to have a viewpoint and good commentary is so 20th Century. Congrats again, and I’ll echo Ward’s comment on Andi and the rest of the folks that helped her put on a top notch event this year.
I’m just curious: was a single person there even remotely skeptical of him? It’s kind of a pattern and I’m wondering.
Ward,
Just wondering, you’re a former Naval Officer and from what I’ve read you have your own ideas about how the war’s been prosecuted (no, I’m not saying you’re anti-war or painting you with any other brush, just that we all know mistakes were made)…Did he get hit on the many miscalculations and mis-statements that were made or did he just put on a charm offensive?? In other words did he say anything in private that should give one “hope” that this plan really will work?
Seems there was no room for putting forward hard questions to the president because all parties present were vetted for any criticism of his policies. All the posts read overly positive. Depressing. Reading this from Kuwait.
I’m sure it was a great thrill to get your photo taken in the Oval Office, but maybe you should have been trying to do your job while you were there? Shame on you as a journalist.
Solomon:
That’s a great question and thanks for asking it. The short answer is no. The topic didn’t get into reasons behind the invasion. If I’d had the opportunity to ask even one more question I would have asked “What is the one piece of advice you received in early 2003 that you should have drilled deeper on?” or “Did the words ‘insurgent’ or ‘sectarian’ ever come up during the planning phase?” But, alas, I only had time for one question (some in the group were cut out altogether) and I elected to ask about his petitions to duty across the nation, not just the military. I don’t think it was a softball, necessarily, but we weren’t in the White House Press Room, were we?
I wouldn’t chalk it up to a “charm offensive.” As I wrote in the post, my sense now is he fully believes in his rightness, end-to-end. He also believes the war is “winnable.”
Okay, Wembley, help me out. What should I have done that I didn’t do? Worn a Code Pink tiara, perhaps?
Thanks, David.
Ward,
I agree in such a forum it would have been a waste to try to question the president on the broad issues of the war and the way it’s been run.
I do wish that someone had asked him about his commitment to insure that the soldiers are properly cared for not only in the field but also when they are back home. Especially those who have suffered serious injuries. While I’m no expert on the issue, it is disturbing to hear reports of the Pentagon trying to pinch pennies by finding ways to deny vets their benefits. This isn’t just a matter of doing the right thing for those who have given their time and put their lives on the line for us, but also an issue of national security — if we don’t treat this group of volunteers right where will we find the next group?
Mitch:
The president was adamant when he said, “I will do everything in my power to support the troops and their families …” I believe that includes wounded vets. Again, I’m sure he means it; that doesn’t necessarily mean the bureaucracy surrounding these folks is going to fix itself or always do the right thing.
Rather interesting to see you have been so well received by those in charge.
Hopefully they actually do pay attention to criticisms that are mentioned on this site.
You might be surprised, Paul. The Not Impressed could be altering foreign policy even as I type this. Keep telling us what’s on your mind, folks. People in high places are plugging in.
My fave was ““I’m defining a horizon of peace.“
Ward, call me stupid, but what’s this all about?: “his petitions to duty across the nation”
Don:
If this is, in fact, the struggle of our time — modernity versus radical Islam — with the consequences as dire as the president has suggested since March 2003, why isn’t the rallying cry more in line with JFK’s “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”?
I see too many fat people arcing around WalMarts with a sense of entitlement without putting any effort toward the common good, and it makes me wonder if this is actually the “freedom” that President Bush has been talking about for the last five years.
First off: Sweet! It’s awesome you were able to see the Oval Office. Too bad you couldn’t ask him a couple of questions.
Second: About 2 days ago, I was thinking it would be a good idea if the President talked to milbloggers (and others) to get their perspective and insight into the war, military, etc.
Great — a White House junket for Bush sympathetic mil-bloggers who couldn’t/wouldn’t ask any real question because that was the way it was set up.
They left flabbergasted.
What’s the news here?
WHy is this blog called Defense Tech?
“Okay, Wembley, help me out. What should I have done that I didn’t do? “
Ward, I hope the effects have worn off a little now and you can answer that yourself.
Otherwise — get a grip. Cosying in with the establishment is not going to get you any credibility. Taking down platitiudes from the Pres is not telling us anything (except perhaps your susceptibility to charisma).
I’m not saying you should even have asked tough questions or gotten yourself thrown out. But you were right there on the spot at a classic piece of Information Warfare, right at the cutting edge of where the administration tried to influence the blogosphere. And you give us nothing.
To use the Oz metaphor that you’re fond of: you went to see the wizard and you took everything at face value. You didn’t even think to look behind the curtain.
As for weaing a Code Pink tiara — at least it might have signaled that you weren’t just going to lap up everything they fed you.
And if you think the invasion of Iraq was about modernity vs radical islam, then you have a VERY short memory.
And? Did you ask any questions?
Wembley:
We’re not communicating, I’m afraid. You throw the administration’s thesis back at me as if it was mine.
And all I was trying to “give” the DT audience is a reading of the event … no more or less.
But since you’ve appointed yourself the guy who decides what my “job” is (does that make you a “decider”?) I guess my reading ain’t good enough.
Sorry about that.
What was it pertaining to when he talked about “his strategy?“
It seems if his goal like you quoted was to make it so young islamists don’t want to martyr themselves against the US than putting US troops in the Middle East is a bad strategy. And being harsh and calling Middle East Countries/muslim dominated countries terrorists is a bad strategy. Also if he was talking about military strategy doesn’t he say that he defers to the “commanders on the ground” and it everything will depend on what the “commanders on the ground tell him?” Is that really his strategy or does he just sign off on the military leaders strategy?
Ward: …what can you do for your country …I see too many fat people arcing around WalMarts with a sense of entitlement without putting any effort toward the common good, and it makes me wonder
Bush: Tonight we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done… I’ve called the Armed Forces to alert, and there is a reason. The hour is coming when America will act, and you will make us proud …Americans are asking: What is expected of us? I ask you to live your lives…I ask your continued participation and confidence in the American economy.–Bush Sep 20, 2001
Roger that, Don. Roger that.
Ward, I am sitting here in disbelief, never thought you would stoop so low as to join this group of scrot lickers.
Disappointed.
Ward,
Kudos, buddy! I saw the “O” Officer a few years ago when a war college buddy who worked there took the kids and me through for a tour — didn’t get to sit and chat with the Big Guy, though.
Interesting, too, how the nutroots come out when all you do is go have a chat and a listen-to with the Prez. No pleasing anyone out there.
Pinch
“I see too many fat people arcing around WalMarts with a sense of entitlement without putting any effort toward the common good, and it makes me wonder if this is actually the “freedom” that President Bush has been talking about for the last five years.“
Hilarious. You’re gonna complain about this after a fawning audience with the guy whose idea of a public-spirited appeal is, “Please don’t stop shopping. Go to Disneyland, why doncha?“
“Don’t worry about that trillion dollar war — we’ve got the biggest credit card in the history of the world! We’d never ever want to levy the taxes to pay for our adventures”, sez the “Commander in Chief”.
And you’re upset by out of shape proles at Wal-Mart!?!?!
I’ve said it before — This site is coasting on its prior good reputation. That’s why it still has readers who are vastly more astute than the people who run it. Fred sums it up well:
“Seems there was no room for putting forward hard questions to the president because all parties present were vetted for any criticism of his policies. All the posts read overly positive. Depressing. Reading this from Kuwait.”
Well, as long as you’re still here, sglover, we’ll be all right.
Fawningly and coastingly yours, Ward
Its true that the apparent sharpness of your readers is well above-average; however it can’t be denied that they are human. As such, they will not relinquish what resentment that has been cultivated as a result of questionable decisions made by the protagonist of your recent visit. Good for you Ward, perhaps, having not offended anyone this time, you will get re-invited for a subsequent more substantive interview. But I doubt it. Much of what these encounters are for has been accomplished, warm fuzzies all around.
What ever the pretense, and whatever the elements of subterfuge, we are knee deep in it now, and are likely to remains so until it’s no longer in corporate hands, or it’s no longer mega-profitable. Next time you see ‘the man,’ maybe you can let him know for us that we respectfully disagree with his script.
Excelsior
congrats ward, and I think the people criticising you are off the mark. journalism is equal parts hob-nobbing and asking embarassing questions, but print journalists tend to just print the part where they pin the guy to the wall, not all the footsy in between. this sounded like an interesting time, but def. not a moment to drill the president. just as long as you can shake off the star-struckedness later… right?
W has said all along it is going to be a LONG HARD WAR.….….….He has not flinched, wavered, or missed a step.….He is a GREAT President and Commander in Chief.….……Yes, you might not like it but he is a solid Christian, who is seeking God’s Wisdom for our Country.….….…..History will show what a great strategic move it was to go into Iraq.….……
I can not believe what I have read. Bush has lied to everybody since the start. He has never ever admitted that he has ever made a mistake. All you have to state that something will be completed in the future and the future will never come. I have been to Iraq and Afghanistan and do not believe that evil will ever be destroyed.
Congrats Ward on meeting the President. Im sure the Oval Office was awesome, as it should be. KED you need to wake up. Did Clinton, or any other President say they have made a mistake? You do know that Clinton lied as well, right? There is no mistake about fighting terrorism. I have been to Iraq and know that most of the people over there hate people who are not Muslim/Islam. The have been fighting since day 1. You can read about those fights in the Bible in the Old Testament. However, Americans have a short attention span, if it dosent happen overnight to within 2 weeks, we tend to forget about it, or raise hell. Yes soldiers are dying over there from time to time, it is a war, hello. A war against terrorism. In the end good will prevail over ALL evil. You can be rest assured that President Bush has the best interest of ALL Americans at heart. Remember when all our leaders along with President Bush and then Mayor Gulliani toured ground zero and they said that justice will prevail. We will get the bad guys for doing this? Well where are they now? President Bush is the only one with balls enough not to cower down, not to falter, not to back down from those idiot terrorists. We as Americans should be doing the same and supporting our troops, as they are the ones protecting your ass and freedom, your families ass and freedom, as well as every other American and their families. As Steve Wade said, President Bush has said all along that this will not be easy, no war is. He has said this will be a long, hard war. So get used to it.
I was and am opposed to the war in Iraq. The excuses for the war were first weapons of mass destruction, there were none, there were also no terrorists in Iraq until we got there. Both President Bush and Vice Pres Cheney within 6 weeks of 9/11 both said that Sadam hussein was not involved. I firmly believe had we focused the same effort in Afghanistan to capture or kill bin ladin it would have been accomplished and the al qaida would certainly have been destroyed or badly crippled.
Congrats on meeting the President. I have a lot of repect for that man and as a service memeber appreciate the inprovements he has made to our pay, our equipment and other aspects of military life.
Stan, I know that Clinton lied to us, but it did not kill American soldiers in a foreign country fighting a war that Iraq citizens do not care about. If they did, they would not kill each other. I do not know who you met when you were in Iraq, but the people that I met while I was in Iraq in 04 and Afghanistan in 07, did not hate Americans or want them dead. Why didn
I would like to know why comments are being stop against people that they say are abusive users. So if you do not agree with Bush or you, you want to control everybody that is talk out. You sound just like Bush. Why dont you move to Iraq where they try to control what is said. You do not belong in the US.
Stan, I know that Clinton lied to us, but it did not kill American soldiers in a foreign country fighting a war that Iraq citizens do not care about. If they did, they would not kill each other. I do not know who you met when you were in Iraq, but the people that I met while I was in Iraq in 04 and Afghanistan in 07, did not hate Americans or want them dead. Why didnt the President just tell us that this was a war about oil? Why is the American public paying for the war and not Iraq? Why dont their soldiers want to stop this war of terrorism in their country? Where in the bible does it say in the end good will prevail over ALL evil. If so, why is there any evil left in the world. Bush also stated in 03 that mission complete in San Diego. So why are we still there? Where are the weapon of mass destructions? Why is not Bush demanding the Iraq government to take over their own protection? Why was Bush the first President to attach a country that did not attach us? Why did not Bush complete his commitment of 8 years to the Texas ANG? When I was in the Texas ANG during that time period, I was required. But I did not have the pull that Bush had, and I had the ethics to complete my commitment.
Thanks, David.