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The headlines out of the president's news conference rightfully cover much serious ground: prospects for peace in the Middle East, the debate over the reach of presidential power in wartime, the Katrina recovery and more. But presidents in the television age also know the Q&A sessions offer a chance to lighten the mood with wit. President Bush was clearly ready with his own punchlines and reacted to the unpredictable, too.
The official White House transcript notes (Laughter) 15 times, the first after just three words. "Sorry to interrupt," President Bush said as he walked into the Brady briefing room and observed that correspondents were standing closely together doing live reports. Just moments later, a still camera mounted on the ceiling gave way, dangling and spinning. The president was distracted and noted to the viewing audience, "We seem to have a mechanical flaw." One wonders if the president took any delight at the prospect of members of the White House Press Corps getting knocked in the head if the camera fell. Mr.Bush vamped with a question of his own: "Are you wearing your helmets?" More laughter, followed by plenty of serious stuff.
The president surely knew he would be asked about Jack Abramoff, the former Bush fundraiser and heavyweight lobbyist who has pleaded guilty in a bribery and corruption investigation. None of that is funny, but the president knew he could throw off a prepared line and perhaps lighten the tone. He was asked repeatedly why the White House will not release photos that show the President with Abramoff at holiday parties. To play down the significance of such photos, Mr. Bush described one of his presidential duties as "smiling" and cheerily reminded reporters who also attend holiday parties, "I've had my picture taken with you." Later, when CBS Radio correspondent Mark Knoller asked what turned out to be the final question, Knoller returned to the Abramoff topic but added, "Never mind about the photographs." Mr. Bush quickly noted, "It's easy for a radio guy to say." Those of us who report for television, where pictures matter, probably laughed the loudest.
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I believe that pres. Bush is the right guy for the job in this particular time and place in US history. His down home humor and wit is not appreciated by the hollywood elite or the liberals , but it certainly hits home with us in the midwest. For some , he couldnt do any right no matter what he said or did.
Steve , Sterling , Illinois (Sent Jan 29, 2006 7:44:45 AM)
I think the President sense of humor is great.
Get used to it. 3 more years of GW. Yahoooo.
I find it humorous that so many people are just plain ignorant when it comes to our constitution and the seperation of powers. The President has broad powers as CIC to wage war and collect intel on foreign agents and enemy sympathiser's. He also has powers to do even more than that if necessary.
There is precedent after precedent. By the way just how many of you even had a cell phone or intenet phone when FSA was created to spy on diplomats.
I predict some journalist at the times and some management types may get to do some time. Leaking national secets is not whistleblowin.
Joe Wolfe Kerrville Tx (Sent Jan 28, 2006 10:09:26 PM)
Maybe it has finally occurred to the White House the value of humor. I am sure it would do Dick Cheney wonders. The problem is that while comedy sheds light on a typically truthful matter, it can be used to divert attention. Now, this White House has used its five years very well in diverting attention. But the American people(75% of them at least) want the details of the Abramoff connection to the White House and simple humor at this point will not suffice! Belated humor is inappropriate, don't you think?
Dave Van Grun (Sent Jan 28, 2006 1:56:29 PM)
The reason I read the blogs is to get "the rest of the story", the side-notes and opinions of the author. Thanks for sharing the elements of a story that we don't usually see.
Tracy Perrott-Werner, Gresham, Oregon (Sent Jan 27, 2006 11:16:50 AM)
Oh, for goodness sakes! I believe there is plenty of room for all types of reports. Kelly, don't worry about it; you do a great job.
MK, Louisville, KY (Sent Jan 27, 2006 7:47:44 AM)
Why be upset with Ms. O'Donnell this blog lets you know even with the serious questions the President used humor through out the entire press conference.There were important question asks but as usual no real answers there given. This time humor was the distraction.
Brenda, KY (Sent Jan 27, 2006 7:36:53 AM)
Has anyone else noticed that Bush giggles at strange times when he's nervous? If he is on point or making a point he tells it outright and doesn't stumble over his words.
The times when he makes statements that don't quite ring true that he starts to giggle in the middle and after he says it he giggles again, like he just got away with it - a lie?
Dewey Quong, Reno, NV (Sent Jan 26, 2006 9:50:45 PM)
Why does this President treat every news conference like open mic night? Better yet, why do you in the press pool laugh when he does??? There are a majority in this country who find this man and his policies extremely unfunny and are scared to death about where this country is headed. The emotion I hear from many after this man speaks is anger that is borderline violent. I suggest less yuks and more professonalism like Mr. David Gregory!!!
Thomas Michigan (Sent Jan 26, 2006 9:06:13 PM)
I feel that the humor aspect of this is very important in the times in which we live. It is overlooked by seriousness. I am serious about the news and realize that not every President handles the press well. I also feel that we need humor and someone who is down to earth.
Deborah Maness, McKinney, Tx. (Sent Jan 26, 2006 7:04:36 PM)
Hurrah. Someone in the media is proving that there is humor out there as well as the solem events of the day
Deborah Maness, McKinney, Tx. (Sent Jan 26, 2006 6:59:34 PM)
I found the blog very interesting. Good blog, Ms. (or Mrs.?) O'Donnel. Mr. Bush did not do well today, and I hope that the news will cover it so this blog can continue to be a little more unique, like this blog was. Thank you for the interesting insights, Ms. O'Donnell.
Brian--Boise, Idaho (Sent Jan 26, 2006 6:57:52 PM)
With everything that is going on in the world right now and the sadness and despair people are feeling, it's nice to know there are so called journalists out there like Kelly O'Donnell who focus on the really important issues of the day. This is a perfect example of why Bush gets away with what he does. Glad we have David Gregory out there.
Steven- Beltsville, Maryland (Sent Jan 26, 2006 5:38:16 PM)
Kelly: It's too bad that your post focuses so much on the president's sense of humor during the press conference and not on the fact that he seems to have a problem answering the serious questions posed to him. Specifically, why he seems to think he is above the law when it comes to the domestic spying issue. When the president does it, does that mean it's not illegal? Such arrogance is disgusting. We need reporters who will ask the tough questions and continue to demand answers from our president. I don't see much of this occurring.
Charlotte (Sent Jan 26, 2006 4:20:26 PM)
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