RONALD REAGAN AT COAST GUARD COMMENCEMENT (1988)
PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN ADDRESSES COMMENCEMENT AT UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ACADEMY.
USA: EL SALVADOR PRES FLORES VISITS WHITE HOUSE
TAPE_NUMBER: EF01/0244 IN_TIME: 22:00:44 LENGTH: 02:24 SOURCES: POOL RESTRICTIONS: FEED: VARIOUS (THE ABOVE TIME-CODE IS TIME-OF-DAY) SCRIPT: Spanish/Nat XFA U-S President George W. Bush promised El Salvador's president, Francisco Flores, on Friday that Salvadorans illegally in the United States may stay for 18 months while the Central American nation recovers from devastating twin earthquakes President Bush also gave new commitments of more than 100 (m) million (US) dollars in U-S aid to help El Salvador recover from the disasters. Bush pledged a two-year package of reconstruction aid - 52 (m) million (US) dollars this year plus that same amount or more for the next. Getting everything that he had asked for, Flores pronounced his visit proof that Bush really wanted a closer relationship between the United States and its Latin American neighbours - something he campaigned on last year. The so-called "temporary protected" immigration status that Bush is extending will prevent undocumented Salvadorans from being detained or deported. It also will allow them to continue working legally. The money that Salvadorans send back home has been a mainstay of that nation's economy. U-S Immigration and Naturalisation Service officials already have halted the deportation of 11-hundred Salvadoran nationals since the first earthquake hit on 13 January. The Clinton administration instituted a similar temporary deportation amnesty program for illegal immigrants from Central America in 1999, when the region was trying to recover from Hurricane Mitch. That storm killed more than nine-thousand people, left two million homeless, and caused damage estimated at up to 10 (b) billion (US) dollars. The international community rushed to provide financial and humanitarian support to Salvadorans left homeless and injured by the earthquakes, but the U-S government has been slow to respond. So far, it has shelled out about 10 (m) million (US) dollars - far less than the 60 (m) million (US) dollars in emergency aid and 98 (m) million (US) dollars in reconstruction funds the U-S provided after a smaller earthquake struck the country in 1986. The first earthquake that hit the nation was magnitude 7.6. The second, which hit on 13 February, measured 6.6. At least 12-hundred-and-40 people died in the quakes and another eight thousand were injured. The two earthquakes caused nearly 3 (b) billion (US) dollars in damage, an amount that's growing as aftershocks continue to rock the country. The quakes have left about one in four Salvadorans homeless, Flores said. He has attributed the slow U-S reaction to the fact that the first earthquake hit exactly a week before the transition from the Clinton administration to the Bush administration. Spain was among the first countries to help El Salvador after its first quake, dispatching rescue teams within an hour of the disaster. Spain also released the Central American nation from its debt, Flores said. Taiwan, Venezuela, Panama and Japan also have sent assistance crews. A donor conference organized by Spain will be held 7 March in Madrid. El Salvador Embassy: http://www.elsalvador.org SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) "The is decisive support from the President Bush on the important initiatives for El Salvador. In the first place he has announced that he is willing to direct the process of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Salvadorans. He has accepted the TPS and in the second place he has agreed to an aid package composed of 52 (m) million dollars this year and 52 (m) million for the next. Both initiatives are fundamental for El Salvador. The first allows Salvadorans here in the United States the possibility of sending monetary resources to their families in the areas affected. Of all the initiatives we consider this one the most important." SUPER CAPTION: Francisco Flores, President of El Salvador SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) "The second, the aid package will allow us to work to reconstruct our destroyed water systems, road ways, our housing projects which represent so much damage for the country. It is because of this that I consider this great news for El Salvador." SUPER CAPTION: Francisco Flores, President of El Salvador SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) "Generally, we feel very satisfied that this administration will work to help us reach markets in the United States." SUPER CAPTION: Francisco Flores, President of El Salvador SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) "Regarding the TPS, all Salvadorans who, starting from the date of the earthquake do not have documents, qualify." SUPER CAPTION: Francisco Flores, President of El Salvador SHOTLIST: Washington D-C, USA - 2 March, 2001 1. El Salvador President exiting the White House 2. SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Francisco Flores, President of El Salvador 3. Cutaway of press 4. SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Francisco Flores, President of El Salvador 5. Cutaway of press 6. SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Francisco Flores, President of El Salvador 7. Cutaway of press 8. SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Francisco Flores, President of El Salvador 9. President Flores leaving the White House grounds?
White House - GW Bush Joint News Conference with President Calderon - POOL CUTS / REFEED of BUSH Headon
March 14, 2007 HOST TV: GEORGE W. BUSH & FELIPE CALDERON PRESSER - STIX TRAVEL POOL: JOINT PRESSER CUTS 12:42:31 Bush gladhanding 12:53:30 TRAVEL POOL TAPE CUTS PRESS AVAILABILITY 12:54:26 Bush exiting building 12:55:18 Bush speaking Spanish to media 12:55:32 Presser CUTS 13:07:03 slow push to Bush speaking REFEED / BUSH HEADON PRESS CONFERENCE POOL - HEAD ON 13:12:35 PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In progress) -- as leaders of sovereign nations we have talked in -- (inaudible) -- respectful environment, in a cordial environment about very diverse and complex issues of our bilateral agenda. We coincided in sharing our core responsibility which now more than ever happened to be a shared responsibility. We reiterated our commitment with democracy with the defense and respect of human rights, the promotion of free trade, with the rule of law, security, sustainable development and, in particular, our fight against poverty. From this platform of understanding, we have covered in detail each of the issues of our bilateral agenda. I would like to express my gratitude to President Bush that we have talked so openly the sincerity and respect of both countries that are not only neighbors, but they are pursuing to do what true friends should do. We have talked, for example, about the strengthening of a task force that will be directed to the transition of full trade of sensitive products such as corn and beans. We talked about the need to cover the phenomenon of migration as a factor of prosperity for both nations, orderly migration process, and we acknowledge the effort that President Bush and his administration is doing in order to promote within the Congress a comprehensive migratory reform that will acknowledge the rights of the migrants and workers, that will allow orderly and legal programs for temporary jobs and will allow the reunification of family ties. 13:14:08 We have expressed our concern for protecting and guaranteeing human rights of those who cross the border and about all -- about the enormous relevance of generating in Mexico opportunities that the citizens need for their development. 13:14:28 We shared the need of having a safe border that will close the gates to drugs, arms and terrorism and that will open its doors to trade -- prosperity and trade. Our border should be a tightening and closing point. The border should bring us together and not separate us. For this, we are considering the possibility of establishing new cross points and border bridges that will speed up the transit of goods and people. Both presidents have agreed to coordinate in a better way our actions in order to confront organized crime in both sides of the border. 13:15:04 Mexico and the United States are nations that are joined together n the pursuit for better levels of well-being for its people. We do have the means. And in this meeting, we have seen the political will in order to reach shared goals. I'm fully convinced that from his visit on, we will be able to start a new stage of the relationship that take place between Mexico and the United States. 13:15:37 PRESIDENT BUSH: Gracias. Buenos dias. 13:15:42 Laura and I have had a fascinating trip, and our final stop was a really good one, Mr. President. Glad to be back in Mexico. This is an especially beautiful part of your wonderful country. The hospitality was very generous, and the meals were quite good. (Laughter.) PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In English.) I know. PRESIDENT BUSH: "Estoy jueno" (sp). (Laughter.) 13:16:07 Over the past two days, the president and I have had a very - a series of friendly and very productive meetings. That's what the people of our respective countries expect. They expect people to work out differences in a constructive way. They expect leaders to seize opportunities for the benefit of our respective peoples. And the spirit is -- is very strong to work together. 13:16:41 I appreciate so very much the fact that during our meetings we reaffirmed the values of democracy and transparency that -- and rule of law that guide both our countries. We discussed ways to make our nation safer, both nations safer, and both nations prosperous. 13:17:06 President Calderon is taking a tough stand against organized crime and drugs, and I appreciate that. 13:17:09 I made it very clear to the president that I recognize the United States has a responsibility in the fight against drugs. And one major responsibility is to encourage people to use less drugs. When there is demand, there is supply. And to the extent, Mr. President, that we can continue to make progress to reduce drugs, it'll take pressure off of Mexico. 13:17:43 And so we have a responsibility. Mexico has a responsibility as well, and the president is working hard on that responsibility. And we agreed to -- to work together. Mexico's obviously a sovereign nation, and the president, if he so chooses, like he has, will lay out an agenda where the United States can be a constructive partner. And the other place where we can work together is in the region. And so the president, who is a very strong leader in -- in Central America, for example, will work with the United States and the Central American countries to develop a regional plan, because you can be successful in Mexico, yet the problem could be transferred to the south, in which case we wouldn't have the security we would want. 13:18:29 So, Mr. President, thank you for your leadership on this issue. I'm looking forward to working with you on it. We talked about the economy. My view is, is that when Mexico grows, the United States benefits. And obviously, to the extent, Mr. President, that you're able to put forth your innovative policies, we applaud your efforts. I appreciate so very much some of the innovative ideas that you're putting forward. 13:19:02 As I said last night in the dinner, I appreciate very much the fact that you're focusing development in the south of your country. I -- obviously there's a lot of discussion about trade. People in my country are concerned about trade. People in Mexico are concerned about trade. There are strong protectionist sentiments in the United States. I will work, Mr. President, to reject those rejectionist sentiments because I believe trade is one of the best avenues to help common prosperity. And any time we have trade relations, there will be complications. And I pledged to the president that we would work together to ensure a smooth transition to full trade in dealing with sensitive issues such as corn and beans. 13:19:52 Education is an important issue that is -- for our two countries. And I appreciate your commitment to strong education. The United States can help. I am a big believer in student exchanges between our two nations on both sides of the border. One reason I am is because I think it's important sometimes for people to gain an accurate perception of my country by coming to my country. 13:20:29 I love for the fact that students travel back and forth. Mr. President, this morning I met with some students that are funded through USAID programs, who have come to the United States to take different courses in different subjects and then have come back to Mexico to lend the expertise that they have gained to improve the communities in which they live. This is a vital program that the United States must continue, in my judgment, in order to help people realize the great benefits of education. 13:20:59 We spent a lot of time on the important and sensitive issue of migration. I say "sensitive" because obviously this is an issue that people can use to inflame passions. I say "important" because a good migration law will help both economies and will help the security of both countries. And the reason I say that is that if people can come into our country, for example, on a temporary basis to work, doing jobs Americans aren't doing, they won't have to sneak across the border. And by the way, a system that encourages people to sneak across the border is a system that leads to human rights abuses, it's a system that promotes coyotes and document forgers, it's a system that allows for the exploitation of citizens who are trying to earn a living for their families. 13:22:15 And so, Mr. President, as we discussed, I will work with Congress with members of both political parties to pass immigration law that will enable us to respect the rule of law and at the same time respect humanity in a way that upholds the values of the United States of America. 13:22:44 I appreciate your hospitality. It's been a very warm greeting, Mr. President. I thank you and your good wife for being so kind to Laura and me. I look forward to future conversations. Muchas gracias. 13:23:09 PRESIDENT CALDERON: Gracias. (Off mike.) We'll have a Q&A session now, starting with the Mexican press. Claudia Herrera from La Jornada. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning, president of the United States of America, president of the United Mexican states. PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike.) 13:23:38 Q Good morning. Your visit is coming to an end now. This is the question for President George Bush. At the end of your visit, sir, have you found allies in order to place a counterweight to the initiatives of Hugo Chavez? What commitments did Felipe Calderon take on in order to be a counterweight to these initiatives of Hugo Chavez, on the one hand, and on the other hand, President Felipe Calderon? Foreign Minister Patricia has said that you are working in order to strengthen the relationship with Venezuela. How is this compatible with the commitments that you're taking on with President Bush in order to give thrust to this counterweight in Latin America concerning over Chavez? 13:24:35 PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike) -- question. We spent a lot of time talking about Mexico's role in the world. Mexico is a respected nation. President Calderon is a respected leader. But our conversations focused on democracy and rule of law and prosperity and how to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. We spent time talking about social justice and concern for the poor. 13:25:06 One of the reasons I've come down here again is to remind people in this important part of the world that the United States cares deeply about the human condition. That we spent $1.6 billion of bilateral aid last year, most of the money going to social justice programs. And that doesn't include programs like the one I saw in the highlands of Guatemala where our military was providing basic health care for citizens. So Mr. President and I spent time talking about how to advance a hopeful agenda, one that will lift the spirits of people. And I respect the role Mexico plays. Mexico will lead diplomatic efforts for the common security and common prosperity, and that's an important role. 13:26:03 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. 13:26:45 standup POOL FEED BEGINS AGAIN 13:37:00 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. And certainly the most important relationship with Mexico abroad is the one that we have with the United States, due to the migration that exists, the flows through the borders and all else that you are well aware of. However, Mexico is respectful of the opinions of other leaders. We are respectful of the heads of state of other countries, such as Venezuela and certainly the United States. We are a government that has principles and values, values such as democracy, freedom, liberty and legality and certainly security and safety. 13:38:07 On the other hand, not as a strategy -- this was not something that we focused on as a strategy in our talks. But as a conviction of our government, Mexico has to play a role which is balanced, weighed. And it has to be a leader in Latin America, in agreement with its culture, its history, its economy, its people. We are deeply Latin American, and we too want justice, development, democracy for all of Latin America. That is where we are engaged and we are committed. 13:38:44 We certainly do agree and coincide with other countries, many countries, of course, who coincide and agree with those principles. MODERATOR: On the U.S. side, Roger Runningen with Bloomberg. 13:39:10 Q Thank you. The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that mistakes were made in the firing -- PRESIDENT BUSH: Hold on. Hold on, Roger. (Technical adjustments.) The world wants to hear your voice. Q Thank you. (Laughter.) The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that there were mistakes in the firing of prosecutors. What's his future in your Cabinet? Do you have confidence in him? And more importantly, or just as important, how effective can he be in Congress going forward when he's lost a lot of confidence among Democrats and doesn't have many defenders among Republicans? 13:39:34 PRESIDENT BUSH: Mm-hmm. I do have confidence in Attorney General Al Gonzales. I talked to him this morning, and we talked about his need to go up to Capitol Hill and make it very clear to members in both political parties why the Justice Department made the decisions it made, make it very clear about the facts. 13:39:55 And he's right. Mistakes were made. And I'm frankly not happy about them, because there is a lot of confusion over what really has been a customary practice by the presidents. U.S. attorneys and others serve at the pleasure of the president. Past administrations have removed U.S. attorneys. It's their right to do so. 13:40:30 The Justice Department recommended a list of U.S. attorneys. I believe the reasons why were -- were entirely appropriate. And yet this issue was mishandled to the point now where you're asking me questions about it in Mexico, which is fine. I mean, if I were you, I'd ask the same question. 13:40:48 This is a -- you know, this is an issue that -- and so Al - let me just say, Al was right mistakes were made, and he's going to go up to Capitol Hill to correct them. I appreciate the fact that he's taken some action because any time anybody goes up to Capitol Hill, they've got to make sure they fully understand the facts and how they characterize the issue to members of Congress. And the fact that both Republicans and Democrats feel like that there was a -- you know, not a -- not straightforward communication, troubles me, and it troubles the attorney general. So he took action, and he needs to continue to take action. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning to both presidents. President Bush, I ask you why do Mexicans want to -- why would you think that Mexicans could believe in the reform in migration when for so many years this was not a possibility, nor reality? And what are your chances of coming through with this bill in Congress? And President Calderon, you had lunch with President Fox. Can you tell us what you talked about? PRESIDENT BUSH: They talked about carne. (Laughter.) Excuse me. I wasn't there. (Laughs, laughter.) No, that's a legitimate question, and the question is: Why now? Why do I think something positive can happen? Well, first of all, the legislative process takes a while in the United States. I don't know about Mexico, Mr. President, but sometimes legislators, you know, debate issues for a while before a solution can be achieved. And we had a very -- by the way, we haven't had a serious debate on migration until recently. A law was passed in 1986, and then there really wasn't a serious debate until -- pretty much starting after the year 2000, if my -- if my memory serves me well. I -- I've always known this is an important issue because, as I -- I -- I happen to have been the governor of Texas, and so I'm very comfortable about discussing the issue and have elevated the issue over the past years. And members have Congress have taken the issue very seriously, but it's hard to get legislation out of the Congress on a very complex issue. The -- a lot of Americans were deeply concerned that the United States was not enforcing our laws. They felt like there wasn't a commitment to the rule of law. Over the past year, I believe we have shown the American people that there is a strong commitment to the rule of law. And I think members of Congress are now feeling more comfortable that the country is committed to rule of law, which then makes some more open-minded to my argument. Which is that if we can have migration reform, it will make it less likely somebody will feel like they have to sneak across our border, and therefore take pressure off the border. In other words, security for the country, border security, will be enhanced by a good migration law. And then it will make it easier for us to focus our assets on drugs, terrorists, criminals and guns moving both ways. I feel pretty good about it, I must -- you know, I don't want to predict legislative successes. But I can tell you my mood, and my mood is optimistic. Because the mood in the Congress seems like it has changed from skepticism last year to knowledge that getting a comprehensive bill will be in the nation's interests. 13:45:13 Secondly, I'm optimistic because Republicans in the Senate are working with Democrats in the Senate. We're facilitating that work. The administration is very much involved with helping the senators find common ground to the point where we can move a bill as quickly as possible, out of the Senate so it gets to the House of Representatives. 13:45:43 I'm a -- I'm not a betting man. I don't like to bet, because then I do, I usually lose. But I'm an optimistic man in this case about getting comprehensive reform. And a bill is in the interest of both countries. 13:46:05 PRESIDENT CALDERON: With former President Vicente Fox, whom I like and we have a good friendship, we belong to the same party, I invited him to lunch. We talked for quite a while, talked about matters in a very constructive fashion. And he congratulated us for the work that we've done during these first hundred days. He also said that he had the will to collaborate and cooperate in a respectful fashion with the government for the benefit of Mexicans. I have also met with other former presidents and I'm sure that I will continue to meet with President Fox in the future throughout my administration. TONY SNOW (?): Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. MODERATOR: Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. PRESIDENT BUSH: Here it comes. 13:47:13 Q Thank you, Mr. President, President Calderon. On the dismissal of U.S. attorneys, there have been allegations that political motivations were involved. Is political loyalty to your administration an appropriate factor? And when you talked to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales last year, what did you say and what did you direct him to do? 13:47:30 PRESIDENT BUSH: Thanks, Kelly. I've heard those allegations about, you know, political decision-making. It's just not true. 13:47:44 Secondly, just so you know, I get asked -- I mean, I get complaints all the time from members of Congress on a variety of subjects, Senator -- Senator -- Congressman -- Congressperson So-and- So. 13:47:55 And there -- there is a -- you know, there's occasionally frustration with the -- with the executive branch. And they will pull me aside and say, you know, "Are you aware of this? Are you aware of that?" 13:48:08 And I -- I did receive complaints about U.S. attorneys. I specifically remember one time I went up to the Senate, and senators were talking about the U.S. attorney -- I don't remember specific names being mentioned, but I did -- did say to Al last year -- you're right; last fall -- I said, "Have you heard complaints about AGs? I have." I mean U.S. attorneys. Excuse me. And he said, "I have." But I never, you know, brought up a specific case nor gave him specific instructions. 13:48:48 Q Sir, might he have inferred that you discussing it with him was a need for him to take action? 13:48:55 PRESIDENT BUSH: You're going to have to ask Al that question. But as I say, I discuss with my Cabinet officials complaints I hear. I mean, you know, when members of the Senate come up and say to me, "I've got a complaint," it's -- I think it's entirely appropriate and necessary for me to pass those complaints on. Now, I don't every single time, but I -- you know, I -- people view their -- their moment with the president sometimes as an opportunity to unload their frustrations about how things may be working in their state, or congresspersons how things may be working in their district. And whether it be the attorney general or the secretary of State or other members of my Cabinet, I pass those complaints on at times. And listen, what -- what Al did was -- and what the Justice Department did was appropriate. U.S. attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president. In other words, they're -- they're appointed by the president. They can be removed by the president. What was mishandled was the explanation of the case -- cases -- to the Congress. 13:51:24 the truth of the matter is, we did not discuss the matter of oil
White House - GW Bush Joint News Conference with President Calderon - POOL CUTS / REFEED of BUSH Headon
March 14, 2007 HOST TV: GEORGE W. BUSH & FELIPE CALDERON PRESSER - STIX TRAVEL POOL: JOINT PRESSER CUTS 12:42:31 Bush gladhanding 12:53:30 TRAVEL POOL TAPE CUTS PRESS AVAILABILITY 12:54:26 Bush exiting building 12:55:18 Bush speaking Spanish to media 12:55:32 Presser CUTS 13:07:03 slow push to Bush speaking REFEED / BUSH HEADON PRESS CONFERENCE POOL - HEAD ON 13:12:35 PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In progress) -- as leaders of sovereign nations we have talked in -- (inaudible) -- respectful environment, in a cordial environment about very diverse and complex issues of our bilateral agenda. We coincided in sharing our core responsibility which now more than ever happened to be a shared responsibility. We reiterated our commitment with democracy with the defense and respect of human rights, the promotion of free trade, with the rule of law, security, sustainable development and, in particular, our fight against poverty. From this platform of understanding, we have covered in detail each of the issues of our bilateral agenda. I would like to express my gratitude to President Bush that we have talked so openly the sincerity and respect of both countries that are not only neighbors, but they are pursuing to do what true friends should do. We have talked, for example, about the strengthening of a task force that will be directed to the transition of full trade of sensitive products such as corn and beans. We talked about the need to cover the phenomenon of migration as a factor of prosperity for both nations, orderly migration process, and we acknowledge the effort that President Bush and his administration is doing in order to promote within the Congress a comprehensive migratory reform that will acknowledge the rights of the migrants and workers, that will allow orderly and legal programs for temporary jobs and will allow the reunification of family ties. 13:14:08 We have expressed our concern for protecting and guaranteeing human rights of those who cross the border and about all -- about the enormous relevance of generating in Mexico opportunities that the citizens need for their development. 13:14:28 We shared the need of having a safe border that will close the gates to drugs, arms and terrorism and that will open its doors to trade -- prosperity and trade. Our border should be a tightening and closing point. The border should bring us together and not separate us. For this, we are considering the possibility of establishing new cross points and border bridges that will speed up the transit of goods and people. Both presidents have agreed to coordinate in a better way our actions in order to confront organized crime in both sides of the border. 13:15:04 Mexico and the United States are nations that are joined together n the pursuit for better levels of well-being for its people. We do have the means. And in this meeting, we have seen the political will in order to reach shared goals. I'm fully convinced that from his visit on, we will be able to start a new stage of the relationship that take place between Mexico and the United States. 13:15:37 PRESIDENT BUSH: Gracias. Buenos dias. 13:15:42 Laura and I have had a fascinating trip, and our final stop was a really good one, Mr. President. Glad to be back in Mexico. This is an especially beautiful part of your wonderful country. The hospitality was very generous, and the meals were quite good. (Laughter.) PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In English.) I know. PRESIDENT BUSH: "Estoy jueno" (sp). (Laughter.) 13:16:07 Over the past two days, the president and I have had a very - a series of friendly and very productive meetings. That's what the people of our respective countries expect. They expect people to work out differences in a constructive way. They expect leaders to seize opportunities for the benefit of our respective peoples. And the spirit is -- is very strong to work together. 13:16:41 I appreciate so very much the fact that during our meetings we reaffirmed the values of democracy and transparency that -- and rule of law that guide both our countries. We discussed ways to make our nation safer, both nations safer, and both nations prosperous. 13:17:06 President Calderon is taking a tough stand against organized crime and drugs, and I appreciate that. 13:17:09 I made it very clear to the president that I recognize the United States has a responsibility in the fight against drugs. And one major responsibility is to encourage people to use less drugs. When there is demand, there is supply. And to the extent, Mr. President, that we can continue to make progress to reduce drugs, it'll take pressure off of Mexico. 13:17:43 And so we have a responsibility. Mexico has a responsibility as well, and the president is working hard on that responsibility. And we agreed to -- to work together. Mexico's obviously a sovereign nation, and the president, if he so chooses, like he has, will lay out an agenda where the United States can be a constructive partner. And the other place where we can work together is in the region. And so the president, who is a very strong leader in -- in Central America, for example, will work with the United States and the Central American countries to develop a regional plan, because you can be successful in Mexico, yet the problem could be transferred to the south, in which case we wouldn't have the security we would want. 13:18:29 So, Mr. President, thank you for your leadership on this issue. I'm looking forward to working with you on it. We talked about the economy. My view is, is that when Mexico grows, the United States benefits. And obviously, to the extent, Mr. President, that you're able to put forth your innovative policies, we applaud your efforts. I appreciate so very much some of the innovative ideas that you're putting forward. 13:19:02 As I said last night in the dinner, I appreciate very much the fact that you're focusing development in the south of your country. I -- obviously there's a lot of discussion about trade. People in my country are concerned about trade. People in Mexico are concerned about trade. There are strong protectionist sentiments in the United States. I will work, Mr. President, to reject those rejectionist sentiments because I believe trade is one of the best avenues to help common prosperity. And any time we have trade relations, there will be complications. And I pledged to the president that we would work together to ensure a smooth transition to full trade in dealing with sensitive issues such as corn and beans. 13:19:52 Education is an important issue that is -- for our two countries. And I appreciate your commitment to strong education. The United States can help. I am a big believer in student exchanges between our two nations on both sides of the border. One reason I am is because I think it's important sometimes for people to gain an accurate perception of my country by coming to my country. 13:20:29 I love for the fact that students travel back and forth. Mr. President, this morning I met with some students that are funded through USAID programs, who have come to the United States to take different courses in different subjects and then have come back to Mexico to lend the expertise that they have gained to improve the communities in which they live. This is a vital program that the United States must continue, in my judgment, in order to help people realize the great benefits of education. 13:20:59 We spent a lot of time on the important and sensitive issue of migration. I say "sensitive" because obviously this is an issue that people can use to inflame passions. I say "important" because a good migration law will help both economies and will help the security of both countries. And the reason I say that is that if people can come into our country, for example, on a temporary basis to work, doing jobs Americans aren't doing, they won't have to sneak across the border. And by the way, a system that encourages people to sneak across the border is a system that leads to human rights abuses, it's a system that promotes coyotes and document forgers, it's a system that allows for the exploitation of citizens who are trying to earn a living for their families. 13:22:15 And so, Mr. President, as we discussed, I will work with Congress with members of both political parties to pass immigration law that will enable us to respect the rule of law and at the same time respect humanity in a way that upholds the values of the United States of America. 13:22:44 I appreciate your hospitality. It's been a very warm greeting, Mr. President. I thank you and your good wife for being so kind to Laura and me. I look forward to future conversations. Muchas gracias. 13:23:09 PRESIDENT CALDERON: Gracias. (Off mike.) We'll have a Q&A session now, starting with the Mexican press. Claudia Herrera from La Jornada. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning, president of the United States of America, president of the United Mexican states. PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike.) 13:23:38 Q Good morning. Your visit is coming to an end now. This is the question for President George Bush. At the end of your visit, sir, have you found allies in order to place a counterweight to the initiatives of Hugo Chavez? What commitments did Felipe Calderon take on in order to be a counterweight to these initiatives of Hugo Chavez, on the one hand, and on the other hand, President Felipe Calderon? Foreign Minister Patricia has said that you are working in order to strengthen the relationship with Venezuela. How is this compatible with the commitments that you're taking on with President Bush in order to give thrust to this counterweight in Latin America concerning over Chavez? 13:24:35 PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike) -- question. We spent a lot of time talking about Mexico's role in the world. Mexico is a respected nation. President Calderon is a respected leader. But our conversations focused on democracy and rule of law and prosperity and how to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. We spent time talking about social justice and concern for the poor. 13:25:06 One of the reasons I've come down here again is to remind people in this important part of the world that the United States cares deeply about the human condition. That we spent $1.6 billion of bilateral aid last year, most of the money going to social justice programs. And that doesn't include programs like the one I saw in the highlands of Guatemala where our military was providing basic health care for citizens. So Mr. President and I spent time talking about how to advance a hopeful agenda, one that will lift the spirits of people. And I respect the role Mexico plays. Mexico will lead diplomatic efforts for the common security and common prosperity, and that's an important role. 13:26:03 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. 13:26:45 standup POOL FEED BEGINS AGAIN 13:37:00 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. And certainly the most important relationship with Mexico abroad is the one that we have with the United States, due to the migration that exists, the flows through the borders and all else that you are well aware of. However, Mexico is respectful of the opinions of other leaders. We are respectful of the heads of state of other countries, such as Venezuela and certainly the United States. We are a government that has principles and values, values such as democracy, freedom, liberty and legality and certainly security and safety. 13:38:07 On the other hand, not as a strategy -- this was not something that we focused on as a strategy in our talks. But as a conviction of our government, Mexico has to play a role which is balanced, weighed. And it has to be a leader in Latin America, in agreement with its culture, its history, its economy, its people. We are deeply Latin American, and we too want justice, development, democracy for all of Latin America. That is where we are engaged and we are committed. 13:38:44 We certainly do agree and coincide with other countries, many countries, of course, who coincide and agree with those principles. MODERATOR: On the U.S. side, Roger Runningen with Bloomberg. 13:39:10 Q Thank you. The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that mistakes were made in the firing -- PRESIDENT BUSH: Hold on. Hold on, Roger. (Technical adjustments.) The world wants to hear your voice. Q Thank you. (Laughter.) The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that there were mistakes in the firing of prosecutors. What's his future in your Cabinet? Do you have confidence in him? And more importantly, or just as important, how effective can he be in Congress going forward when he's lost a lot of confidence among Democrats and doesn't have many defenders among Republicans? 13:39:34 PRESIDENT BUSH: Mm-hmm. I do have confidence in Attorney General Al Gonzales. I talked to him this morning, and we talked about his need to go up to Capitol Hill and make it very clear to members in both political parties why the Justice Department made the decisions it made, make it very clear about the facts. 13:39:55 And he's right. Mistakes were made. And I'm frankly not happy about them, because there is a lot of confusion over what really has been a customary practice by the presidents. U.S. attorneys and others serve at the pleasure of the president. Past administrations have removed U.S. attorneys. It's their right to do so. 13:40:30 The Justice Department recommended a list of U.S. attorneys. I believe the reasons why were -- were entirely appropriate. And yet this issue was mishandled to the point now where you're asking me questions about it in Mexico, which is fine. I mean, if I were you, I'd ask the same question. 13:40:48 This is a -- you know, this is an issue that -- and so Al - let me just say, Al was right mistakes were made, and he's going to go up to Capitol Hill to correct them. I appreciate the fact that he's taken some action because any time anybody goes up to Capitol Hill, they've got to make sure they fully understand the facts and how they characterize the issue to members of Congress. And the fact that both Republicans and Democrats feel like that there was a -- you know, not a -- not straightforward communication, troubles me, and it troubles the attorney general. So he took action, and he needs to continue to take action. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning to both presidents. President Bush, I ask you why do Mexicans want to -- why would you think that Mexicans could believe in the reform in migration when for so many years this was not a possibility, nor reality? And what are your chances of coming through with this bill in Congress? And President Calderon, you had lunch with President Fox. Can you tell us what you talked about? PRESIDENT BUSH: They talked about carne. (Laughter.) Excuse me. I wasn't there. (Laughs, laughter.) No, that's a legitimate question, and the question is: Why now? Why do I think something positive can happen? Well, first of all, the legislative process takes a while in the United States. I don't know about Mexico, Mr. President, but sometimes legislators, you know, debate issues for a while before a solution can be achieved. And we had a very -- by the way, we haven't had a serious debate on migration until recently. A law was passed in 1986, and then there really wasn't a serious debate until -- pretty much starting after the year 2000, if my -- if my memory serves me well. I -- I've always known this is an important issue because, as I -- I -- I happen to have been the governor of Texas, and so I'm very comfortable about discussing the issue and have elevated the issue over the past years. And members have Congress have taken the issue very seriously, but it's hard to get legislation out of the Congress on a very complex issue. The -- a lot of Americans were deeply concerned that the United States was not enforcing our laws. They felt like there wasn't a commitment to the rule of law. Over the past year, I believe we have shown the American people that there is a strong commitment to the rule of law. And I think members of Congress are now feeling more comfortable that the country is committed to rule of law, which then makes some more open-minded to my argument. Which is that if we can have migration reform, it will make it less likely somebody will feel like they have to sneak across our border, and therefore take pressure off the border. In other words, security for the country, border security, will be enhanced by a good migration law. And then it will make it easier for us to focus our assets on drugs, terrorists, criminals and guns moving both ways. I feel pretty good about it, I must -- you know, I don't want to predict legislative successes. But I can tell you my mood, and my mood is optimistic. Because the mood in the Congress seems like it has changed from skepticism last year to knowledge that getting a comprehensive bill will be in the nation's interests. 13:45:13 Secondly, I'm optimistic because Republicans in the Senate are working with Democrats in the Senate. We're facilitating that work. The administration is very much involved with helping the senators find common ground to the point where we can move a bill as quickly as possible, out of the Senate so it gets to the House of Representatives. 13:45:43 I'm a -- I'm not a betting man. I don't like to bet, because then I do, I usually lose. But I'm an optimistic man in this case about getting comprehensive reform. And a bill is in the interest of both countries. 13:46:05 PRESIDENT CALDERON: With former President Vicente Fox, whom I like and we have a good friendship, we belong to the same party, I invited him to lunch. We talked for quite a while, talked about matters in a very constructive fashion. And he congratulated us for the work that we've done during these first hundred days. He also said that he had the will to collaborate and cooperate in a respectful fashion with the government for the benefit of Mexicans. I have also met with other former presidents and I'm sure that I will continue to meet with President Fox in the future throughout my administration. TONY SNOW (?): Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. MODERATOR: Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. PRESIDENT BUSH: Here it comes. 13:47:13 Q Thank you, Mr. President, President Calderon. On the dismissal of U.S. attorneys, there have been allegations that political motivations were involved. Is political loyalty to your administration an appropriate factor? And when you talked to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales last year, what did you say and what did you direct him to do? 13:47:30 PRESIDENT BUSH: Thanks, Kelly. I've heard those allegations about, you know, political decision-making. It's just not true. 13:47:44 Secondly, just so you know, I get asked -- I mean, I get complaints all the time from members of Congress on a variety of subjects, Senator -- Senator -- Congressman -- Congressperson So-and- So. 13:47:55 And there -- there is a -- you know, there's occasionally frustration with the -- with the executive branch. And they will pull me aside and say, you know, "Are you aware of this? Are you aware of that?" 13:48:08 And I -- I did receive complaints about U.S. attorneys. I specifically remember one time I went up to the Senate, and senators were talking about the U.S. attorney -- I don't remember specific names being mentioned, but I did -- did say to Al last year -- you're right; last fall -- I said, "Have you heard complaints about AGs? I have." I mean U.S. attorneys. Excuse me. And he said, "I have." But I never, you know, brought up a specific case nor gave him specific instructions. 13:48:48 Q Sir, might he have inferred that you discussing it with him was a need for him to take action? 13:48:55 PRESIDENT BUSH: You're going to have to ask Al that question. But as I say, I discuss with my Cabinet officials complaints I hear. I mean, you know, when members of the Senate come up and say to me, "I've got a complaint," it's -- I think it's entirely appropriate and necessary for me to pass those complaints on. Now, I don't every single time, but I -- you know, I -- people view their -- their moment with the president sometimes as an opportunity to unload their frustrations about how things may be working in their state, or congresspersons how things may be working in their district. And whether it be the attorney general or the secretary of State or other members of my Cabinet, I pass those complaints on at times. And listen, what -- what Al did was -- and what the Justice Department did was appropriate. U.S. attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president. In other words, they're -- they're appointed by the president. They can be removed by the president. What was mishandled was the explanation of the case -- cases -- to the Congress. 13:51:24 the truth of the matter is, we did not discuss the matter of oil
White House - GW Bush Joint News Conference with President Calderon - POOL CUTS / REFEED of BUSH Headon
March 14, 2007 HOST TV: GEORGE W. BUSH & FELIPE CALDERON PRESSER - STIX TRAVEL POOL: JOINT PRESSER CUTS 12:42:31 Bush gladhanding 12:53:30 TRAVEL POOL TAPE CUTS PRESS AVAILABILITY 12:54:26 Bush exiting building 12:55:18 Bush speaking Spanish to media 12:55:32 Presser CUTS 13:07:03 slow push to Bush speaking REFEED / BUSH HEADON PRESS CONFERENCE POOL - HEAD ON 13:12:35 PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In progress) -- as leaders of sovereign nations we have talked in -- (inaudible) -- respectful environment, in a cordial environment about very diverse and complex issues of our bilateral agenda. We coincided in sharing our core responsibility which now more than ever happened to be a shared responsibility. We reiterated our commitment with democracy with the defense and respect of human rights, the promotion of free trade, with the rule of law, security, sustainable development and, in particular, our fight against poverty. From this platform of understanding, we have covered in detail each of the issues of our bilateral agenda. I would like to express my gratitude to President Bush that we have talked so openly the sincerity and respect of both countries that are not only neighbors, but they are pursuing to do what true friends should do. We have talked, for example, about the strengthening of a task force that will be directed to the transition of full trade of sensitive products such as corn and beans. We talked about the need to cover the phenomenon of migration as a factor of prosperity for both nations, orderly migration process, and we acknowledge the effort that President Bush and his administration is doing in order to promote within the Congress a comprehensive migratory reform that will acknowledge the rights of the migrants and workers, that will allow orderly and legal programs for temporary jobs and will allow the reunification of family ties. 13:14:08 We have expressed our concern for protecting and guaranteeing human rights of those who cross the border and about all -- about the enormous relevance of generating in Mexico opportunities that the citizens need for their development. 13:14:28 We shared the need of having a safe border that will close the gates to drugs, arms and terrorism and that will open its doors to trade -- prosperity and trade. Our border should be a tightening and closing point. The border should bring us together and not separate us. For this, we are considering the possibility of establishing new cross points and border bridges that will speed up the transit of goods and people. Both presidents have agreed to coordinate in a better way our actions in order to confront organized crime in both sides of the border. 13:15:04 Mexico and the United States are nations that are joined together n the pursuit for better levels of well-being for its people. We do have the means. And in this meeting, we have seen the political will in order to reach shared goals. I'm fully convinced that from his visit on, we will be able to start a new stage of the relationship that take place between Mexico and the United States. 13:15:37 PRESIDENT BUSH: Gracias. Buenos dias. 13:15:42 Laura and I have had a fascinating trip, and our final stop was a really good one, Mr. President. Glad to be back in Mexico. This is an especially beautiful part of your wonderful country. The hospitality was very generous, and the meals were quite good. (Laughter.) PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In English.) I know. PRESIDENT BUSH: "Estoy jueno" (sp). (Laughter.) 13:16:07 Over the past two days, the president and I have had a very - a series of friendly and very productive meetings. That's what the people of our respective countries expect. They expect people to work out differences in a constructive way. They expect leaders to seize opportunities for the benefit of our respective peoples. And the spirit is -- is very strong to work together. 13:16:41 I appreciate so very much the fact that during our meetings we reaffirmed the values of democracy and transparency that -- and rule of law that guide both our countries. We discussed ways to make our nation safer, both nations safer, and both nations prosperous. 13:17:06 President Calderon is taking a tough stand against organized crime and drugs, and I appreciate that. 13:17:09 I made it very clear to the president that I recognize the United States has a responsibility in the fight against drugs. And one major responsibility is to encourage people to use less drugs. When there is demand, there is supply. And to the extent, Mr. President, that we can continue to make progress to reduce drugs, it'll take pressure off of Mexico. 13:17:43 And so we have a responsibility. Mexico has a responsibility as well, and the president is working hard on that responsibility. And we agreed to -- to work together. Mexico's obviously a sovereign nation, and the president, if he so chooses, like he has, will lay out an agenda where the United States can be a constructive partner. And the other place where we can work together is in the region. And so the president, who is a very strong leader in -- in Central America, for example, will work with the United States and the Central American countries to develop a regional plan, because you can be successful in Mexico, yet the problem could be transferred to the south, in which case we wouldn't have the security we would want. 13:18:29 So, Mr. President, thank you for your leadership on this issue. I'm looking forward to working with you on it. We talked about the economy. My view is, is that when Mexico grows, the United States benefits. And obviously, to the extent, Mr. President, that you're able to put forth your innovative policies, we applaud your efforts. I appreciate so very much some of the innovative ideas that you're putting forward. 13:19:02 As I said last night in the dinner, I appreciate very much the fact that you're focusing development in the south of your country. I -- obviously there's a lot of discussion about trade. People in my country are concerned about trade. People in Mexico are concerned about trade. There are strong protectionist sentiments in the United States. I will work, Mr. President, to reject those rejectionist sentiments because I believe trade is one of the best avenues to help common prosperity. And any time we have trade relations, there will be complications. And I pledged to the president that we would work together to ensure a smooth transition to full trade in dealing with sensitive issues such as corn and beans. 13:19:52 Education is an important issue that is -- for our two countries. And I appreciate your commitment to strong education. The United States can help. I am a big believer in student exchanges between our two nations on both sides of the border. One reason I am is because I think it's important sometimes for people to gain an accurate perception of my country by coming to my country. 13:20:29 I love for the fact that students travel back and forth. Mr. President, this morning I met with some students that are funded through USAID programs, who have come to the United States to take different courses in different subjects and then have come back to Mexico to lend the expertise that they have gained to improve the communities in which they live. This is a vital program that the United States must continue, in my judgment, in order to help people realize the great benefits of education. 13:20:59 We spent a lot of time on the important and sensitive issue of migration. I say "sensitive" because obviously this is an issue that people can use to inflame passions. I say "important" because a good migration law will help both economies and will help the security of both countries. And the reason I say that is that if people can come into our country, for example, on a temporary basis to work, doing jobs Americans aren't doing, they won't have to sneak across the border. And by the way, a system that encourages people to sneak across the border is a system that leads to human rights abuses, it's a system that promotes coyotes and document forgers, it's a system that allows for the exploitation of citizens who are trying to earn a living for their families. 13:22:15 And so, Mr. President, as we discussed, I will work with Congress with members of both political parties to pass immigration law that will enable us to respect the rule of law and at the same time respect humanity in a way that upholds the values of the United States of America. 13:22:44 I appreciate your hospitality. It's been a very warm greeting, Mr. President. I thank you and your good wife for being so kind to Laura and me. I look forward to future conversations. Muchas gracias. 13:23:09 PRESIDENT CALDERON: Gracias. (Off mike.) We'll have a Q&A session now, starting with the Mexican press. Claudia Herrera from La Jornada. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning, president of the United States of America, president of the United Mexican states. PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike.) 13:23:38 Q Good morning. Your visit is coming to an end now. This is the question for President George Bush. At the end of your visit, sir, have you found allies in order to place a counterweight to the initiatives of Hugo Chavez? What commitments did Felipe Calderon take on in order to be a counterweight to these initiatives of Hugo Chavez, on the one hand, and on the other hand, President Felipe Calderon? Foreign Minister Patricia has said that you are working in order to strengthen the relationship with Venezuela. How is this compatible with the commitments that you're taking on with President Bush in order to give thrust to this counterweight in Latin America concerning over Chavez? 13:24:35 PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike) -- question. We spent a lot of time talking about Mexico's role in the world. Mexico is a respected nation. President Calderon is a respected leader. But our conversations focused on democracy and rule of law and prosperity and how to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. We spent time talking about social justice and concern for the poor. 13:25:06 One of the reasons I've come down here again is to remind people in this important part of the world that the United States cares deeply about the human condition. That we spent $1.6 billion of bilateral aid last year, most of the money going to social justice programs. And that doesn't include programs like the one I saw in the highlands of Guatemala where our military was providing basic health care for citizens. So Mr. President and I spent time talking about how to advance a hopeful agenda, one that will lift the spirits of people. And I respect the role Mexico plays. Mexico will lead diplomatic efforts for the common security and common prosperity, and that's an important role. 13:26:03 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. 13:26:45 standup POOL FEED BEGINS AGAIN 13:37:00 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. And certainly the most important relationship with Mexico abroad is the one that we have with the United States, due to the migration that exists, the flows through the borders and all else that you are well aware of. However, Mexico is respectful of the opinions of other leaders. We are respectful of the heads of state of other countries, such as Venezuela and certainly the United States. We are a government that has principles and values, values such as democracy, freedom, liberty and legality and certainly security and safety. 13:38:07 On the other hand, not as a strategy -- this was not something that we focused on as a strategy in our talks. But as a conviction of our government, Mexico has to play a role which is balanced, weighed. And it has to be a leader in Latin America, in agreement with its culture, its history, its economy, its people. We are deeply Latin American, and we too want justice, development, democracy for all of Latin America. That is where we are engaged and we are committed. 13:38:44 We certainly do agree and coincide with other countries, many countries, of course, who coincide and agree with those principles. MODERATOR: On the U.S. side, Roger Runningen with Bloomberg. 13:39:10 Q Thank you. The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that mistakes were made in the firing -- PRESIDENT BUSH: Hold on. Hold on, Roger. (Technical adjustments.) The world wants to hear your voice. Q Thank you. (Laughter.) The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that there were mistakes in the firing of prosecutors. What's his future in your Cabinet? Do you have confidence in him? And more importantly, or just as important, how effective can he be in Congress going forward when he's lost a lot of confidence among Democrats and doesn't have many defenders among Republicans? 13:39:34 PRESIDENT BUSH: Mm-hmm. I do have confidence in Attorney General Al Gonzales. I talked to him this morning, and we talked about his need to go up to Capitol Hill and make it very clear to members in both political parties why the Justice Department made the decisions it made, make it very clear about the facts. 13:39:55 And he's right. Mistakes were made. And I'm frankly not happy about them, because there is a lot of confusion over what really has been a customary practice by the presidents. U.S. attorneys and others serve at the pleasure of the president. Past administrations have removed U.S. attorneys. It's their right to do so. 13:40:30 The Justice Department recommended a list of U.S. attorneys. I believe the reasons why were -- were entirely appropriate. And yet this issue was mishandled to the point now where you're asking me questions about it in Mexico, which is fine. I mean, if I were you, I'd ask the same question. 13:40:48 This is a -- you know, this is an issue that -- and so Al - let me just say, Al was right mistakes were made, and he's going to go up to Capitol Hill to correct them. I appreciate the fact that he's taken some action because any time anybody goes up to Capitol Hill, they've got to make sure they fully understand the facts and how they characterize the issue to members of Congress. And the fact that both Republicans and Democrats feel like that there was a -- you know, not a -- not straightforward communication, troubles me, and it troubles the attorney general. So he took action, and he needs to continue to take action. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning to both presidents. President Bush, I ask you why do Mexicans want to -- why would you think that Mexicans could believe in the reform in migration when for so many years this was not a possibility, nor reality? And what are your chances of coming through with this bill in Congress? And President Calderon, you had lunch with President Fox. Can you tell us what you talked about? PRESIDENT BUSH: They talked about carne. (Laughter.) Excuse me. I wasn't there. (Laughs, laughter.) No, that's a legitimate question, and the question is: Why now? Why do I think something positive can happen? Well, first of all, the legislative process takes a while in the United States. I don't know about Mexico, Mr. President, but sometimes legislators, you know, debate issues for a while before a solution can be achieved. And we had a very -- by the way, we haven't had a serious debate on migration until recently. A law was passed in 1986, and then there really wasn't a serious debate until -- pretty much starting after the year 2000, if my -- if my memory serves me well. I -- I've always known this is an important issue because, as I -- I -- I happen to have been the governor of Texas, and so I'm very comfortable about discussing the issue and have elevated the issue over the past years. And members have Congress have taken the issue very seriously, but it's hard to get legislation out of the Congress on a very complex issue. The -- a lot of Americans were deeply concerned that the United States was not enforcing our laws. They felt like there wasn't a commitment to the rule of law. Over the past year, I believe we have shown the American people that there is a strong commitment to the rule of law. And I think members of Congress are now feeling more comfortable that the country is committed to rule of law, which then makes some more open-minded to my argument. Which is that if we can have migration reform, it will make it less likely somebody will feel like they have to sneak across our border, and therefore take pressure off the border. In other words, security for the country, border security, will be enhanced by a good migration law. And then it will make it easier for us to focus our assets on drugs, terrorists, criminals and guns moving both ways. I feel pretty good about it, I must -- you know, I don't want to predict legislative successes. But I can tell you my mood, and my mood is optimistic. Because the mood in the Congress seems like it has changed from skepticism last year to knowledge that getting a comprehensive bill will be in the nation's interests. 13:45:13 Secondly, I'm optimistic because Republicans in the Senate are working with Democrats in the Senate. We're facilitating that work. The administration is very much involved with helping the senators find common ground to the point where we can move a bill as quickly as possible, out of the Senate so it gets to the House of Representatives. 13:45:43 I'm a -- I'm not a betting man. I don't like to bet, because then I do, I usually lose. But I'm an optimistic man in this case about getting comprehensive reform. And a bill is in the interest of both countries. 13:46:05 PRESIDENT CALDERON: With former President Vicente Fox, whom I like and we have a good friendship, we belong to the same party, I invited him to lunch. We talked for quite a while, talked about matters in a very constructive fashion. And he congratulated us for the work that we've done during these first hundred days. He also said that he had the will to collaborate and cooperate in a respectful fashion with the government for the benefit of Mexicans. I have also met with other former presidents and I'm sure that I will continue to meet with President Fox in the future throughout my administration. TONY SNOW (?): Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. MODERATOR: Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. PRESIDENT BUSH: Here it comes. 13:47:13 Q Thank you, Mr. President, President Calderon. On the dismissal of U.S. attorneys, there have been allegations that political motivations were involved. Is political loyalty to your administration an appropriate factor? And when you talked to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales last year, what did you say and what did you direct him to do? 13:47:30 PRESIDENT BUSH: Thanks, Kelly. I've heard those allegations about, you know, political decision-making. It's just not true. 13:47:44 Secondly, just so you know, I get asked -- I mean, I get complaints all the time from members of Congress on a variety of subjects, Senator -- Senator -- Congressman -- Congressperson So-and- So. 13:47:55 And there -- there is a -- you know, there's occasionally frustration with the -- with the executive branch. And they will pull me aside and say, you know, "Are you aware of this? Are you aware of that?" 13:48:08 And I -- I did receive complaints about U.S. attorneys. I specifically remember one time I went up to the Senate, and senators were talking about the U.S. attorney -- I don't remember specific names being mentioned, but I did -- did say to Al last year -- you're right; last fall -- I said, "Have you heard complaints about AGs? I have." I mean U.S. attorneys. Excuse me. And he said, "I have." But I never, you know, brought up a specific case nor gave him specific instructions. 13:48:48 Q Sir, might he have inferred that you discussing it with him was a need for him to take action? 13:48:55 PRESIDENT BUSH: You're going to have to ask Al that question. But as I say, I discuss with my Cabinet officials complaints I hear. I mean, you know, when members of the Senate come up and say to me, "I've got a complaint," it's -- I think it's entirely appropriate and necessary for me to pass those complaints on. Now, I don't every single time, but I -- you know, I -- people view their -- their moment with the president sometimes as an opportunity to unload their frustrations about how things may be working in their state, or congresspersons how things may be working in their district. And whether it be the attorney general or the secretary of State or other members of my Cabinet, I pass those complaints on at times. And listen, what -- what Al did was -- and what the Justice Department did was appropriate. U.S. attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president. In other words, they're -- they're appointed by the president. They can be removed by the president. What was mishandled was the explanation of the case -- cases -- to the Congress. 13:51:24 the truth of the matter is, we did not discuss the matter of oil
White House - GW Bush Joint News Conference with President Calderon - POOL CUTS / REFEED of BUSH Headon
March 14, 2007 HOST TV: GEORGE W. BUSH & FELIPE CALDERON PRESSER - STIX TRAVEL POOL: JOINT PRESSER CUTS 12:42:31 Bush gladhanding 12:53:30 TRAVEL POOL TAPE CUTS PRESS AVAILABILITY 12:54:26 Bush exiting building 12:55:18 Bush speaking Spanish to media 12:55:32 Presser CUTS 13:07:03 slow push to Bush speaking REFEED / BUSH HEADON PRESS CONFERENCE POOL - HEAD ON 13:12:35 PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In progress) -- as leaders of sovereign nations we have talked in -- (inaudible) -- respectful environment, in a cordial environment about very diverse and complex issues of our bilateral agenda. We coincided in sharing our core responsibility which now more than ever happened to be a shared responsibility. We reiterated our commitment with democracy with the defense and respect of human rights, the promotion of free trade, with the rule of law, security, sustainable development and, in particular, our fight against poverty. From this platform of understanding, we have covered in detail each of the issues of our bilateral agenda. I would like to express my gratitude to President Bush that we have talked so openly the sincerity and respect of both countries that are not only neighbors, but they are pursuing to do what true friends should do. We have talked, for example, about the strengthening of a task force that will be directed to the transition of full trade of sensitive products such as corn and beans. We talked about the need to cover the phenomenon of migration as a factor of prosperity for both nations, orderly migration process, and we acknowledge the effort that President Bush and his administration is doing in order to promote within the Congress a comprehensive migratory reform that will acknowledge the rights of the migrants and workers, that will allow orderly and legal programs for temporary jobs and will allow the reunification of family ties. 13:14:08 We have expressed our concern for protecting and guaranteeing human rights of those who cross the border and about all -- about the enormous relevance of generating in Mexico opportunities that the citizens need for their development. 13:14:28 We shared the need of having a safe border that will close the gates to drugs, arms and terrorism and that will open its doors to trade -- prosperity and trade. Our border should be a tightening and closing point. The border should bring us together and not separate us. For this, we are considering the possibility of establishing new cross points and border bridges that will speed up the transit of goods and people. Both presidents have agreed to coordinate in a better way our actions in order to confront organized crime in both sides of the border. 13:15:04 Mexico and the United States are nations that are joined together n the pursuit for better levels of well-being for its people. We do have the means. And in this meeting, we have seen the political will in order to reach shared goals. I'm fully convinced that from his visit on, we will be able to start a new stage of the relationship that take place between Mexico and the United States. 13:15:37 PRESIDENT BUSH: Gracias. Buenos dias. 13:15:42 Laura and I have had a fascinating trip, and our final stop was a really good one, Mr. President. Glad to be back in Mexico. This is an especially beautiful part of your wonderful country. The hospitality was very generous, and the meals were quite good. (Laughter.) PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In English.) I know. PRESIDENT BUSH: "Estoy jueno" (sp). (Laughter.) 13:16:07 Over the past two days, the president and I have had a very - a series of friendly and very productive meetings. That's what the people of our respective countries expect. They expect people to work out differences in a constructive way. They expect leaders to seize opportunities for the benefit of our respective peoples. And the spirit is -- is very strong to work together. 13:16:41 I appreciate so very much the fact that during our meetings we reaffirmed the values of democracy and transparency that -- and rule of law that guide both our countries. We discussed ways to make our nation safer, both nations safer, and both nations prosperous. 13:17:06 President Calderon is taking a tough stand against organized crime and drugs, and I appreciate that. 13:17:09 I made it very clear to the president that I recognize the United States has a responsibility in the fight against drugs. And one major responsibility is to encourage people to use less drugs. When there is demand, there is supply. And to the extent, Mr. President, that we can continue to make progress to reduce drugs, it'll take pressure off of Mexico. 13:17:43 And so we have a responsibility. Mexico has a responsibility as well, and the president is working hard on that responsibility. And we agreed to -- to work together. Mexico's obviously a sovereign nation, and the president, if he so chooses, like he has, will lay out an agenda where the United States can be a constructive partner. And the other place where we can work together is in the region. And so the president, who is a very strong leader in -- in Central America, for example, will work with the United States and the Central American countries to develop a regional plan, because you can be successful in Mexico, yet the problem could be transferred to the south, in which case we wouldn't have the security we would want. 13:18:29 So, Mr. President, thank you for your leadership on this issue. I'm looking forward to working with you on it. We talked about the economy. My view is, is that when Mexico grows, the United States benefits. And obviously, to the extent, Mr. President, that you're able to put forth your innovative policies, we applaud your efforts. I appreciate so very much some of the innovative ideas that you're putting forward. 13:19:02 As I said last night in the dinner, I appreciate very much the fact that you're focusing development in the south of your country. I -- obviously there's a lot of discussion about trade. People in my country are concerned about trade. People in Mexico are concerned about trade. There are strong protectionist sentiments in the United States. I will work, Mr. President, to reject those rejectionist sentiments because I believe trade is one of the best avenues to help common prosperity. And any time we have trade relations, there will be complications. And I pledged to the president that we would work together to ensure a smooth transition to full trade in dealing with sensitive issues such as corn and beans. 13:19:52 Education is an important issue that is -- for our two countries. And I appreciate your commitment to strong education. The United States can help. I am a big believer in student exchanges between our two nations on both sides of the border. One reason I am is because I think it's important sometimes for people to gain an accurate perception of my country by coming to my country. 13:20:29 I love for the fact that students travel back and forth. Mr. President, this morning I met with some students that are funded through USAID programs, who have come to the United States to take different courses in different subjects and then have come back to Mexico to lend the expertise that they have gained to improve the communities in which they live. This is a vital program that the United States must continue, in my judgment, in order to help people realize the great benefits of education. 13:20:59 We spent a lot of time on the important and sensitive issue of migration. I say "sensitive" because obviously this is an issue that people can use to inflame passions. I say "important" because a good migration law will help both economies and will help the security of both countries. And the reason I say that is that if people can come into our country, for example, on a temporary basis to work, doing jobs Americans aren't doing, they won't have to sneak across the border. And by the way, a system that encourages people to sneak across the border is a system that leads to human rights abuses, it's a system that promotes coyotes and document forgers, it's a system that allows for the exploitation of citizens who are trying to earn a living for their families. 13:22:15 And so, Mr. President, as we discussed, I will work with Congress with members of both political parties to pass immigration law that will enable us to respect the rule of law and at the same time respect humanity in a way that upholds the values of the United States of America. 13:22:44 I appreciate your hospitality. It's been a very warm greeting, Mr. President. I thank you and your good wife for being so kind to Laura and me. I look forward to future conversations. Muchas gracias. 13:23:09 PRESIDENT CALDERON: Gracias. (Off mike.) We'll have a Q&A session now, starting with the Mexican press. Claudia Herrera from La Jornada. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning, president of the United States of America, president of the United Mexican states. PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike.) 13:23:38 Q Good morning. Your visit is coming to an end now. This is the question for President George Bush. At the end of your visit, sir, have you found allies in order to place a counterweight to the initiatives of Hugo Chavez? What commitments did Felipe Calderon take on in order to be a counterweight to these initiatives of Hugo Chavez, on the one hand, and on the other hand, President Felipe Calderon? Foreign Minister Patricia has said that you are working in order to strengthen the relationship with Venezuela. How is this compatible with the commitments that you're taking on with President Bush in order to give thrust to this counterweight in Latin America concerning over Chavez? 13:24:35 PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike) -- question. We spent a lot of time talking about Mexico's role in the world. Mexico is a respected nation. President Calderon is a respected leader. But our conversations focused on democracy and rule of law and prosperity and how to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. We spent time talking about social justice and concern for the poor. 13:25:06 One of the reasons I've come down here again is to remind people in this important part of the world that the United States cares deeply about the human condition. That we spent $1.6 billion of bilateral aid last year, most of the money going to social justice programs. And that doesn't include programs like the one I saw in the highlands of Guatemala where our military was providing basic health care for citizens. So Mr. President and I spent time talking about how to advance a hopeful agenda, one that will lift the spirits of people. And I respect the role Mexico plays. Mexico will lead diplomatic efforts for the common security and common prosperity, and that's an important role. 13:26:03 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. 13:26:45 standup POOL FEED BEGINS AGAIN 13:37:00 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. And certainly the most important relationship with Mexico abroad is the one that we have with the United States, due to the migration that exists, the flows through the borders and all else that you are well aware of. However, Mexico is respectful of the opinions of other leaders. We are respectful of the heads of state of other countries, such as Venezuela and certainly the United States. We are a government that has principles and values, values such as democracy, freedom, liberty and legality and certainly security and safety. 13:38:07 On the other hand, not as a strategy -- this was not something that we focused on as a strategy in our talks. But as a conviction of our government, Mexico has to play a role which is balanced, weighed. And it has to be a leader in Latin America, in agreement with its culture, its history, its economy, its people. We are deeply Latin American, and we too want justice, development, democracy for all of Latin America. That is where we are engaged and we are committed. 13:38:44 We certainly do agree and coincide with other countries, many countries, of course, who coincide and agree with those principles. MODERATOR: On the U.S. side, Roger Runningen with Bloomberg. 13:39:10 Q Thank you. The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that mistakes were made in the firing -- PRESIDENT BUSH: Hold on. Hold on, Roger. (Technical adjustments.) The world wants to hear your voice. Q Thank you. (Laughter.) The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that there were mistakes in the firing of prosecutors. What's his future in your Cabinet? Do you have confidence in him? And more importantly, or just as important, how effective can he be in Congress going forward when he's lost a lot of confidence among Democrats and doesn't have many defenders among Republicans? 13:39:34 PRESIDENT BUSH: Mm-hmm. I do have confidence in Attorney General Al Gonzales. I talked to him this morning, and we talked about his need to go up to Capitol Hill and make it very clear to members in both political parties why the Justice Department made the decisions it made, make it very clear about the facts. 13:39:55 And he's right. Mistakes were made. And I'm frankly not happy about them, because there is a lot of confusion over what really has been a customary practice by the presidents. U.S. attorneys and others serve at the pleasure of the president. Past administrations have removed U.S. attorneys. It's their right to do so. 13:40:30 The Justice Department recommended a list of U.S. attorneys. I believe the reasons why were -- were entirely appropriate. And yet this issue was mishandled to the point now where you're asking me questions about it in Mexico, which is fine. I mean, if I were you, I'd ask the same question. 13:40:48 This is a -- you know, this is an issue that -- and so Al - let me just say, Al was right mistakes were made, and he's going to go up to Capitol Hill to correct them. I appreciate the fact that he's taken some action because any time anybody goes up to Capitol Hill, they've got to make sure they fully understand the facts and how they characterize the issue to members of Congress. And the fact that both Republicans and Democrats feel like that there was a -- you know, not a -- not straightforward communication, troubles me, and it troubles the attorney general. So he took action, and he needs to continue to take action. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning to both presidents. President Bush, I ask you why do Mexicans want to -- why would you think that Mexicans could believe in the reform in migration when for so many years this was not a possibility, nor reality? And what are your chances of coming through with this bill in Congress? And President Calderon, you had lunch with President Fox. Can you tell us what you talked about? PRESIDENT BUSH: They talked about carne. (Laughter.) Excuse me. I wasn't there. (Laughs, laughter.) No, that's a legitimate question, and the question is: Why now? Why do I think something positive can happen? Well, first of all, the legislative process takes a while in the United States. I don't know about Mexico, Mr. President, but sometimes legislators, you know, debate issues for a while before a solution can be achieved. And we had a very -- by the way, we haven't had a serious debate on migration until recently. A law was passed in 1986, and then there really wasn't a serious debate until -- pretty much starting after the year 2000, if my -- if my memory serves me well. I -- I've always known this is an important issue because, as I -- I -- I happen to have been the governor of Texas, and so I'm very comfortable about discussing the issue and have elevated the issue over the past years. And members have Congress have taken the issue very seriously, but it's hard to get legislation out of the Congress on a very complex issue. The -- a lot of Americans were deeply concerned that the United States was not enforcing our laws. They felt like there wasn't a commitment to the rule of law. Over the past year, I believe we have shown the American people that there is a strong commitment to the rule of law. And I think members of Congress are now feeling more comfortable that the country is committed to rule of law, which then makes some more open-minded to my argument. Which is that if we can have migration reform, it will make it less likely somebody will feel like they have to sneak across our border, and therefore take pressure off the border. In other words, security for the country, border security, will be enhanced by a good migration law. And then it will make it easier for us to focus our assets on drugs, terrorists, criminals and guns moving both ways. I feel pretty good about it, I must -- you know, I don't want to predict legislative successes. But I can tell you my mood, and my mood is optimistic. Because the mood in the Congress seems like it has changed from skepticism last year to knowledge that getting a comprehensive bill will be in the nation's interests. 13:45:13 Secondly, I'm optimistic because Republicans in the Senate are working with Democrats in the Senate. We're facilitating that work. The administration is very much involved with helping the senators find common ground to the point where we can move a bill as quickly as possible, out of the Senate so it gets to the House of Representatives. 13:45:43 I'm a -- I'm not a betting man. I don't like to bet, because then I do, I usually lose. But I'm an optimistic man in this case about getting comprehensive reform. And a bill is in the interest of both countries. 13:46:05 PRESIDENT CALDERON: With former President Vicente Fox, whom I like and we have a good friendship, we belong to the same party, I invited him to lunch. We talked for quite a while, talked about matters in a very constructive fashion. And he congratulated us for the work that we've done during these first hundred days. He also said that he had the will to collaborate and cooperate in a respectful fashion with the government for the benefit of Mexicans. I have also met with other former presidents and I'm sure that I will continue to meet with President Fox in the future throughout my administration. TONY SNOW (?): Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. MODERATOR: Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. PRESIDENT BUSH: Here it comes. 13:47:13 Q Thank you, Mr. President, President Calderon. On the dismissal of U.S. attorneys, there have been allegations that political motivations were involved. Is political loyalty to your administration an appropriate factor? And when you talked to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales last year, what did you say and what did you direct him to do? 13:47:30 PRESIDENT BUSH: Thanks, Kelly. I've heard those allegations about, you know, political decision-making. It's just not true. 13:47:44 Secondly, just so you know, I get asked -- I mean, I get complaints all the time from members of Congress on a variety of subjects, Senator -- Senator -- Congressman -- Congressperson So-and- So. 13:47:55 And there -- there is a -- you know, there's occasionally frustration with the -- with the executive branch. And they will pull me aside and say, you know, "Are you aware of this? Are you aware of that?" 13:48:08 And I -- I did receive complaints about U.S. attorneys. I specifically remember one time I went up to the Senate, and senators were talking about the U.S. attorney -- I don't remember specific names being mentioned, but I did -- did say to Al last year -- you're right; last fall -- I said, "Have you heard complaints about AGs? I have." I mean U.S. attorneys. Excuse me. And he said, "I have." But I never, you know, brought up a specific case nor gave him specific instructions. 13:48:48 Q Sir, might he have inferred that you discussing it with him was a need for him to take action? 13:48:55 PRESIDENT BUSH: You're going to have to ask Al that question. But as I say, I discuss with my Cabinet officials complaints I hear. I mean, you know, when members of the Senate come up and say to me, "I've got a complaint," it's -- I think it's entirely appropriate and necessary for me to pass those complaints on. Now, I don't every single time, but I -- you know, I -- people view their -- their moment with the president sometimes as an opportunity to unload their frustrations about how things may be working in their state, or congresspersons how things may be working in their district. And whether it be the attorney general or the secretary of State or other members of my Cabinet, I pass those complaints on at times. And listen, what -- what Al did was -- and what the Justice Department did was appropriate. U.S. attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president. In other words, they're -- they're appointed by the president. They can be removed by the president. What was mishandled was the explanation of the case -- cases -- to the Congress. 13:51:24 the truth of the matter is, we did not discuss the matter of oil
White House - GW Bush Joint News Conference with President Calderon - POOL CUTS / REFEED of BUSH Headon
March 14, 2007 HOST TV: GEORGE W. BUSH & FELIPE CALDERON PRESSER - STIX TRAVEL POOL: JOINT PRESSER CUTS 12:42:31 Bush gladhanding 12:53:30 TRAVEL POOL TAPE CUTS PRESS AVAILABILITY 12:54:26 Bush exiting building 12:55:18 Bush speaking Spanish to media 12:55:32 Presser CUTS 13:07:03 slow push to Bush speaking REFEED / BUSH HEADON PRESS CONFERENCE POOL - HEAD ON 13:12:35 PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In progress) -- as leaders of sovereign nations we have talked in -- (inaudible) -- respectful environment, in a cordial environment about very diverse and complex issues of our bilateral agenda. We coincided in sharing our core responsibility which now more than ever happened to be a shared responsibility. We reiterated our commitment with democracy with the defense and respect of human rights, the promotion of free trade, with the rule of law, security, sustainable development and, in particular, our fight against poverty. From this platform of understanding, we have covered in detail each of the issues of our bilateral agenda. I would like to express my gratitude to President Bush that we have talked so openly the sincerity and respect of both countries that are not only neighbors, but they are pursuing to do what true friends should do. We have talked, for example, about the strengthening of a task force that will be directed to the transition of full trade of sensitive products such as corn and beans. We talked about the need to cover the phenomenon of migration as a factor of prosperity for both nations, orderly migration process, and we acknowledge the effort that President Bush and his administration is doing in order to promote within the Congress a comprehensive migratory reform that will acknowledge the rights of the migrants and workers, that will allow orderly and legal programs for temporary jobs and will allow the reunification of family ties. 13:14:08 We have expressed our concern for protecting and guaranteeing human rights of those who cross the border and about all -- about the enormous relevance of generating in Mexico opportunities that the citizens need for their development. 13:14:28 We shared the need of having a safe border that will close the gates to drugs, arms and terrorism and that will open its doors to trade -- prosperity and trade. Our border should be a tightening and closing point. The border should bring us together and not separate us. For this, we are considering the possibility of establishing new cross points and border bridges that will speed up the transit of goods and people. Both presidents have agreed to coordinate in a better way our actions in order to confront organized crime in both sides of the border. 13:15:04 Mexico and the United States are nations that are joined together n the pursuit for better levels of well-being for its people. We do have the means. And in this meeting, we have seen the political will in order to reach shared goals. I'm fully convinced that from his visit on, we will be able to start a new stage of the relationship that take place between Mexico and the United States. 13:15:37 PRESIDENT BUSH: Gracias. Buenos dias. 13:15:42 Laura and I have had a fascinating trip, and our final stop was a really good one, Mr. President. Glad to be back in Mexico. This is an especially beautiful part of your wonderful country. The hospitality was very generous, and the meals were quite good. (Laughter.) PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In English.) I know. PRESIDENT BUSH: "Estoy jueno" (sp). (Laughter.) 13:16:07 Over the past two days, the president and I have had a very - a series of friendly and very productive meetings. That's what the people of our respective countries expect. They expect people to work out differences in a constructive way. They expect leaders to seize opportunities for the benefit of our respective peoples. And the spirit is -- is very strong to work together. 13:16:41 I appreciate so very much the fact that during our meetings we reaffirmed the values of democracy and transparency that -- and rule of law that guide both our countries. We discussed ways to make our nation safer, both nations safer, and both nations prosperous. 13:17:06 President Calderon is taking a tough stand against organized crime and drugs, and I appreciate that. 13:17:09 I made it very clear to the president that I recognize the United States has a responsibility in the fight against drugs. And one major responsibility is to encourage people to use less drugs. When there is demand, there is supply. And to the extent, Mr. President, that we can continue to make progress to reduce drugs, it'll take pressure off of Mexico. 13:17:43 And so we have a responsibility. Mexico has a responsibility as well, and the president is working hard on that responsibility. And we agreed to -- to work together. Mexico's obviously a sovereign nation, and the president, if he so chooses, like he has, will lay out an agenda where the United States can be a constructive partner. And the other place where we can work together is in the region. And so the president, who is a very strong leader in -- in Central America, for example, will work with the United States and the Central American countries to develop a regional plan, because you can be successful in Mexico, yet the problem could be transferred to the south, in which case we wouldn't have the security we would want. 13:18:29 So, Mr. President, thank you for your leadership on this issue. I'm looking forward to working with you on it. We talked about the economy. My view is, is that when Mexico grows, the United States benefits. And obviously, to the extent, Mr. President, that you're able to put forth your innovative policies, we applaud your efforts. I appreciate so very much some of the innovative ideas that you're putting forward. 13:19:02 As I said last night in the dinner, I appreciate very much the fact that you're focusing development in the south of your country. I -- obviously there's a lot of discussion about trade. People in my country are concerned about trade. People in Mexico are concerned about trade. There are strong protectionist sentiments in the United States. I will work, Mr. President, to reject those rejectionist sentiments because I believe trade is one of the best avenues to help common prosperity. And any time we have trade relations, there will be complications. And I pledged to the president that we would work together to ensure a smooth transition to full trade in dealing with sensitive issues such as corn and beans. 13:19:52 Education is an important issue that is -- for our two countries. And I appreciate your commitment to strong education. The United States can help. I am a big believer in student exchanges between our two nations on both sides of the border. One reason I am is because I think it's important sometimes for people to gain an accurate perception of my country by coming to my country. 13:20:29 I love for the fact that students travel back and forth. Mr. President, this morning I met with some students that are funded through USAID programs, who have come to the United States to take different courses in different subjects and then have come back to Mexico to lend the expertise that they have gained to improve the communities in which they live. This is a vital program that the United States must continue, in my judgment, in order to help people realize the great benefits of education. 13:20:59 We spent a lot of time on the important and sensitive issue of migration. I say "sensitive" because obviously this is an issue that people can use to inflame passions. I say "important" because a good migration law will help both economies and will help the security of both countries. And the reason I say that is that if people can come into our country, for example, on a temporary basis to work, doing jobs Americans aren't doing, they won't have to sneak across the border. And by the way, a system that encourages people to sneak across the border is a system that leads to human rights abuses, it's a system that promotes coyotes and document forgers, it's a system that allows for the exploitation of citizens who are trying to earn a living for their families. 13:22:15 And so, Mr. President, as we discussed, I will work with Congress with members of both political parties to pass immigration law that will enable us to respect the rule of law and at the same time respect humanity in a way that upholds the values of the United States of America. 13:22:44 I appreciate your hospitality. It's been a very warm greeting, Mr. President. I thank you and your good wife for being so kind to Laura and me. I look forward to future conversations. Muchas gracias. 13:23:09 PRESIDENT CALDERON: Gracias. (Off mike.) We'll have a Q&A session now, starting with the Mexican press. Claudia Herrera from La Jornada. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning, president of the United States of America, president of the United Mexican states. PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike.) 13:23:38 Q Good morning. Your visit is coming to an end now. This is the question for President George Bush. At the end of your visit, sir, have you found allies in order to place a counterweight to the initiatives of Hugo Chavez? What commitments did Felipe Calderon take on in order to be a counterweight to these initiatives of Hugo Chavez, on the one hand, and on the other hand, President Felipe Calderon? Foreign Minister Patricia has said that you are working in order to strengthen the relationship with Venezuela. How is this compatible with the commitments that you're taking on with President Bush in order to give thrust to this counterweight in Latin America concerning over Chavez? 13:24:35 PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike) -- question. We spent a lot of time talking about Mexico's role in the world. Mexico is a respected nation. President Calderon is a respected leader. But our conversations focused on democracy and rule of law and prosperity and how to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. We spent time talking about social justice and concern for the poor. 13:25:06 One of the reasons I've come down here again is to remind people in this important part of the world that the United States cares deeply about the human condition. That we spent $1.6 billion of bilateral aid last year, most of the money going to social justice programs. And that doesn't include programs like the one I saw in the highlands of Guatemala where our military was providing basic health care for citizens. So Mr. President and I spent time talking about how to advance a hopeful agenda, one that will lift the spirits of people. And I respect the role Mexico plays. Mexico will lead diplomatic efforts for the common security and common prosperity, and that's an important role. 13:26:03 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. 13:26:45 standup POOL FEED BEGINS AGAIN 13:37:00 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. And certainly the most important relationship with Mexico abroad is the one that we have with the United States, due to the migration that exists, the flows through the borders and all else that you are well aware of. However, Mexico is respectful of the opinions of other leaders. We are respectful of the heads of state of other countries, such as Venezuela and certainly the United States. We are a government that has principles and values, values such as democracy, freedom, liberty and legality and certainly security and safety. 13:38:07 On the other hand, not as a strategy -- this was not something that we focused on as a strategy in our talks. But as a conviction of our government, Mexico has to play a role which is balanced, weighed. And it has to be a leader in Latin America, in agreement with its culture, its history, its economy, its people. We are deeply Latin American, and we too want justice, development, democracy for all of Latin America. That is where we are engaged and we are committed. 13:38:44 We certainly do agree and coincide with other countries, many countries, of course, who coincide and agree with those principles. MODERATOR: On the U.S. side, Roger Runningen with Bloomberg. 13:39:10 Q Thank you. The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that mistakes were made in the firing -- PRESIDENT BUSH: Hold on. Hold on, Roger. (Technical adjustments.) The world wants to hear your voice. Q Thank you. (Laughter.) The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that there were mistakes in the firing of prosecutors. What's his future in your Cabinet? Do you have confidence in him? And more importantly, or just as important, how effective can he be in Congress going forward when he's lost a lot of confidence among Democrats and doesn't have many defenders among Republicans? 13:39:34 PRESIDENT BUSH: Mm-hmm. I do have confidence in Attorney General Al Gonzales. I talked to him this morning, and we talked about his need to go up to Capitol Hill and make it very clear to members in both political parties why the Justice Department made the decisions it made, make it very clear about the facts. 13:39:55 And he's right. Mistakes were made. And I'm frankly not happy about them, because there is a lot of confusion over what really has been a customary practice by the presidents. U.S. attorneys and others serve at the pleasure of the president. Past administrations have removed U.S. attorneys. It's their right to do so. 13:40:30 The Justice Department recommended a list of U.S. attorneys. I believe the reasons why were -- were entirely appropriate. And yet this issue was mishandled to the point now where you're asking me questions about it in Mexico, which is fine. I mean, if I were you, I'd ask the same question. 13:40:48 This is a -- you know, this is an issue that -- and so Al - let me just say, Al was right mistakes were made, and he's going to go up to Capitol Hill to correct them. I appreciate the fact that he's taken some action because any time anybody goes up to Capitol Hill, they've got to make sure they fully understand the facts and how they characterize the issue to members of Congress. And the fact that both Republicans and Democrats feel like that there was a -- you know, not a -- not straightforward communication, troubles me, and it troubles the attorney general. So he took action, and he needs to continue to take action. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning to both presidents. President Bush, I ask you why do Mexicans want to -- why would you think that Mexicans could believe in the reform in migration when for so many years this was not a possibility, nor reality? And what are your chances of coming through with this bill in Congress? And President Calderon, you had lunch with President Fox. Can you tell us what you talked about? PRESIDENT BUSH: They talked about carne. (Laughter.) Excuse me. I wasn't there. (Laughs, laughter.) No, that's a legitimate question, and the question is: Why now? Why do I think something positive can happen? Well, first of all, the legislative process takes a while in the United States. I don't know about Mexico, Mr. President, but sometimes legislators, you know, debate issues for a while before a solution can be achieved. And we had a very -- by the way, we haven't had a serious debate on migration until recently. A law was passed in 1986, and then there really wasn't a serious debate until -- pretty much starting after the year 2000, if my -- if my memory serves me well. I -- I've always known this is an important issue because, as I -- I -- I happen to have been the governor of Texas, and so I'm very comfortable about discussing the issue and have elevated the issue over the past years. And members have Congress have taken the issue very seriously, but it's hard to get legislation out of the Congress on a very complex issue. The -- a lot of Americans were deeply concerned that the United States was not enforcing our laws. They felt like there wasn't a commitment to the rule of law. Over the past year, I believe we have shown the American people that there is a strong commitment to the rule of law. And I think members of Congress are now feeling more comfortable that the country is committed to rule of law, which then makes some more open-minded to my argument. Which is that if we can have migration reform, it will make it less likely somebody will feel like they have to sneak across our border, and therefore take pressure off the border. In other words, security for the country, border security, will be enhanced by a good migration law. And then it will make it easier for us to focus our assets on drugs, terrorists, criminals and guns moving both ways. I feel pretty good about it, I must -- you know, I don't want to predict legislative successes. But I can tell you my mood, and my mood is optimistic. Because the mood in the Congress seems like it has changed from skepticism last year to knowledge that getting a comprehensive bill will be in the nation's interests. 13:45:13 Secondly, I'm optimistic because Republicans in the Senate are working with Democrats in the Senate. We're facilitating that work. The administration is very much involved with helping the senators find common ground to the point where we can move a bill as quickly as possible, out of the Senate so it gets to the House of Representatives. 13:45:43 I'm a -- I'm not a betting man. I don't like to bet, because then I do, I usually lose. But I'm an optimistic man in this case about getting comprehensive reform. And a bill is in the interest of both countries. 13:46:05 PRESIDENT CALDERON: With former President Vicente Fox, whom I like and we have a good friendship, we belong to the same party, I invited him to lunch. We talked for quite a while, talked about matters in a very constructive fashion. And he congratulated us for the work that we've done during these first hundred days. He also said that he had the will to collaborate and cooperate in a respectful fashion with the government for the benefit of Mexicans. I have also met with other former presidents and I'm sure that I will continue to meet with President Fox in the future throughout my administration. TONY SNOW (?): Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. MODERATOR: Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. PRESIDENT BUSH: Here it comes. 13:47:13 Q Thank you, Mr. President, President Calderon. On the dismissal of U.S. attorneys, there have been allegations that political motivations were involved. Is political loyalty to your administration an appropriate factor? And when you talked to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales last year, what did you say and what did you direct him to do? 13:47:30 PRESIDENT BUSH: Thanks, Kelly. I've heard those allegations about, you know, political decision-making. It's just not true. 13:47:44 Secondly, just so you know, I get asked -- I mean, I get complaints all the time from members of Congress on a variety of subjects, Senator -- Senator -- Congressman -- Congressperson So-and- So. 13:47:55 And there -- there is a -- you know, there's occasionally frustration with the -- with the executive branch. And they will pull me aside and say, you know, "Are you aware of this? Are you aware of that?" 13:48:08 And I -- I did receive complaints about U.S. attorneys. I specifically remember one time I went up to the Senate, and senators were talking about the U.S. attorney -- I don't remember specific names being mentioned, but I did -- did say to Al last year -- you're right; last fall -- I said, "Have you heard complaints about AGs? I have." I mean U.S. attorneys. Excuse me. And he said, "I have." But I never, you know, brought up a specific case nor gave him specific instructions. 13:48:48 Q Sir, might he have inferred that you discussing it with him was a need for him to take action? 13:48:55 PRESIDENT BUSH: You're going to have to ask Al that question. But as I say, I discuss with my Cabinet officials complaints I hear. I mean, you know, when members of the Senate come up and say to me, "I've got a complaint," it's -- I think it's entirely appropriate and necessary for me to pass those complaints on. Now, I don't every single time, but I -- you know, I -- people view their -- their moment with the president sometimes as an opportunity to unload their frustrations about how things may be working in their state, or congresspersons how things may be working in their district. And whether it be the attorney general or the secretary of State or other members of my Cabinet, I pass those complaints on at times. And listen, what -- what Al did was -- and what the Justice Department did was appropriate. U.S. attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president. In other words, they're -- they're appointed by the president. They can be removed by the president. What was mishandled was the explanation of the case -- cases -- to the Congress. 13:51:24 the truth of the matter is, we did not discuss the matter of oil
White House - GW Bush Joint News Conference with President Calderon - POOL CUTS / REFEED of BUSH Headon
March 14, 2007 HOST TV: GEORGE W. BUSH & FELIPE CALDERON PRESSER - STIX TRAVEL POOL: JOINT PRESSER CUTS 12:42:31 Bush gladhanding 12:53:30 TRAVEL POOL TAPE CUTS PRESS AVAILABILITY 12:54:26 Bush exiting building 12:55:18 Bush speaking Spanish to media 12:55:32 Presser CUTS 13:07:03 slow push to Bush speaking REFEED / BUSH HEADON PRESS CONFERENCE POOL - HEAD ON 13:12:35 PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In progress) -- as leaders of sovereign nations we have talked in -- (inaudible) -- respectful environment, in a cordial environment about very diverse and complex issues of our bilateral agenda. We coincided in sharing our core responsibility which now more than ever happened to be a shared responsibility. We reiterated our commitment with democracy with the defense and respect of human rights, the promotion of free trade, with the rule of law, security, sustainable development and, in particular, our fight against poverty. From this platform of understanding, we have covered in detail each of the issues of our bilateral agenda. I would like to express my gratitude to President Bush that we have talked so openly the sincerity and respect of both countries that are not only neighbors, but they are pursuing to do what true friends should do. We have talked, for example, about the strengthening of a task force that will be directed to the transition of full trade of sensitive products such as corn and beans. We talked about the need to cover the phenomenon of migration as a factor of prosperity for both nations, orderly migration process, and we acknowledge the effort that President Bush and his administration is doing in order to promote within the Congress a comprehensive migratory reform that will acknowledge the rights of the migrants and workers, that will allow orderly and legal programs for temporary jobs and will allow the reunification of family ties. 13:14:08 We have expressed our concern for protecting and guaranteeing human rights of those who cross the border and about all -- about the enormous relevance of generating in Mexico opportunities that the citizens need for their development. 13:14:28 We shared the need of having a safe border that will close the gates to drugs, arms and terrorism and that will open its doors to trade -- prosperity and trade. Our border should be a tightening and closing point. The border should bring us together and not separate us. For this, we are considering the possibility of establishing new cross points and border bridges that will speed up the transit of goods and people. Both presidents have agreed to coordinate in a better way our actions in order to confront organized crime in both sides of the border. 13:15:04 Mexico and the United States are nations that are joined together n the pursuit for better levels of well-being for its people. We do have the means. And in this meeting, we have seen the political will in order to reach shared goals. I'm fully convinced that from his visit on, we will be able to start a new stage of the relationship that take place between Mexico and the United States. 13:15:37 PRESIDENT BUSH: Gracias. Buenos dias. 13:15:42 Laura and I have had a fascinating trip, and our final stop was a really good one, Mr. President. Glad to be back in Mexico. This is an especially beautiful part of your wonderful country. The hospitality was very generous, and the meals were quite good. (Laughter.) PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In English.) I know. PRESIDENT BUSH: "Estoy jueno" (sp). (Laughter.) 13:16:07 Over the past two days, the president and I have had a very - a series of friendly and very productive meetings. That's what the people of our respective countries expect. They expect people to work out differences in a constructive way. They expect leaders to seize opportunities for the benefit of our respective peoples. And the spirit is -- is very strong to work together. 13:16:41 I appreciate so very much the fact that during our meetings we reaffirmed the values of democracy and transparency that -- and rule of law that guide both our countries. We discussed ways to make our nation safer, both nations safer, and both nations prosperous. 13:17:06 President Calderon is taking a tough stand against organized crime and drugs, and I appreciate that. 13:17:09 I made it very clear to the president that I recognize the United States has a responsibility in the fight against drugs. And one major responsibility is to encourage people to use less drugs. When there is demand, there is supply. And to the extent, Mr. President, that we can continue to make progress to reduce drugs, it'll take pressure off of Mexico. 13:17:43 And so we have a responsibility. Mexico has a responsibility as well, and the president is working hard on that responsibility. And we agreed to -- to work together. Mexico's obviously a sovereign nation, and the president, if he so chooses, like he has, will lay out an agenda where the United States can be a constructive partner. And the other place where we can work together is in the region. And so the president, who is a very strong leader in -- in Central America, for example, will work with the United States and the Central American countries to develop a regional plan, because you can be successful in Mexico, yet the problem could be transferred to the south, in which case we wouldn't have the security we would want. 13:18:29 So, Mr. President, thank you for your leadership on this issue. I'm looking forward to working with you on it. We talked about the economy. My view is, is that when Mexico grows, the United States benefits. And obviously, to the extent, Mr. President, that you're able to put forth your innovative policies, we applaud your efforts. I appreciate so very much some of the innovative ideas that you're putting forward. 13:19:02 As I said last night in the dinner, I appreciate very much the fact that you're focusing development in the south of your country. I -- obviously there's a lot of discussion about trade. People in my country are concerned about trade. People in Mexico are concerned about trade. There are strong protectionist sentiments in the United States. I will work, Mr. President, to reject those rejectionist sentiments because I believe trade is one of the best avenues to help common prosperity. And any time we have trade relations, there will be complications. And I pledged to the president that we would work together to ensure a smooth transition to full trade in dealing with sensitive issues such as corn and beans. 13:19:52 Education is an important issue that is -- for our two countries. And I appreciate your commitment to strong education. The United States can help. I am a big believer in student exchanges between our two nations on both sides of the border. One reason I am is because I think it's important sometimes for people to gain an accurate perception of my country by coming to my country. 13:20:29 I love for the fact that students travel back and forth. Mr. President, this morning I met with some students that are funded through USAID programs, who have come to the United States to take different courses in different subjects and then have come back to Mexico to lend the expertise that they have gained to improve the communities in which they live. This is a vital program that the United States must continue, in my judgment, in order to help people realize the great benefits of education. 13:20:59 We spent a lot of time on the important and sensitive issue of migration. I say "sensitive" because obviously this is an issue that people can use to inflame passions. I say "important" because a good migration law will help both economies and will help the security of both countries. And the reason I say that is that if people can come into our country, for example, on a temporary basis to work, doing jobs Americans aren't doing, they won't have to sneak across the border. And by the way, a system that encourages people to sneak across the border is a system that leads to human rights abuses, it's a system that promotes coyotes and document forgers, it's a system that allows for the exploitation of citizens who are trying to earn a living for their families. 13:22:15 And so, Mr. President, as we discussed, I will work with Congress with members of both political parties to pass immigration law that will enable us to respect the rule of law and at the same time respect humanity in a way that upholds the values of the United States of America. 13:22:44 I appreciate your hospitality. It's been a very warm greeting, Mr. President. I thank you and your good wife for being so kind to Laura and me. I look forward to future conversations. Muchas gracias. 13:23:09 PRESIDENT CALDERON: Gracias. (Off mike.) We'll have a Q&A session now, starting with the Mexican press. Claudia Herrera from La Jornada. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning, president of the United States of America, president of the United Mexican states. PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike.) 13:23:38 Q Good morning. Your visit is coming to an end now. This is the question for President George Bush. At the end of your visit, sir, have you found allies in order to place a counterweight to the initiatives of Hugo Chavez? What commitments did Felipe Calderon take on in order to be a counterweight to these initiatives of Hugo Chavez, on the one hand, and on the other hand, President Felipe Calderon? Foreign Minister Patricia has said that you are working in order to strengthen the relationship with Venezuela. How is this compatible with the commitments that you're taking on with President Bush in order to give thrust to this counterweight in Latin America concerning over Chavez? 13:24:35 PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike) -- question. We spent a lot of time talking about Mexico's role in the world. Mexico is a respected nation. President Calderon is a respected leader. But our conversations focused on democracy and rule of law and prosperity and how to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. We spent time talking about social justice and concern for the poor. 13:25:06 One of the reasons I've come down here again is to remind people in this important part of the world that the United States cares deeply about the human condition. That we spent $1.6 billion of bilateral aid last year, most of the money going to social justice programs. And that doesn't include programs like the one I saw in the highlands of Guatemala where our military was providing basic health care for citizens. So Mr. President and I spent time talking about how to advance a hopeful agenda, one that will lift the spirits of people. And I respect the role Mexico plays. Mexico will lead diplomatic efforts for the common security and common prosperity, and that's an important role. 13:26:03 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. 13:26:45 standup POOL FEED BEGINS AGAIN 13:37:00 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. And certainly the most important relationship with Mexico abroad is the one that we have with the United States, due to the migration that exists, the flows through the borders and all else that you are well aware of. However, Mexico is respectful of the opinions of other leaders. We are respectful of the heads of state of other countries, such as Venezuela and certainly the United States. We are a government that has principles and values, values such as democracy, freedom, liberty and legality and certainly security and safety. 13:38:07 On the other hand, not as a strategy -- this was not something that we focused on as a strategy in our talks. But as a conviction of our government, Mexico has to play a role which is balanced, weighed. And it has to be a leader in Latin America, in agreement with its culture, its history, its economy, its people. We are deeply Latin American, and we too want justice, development, democracy for all of Latin America. That is where we are engaged and we are committed. 13:38:44 We certainly do agree and coincide with other countries, many countries, of course, who coincide and agree with those principles. MODERATOR: On the U.S. side, Roger Runningen with Bloomberg. 13:39:10 Q Thank you. The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that mistakes were made in the firing -- PRESIDENT BUSH: Hold on. Hold on, Roger. (Technical adjustments.) The world wants to hear your voice. Q Thank you. (Laughter.) The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that there were mistakes in the firing of prosecutors. What's his future in your Cabinet? Do you have confidence in him? And more importantly, or just as important, how effective can he be in Congress going forward when he's lost a lot of confidence among Democrats and doesn't have many defenders among Republicans? 13:39:34 PRESIDENT BUSH: Mm-hmm. I do have confidence in Attorney General Al Gonzales. I talked to him this morning, and we talked about his need to go up to Capitol Hill and make it very clear to members in both political parties why the Justice Department made the decisions it made, make it very clear about the facts. 13:39:55 And he's right. Mistakes were made. And I'm frankly not happy about them, because there is a lot of confusion over what really has been a customary practice by the presidents. U.S. attorneys and others serve at the pleasure of the president. Past administrations have removed U.S. attorneys. It's their right to do so. 13:40:30 The Justice Department recommended a list of U.S. attorneys. I believe the reasons why were -- were entirely appropriate. And yet this issue was mishandled to the point now where you're asking me questions about it in Mexico, which is fine. I mean, if I were you, I'd ask the same question. 13:40:48 This is a -- you know, this is an issue that -- and so Al - let me just say, Al was right mistakes were made, and he's going to go up to Capitol Hill to correct them. I appreciate the fact that he's taken some action because any time anybody goes up to Capitol Hill, they've got to make sure they fully understand the facts and how they characterize the issue to members of Congress. And the fact that both Republicans and Democrats feel like that there was a -- you know, not a -- not straightforward communication, troubles me, and it troubles the attorney general. So he took action, and he needs to continue to take action. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning to both presidents. President Bush, I ask you why do Mexicans want to -- why would you think that Mexicans could believe in the reform in migration when for so many years this was not a possibility, nor reality? And what are your chances of coming through with this bill in Congress? And President Calderon, you had lunch with President Fox. Can you tell us what you talked about? PRESIDENT BUSH: They talked about carne. (Laughter.) Excuse me. I wasn't there. (Laughs, laughter.) No, that's a legitimate question, and the question is: Why now? Why do I think something positive can happen? Well, first of all, the legislative process takes a while in the United States. I don't know about Mexico, Mr. President, but sometimes legislators, you know, debate issues for a while before a solution can be achieved. And we had a very -- by the way, we haven't had a serious debate on migration until recently. A law was passed in 1986, and then there really wasn't a serious debate until -- pretty much starting after the year 2000, if my -- if my memory serves me well. I -- I've always known this is an important issue because, as I -- I -- I happen to have been the governor of Texas, and so I'm very comfortable about discussing the issue and have elevated the issue over the past years. And members have Congress have taken the issue very seriously, but it's hard to get legislation out of the Congress on a very complex issue. The -- a lot of Americans were deeply concerned that the United States was not enforcing our laws. They felt like there wasn't a commitment to the rule of law. Over the past year, I believe we have shown the American people that there is a strong commitment to the rule of law. And I think members of Congress are now feeling more comfortable that the country is committed to rule of law, which then makes some more open-minded to my argument. Which is that if we can have migration reform, it will make it less likely somebody will feel like they have to sneak across our border, and therefore take pressure off the border. In other words, security for the country, border security, will be enhanced by a good migration law. And then it will make it easier for us to focus our assets on drugs, terrorists, criminals and guns moving both ways. I feel pretty good about it, I must -- you know, I don't want to predict legislative successes. But I can tell you my mood, and my mood is optimistic. Because the mood in the Congress seems like it has changed from skepticism last year to knowledge that getting a comprehensive bill will be in the nation's interests. 13:45:13 Secondly, I'm optimistic because Republicans in the Senate are working with Democrats in the Senate. We're facilitating that work. The administration is very much involved with helping the senators find common ground to the point where we can move a bill as quickly as possible, out of the Senate so it gets to the House of Representatives. 13:45:43 I'm a -- I'm not a betting man. I don't like to bet, because then I do, I usually lose. But I'm an optimistic man in this case about getting comprehensive reform. And a bill is in the interest of both countries. 13:46:05 PRESIDENT CALDERON: With former President Vicente Fox, whom I like and we have a good friendship, we belong to the same party, I invited him to lunch. We talked for quite a while, talked about matters in a very constructive fashion. And he congratulated us for the work that we've done during these first hundred days. He also said that he had the will to collaborate and cooperate in a respectful fashion with the government for the benefit of Mexicans. I have also met with other former presidents and I'm sure that I will continue to meet with President Fox in the future throughout my administration. TONY SNOW (?): Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. MODERATOR: Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. PRESIDENT BUSH: Here it comes. 13:47:13 Q Thank you, Mr. President, President Calderon. On the dismissal of U.S. attorneys, there have been allegations that political motivations were involved. Is political loyalty to your administration an appropriate factor? And when you talked to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales last year, what did you say and what did you direct him to do? 13:47:30 PRESIDENT BUSH: Thanks, Kelly. I've heard those allegations about, you know, political decision-making. It's just not true. 13:47:44 Secondly, just so you know, I get asked -- I mean, I get complaints all the time from members of Congress on a variety of subjects, Senator -- Senator -- Congressman -- Congressperson So-and- So. 13:47:55 And there -- there is a -- you know, there's occasionally frustration with the -- with the executive branch. And they will pull me aside and say, you know, "Are you aware of this? Are you aware of that?" 13:48:08 And I -- I did receive complaints about U.S. attorneys. I specifically remember one time I went up to the Senate, and senators were talking about the U.S. attorney -- I don't remember specific names being mentioned, but I did -- did say to Al last year -- you're right; last fall -- I said, "Have you heard complaints about AGs? I have." I mean U.S. attorneys. Excuse me. And he said, "I have." But I never, you know, brought up a specific case nor gave him specific instructions. 13:48:48 Q Sir, might he have inferred that you discussing it with him was a need for him to take action? 13:48:55 PRESIDENT BUSH: You're going to have to ask Al that question. But as I say, I discuss with my Cabinet officials complaints I hear. I mean, you know, when members of the Senate come up and say to me, "I've got a complaint," it's -- I think it's entirely appropriate and necessary for me to pass those complaints on. Now, I don't every single time, but I -- you know, I -- people view their -- their moment with the president sometimes as an opportunity to unload their frustrations about how things may be working in their state, or congresspersons how things may be working in their district. And whether it be the attorney general or the secretary of State or other members of my Cabinet, I pass those complaints on at times. And listen, what -- what Al did was -- and what the Justice Department did was appropriate. U.S. attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president. In other words, they're -- they're appointed by the president. They can be removed by the president. What was mishandled was the explanation of the case -- cases -- to the Congress. 13:51:24 the truth of the matter is, we did not discuss the matter of oil
White House - GW Bush Joint News Conference with President Calderon - POOL CUTS / REFEED of BUSH Headon
March 14, 2007 HOST TV: GEORGE W. BUSH & FELIPE CALDERON PRESSER - STIX TRAVEL POOL: JOINT PRESSER CUTS 12:42:31 Bush gladhanding 12:53:30 TRAVEL POOL TAPE CUTS PRESS AVAILABILITY 12:54:26 Bush exiting building 12:55:18 Bush speaking Spanish to media 12:55:32 Presser CUTS 13:07:03 slow push to Bush speaking REFEED / BUSH HEADON PRESS CONFERENCE POOL - HEAD ON 13:12:35 PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In progress) -- as leaders of sovereign nations we have talked in -- (inaudible) -- respectful environment, in a cordial environment about very diverse and complex issues of our bilateral agenda. We coincided in sharing our core responsibility which now more than ever happened to be a shared responsibility. We reiterated our commitment with democracy with the defense and respect of human rights, the promotion of free trade, with the rule of law, security, sustainable development and, in particular, our fight against poverty. From this platform of understanding, we have covered in detail each of the issues of our bilateral agenda. I would like to express my gratitude to President Bush that we have talked so openly the sincerity and respect of both countries that are not only neighbors, but they are pursuing to do what true friends should do. We have talked, for example, about the strengthening of a task force that will be directed to the transition of full trade of sensitive products such as corn and beans. We talked about the need to cover the phenomenon of migration as a factor of prosperity for both nations, orderly migration process, and we acknowledge the effort that President Bush and his administration is doing in order to promote within the Congress a comprehensive migratory reform that will acknowledge the rights of the migrants and workers, that will allow orderly and legal programs for temporary jobs and will allow the reunification of family ties. 13:14:08 We have expressed our concern for protecting and guaranteeing human rights of those who cross the border and about all -- about the enormous relevance of generating in Mexico opportunities that the citizens need for their development. 13:14:28 We shared the need of having a safe border that will close the gates to drugs, arms and terrorism and that will open its doors to trade -- prosperity and trade. Our border should be a tightening and closing point. The border should bring us together and not separate us. For this, we are considering the possibility of establishing new cross points and border bridges that will speed up the transit of goods and people. Both presidents have agreed to coordinate in a better way our actions in order to confront organized crime in both sides of the border. 13:15:04 Mexico and the United States are nations that are joined together n the pursuit for better levels of well-being for its people. We do have the means. And in this meeting, we have seen the political will in order to reach shared goals. I'm fully convinced that from his visit on, we will be able to start a new stage of the relationship that take place between Mexico and the United States. 13:15:37 PRESIDENT BUSH: Gracias. Buenos dias. 13:15:42 Laura and I have had a fascinating trip, and our final stop was a really good one, Mr. President. Glad to be back in Mexico. This is an especially beautiful part of your wonderful country. The hospitality was very generous, and the meals were quite good. (Laughter.) PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In English.) I know. PRESIDENT BUSH: "Estoy jueno" (sp). (Laughter.) 13:16:07 Over the past two days, the president and I have had a very - a series of friendly and very productive meetings. That's what the people of our respective countries expect. They expect people to work out differences in a constructive way. They expect leaders to seize opportunities for the benefit of our respective peoples. And the spirit is -- is very strong to work together. 13:16:41 I appreciate so very much the fact that during our meetings we reaffirmed the values of democracy and transparency that -- and rule of law that guide both our countries. We discussed ways to make our nation safer, both nations safer, and both nations prosperous. 13:17:06 President Calderon is taking a tough stand against organized crime and drugs, and I appreciate that. 13:17:09 I made it very clear to the president that I recognize the United States has a responsibility in the fight against drugs. And one major responsibility is to encourage people to use less drugs. When there is demand, there is supply. And to the extent, Mr. President, that we can continue to make progress to reduce drugs, it'll take pressure off of Mexico. 13:17:43 And so we have a responsibility. Mexico has a responsibility as well, and the president is working hard on that responsibility. And we agreed to -- to work together. Mexico's obviously a sovereign nation, and the president, if he so chooses, like he has, will lay out an agenda where the United States can be a constructive partner. And the other place where we can work together is in the region. And so the president, who is a very strong leader in -- in Central America, for example, will work with the United States and the Central American countries to develop a regional plan, because you can be successful in Mexico, yet the problem could be transferred to the south, in which case we wouldn't have the security we would want. 13:18:29 So, Mr. President, thank you for your leadership on this issue. I'm looking forward to working with you on it. We talked about the economy. My view is, is that when Mexico grows, the United States benefits. And obviously, to the extent, Mr. President, that you're able to put forth your innovative policies, we applaud your efforts. I appreciate so very much some of the innovative ideas that you're putting forward. 13:19:02 As I said last night in the dinner, I appreciate very much the fact that you're focusing development in the south of your country. I -- obviously there's a lot of discussion about trade. People in my country are concerned about trade. People in Mexico are concerned about trade. There are strong protectionist sentiments in the United States. I will work, Mr. President, to reject those rejectionist sentiments because I believe trade is one of the best avenues to help common prosperity. And any time we have trade relations, there will be complications. And I pledged to the president that we would work together to ensure a smooth transition to full trade in dealing with sensitive issues such as corn and beans. 13:19:52 Education is an important issue that is -- for our two countries. And I appreciate your commitment to strong education. The United States can help. I am a big believer in student exchanges between our two nations on both sides of the border. One reason I am is because I think it's important sometimes for people to gain an accurate perception of my country by coming to my country. 13:20:29 I love for the fact that students travel back and forth. Mr. President, this morning I met with some students that are funded through USAID programs, who have come to the United States to take different courses in different subjects and then have come back to Mexico to lend the expertise that they have gained to improve the communities in which they live. This is a vital program that the United States must continue, in my judgment, in order to help people realize the great benefits of education. 13:20:59 We spent a lot of time on the important and sensitive issue of migration. I say "sensitive" because obviously this is an issue that people can use to inflame passions. I say "important" because a good migration law will help both economies and will help the security of both countries. And the reason I say that is that if people can come into our country, for example, on a temporary basis to work, doing jobs Americans aren't doing, they won't have to sneak across the border. And by the way, a system that encourages people to sneak across the border is a system that leads to human rights abuses, it's a system that promotes coyotes and document forgers, it's a system that allows for the exploitation of citizens who are trying to earn a living for their families. 13:22:15 And so, Mr. President, as we discussed, I will work with Congress with members of both political parties to pass immigration law that will enable us to respect the rule of law and at the same time respect humanity in a way that upholds the values of the United States of America. 13:22:44 I appreciate your hospitality. It's been a very warm greeting, Mr. President. I thank you and your good wife for being so kind to Laura and me. I look forward to future conversations. Muchas gracias. 13:23:09 PRESIDENT CALDERON: Gracias. (Off mike.) We'll have a Q&A session now, starting with the Mexican press. Claudia Herrera from La Jornada. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning, president of the United States of America, president of the United Mexican states. PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike.) 13:23:38 Q Good morning. Your visit is coming to an end now. This is the question for President George Bush. At the end of your visit, sir, have you found allies in order to place a counterweight to the initiatives of Hugo Chavez? What commitments did Felipe Calderon take on in order to be a counterweight to these initiatives of Hugo Chavez, on the one hand, and on the other hand, President Felipe Calderon? Foreign Minister Patricia has said that you are working in order to strengthen the relationship with Venezuela. How is this compatible with the commitments that you're taking on with President Bush in order to give thrust to this counterweight in Latin America concerning over Chavez? 13:24:35 PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike) -- question. We spent a lot of time talking about Mexico's role in the world. Mexico is a respected nation. President Calderon is a respected leader. But our conversations focused on democracy and rule of law and prosperity and how to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. We spent time talking about social justice and concern for the poor. 13:25:06 One of the reasons I've come down here again is to remind people in this important part of the world that the United States cares deeply about the human condition. That we spent $1.6 billion of bilateral aid last year, most of the money going to social justice programs. And that doesn't include programs like the one I saw in the highlands of Guatemala where our military was providing basic health care for citizens. So Mr. President and I spent time talking about how to advance a hopeful agenda, one that will lift the spirits of people. And I respect the role Mexico plays. Mexico will lead diplomatic efforts for the common security and common prosperity, and that's an important role. 13:26:03 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. 13:26:45 standup POOL FEED BEGINS AGAIN 13:37:00 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. And certainly the most important relationship with Mexico abroad is the one that we have with the United States, due to the migration that exists, the flows through the borders and all else that you are well aware of. However, Mexico is respectful of the opinions of other leaders. We are respectful of the heads of state of other countries, such as Venezuela and certainly the United States. We are a government that has principles and values, values such as democracy, freedom, liberty and legality and certainly security and safety. 13:38:07 On the other hand, not as a strategy -- this was not something that we focused on as a strategy in our talks. But as a conviction of our government, Mexico has to play a role which is balanced, weighed. And it has to be a leader in Latin America, in agreement with its culture, its history, its economy, its people. We are deeply Latin American, and we too want justice, development, democracy for all of Latin America. That is where we are engaged and we are committed. 13:38:44 We certainly do agree and coincide with other countries, many countries, of course, who coincide and agree with those principles. MODERATOR: On the U.S. side, Roger Runningen with Bloomberg. 13:39:10 Q Thank you. The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that mistakes were made in the firing -- PRESIDENT BUSH: Hold on. Hold on, Roger. (Technical adjustments.) The world wants to hear your voice. Q Thank you. (Laughter.) The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that there were mistakes in the firing of prosecutors. What's his future in your Cabinet? Do you have confidence in him? And more importantly, or just as important, how effective can he be in Congress going forward when he's lost a lot of confidence among Democrats and doesn't have many defenders among Republicans? 13:39:34 PRESIDENT BUSH: Mm-hmm. I do have confidence in Attorney General Al Gonzales. I talked to him this morning, and we talked about his need to go up to Capitol Hill and make it very clear to members in both political parties why the Justice Department made the decisions it made, make it very clear about the facts. 13:39:55 And he's right. Mistakes were made. And I'm frankly not happy about them, because there is a lot of confusion over what really has been a customary practice by the presidents. U.S. attorneys and others serve at the pleasure of the president. Past administrations have removed U.S. attorneys. It's their right to do so. 13:40:30 The Justice Department recommended a list of U.S. attorneys. I believe the reasons why were -- were entirely appropriate. And yet this issue was mishandled to the point now where you're asking me questions about it in Mexico, which is fine. I mean, if I were you, I'd ask the same question. 13:40:48 This is a -- you know, this is an issue that -- and so Al - let me just say, Al was right mistakes were made, and he's going to go up to Capitol Hill to correct them. I appreciate the fact that he's taken some action because any time anybody goes up to Capitol Hill, they've got to make sure they fully understand the facts and how they characterize the issue to members of Congress. And the fact that both Republicans and Democrats feel like that there was a -- you know, not a -- not straightforward communication, troubles me, and it troubles the attorney general. So he took action, and he needs to continue to take action. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning to both presidents. President Bush, I ask you why do Mexicans want to -- why would you think that Mexicans could believe in the reform in migration when for so many years this was not a possibility, nor reality? And what are your chances of coming through with this bill in Congress? And President Calderon, you had lunch with President Fox. Can you tell us what you talked about? PRESIDENT BUSH: They talked about carne. (Laughter.) Excuse me. I wasn't there. (Laughs, laughter.) No, that's a legitimate question, and the question is: Why now? Why do I think something positive can happen? Well, first of all, the legislative process takes a while in the United States. I don't know about Mexico, Mr. President, but sometimes legislators, you know, debate issues for a while before a solution can be achieved. And we had a very -- by the way, we haven't had a serious debate on migration until recently. A law was passed in 1986, and then there really wasn't a serious debate until -- pretty much starting after the year 2000, if my -- if my memory serves me well. I -- I've always known this is an important issue because, as I -- I -- I happen to have been the governor of Texas, and so I'm very comfortable about discussing the issue and have elevated the issue over the past years. And members have Congress have taken the issue very seriously, but it's hard to get legislation out of the Congress on a very complex issue. The -- a lot of Americans were deeply concerned that the United States was not enforcing our laws. They felt like there wasn't a commitment to the rule of law. Over the past year, I believe we have shown the American people that there is a strong commitment to the rule of law. And I think members of Congress are now feeling more comfortable that the country is committed to rule of law, which then makes some more open-minded to my argument. Which is that if we can have migration reform, it will make it less likely somebody will feel like they have to sneak across our border, and therefore take pressure off the border. In other words, security for the country, border security, will be enhanced by a good migration law. And then it will make it easier for us to focus our assets on drugs, terrorists, criminals and guns moving both ways. I feel pretty good about it, I must -- you know, I don't want to predict legislative successes. But I can tell you my mood, and my mood is optimistic. Because the mood in the Congress seems like it has changed from skepticism last year to knowledge that getting a comprehensive bill will be in the nation's interests. 13:45:13 Secondly, I'm optimistic because Republicans in the Senate are working with Democrats in the Senate. We're facilitating that work. The administration is very much involved with helping the senators find common ground to the point where we can move a bill as quickly as possible, out of the Senate so it gets to the House of Representatives. 13:45:43 I'm a -- I'm not a betting man. I don't like to bet, because then I do, I usually lose. But I'm an optimistic man in this case about getting comprehensive reform. And a bill is in the interest of both countries. 13:46:05 PRESIDENT CALDERON: With former President Vicente Fox, whom I like and we have a good friendship, we belong to the same party, I invited him to lunch. We talked for quite a while, talked about matters in a very constructive fashion. And he congratulated us for the work that we've done during these first hundred days. He also said that he had the will to collaborate and cooperate in a respectful fashion with the government for the benefit of Mexicans. I have also met with other former presidents and I'm sure that I will continue to meet with President Fox in the future throughout my administration. TONY SNOW (?): Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. MODERATOR: Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. PRESIDENT BUSH: Here it comes. 13:47:13 Q Thank you, Mr. President, President Calderon. On the dismissal of U.S. attorneys, there have been allegations that political motivations were involved. Is political loyalty to your administration an appropriate factor? And when you talked to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales last year, what did you say and what did you direct him to do? 13:47:30 PRESIDENT BUSH: Thanks, Kelly. I've heard those allegations about, you know, political decision-making. It's just not true. 13:47:44 Secondly, just so you know, I get asked -- I mean, I get complaints all the time from members of Congress on a variety of subjects, Senator -- Senator -- Congressman -- Congressperson So-and- So. 13:47:55 And there -- there is a -- you know, there's occasionally frustration with the -- with the executive branch. And they will pull me aside and say, you know, "Are you aware of this? Are you aware of that?" 13:48:08 And I -- I did receive complaints about U.S. attorneys. I specifically remember one time I went up to the Senate, and senators were talking about the U.S. attorney -- I don't remember specific names being mentioned, but I did -- did say to Al last year -- you're right; last fall -- I said, "Have you heard complaints about AGs? I have." I mean U.S. attorneys. Excuse me. And he said, "I have." But I never, you know, brought up a specific case nor gave him specific instructions. 13:48:48 Q Sir, might he have inferred that you discussing it with him was a need for him to take action? 13:48:55 PRESIDENT BUSH: You're going to have to ask Al that question. But as I say, I discuss with my Cabinet officials complaints I hear. I mean, you know, when members of the Senate come up and say to me, "I've got a complaint," it's -- I think it's entirely appropriate and necessary for me to pass those complaints on. Now, I don't every single time, but I -- you know, I -- people view their -- their moment with the president sometimes as an opportunity to unload their frustrations about how things may be working in their state, or congresspersons how things may be working in their district. And whether it be the attorney general or the secretary of State or other members of my Cabinet, I pass those complaints on at times. And listen, what -- what Al did was -- and what the Justice Department did was appropriate. U.S. attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president. In other words, they're -- they're appointed by the president. They can be removed by the president. What was mishandled was the explanation of the case -- cases -- to the Congress. 13:51:24 the truth of the matter is, we did not discuss the matter of oil
White House - GW Bush Joint News Conference with President Calderon - POOL CUTS / REFEED of BUSH Headon
March 14, 2007 HOST TV: GEORGE W. BUSH & FELIPE CALDERON PRESSER - STIX TRAVEL POOL: JOINT PRESSER CUTS 12:42:31 Bush gladhanding 12:53:30 TRAVEL POOL TAPE CUTS PRESS AVAILABILITY 12:54:26 Bush exiting building 12:55:18 Bush speaking Spanish to media 12:55:32 Presser CUTS 13:07:03 slow push to Bush speaking REFEED / BUSH HEADON PRESS CONFERENCE POOL - HEAD ON 13:12:35 PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In progress) -- as leaders of sovereign nations we have talked in -- (inaudible) -- respectful environment, in a cordial environment about very diverse and complex issues of our bilateral agenda. We coincided in sharing our core responsibility which now more than ever happened to be a shared responsibility. We reiterated our commitment with democracy with the defense and respect of human rights, the promotion of free trade, with the rule of law, security, sustainable development and, in particular, our fight against poverty. From this platform of understanding, we have covered in detail each of the issues of our bilateral agenda. I would like to express my gratitude to President Bush that we have talked so openly the sincerity and respect of both countries that are not only neighbors, but they are pursuing to do what true friends should do. We have talked, for example, about the strengthening of a task force that will be directed to the transition of full trade of sensitive products such as corn and beans. We talked about the need to cover the phenomenon of migration as a factor of prosperity for both nations, orderly migration process, and we acknowledge the effort that President Bush and his administration is doing in order to promote within the Congress a comprehensive migratory reform that will acknowledge the rights of the migrants and workers, that will allow orderly and legal programs for temporary jobs and will allow the reunification of family ties. 13:14:08 We have expressed our concern for protecting and guaranteeing human rights of those who cross the border and about all -- about the enormous relevance of generating in Mexico opportunities that the citizens need for their development. 13:14:28 We shared the need of having a safe border that will close the gates to drugs, arms and terrorism and that will open its doors to trade -- prosperity and trade. Our border should be a tightening and closing point. The border should bring us together and not separate us. For this, we are considering the possibility of establishing new cross points and border bridges that will speed up the transit of goods and people. Both presidents have agreed to coordinate in a better way our actions in order to confront organized crime in both sides of the border. 13:15:04 Mexico and the United States are nations that are joined together n the pursuit for better levels of well-being for its people. We do have the means. And in this meeting, we have seen the political will in order to reach shared goals. I'm fully convinced that from his visit on, we will be able to start a new stage of the relationship that take place between Mexico and the United States. 13:15:37 PRESIDENT BUSH: Gracias. Buenos dias. 13:15:42 Laura and I have had a fascinating trip, and our final stop was a really good one, Mr. President. Glad to be back in Mexico. This is an especially beautiful part of your wonderful country. The hospitality was very generous, and the meals were quite good. (Laughter.) PRESIDENT CALDERON: (In English.) I know. PRESIDENT BUSH: "Estoy jueno" (sp). (Laughter.) 13:16:07 Over the past two days, the president and I have had a very - a series of friendly and very productive meetings. That's what the people of our respective countries expect. They expect people to work out differences in a constructive way. They expect leaders to seize opportunities for the benefit of our respective peoples. And the spirit is -- is very strong to work together. 13:16:41 I appreciate so very much the fact that during our meetings we reaffirmed the values of democracy and transparency that -- and rule of law that guide both our countries. We discussed ways to make our nation safer, both nations safer, and both nations prosperous. 13:17:06 President Calderon is taking a tough stand against organized crime and drugs, and I appreciate that. 13:17:09 I made it very clear to the president that I recognize the United States has a responsibility in the fight against drugs. And one major responsibility is to encourage people to use less drugs. When there is demand, there is supply. And to the extent, Mr. President, that we can continue to make progress to reduce drugs, it'll take pressure off of Mexico. 13:17:43 And so we have a responsibility. Mexico has a responsibility as well, and the president is working hard on that responsibility. And we agreed to -- to work together. Mexico's obviously a sovereign nation, and the president, if he so chooses, like he has, will lay out an agenda where the United States can be a constructive partner. And the other place where we can work together is in the region. And so the president, who is a very strong leader in -- in Central America, for example, will work with the United States and the Central American countries to develop a regional plan, because you can be successful in Mexico, yet the problem could be transferred to the south, in which case we wouldn't have the security we would want. 13:18:29 So, Mr. President, thank you for your leadership on this issue. I'm looking forward to working with you on it. We talked about the economy. My view is, is that when Mexico grows, the United States benefits. And obviously, to the extent, Mr. President, that you're able to put forth your innovative policies, we applaud your efforts. I appreciate so very much some of the innovative ideas that you're putting forward. 13:19:02 As I said last night in the dinner, I appreciate very much the fact that you're focusing development in the south of your country. I -- obviously there's a lot of discussion about trade. People in my country are concerned about trade. People in Mexico are concerned about trade. There are strong protectionist sentiments in the United States. I will work, Mr. President, to reject those rejectionist sentiments because I believe trade is one of the best avenues to help common prosperity. And any time we have trade relations, there will be complications. And I pledged to the president that we would work together to ensure a smooth transition to full trade in dealing with sensitive issues such as corn and beans. 13:19:52 Education is an important issue that is -- for our two countries. And I appreciate your commitment to strong education. The United States can help. I am a big believer in student exchanges between our two nations on both sides of the border. One reason I am is because I think it's important sometimes for people to gain an accurate perception of my country by coming to my country. 13:20:29 I love for the fact that students travel back and forth. Mr. President, this morning I met with some students that are funded through USAID programs, who have come to the United States to take different courses in different subjects and then have come back to Mexico to lend the expertise that they have gained to improve the communities in which they live. This is a vital program that the United States must continue, in my judgment, in order to help people realize the great benefits of education. 13:20:59 We spent a lot of time on the important and sensitive issue of migration. I say "sensitive" because obviously this is an issue that people can use to inflame passions. I say "important" because a good migration law will help both economies and will help the security of both countries. And the reason I say that is that if people can come into our country, for example, on a temporary basis to work, doing jobs Americans aren't doing, they won't have to sneak across the border. And by the way, a system that encourages people to sneak across the border is a system that leads to human rights abuses, it's a system that promotes coyotes and document forgers, it's a system that allows for the exploitation of citizens who are trying to earn a living for their families. 13:22:15 And so, Mr. President, as we discussed, I will work with Congress with members of both political parties to pass immigration law that will enable us to respect the rule of law and at the same time respect humanity in a way that upholds the values of the United States of America. 13:22:44 I appreciate your hospitality. It's been a very warm greeting, Mr. President. I thank you and your good wife for being so kind to Laura and me. I look forward to future conversations. Muchas gracias. 13:23:09 PRESIDENT CALDERON: Gracias. (Off mike.) We'll have a Q&A session now, starting with the Mexican press. Claudia Herrera from La Jornada. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning, president of the United States of America, president of the United Mexican states. PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike.) 13:23:38 Q Good morning. Your visit is coming to an end now. This is the question for President George Bush. At the end of your visit, sir, have you found allies in order to place a counterweight to the initiatives of Hugo Chavez? What commitments did Felipe Calderon take on in order to be a counterweight to these initiatives of Hugo Chavez, on the one hand, and on the other hand, President Felipe Calderon? Foreign Minister Patricia has said that you are working in order to strengthen the relationship with Venezuela. How is this compatible with the commitments that you're taking on with President Bush in order to give thrust to this counterweight in Latin America concerning over Chavez? 13:24:35 PRESIDENT BUSH: (Off mike) -- question. We spent a lot of time talking about Mexico's role in the world. Mexico is a respected nation. President Calderon is a respected leader. But our conversations focused on democracy and rule of law and prosperity and how to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. We spent time talking about social justice and concern for the poor. 13:25:06 One of the reasons I've come down here again is to remind people in this important part of the world that the United States cares deeply about the human condition. That we spent $1.6 billion of bilateral aid last year, most of the money going to social justice programs. And that doesn't include programs like the one I saw in the highlands of Guatemala where our military was providing basic health care for citizens. So Mr. President and I spent time talking about how to advance a hopeful agenda, one that will lift the spirits of people. And I respect the role Mexico plays. Mexico will lead diplomatic efforts for the common security and common prosperity, and that's an important role. 13:26:03 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. 13:26:45 standup POOL FEED BEGINS AGAIN 13:37:00 PRESIDENT CALDERON: The commitment and purpose of my government is to have constructive, positive and sound relations with all countries of the world, and of course with the countries of Latin America, without exception. And certainly the most important relationship with Mexico abroad is the one that we have with the United States, due to the migration that exists, the flows through the borders and all else that you are well aware of. However, Mexico is respectful of the opinions of other leaders. We are respectful of the heads of state of other countries, such as Venezuela and certainly the United States. We are a government that has principles and values, values such as democracy, freedom, liberty and legality and certainly security and safety. 13:38:07 On the other hand, not as a strategy -- this was not something that we focused on as a strategy in our talks. But as a conviction of our government, Mexico has to play a role which is balanced, weighed. And it has to be a leader in Latin America, in agreement with its culture, its history, its economy, its people. We are deeply Latin American, and we too want justice, development, democracy for all of Latin America. That is where we are engaged and we are committed. 13:38:44 We certainly do agree and coincide with other countries, many countries, of course, who coincide and agree with those principles. MODERATOR: On the U.S. side, Roger Runningen with Bloomberg. 13:39:10 Q Thank you. The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that mistakes were made in the firing -- PRESIDENT BUSH: Hold on. Hold on, Roger. (Technical adjustments.) The world wants to hear your voice. Q Thank you. (Laughter.) The attorney general acknowledged yesterday that there were mistakes in the firing of prosecutors. What's his future in your Cabinet? Do you have confidence in him? And more importantly, or just as important, how effective can he be in Congress going forward when he's lost a lot of confidence among Democrats and doesn't have many defenders among Republicans? 13:39:34 PRESIDENT BUSH: Mm-hmm. I do have confidence in Attorney General Al Gonzales. I talked to him this morning, and we talked about his need to go up to Capitol Hill and make it very clear to members in both political parties why the Justice Department made the decisions it made, make it very clear about the facts. 13:39:55 And he's right. Mistakes were made. And I'm frankly not happy about them, because there is a lot of confusion over what really has been a customary practice by the presidents. U.S. attorneys and others serve at the pleasure of the president. Past administrations have removed U.S. attorneys. It's their right to do so. 13:40:30 The Justice Department recommended a list of U.S. attorneys. I believe the reasons why were -- were entirely appropriate. And yet this issue was mishandled to the point now where you're asking me questions about it in Mexico, which is fine. I mean, if I were you, I'd ask the same question. 13:40:48 This is a -- you know, this is an issue that -- and so Al - let me just say, Al was right mistakes were made, and he's going to go up to Capitol Hill to correct them. I appreciate the fact that he's taken some action because any time anybody goes up to Capitol Hill, they've got to make sure they fully understand the facts and how they characterize the issue to members of Congress. And the fact that both Republicans and Democrats feel like that there was a -- you know, not a -- not straightforward communication, troubles me, and it troubles the attorney general. So he took action, and he needs to continue to take action. Q (Through interpreter.) Good morning to both presidents. President Bush, I ask you why do Mexicans want to -- why would you think that Mexicans could believe in the reform in migration when for so many years this was not a possibility, nor reality? And what are your chances of coming through with this bill in Congress? And President Calderon, you had lunch with President Fox. Can you tell us what you talked about? PRESIDENT BUSH: They talked about carne. (Laughter.) Excuse me. I wasn't there. (Laughs, laughter.) No, that's a legitimate question, and the question is: Why now? Why do I think something positive can happen? Well, first of all, the legislative process takes a while in the United States. I don't know about Mexico, Mr. President, but sometimes legislators, you know, debate issues for a while before a solution can be achieved. And we had a very -- by the way, we haven't had a serious debate on migration until recently. A law was passed in 1986, and then there really wasn't a serious debate until -- pretty much starting after the year 2000, if my -- if my memory serves me well. I -- I've always known this is an important issue because, as I -- I -- I happen to have been the governor of Texas, and so I'm very comfortable about discussing the issue and have elevated the issue over the past years. And members have Congress have taken the issue very seriously, but it's hard to get legislation out of the Congress on a very complex issue. The -- a lot of Americans were deeply concerned that the United States was not enforcing our laws. They felt like there wasn't a commitment to the rule of law. Over the past year, I believe we have shown the American people that there is a strong commitment to the rule of law. And I think members of Congress are now feeling more comfortable that the country is committed to rule of law, which then makes some more open-minded to my argument. Which is that if we can have migration reform, it will make it less likely somebody will feel like they have to sneak across our border, and therefore take pressure off the border. In other words, security for the country, border security, will be enhanced by a good migration law. And then it will make it easier for us to focus our assets on drugs, terrorists, criminals and guns moving both ways. I feel pretty good about it, I must -- you know, I don't want to predict legislative successes. But I can tell you my mood, and my mood is optimistic. Because the mood in the Congress seems like it has changed from skepticism last year to knowledge that getting a comprehensive bill will be in the nation's interests. 13:45:13 Secondly, I'm optimistic because Republicans in the Senate are working with Democrats in the Senate. We're facilitating that work. The administration is very much involved with helping the senators find common ground to the point where we can move a bill as quickly as possible, out of the Senate so it gets to the House of Representatives. 13:45:43 I'm a -- I'm not a betting man. I don't like to bet, because then I do, I usually lose. But I'm an optimistic man in this case about getting comprehensive reform. And a bill is in the interest of both countries. 13:46:05 PRESIDENT CALDERON: With former President Vicente Fox, whom I like and we have a good friendship, we belong to the same party, I invited him to lunch. We talked for quite a while, talked about matters in a very constructive fashion. And he congratulated us for the work that we've done during these first hundred days. He also said that he had the will to collaborate and cooperate in a respectful fashion with the government for the benefit of Mexicans. I have also met with other former presidents and I'm sure that I will continue to meet with President Fox in the future throughout my administration. TONY SNOW (?): Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. MODERATOR: Kelly O'Donnell with NBC. PRESIDENT BUSH: Here it comes. 13:47:13 Q Thank you, Mr. President, President Calderon. On the dismissal of U.S. attorneys, there have been allegations that political motivations were involved. Is political loyalty to your administration an appropriate factor? And when you talked to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales last year, what did you say and what did you direct him to do? 13:47:30 PRESIDENT BUSH: Thanks, Kelly. I've heard those allegations about, you know, political decision-making. It's just not true. 13:47:44 Secondly, just so you know, I get asked -- I mean, I get complaints all the time from members of Congress on a variety of subjects, Senator -- Senator -- Congressman -- Congressperson So-and- So. 13:47:55 And there -- there is a -- you know, there's occasionally frustration with the -- with the executive branch. And they will pull me aside and say, you know, "Are you aware of this? Are you aware of that?" 13:48:08 And I -- I did receive complaints about U.S. attorneys. I specifically remember one time I went up to the Senate, and senators were talking about the U.S. attorney -- I don't remember specific names being mentioned, but I did -- did say to Al last year -- you're right; last fall -- I said, "Have you heard complaints about AGs? I have." I mean U.S. attorneys. Excuse me. And he said, "I have." But I never, you know, brought up a specific case nor gave him specific instructions. 13:48:48 Q Sir, might he have inferred that you discussing it with him was a need for him to take action? 13:48:55 PRESIDENT BUSH: You're going to have to ask Al that question. But as I say, I discuss with my Cabinet officials complaints I hear. I mean, you know, when members of the Senate come up and say to me, "I've got a complaint," it's -- I think it's entirely appropriate and necessary for me to pass those complaints on. Now, I don't every single time, but I -- you know, I -- people view their -- their moment with the president sometimes as an opportunity to unload their frustrations about how things may be working in their state, or congresspersons how things may be working in their district. And whether it be the attorney general or the secretary of State or other members of my Cabinet, I pass those complaints on at times. And listen, what -- what Al did was -- and what the Justice Department did was appropriate. U.S. attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president. In other words, they're -- they're appointed by the president. They can be removed by the president. What was mishandled was the explanation of the case -- cases -- to the Congress. 13:51:24 the truth of the matter is, we did not discuss the matter of oil
PHILIPPINES: JOSEPH ESTRADA PROFILE
TAPE_NUMBER: EF01/0077 IN_TIME: 10:04:57 // 13:04:57 LENGTH: 06:53 SOURCES: APTN RESTRICTIONS: FEED: VARIOUS (THE ABOVE TIME-CODE IS TIME-OF-DAY) SCRIPT: English/Nat XFA President Joseph Estrada resigned amid a corruption scandal on Saturday as tens of thousands of protesters marched on his residence in Manila. The country's vice president - Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo - immediately took the oath of office in an effort to end the Philippines' worst crisis in years. The back-to-back developments came just minutes after protesters pushed through police lines and marched close to the presidential palace, demanding the removal of the former action-film star whose political career was ruined by a corruption scandal and an unprecedented impeachment trial. Estrada spent a turbulent morning barricaded inside the Malacanang palace, apparently seeking last-minute concessions for the only thing he had left to offer: his resignation. The nation has been suffering through political turmoil that exploded in October with allegations Estrada took gambling kickbacks and skimmed money from provincial tobacco taxes. The end was inglorious for the former action-movie star who was being tried on unprecedented impeachment charges when the situation worsened on Tuesday as senators serving as judges narrowly refused to open bank records that prosecutors say would have proven Estrada's guilt. Protests swelled and Estrada was devastated on Friday by a string of high-level defections. He had tried to buy time with two appearances on national television, offering to restart his impeachment trial, then later urging Congress to call snap elections in May, saying he would stay out of the race. It was a clear attempt to thwart Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the daughter of a former president who headed an opposition group made up of such diverse elements as big business and left-wing labour and communist forces. Minutes after Estrada went on television for the first time Friday, military chief General Angelo Reyes abandoned the president and joined the wildly cheering protesters in Manila. Reyes sought conciliation, saying Estrada and his family should be allowed to "exit with dignity". Macapagal-Arroyo's aides resisted Estrada's attempts to gain concessions. Details of his decision to leave were not immediately released. Sources earlier said three airplanes were put on standby at nearby Villamor Air Base, and that immigration officials were told to go there and prepare to process some people leaving the country by early Saturday. Rumours of possible destinations included the United States and Australia. At least a quarter (M) million people had demanded his resignation during a raucous rally early on Saturday at a Manila monument to the 1986 "people power" revolt that threw out late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. As Estrada tried to negotiate as favourable an exit as possible - raising issues said to have included his departure from the nation as well as requests to take some of his fortune - demonstrators began marching toward Malacanang in the early morning. Calls for Estrada's resignation followed an expose made by a friend that he received pay-off money from illegal gambling operators in the country. In a senate hearing on October 11, Estrada's friend, Governor Luis Singson, accused Estrada and other government officials of regularly receiving money from proceeds of an illegal numbers game called "jueteng". The charges have sparked the nation's worst political crisis in years and led to the charges built into the impeachment trial at the senate. Estrada's vice president also joined those calling for the former movie star to step aside. On October 12, Macapagal-Arroyo resigned from her post as Secretary of Social Welfare but continued to serve as vice president. She cited accusations that Estrada received (m) millions of dollars in pay-offs from illegal gambling operators as the reason for resigning her cabinet post. Estrada then denied the pay-off allegations and said he wouldn't step down. During the trial, Estrada said he would quit if it was proven he's corrupt, but added that no amount of demonstrations would make him resign. The House of Representatives began impeachment hearings in December 2000. But the inquiry over corruption allegations took an unexpected turn a month later when the senate failed to secure a vote to allow the prosecution access to crucial documents which were believed to contain the most damaging evidence yet of Estrada's corruption during his 18 months in office. Senate President Pimentel Aquilino and Senate Secretary Lutgardo Barbo immediately resigned in protest, followed by the entire team of House prosecutors. As news of the vote hit the streets, protesters called for another uprising similar to the one in 1986 which led to the ousting of the late dictator President Ferdinand Marcos. The flamboyant Estrada has always been an object of fascination to the foreign media. Born in 1937, his father was a government engineer and his mother a musician. After dropping out of high school to try acting in movies, his parents forbade him to use the family name. Instead he adopted "Estrada", or street, as a screen name, and "Erap" - "pare" or friend spelled backwards - as a nickname. He went on to play the lead role in more than a hundred movies and produced more than 70 films. Estrada entered politics when he ran for Mayor of San Juan in 1968. But the man popularly known as "Erap" who came to power in a landslide 1998 election victory finally ran out of allies on Saturday. SOUNDBITE: (English/Tagalog) "My conscience is clear. I am not hiding anything from our people. I believe that the truth will come out in the end. It is a serious matter and I am taking it seriously." SUPER CAPTION: Joseph Estrada, Philippines President SOUNDBITE: (Tagalog) "That is why I ask that we resume the process as stated in the constitution as soon as possible. I believe that that I will be proven innocent in the end. I repeat, I am ready to accept whatever is the result of the impeachment trial at the senate." SUPER CAPTION: Joseph Estrada, Philippine President SOUNDBITE: (English) "We are withdrawing support from the governing president. And we will support the assumption in office of the constitutionally mandated successor, the Vice-President." SUPER CAPTION: Angelo Reyes, Armed forces chief of staff SOUNDBITE: (Tagalog) "I am sad that it had to come to this. But in order to safeguard our democracy and to allow peace to rule in our country, I ask our Congress to call for a snap presidential election at the same time with our congressional and local elections which will be held in May. I will not participate in this snap election, and I will immediately transfer the presidency to whoever will be elected as my successor." SUPER CAPTION: Joseph Estrada, Philippines President SOUNDBITE: (Tagalog/English) "I believe that the truth will come out in the end. It is a serious matter and I am taking it seriously." SUPER CAPTION: Joseph Estrada, Philippines President SOUNDBITE: (English) "I regret that I can no longer continue to serve as a member of this present cabinet. Accordingly, I have on this day submitted my resignation as a cabinet member." SUPER CAPTION: Renato Corona, reading Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's resignation letter SOUNDBITE: (English) "We in representation of the minority and the Filipino people, all of the Filipino people are set and hereby file a complete for impeachment against the President of the Philippines." SUPER CAPTION: Congressman Feliciano Belmonte SHOTLIST: Manila/Malolos Bulacan, Philippines - 19 Jan 2001/File Manila, Philippines - January 19, 2001 1. Pan across chanting crowd 2. Various, people holding banners in crowd 3. People drumming and dancing 4. Close shot, anti-Estrada placard 5. Various, crowd chanting 6. SOUNDBITE (Tagalog) Joseph Estrada, Philippine President 7. Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (in yellow) singing national anthem between Former President Fidel Ramos, and armed forces chief of staff General Angelo Reyes with Orlando Ricardo, Estrada defence lawyer (in black T-shirt) 8. Pan from Macapagal-Arroyo to Reyes 9. SOUNDBITE (English) Angelo Reyes, Armed forces chief of staff 10. People watching monitor with Estrada speaking 11. SOUNDBITE (Tagalog) Joseph Estrada, Philippine President 12. Tank and armoured car drive past 13. Tank drives toward palace 14. Armoured car reverses into position in front of palace gates Malolos Bulacan, Philippines - June 30, 1998 15. Various of Estrada taking presidential oath Manila, Philippines - File 16. President Estrada campaigning on train through slums 17. Estrada leaning out and touching hands 18. People waving from rail track 19. Still photos on Estrada's desk 20. Still of Estrada with Clinton 21. Still of Estrada with Pope John Paul II Manila, Philippines - 12 October, 2000 22. President Estrada walking 23. Cutaway 24. Estrada during business conference 25. SOUNDBITE (Tagalog/English) Joseph Estrada, President of the Philippines Manila, Philippines - June 1998 26. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo taking her oath as Vice President of the Philippines Manila, Philippines - 12 October, 2000 27. Renato Corona holding Arroyo's resignation letter 28. Corona reading resignation letter of Arroyo Manila, Philippines - August 29, 1999 29. Various of Estrada singing Kahit na Magtiis (Endure I Will) 30. Wife clapping from audience 31. Estrada walking offstage Manila, Philippines - 18 October, 2000 32. Opposition Congressmen handing over impeachment case to Congress Secretary General 33. Congress Secretary General signing receipt of impeachment complaint 34. UPSOUND (English) Congressman Feliciano Belmonte 35. Various of protesters chanting and holding banners and streamers Manila, Philippines - 4 November, 2000 36. Youths throwing eggs at dummy of Estrada 37. Various of protesters at rally Manila, Philippines - 10 November, 2000 38. Estrada news conference 39. SOUNDBITE Estrada Manila, Philippines - 13 November, 2000 40. Various of cheering in Congress Hall Manila, Philippines - 16 January 41. Senate session hall as senators get ready to cast votes 42. Side shot of same 43. UPSOUND (English) Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Presiding Officer of Impeachment hearings 44. Senators leave senate hall 45. Senator Loren Legarda hugs Pimentel as she cries 46. Protesters in cars go past, shouting "Erap Resign!" 47. Woman giving thumbs down to camera 48. Man waving flag in the air 49. Large university poster reading "Erap Resign" Manila, Philippines - January 16 50. Candlelight protest at Edsa, the sight where people gathered in 1986 to oust the then president Marcos 51. Protesters chanting "Erap resign!"?
South Carolina Democratic Candidate Debate 2200 - 2230
[South Carolina Democratic Candidate Debate 2200 - 2230] [COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA] SOUTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE DEBATE RS 2 5/3/03 22:00:21 2.5 billion in south carolina, what plan would you bring forward 22:00:33 graham 22:00:38 has been given a dismissal notice because of the cutbacks. 22:00:51 problems that the states are experiencing are results of issues that we haven't taking care of 22:01:09 medicaid so we could give relief to the states.. 22:01:18 to be used to pay that teacher of 22:01:24 GS ends session COMMERCIAL TWO 22:03:46 GS intro to third session, question to Kerry 22:04:04 kerry 22:04:05 I've heard that for a long time, and I am attracting support from all over the country. 22:04:34 strength 22:04:59 GS question to Graham 22:05:06 graham 22:05:09 running to be the next president of the united states of america. 22:05:19 one, they want someone with executive experience, for years I was governor of the fourth largest state of this nation. 22:05:43 you don't set policy from the end zone, you do it from the 50 yard line. 22:05:56 who have been the last three democratic elected presidents..bill clinton from arkansas. 22:06:14 GS question to Edwards 22:06:31 two things about that.. 22:06:37 strength, character, conviction, good judgement, I am happy to have people judge me on that basis. 22:06:54 all his life, my mother's last job 22:06:59 first in my family to go to college.. 22:07:06 that I had grown up with, this is what I have done my entire life. 22:07:18 doing it in the united states senate, and I will be a champion for those people in the white house. 22:07:32 GS question to Dean 22:07:45 with security issues like homeland security.. 22:07:55 has got to have executive experience. 22:08:04 voted for or supported for the tax cut. 22:08:15 putting forth plans early on.. 22:08:21 change the democratic party.become the next president so we can have a balance budget. 22:08:35 regaining our strength, building a strong military. 22:08:46 GS question Moseley Braun 22:08:54 Moseley Bruan 22:08:58 to rebuild this country, both spiritually and physically. 22:09:12 be the country that we need to be for the rtes. of the world. 22:09:19 get included 22:09:23 run against the odds, I went ahead and did it. 22:09:33 African american in the united states senate. 22:09:40 breaking barriers down all of my life, I have a record of p 22:09:53 bob kerry or bob graham, I hope 22:09:59 it's time for a woman to be considered for the highest office in the land. 22:10:14 GS question to Lieberman 22:10:21 lieberman 22:10:24 you don't have to be a screamer to be tough. 22:10:32 when I was attorney general of connecticut. 22:10:42 some of the biggest interests groups. 22:10:54 spoke out against the president, to whom I was devoted, because he 22:11:10 the right thing for our country, that is what strength is about 22:11:17 GS question to Sharpton 22:11:29 sharpton 22:11:30 and jesse jackson proved that we registered many votes that we were able to regain the senate in 1986 22:11:49 sitting supreme court judge..humming dixie. 22:11:57 waving the confederate flag, they didn't wave it in baghdad. 22:12:07 equal protection under the law, I think the republicans 22:12:17 forty years of Birmingham this weekend 22:12:29 GS question to Gephardt 22:12:35 gephardt 22:12:37 I'm probably not your candidate, if you are looking for somebody who was real experience. 22:12:51 then I may be your candidate, the fight for working families is in my bones. 22:13:13 every opportunity that I person could have.. 22:13:21 in that oval office, I am going to think and represent for people like my parents 22:13:40 GS question to Kucinich 22:13:48 kucinich 22:13:52 a long shot won the derby. 22:13:59 badge of honor for me, I stood up for the people of Cleveland. 22:14:13 enrons of america, monopolies in energy, health care, transportation and communications. 22:14:29 fight for working men and women. 22:14:34 expectation that I will be the next president of the united states. 22:14:43 to save a municipal electric system f 22:14:58 GS ends session COMMERICAL THREE 22:17:03 Kucinich closing remark 22:17:11 our cities and schools, as president I will repeal the patriot act. 22:17:25 from your cities your 22:17:30 at kucinich.us.join me and take back america 22:17:44 Moseley-Braun 22:17:49 across the Rio Grande.we are all in the same boat now. 22:17:59 make certain that americans come together. 22:18:07 we can be the country that we want to believe that we are. 22:18:17 last generation a lot of opportunity. 22:18:24 that I'm afraid is being lost, as democrats I am happy to sit with these men. 22:18:39 administration in place now has taken america down the wrong road. 22:18:51 want to do it working with other democrats. 22:19:00 we can turn this around again 22:19:06 Edwards closing remarks 22:19:13 most of young life was spent moving from mill town to mill town. 22:19:25 working in the post office, because of their hard work.. 22:19:36 I am running for president because this president has betrayed people like my parents. 22:19:52 just because you speak the language of regular americans. 22:20:03 with a big buckle, doesn't mean you understand and stand up for rural americans. 22:20:17 but it has be based on the values of hard work. 22:20:26 I want to bring your values.to wall street and Pennsylvania avenue.I want to give this white house back to america. 22:20:54 graham closing remarks 22:21:01 and the people are hurting, I am running for president because I believe that america must.. 22:21:19 one million new jobs, built schools and balanced budget. 22:21:30 senate intelligence committee, I know how vulnerable we are.. 22:21:43 side by side with americans. 22:21:47 my name is bob graham, I come from the executable wing of the democratic party.. 22:22:03 gephardt closing remarks 22:22:15 people don't vote, we have got to have a president in this country. 22:22:29 make life better for all americans. 22:22:37 diagnosed with terminal cancer.many a night when we were in the hospital with him..many of them did not have insurance. 22:22:5 I want to have a teacher corps..will pay your college loans.. 22:23:15 if we understand we are all tied together in a single garment in destiny..in that oval office 22:23:31 dean closing remarks 22:23:36 us and the republicans, the great unspoken political lie is elect me and 22:23:50 the future of this country stands in your hands, not mine. 22:24:00 harm he has done to this country, you have the power to create jobs. 22:24:11 the reason why people don't vote in this country is because we don't give them a reason to vote. 22:24:27 from this earth, president bush has forgotten the people of this country.. 22:24:40 sharpton closing remarks 22:24:47 democratic party because it is mandatory 22:24:58 we need to deal with an america that is open and promising 22:25:08 rights of every americans, not just new programs,. 22:25:16 to quality education, but the only way we can win this education if we bring in the majority of america. 22:25:32 the young people, the hip hop generation.. 22:25:38 we need a movement, and I am the candidate to put that party together.in 2004 22:25:52 lieberman closing remarks 22:25:58 marched with dr. king in mississippi.. 22:26:10 early presidential primary next year.. 22:26:19 that they have every had, that thrills me I am proud of it. 22:26:30 to take this country forward, they deserve not an either or choice.. 22:26:45 strength in both and I have that to offer. 22:26:57 beat him where he is weak, on the economy and his divisive right wing agenda. 22:27:07 already did it, and with your help we'll do it again. 22:27:28 Kerry closing remarks 22:27:34 that moment was seared in me, as were the words he quoted so often. 22:27:52 time for this country to ask again, why not. 22:27:58 health care for all of our citizens, health care, affordable and accessible... 22:28:13 energy independence for america. 22:28:18 ideals around our global, and why not have 22:28:25 did not belong to any one party it belongs to all americans.. 22:28:34 make america safer, stronger and more secure 22:28:41 GS closing remarks EVENT END
South Carolina Democratic Candidate Debate 2200 - 2230
[South Carolina Democratic Candidate Debate 2200 - 2230] [COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA] SOUTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE DEBATE RS 1 XDECK83 5/3/03 22:00:21 2.5 billion in south carolina, what plan would you bring forward 22:00:33 graham 22:00:38 has been given a dismissal notice because of the cutbacks. 22:00:51 problems that the states are experiencing are results of issues that we haven't taking care of 22:01:09 medicaid so we could give relief to the states.. 22:01:18 to be used to pay that teacher of 22:01:24 GS ends session COMMERCIAL TWO 22:03:46 GS intro to third session, question to Kerry 22:04:04 kerry 22:04:05 I've heard that for a long time, and I am attracting support from all over the country. 22:04:34 strength 22:04:59 GS question to Graham 22:05:06 graham 22:05:09 running to be the next president of the united states of america. 22:05:19 one, they want someone with executive experience, for years I was governor of the fourth largest state of this nation. 22:05:43 you don't set policy from the end zone, you do it from the 50 yard line. 22:05:56 who have been the last three democratic elected presidents..bill clinton from arkansas. 22:06:14 GS question to Edwards 22:06:31 two things about that.. 22:06:37 strength, character, conviction, good judgement, I am happy to have people judge me on that basis. 22:06:54 all his life, my mother's last job 22:06:59 first in my family to go to college.. 22:07:06 that I had grown up with, this is what I have done my entire life. 22:07:18 doing it in the united states senate, and I will be a champion for those people in the white house. 22:07:32 GS question to Dean 22:07:45 with security issues like homeland security.. 22:07:55 has got to have executive experience. 22:08:04 voted for or supported for the tax cut. 22:08:15 putting forth plans early on.. 22:08:21 change the democratic party.become the next president so we can have a balance budget. 22:08:35 regaining our strength, building a strong military. 22:08:46 GS question Moseley Braun 22:08:54 Moseley Bruan 22:08:58 to rebuild this country, both spiritually and physically. 22:09:12 be the country that we need to be for the rtes. of the world. 22:09:19 get included 22:09:23 run against the odds, I went ahead and did it. 22:09:33 African american in the united states senate. 22:09:40 breaking barriers down all of my life, I have a record of p 22:09:53 bob kerry or bob graham, I hope 22:09:59 it's time for a woman to be considered for the highest office in the land. 22:10:14 GS question to Lieberman 22:10:21 lieberman 22:10:24 you don't have to be a screamer to be tough. 22:10:32 when I was attorney general of connecticut. 22:10:42 some of the biggest interests groups. 22:10:54 spoke out against the president, to whom I was devoted, because he 22:11:10 the right thing for our country, that is what strength is about 22:11:17 GS question to Sharpton 22:11:29 sharpton 22:11:30 and jesse jackson proved that we registered many votes that we were able to regain the senate in 1986 22:11:49 sitting supreme court judge..humming dixie. 22:11:57 waving the confederate flag, they didn't wave it in baghdad. 22:12:07 equal protection under the law, I think the republicans 22:12:17 forty years of Birmingham this weekend 22:12:29 GS question to Gephardt 22:12:35 gephardt 22:12:37 I'm probably not your candidate, if you are looking for somebody who was real experience. 22:12:51 then I may be your candidate, the fight for working families is in my bones. 22:13:13 every opportunity that I person could have.. 22:13:21 in that oval office, I am going to think and represent for people like my parents 22:13:40 GS question to Kucinich 22:13:48 kucinich 22:13:52 a long shot won the derby. 22:13:59 badge of honor for me, I stood up for the people of Cleveland. 22:14:13 enrons of america, monopolies in energy, health care, transportation and communications. 22:14:29 fight for working men and women. 22:14:34 expectation that I will be the next president of the united states. 22:14:43 to save a municipal electric system f 22:14:58 GS ends session COMMERICAL THREE 22:17:03 Kucinich closing remark 22:17:11 our cities and schools, as president I will repeal the patriot act. 22:17:25 from your cities your 22:17:30 at kucinich.us.join me and take back america 22:17:44 Moseley-Braun 22:17:49 across the Rio Grande.we are all in the same boat now. 22:17:59 make certain that americans come together. 22:18:07 we can be the country that we want to believe that we are. 22:18:17 last generation a lot of opportunity. 22:18:24 that I'm afraid is being lost, as democrats I am happy to sit with these men. 22:18:39 administration in place now has taken america down the wrong road. 22:18:51 want to do it working with other democrats. 22:19:00 we can turn this around again 22:19:06 Edwards closing remarks 22:19:13 most of young life was spent moving from mill town to mill town. 22:19:25 working in the post office, because of their hard work.. 22:19:36 I am running for president because this president has betrayed people like my parents. 22:19:52 just because you speak the language of regular americans. 22:20:03 with a big buckle, doesn't mean you understand and stand up for rural americans. 22:20:17 but it has be based on the values of hard work. 22:20:26 I want to bring your values.to wall street and Pennsylvania avenue.I want to give this white house back to america. 22:20:54 graham closing remarks 22:21:01 and the people are hurting, I am running for president because I believe that america must.. 22:21:19 one million new jobs, built schools and balanced budget. 22:21:30 senate intelligence committee, I know how vulnerable we are.. 22:21:43 side by side with americans. 22:21:47 my name is bob graham, I come from the executable wing of the democratic party.. 22:22:03 gephardt closing remarks 22:22:15 people don't vote, we have got to have a president in this country. 22:22:29 make life better for all americans. 22:22:37 diagnosed with terminal cancer.many a night when we were in the hospital with him..many of them did not have insurance. 22:22:5 I want to have a teacher corps..will pay your college loans.. 22:23:15 if we understand we are all tied together in a single garment in destiny..in that oval office 22:23:31 dean closing remarks 22:23:36 us and the republicans, the great unspoken political lie is elect me and 22:23:50 the future of this country stands in your hands, not mine. 22:24:00 harm he has done to this country, you have the power to create jobs. 22:24:11 the reason why people don't vote in this country is because we don't give them a reason to vote. 22:24:27 from this earth, president bush has forgotten the people of this country.. 22:24:40 sharpton closing remarks 22:24:47 democratic party because it is mandatory 22:24:58 we need to deal with an america that is open and promising 22:25:08 rights of every americans, not just new programs,. 22:25:16 to quality education, but the only way we can win this education if we bring in the majority of america. 22:25:32 the young people, the hip hop generation.. 22:25:38 we need a movement, and I am the candidate to put that party together.in 2004 22:25:52 lieberman closing remarks 22:25:58 marched with dr. king in mississippi.. 22:26:10 early presidential primary next year.. 22:26:19 that they have every had, that thrills me I am proud of it. 22:26:30 to take this country forward, they deserve not an either or choice.. 22:26:45 strength in both and I have that to offer. 22:26:57 beat him where he is weak, on the economy and his divisive right wing agenda. 22:27:07 already did it, and with your help we'll do it again. 22:27:28 Kerry closing remarks 22:27:34 that moment was seared in me, as were the words he quoted so often. 22:27:52 time for this country to ask again, why not. 22:27:58 health care for all of our citizens, health care, affordable and accessible... 22:28:13 energy independence for america. 22:28:18 ideals around our global, and why not have 22:28:25 did not belong to any one party it belongs to all americans.. 22:28:34 make america safer, stronger and more secure 22:28:41 GS closing remarks EVENT END
South Carolina Democratic Candidate Debate 2200 - 2230
[South Carolina Democratic Candidate Debate 2200 - 2230] [COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA] SOUTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE DEBATE RS 2 5/3/03 22:00:21 2.5 billion in south carolina, what plan would you bring forward 22:00:33 graham 22:00:38 has been given a dismissal notice because of the cutbacks. 22:00:51 problems that the states are experiencing are results of issues that we haven't taking care of 22:01:09 medicaid so we could give relief to the states.. 22:01:18 to be used to pay that teacher of 22:01:24 GS ends session COMMERCIAL TWO 22:03:46 GS intro to third session, question to Kerry 22:04:04 kerry 22:04:05 I've heard that for a long time, and I am attracting support from all over the country. 22:04:34 strength 22:04:59 GS question to Graham 22:05:06 graham 22:05:09 running to be the next president of the united states of america. 22:05:19 one, they want someone with executive experience, for years I was governor of the fourth largest state of this nation. 22:05:43 you don't set policy from the end zone, you do it from the 50 yard line. 22:05:56 who have been the last three democratic elected presidents..bill clinton from arkansas. 22:06:14 GS question to Edwards 22:06:31 two things about that.. 22:06:37 strength, character, conviction, good judgement, I am happy to have people judge me on that basis. 22:06:54 all his life, my mother's last job 22:06:59 first in my family to go to college.. 22:07:06 that I had grown up with, this is what I have done my entire life. 22:07:18 doing it in the united states senate, and I will be a champion for those people in the white house. 22:07:32 GS question to Dean 22:07:45 with security issues like homeland security.. 22:07:55 has got to have executive experience. 22:08:04 voted for or supported for the tax cut. 22:08:15 putting forth plans early on.. 22:08:21 change the democratic party.become the next president so we can have a balance budget. 22:08:35 regaining our strength, building a strong military. 22:08:46 GS question Moseley Braun 22:08:54 Moseley Bruan 22:08:58 to rebuild this country, both spiritually and physically. 22:09:12 be the country that we need to be for the rtes. of the world. 22:09:19 get included 22:09:23 run against the odds, I went ahead and did it. 22:09:33 African american in the united states senate. 22:09:40 breaking barriers down all of my life, I have a record of p 22:09:53 bob kerry or bob graham, I hope 22:09:59 it's time for a woman to be considered for the highest office in the land. 22:10:14 GS question to Lieberman 22:10:21 lieberman 22:10:24 you don't have to be a screamer to be tough. 22:10:32 when I was attorney general of connecticut. 22:10:42 some of the biggest interests groups. 22:10:54 spoke out against the president, to whom I was devoted, because he 22:11:10 the right thing for our country, that is what strength is about 22:11:17 GS question to Sharpton 22:11:29 sharpton 22:11:30 and jesse jackson proved that we registered many votes that we were able to regain the senate in 1986 22:11:49 sitting supreme court judge..humming dixie. 22:11:57 waving the confederate flag, they didn't wave it in baghdad. 22:12:07 equal protection under the law, I think the republicans 22:12:17 forty years of Birmingham this weekend 22:12:29 GS question to Gephardt 22:12:35 gephardt 22:12:37 I'm probably not your candidate, if you are looking for somebody who was real experience. 22:12:51 then I may be your candidate, the fight for working families is in my bones. 22:13:13 every opportunity that I person could have.. 22:13:21 in that oval office, I am going to think and represent for people like my parents 22:13:40 GS question to Kucinich 22:13:48 kucinich 22:13:52 a long shot won the derby. 22:13:59 badge of honor for me, I stood up for the people of Cleveland. 22:14:13 enrons of america, monopolies in energy, health care, transportation and communications. 22:14:29 fight for working men and women. 22:14:34 expectation that I will be the next president of the united states. 22:14:43 to save a municipal electric system f 22:14:58 GS ends session COMMERICAL THREE 22:17:03 Kucinich closing remark 22:17:11 our cities and schools, as president I will repeal the patriot act. 22:17:25 from your cities your 22:17:30 at kucinich.us.join me and take back america 22:17:44 Moseley-Braun 22:17:49 across the Rio Grande.we are all in the same boat now. 22:17:59 make certain that americans come together. 22:18:07 we can be the country that we want to believe that we are. 22:18:17 last generation a lot of opportunity. 22:18:24 that I'm afraid is being lost, as democrats I am happy to sit with these men. 22:18:39 administration in place now has taken america down the wrong road. 22:18:51 want to do it working with other democrats. 22:19:00 we can turn this around again 22:19:06 Edwards closing remarks 22:19:13 most of young life was spent moving from mill town to mill town. 22:19:25 working in the post office, because of their hard work.. 22:19:36 I am running for president because this president has betrayed people like my parents. 22:19:52 just because you speak the language of regular americans. 22:20:03 with a big buckle, doesn't mean you understand and stand up for rural americans. 22:20:17 but it has be based on the values of hard work. 22:20:26 I want to bring your values.to wall street and Pennsylvania avenue.I want to give this white house back to america. 22:20:54 graham closing remarks 22:21:01 and the people are hurting, I am running for president because I believe that america must.. 22:21:19 one million new jobs, built schools and balanced budget. 22:21:30 senate intelligence committee, I know how vulnerable we are.. 22:21:43 side by side with americans. 22:21:47 my name is bob graham, I come from the executable wing of the democratic party.. 22:22:03 gephardt closing remarks 22:22:15 people don't vote, we have got to have a president in this country. 22:22:29 make life better for all americans. 22:22:37 diagnosed with terminal cancer.many a night when we were in the hospital with him..many of them did not have insurance. 22:22:5 I want to have a teacher corps..will pay your college loans.. 22:23:15 if we understand we are all tied together in a single garment in destiny..in that oval office 22:23:31 dean closing remarks 22:23:36 us and the republicans, the great unspoken political lie is elect me and 22:23:50 the future of this country stands in your hands, not mine. 22:24:00 harm he has done to this country, you have the power to create jobs. 22:24:11 the reason why people don't vote in this country is because we don't give them a reason to vote. 22:24:27 from this earth, president bush has forgotten the people of this country.. 22:24:40 sharpton closing remarks 22:24:47 democratic party because it is mandatory 22:24:58 we need to deal with an america that is open and promising 22:25:08 rights of every americans, not just new programs,. 22:25:16 to quality education, but the only way we can win this education if we bring in the majority of america. 22:25:32 the young people, the hip hop generation.. 22:25:38 we need a movement, and I am the candidate to put that party together.in 2004 22:25:52 lieberman closing remarks 22:25:58 marched with dr. king in mississippi.. 22:26:10 early presidential primary next year.. 22:26:19 that they have every had, that thrills me I am proud of it. 22:26:30 to take this country forward, they deserve not an either or choice.. 22:26:45 strength in both and I have that to offer. 22:26:57 beat him where he is weak, on the economy and his divisive right wing agenda. 22:27:07 already did it, and with your help we'll do it again. 22:27:28 Kerry closing remarks 22:27:34 that moment was seared in me, as were the words he quoted so often. 22:27:52 time for this country to ask again, why not. 22:27:58 health care for all of our citizens, health care, affordable and accessible... 22:28:13 energy independence for america. 22:28:18 ideals around our global, and why not have 22:28:25 did not belong to any one party it belongs to all americans.. 22:28:34 make america safer, stronger and more secure 22:28:41 GS closing remarks EVENT END
South Carolina Democratic Candidate Debate 2200 - 2230
[South Carolina Democratic Candidate Debate 2200 - 2230] [COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA] SOUTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE DEBATE RS 1 XDECK83 5/3/03 22:00:21 2.5 billion in south carolina, what plan would you bring forward 22:00:33 graham 22:00:38 has been given a dismissal notice because of the cutbacks. 22:00:51 problems that the states are experiencing are results of issues that we haven't taking care of 22:01:09 medicaid so we could give relief to the states.. 22:01:18 to be used to pay that teacher of 22:01:24 GS ends session COMMERCIAL TWO 22:03:46 GS intro to third session, question to Kerry 22:04:04 kerry 22:04:05 I've heard that for a long time, and I am attracting support from all over the country. 22:04:34 strength 22:04:59 GS question to Graham 22:05:06 graham 22:05:09 running to be the next president of the united states of america. 22:05:19 one, they want someone with executive experience, for years I was governor of the fourth largest state of this nation. 22:05:43 you don't set policy from the end zone, you do it from the 50 yard line. 22:05:56 who have been the last three democratic elected presidents..bill clinton from arkansas. 22:06:14 GS question to Edwards 22:06:31 two things about that.. 22:06:37 strength, character, conviction, good judgement, I am happy to have people judge me on that basis. 22:06:54 all his life, my mother's last job 22:06:59 first in my family to go to college.. 22:07:06 that I had grown up with, this is what I have done my entire life. 22:07:18 doing it in the united states senate, and I will be a champion for those people in the white house. 22:07:32 GS question to Dean 22:07:45 with security issues like homeland security.. 22:07:55 has got to have executive experience. 22:08:04 voted for or supported for the tax cut. 22:08:15 putting forth plans early on.. 22:08:21 change the democratic party.become the next president so we can have a balance budget. 22:08:35 regaining our strength, building a strong military. 22:08:46 GS question Moseley Braun 22:08:54 Moseley Bruan 22:08:58 to rebuild this country, both spiritually and physically. 22:09:12 be the country that we need to be for the rtes. of the world. 22:09:19 get included 22:09:23 run against the odds, I went ahead and did it. 22:09:33 African american in the united states senate. 22:09:40 breaking barriers down all of my life, I have a record of p 22:09:53 bob kerry or bob graham, I hope 22:09:59 it's time for a woman to be considered for the highest office in the land. 22:10:14 GS question to Lieberman 22:10:21 lieberman 22:10:24 you don't have to be a screamer to be tough. 22:10:32 when I was attorney general of connecticut. 22:10:42 some of the biggest interests groups. 22:10:54 spoke out against the president, to whom I was devoted, because he 22:11:10 the right thing for our country, that is what strength is about 22:11:17 GS question to Sharpton 22:11:29 sharpton 22:11:30 and jesse jackson proved that we registered many votes that we were able to regain the senate in 1986 22:11:49 sitting supreme court judge..humming dixie. 22:11:57 waving the confederate flag, they didn't wave it in baghdad. 22:12:07 equal protection under the law, I think the republicans 22:12:17 forty years of Birmingham this weekend 22:12:29 GS question to Gephardt 22:12:35 gephardt 22:12:37 I'm probably not your candidate, if you are looking for somebody who was real experience. 22:12:51 then I may be your candidate, the fight for working families is in my bones. 22:13:13 every opportunity that I person could have.. 22:13:21 in that oval office, I am going to think and represent for people like my parents 22:13:40 GS question to Kucinich 22:13:48 kucinich 22:13:52 a long shot won the derby. 22:13:59 badge of honor for me, I stood up for the people of Cleveland. 22:14:13 enrons of america, monopolies in energy, health care, transportation and communications. 22:14:29 fight for working men and women. 22:14:34 expectation that I will be the next president of the united states. 22:14:43 to save a municipal electric system f 22:14:58 GS ends session COMMERICAL THREE 22:17:03 Kucinich closing remark 22:17:11 our cities and schools, as president I will repeal the patriot act. 22:17:25 from your cities your 22:17:30 at kucinich.us.join me and take back america 22:17:44 Moseley-Braun 22:17:49 across the Rio Grande.we are all in the same boat now. 22:17:59 make certain that americans come together. 22:18:07 we can be the country that we want to believe that we are. 22:18:17 last generation a lot of opportunity. 22:18:24 that I'm afraid is being lost, as democrats I am happy to sit with these men. 22:18:39 administration in place now has taken america down the wrong road. 22:18:51 want to do it working with other democrats. 22:19:00 we can turn this around again 22:19:06 Edwards closing remarks 22:19:13 most of young life was spent moving from mill town to mill town. 22:19:25 working in the post office, because of their hard work.. 22:19:36 I am running for president because this president has betrayed people like my parents. 22:19:52 just because you speak the language of regular americans. 22:20:03 with a big buckle, doesn't mean you understand and stand up for rural americans. 22:20:17 but it has be based on the values of hard work. 22:20:26 I want to bring your values.to wall street and Pennsylvania avenue.I want to give this white house back to america. 22:20:54 graham closing remarks 22:21:01 and the people are hurting, I am running for president because I believe that america must.. 22:21:19 one million new jobs, built schools and balanced budget. 22:21:30 senate intelligence committee, I know how vulnerable we are.. 22:21:43 side by side with americans. 22:21:47 my name is bob graham, I come from the executable wing of the democratic party.. 22:22:03 gephardt closing remarks 22:22:15 people don't vote, we have got to have a president in this country. 22:22:29 make life better for all americans. 22:22:37 diagnosed with terminal cancer.many a night when we were in the hospital with him..many of them did not have insurance. 22:22:5 I want to have a teacher corps..will pay your college loans.. 22:23:15 if we understand we are all tied together in a single garment in destiny..in that oval office 22:23:31 dean closing remarks 22:23:36 us and the republicans, the great unspoken political lie is elect me and 22:23:50 the future of this country stands in your hands, not mine. 22:24:00 harm he has done to this country, you have the power to create jobs. 22:24:11 the reason why people don't vote in this country is because we don't give them a reason to vote. 22:24:27 from this earth, president bush has forgotten the people of this country.. 22:24:40 sharpton closing remarks 22:24:47 democratic party because it is mandatory 22:24:58 we need to deal with an america that is open and promising 22:25:08 rights of every americans, not just new programs,. 22:25:16 to quality education, but the only way we can win this education if we bring in the majority of america. 22:25:32 the young people, the hip hop generation.. 22:25:38 we need a movement, and I am the candidate to put that party together.in 2004 22:25:52 lieberman closing remarks 22:25:58 marched with dr. king in mississippi.. 22:26:10 early presidential primary next year.. 22:26:19 that they have every had, that thrills me I am proud of it. 22:26:30 to take this country forward, they deserve not an either or choice.. 22:26:45 strength in both and I have that to offer. 22:26:57 beat him where he is weak, on the economy and his divisive right wing agenda. 22:27:07 already did it, and with your help we'll do it again. 22:27:28 Kerry closing remarks 22:27:34 that moment was seared in me, as were the words he quoted so often. 22:27:52 time for this country to ask again, why not. 22:27:58 health care for all of our citizens, health care, affordable and accessible... 22:28:13 energy independence for america. 22:28:18 ideals around our global, and why not have 22:28:25 did not belong to any one party it belongs to all americans.. 22:28:34 make america safer, stronger and more secure 22:28:41 GS closing remarks EVENT END
South Carolina Democratic Candidate Debate 2200 - 2230
[South Carolina Democratic Candidate Debate 2200 - 2230] [COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA] SOUTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE DEBATE RS 2 5/3/03 22:00:21 2.5 billion in south carolina, what plan would you bring forward 22:00:33 graham 22:00:38 has been given a dismissal notice because of the cutbacks. 22:00:51 problems that the states are experiencing are results of issues that we haven't taking care of 22:01:09 medicaid so we could give relief to the states.. 22:01:18 to be used to pay that teacher of 22:01:24 GS ends session COMMERCIAL TWO 22:03:46 GS intro to third session, question to Kerry 22:04:04 kerry 22:04:05 I've heard that for a long time, and I am attracting support from all over the country. 22:04:34 strength 22:04:59 GS question to Graham 22:05:06 graham 22:05:09 running to be the next president of the united states of america. 22:05:19 one, they want someone with executive experience, for years I was governor of the fourth largest state of this nation. 22:05:43 you don't set policy from the end zone, you do it from the 50 yard line. 22:05:56 who have been the last three democratic elected presidents..bill clinton from arkansas. 22:06:14 GS question to Edwards 22:06:31 two things about that.. 22:06:37 strength, character, conviction, good judgement, I am happy to have people judge me on that basis. 22:06:54 all his life, my mother's last job 22:06:59 first in my family to go to college.. 22:07:06 that I had grown up with, this is what I have done my entire life. 22:07:18 doing it in the united states senate, and I will be a champion for those people in the white house. 22:07:32 GS question to Dean 22:07:45 with security issues like homeland security.. 22:07:55 has got to have executive experience. 22:08:04 voted for or supported for the tax cut. 22:08:15 putting forth plans early on.. 22:08:21 change the democratic party.become the next president so we can have a balance budget. 22:08:35 regaining our strength, building a strong military. 22:08:46 GS question Moseley Braun 22:08:54 Moseley Bruan 22:08:58 to rebuild this country, both spiritually and physically. 22:09:12 be the country that we need to be for the rtes. of the world. 22:09:19 get included 22:09:23 run against the odds, I went ahead and did it. 22:09:33 African american in the united states senate. 22:09:40 breaking barriers down all of my life, I have a record of p 22:09:53 bob kerry or bob graham, I hope 22:09:59 it's time for a woman to be considered for the highest office in the land. 22:10:14 GS question to Lieberman 22:10:21 lieberman 22:10:24 you don't have to be a screamer to be tough. 22:10:32 when I was attorney general of connecticut. 22:10:42 some of the biggest interests groups. 22:10:54 spoke out against the president, to whom I was devoted, because he 22:11:10 the right thing for our country, that is what strength is about 22:11:17 GS question to Sharpton 22:11:29 sharpton 22:11:30 and jesse jackson proved that we registered many votes that we were able to regain the senate in 1986 22:11:49 sitting supreme court judge..humming dixie. 22:11:57 waving the confederate flag, they didn't wave it in baghdad. 22:12:07 equal protection under the law, I think the republicans 22:12:17 forty years of Birmingham this weekend 22:12:29 GS question to Gephardt 22:12:35 gephardt 22:12:37 I'm probably not your candidate, if you are looking for somebody who was real experience. 22:12:51 then I may be your candidate, the fight for working families is in my bones. 22:13:13 every opportunity that I person could have.. 22:13:21 in that oval office, I am going to think and represent for people like my parents 22:13:40 GS question to Kucinich 22:13:48 kucinich 22:13:52 a long shot won the derby. 22:13:59 badge of honor for me, I stood up for the people of Cleveland. 22:14:13 enrons of america, monopolies in energy, health care, transportation and communications. 22:14:29 fight for working men and women. 22:14:34 expectation that I will be the next president of the united states. 22:14:43 to save a municipal electric system f 22:14:58 GS ends session COMMERICAL THREE 22:17:03 Kucinich closing remark 22:17:11 our cities and schools, as president I will repeal the patriot act. 22:17:25 from your cities your 22:17:30 at kucinich.us.join me and take back america 22:17:44 Moseley-Braun 22:17:49 across the Rio Grande.we are all in the same boat now. 22:17:59 make certain that americans come together. 22:18:07 we can be the country that we want to believe that we are. 22:18:17 last generation a lot of opportunity. 22:18:24 that I'm afraid is being lost, as democrats I am happy to sit with these men. 22:18:39 administration in place now has taken america down the wrong road. 22:18:51 want to do it working with other democrats. 22:19:00 we can turn this around again 22:19:06 Edwards closing remarks 22:19:13 most of young life was spent moving from mill town to mill town. 22:19:25 working in the post office, because of their hard work.. 22:19:36 I am running for president because this president has betrayed people like my parents. 22:19:52 just because you speak the language of regular americans. 22:20:03 with a big buckle, doesn't mean you understand and stand up for rural americans. 22:20:17 but it has be based on the values of hard work. 22:20:26 I want to bring your values.to wall street and Pennsylvania avenue.I want to give this white house back to america. 22:20:54 graham closing remarks 22:21:01 and the people are hurting, I am running for president because I believe that america must.. 22:21:19 one million new jobs, built schools and balanced budget. 22:21:30 senate intelligence committee, I know how vulnerable we are.. 22:21:43 side by side with americans. 22:21:47 my name is bob graham, I come from the executable wing of the democratic party.. 22:22:03 gephardt closing remarks 22:22:15 people don't vote, we have got to have a president in this country. 22:22:29 make life better for all americans. 22:22:37 diagnosed with terminal cancer.many a night when we were in the hospital with him..many of them did not have insurance. 22:22:5 I want to have a teacher corps..will pay your college loans.. 22:23:15 if we understand we are all tied together in a single garment in destiny..in that oval office 22:23:31 dean closing remarks 22:23:36 us and the republicans, the great unspoken political lie is elect me and 22:23:50 the future of this country stands in your hands, not mine. 22:24:00 harm he has done to this country, you have the power to create jobs. 22:24:11 the reason why people don't vote in this country is because we don't give them a reason to vote. 22:24:27 from this earth, president bush has forgotten the people of this country.. 22:24:40 sharpton closing remarks 22:24:47 democratic party because it is mandatory 22:24:58 we need to deal with an america that is open and promising 22:25:08 rights of every americans, not just new programs,. 22:25:16 to quality education, but the only way we can win this education if we bring in the majority of america. 22:25:32 the young people, the hip hop generation.. 22:25:38 we need a movement, and I am the candidate to put that party together.in 2004 22:25:52 lieberman closing remarks 22:25:58 marched with dr. king in mississippi.. 22:26:10 early presidential primary next year.. 22:26:19 that they have every had, that thrills me I am proud of it. 22:26:30 to take this country forward, they deserve not an either or choice.. 22:26:45 strength in both and I have that to offer. 22:26:57 beat him where he is weak, on the economy and his divisive right wing agenda. 22:27:07 already did it, and with your help we'll do it again. 22:27:28 Kerry closing remarks 22:27:34 that moment was seared in me, as were the words he quoted so often. 22:27:52 time for this country to ask again, why not. 22:27:58 health care for all of our citizens, health care, affordable and accessible... 22:28:13 energy independence for america. 22:28:18 ideals around our global, and why not have 22:28:25 did not belong to any one party it belongs to all americans.. 22:28:34 make america safer, stronger and more secure 22:28:41 GS closing remarks EVENT END
Libya File Material
1505 LYBIA LND X79 Lybia file material for Giusto/Weiner RTR 25 Saturday, March 06, 2004 CROSS ROLL TAPE ONLY 15:35:55 040303#011 Name: 040303#011 Title: LIBYA US AP FLASH 0015G Type: FEED-LINES In point: 00:25:34.25 Out point: 00:27:56.06 Duration: 00:02:21.11 Clip Location PDR A Tape ID Source APTN Notes SUPERED Dopesheet Libya US Wednesday, 03 March 2004 US delegation at parliament, Gadhafi speaks TYPE: Commentary SOURCE: LIBYA TV DATELINE: Sirte - 2 March 2004 Sirte, 420 kilometres (260 miles) east of Tripoli 15:36:22 . Various US delegation getting off plane 15:36:23 . US Representative Curt Weldon meeting local officials 3. Various US delegation meeting local officials 15:37:06 High shot of parliament interior 5. Various inside shots at opening of session 6. US Representative Weldon sitting in parliament, zoom out 7. Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi addressing parliament 8. US delegation listening to speech 9. Mid shot parliament 10. Gadhafi speaking 11. Audience 12. High shot parliament STORYLINE: US Representative Curt Weldon addressed the Libyan People's Congress on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding between the countries. Weldon, on his second visit to Libya in a month, said Gadhafi had told him last month that Americans don't know Libyans. Weldon said on Monday that the visit of the seven-member Congressional delegation was meant to show Libyans that continued cooperation with the United Nations and the United States will lead to American support for a fresh relationship. Gadhafi has agreed to dismantle Libya's nuclear programme under U.S., British and United Nations supervision, in return for a restoration of diplomatic ties with Washington. Gadhafi, speaking to the People's Congress, urged "all countries, from America to India, to get rid of these weapons." The annual meeting of the General People's Congress in this coastal town 420 kilometres (260 miles) east of the capital Tripoli, gathered nearly 800 legislators from regional people's assemblies. Gadhafi's efforts to shed his nation's rogue reputation include accepted responsibility last year for the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jetliner over Lockerbie, Scotland, prompting the U.N. Security Council to vote to lift its sanctions. The United States, which imposed trade sanctions on Libya in 1986 for its alleged support of terrorist groups, has also rewarded Gadhafi's recent actions, though it has not yet lifted sanctions. Last Thursday, the United States lifted 23-year-old travel restrictions imposed on Libya, which it considers a state sponsor of terrorism. It also invited American companies to begin planning their return to Libya and encouraged Tripoli to open in Washington an "interests section," a diplomatic office a level beneath an embassy. The United States also will expand its diplomatic presence in Tripoli. Other members of the U.S. delegation were Solomon Ortiz and Silvestre Reyes, both Texas Democrats, Nick Smith and Thad McCotter, both Michigan Republicans, Chris Chocola, an Indiana Republican, and Susan Davis, a California Democrat. 15:38:27 040303#121 Name: 040303#121 Title: LIBYA BUSINESS APTN 1800G Type: APTN FEED In point: 18:13:08.29 Out point: 18:16:52.20 Duration: 00:03:43.21 Clip Location PDR A Tape ID 8613 Source aptn Notes CONGRESSMEN IN SOUK ARE FROM 040301#140 Dopesheet Libya Business - Lifting of US travel ban boosts hopes for businesses SOURCE: APTN DATELINE: Tripoli, February 28 + March 1/3, 2004 SHOTLIST: Sirte, Libya, February 28, 2004 15:38:33 Commotion around Gadhafi as he walks along street Tripoli, Libya, March 1, 2004 15:38:40 US congressmen enter Tripoli's ancient souk 15:38:45 . Congressmen buy hats in souk 15:38:51 High shot of Tripoli with mosque in background 15:38:54 Fishermen against backdrop of palm trees 15:39:02 Peaceful square dominated by former cathedral 7. Tracking shot along narrow alleyway in souk 15:39:19 . Boy watches as craftsman makes saucepan 15:39:22 Waves crash onto beach 15:39:34 Cafe with hubble pipes in foreground 15:39:39 Man smokes hubble pipe 15:39:42 . Youths in cafe with Gadhafi portrait in background 15:39:47 . Exterior of Corinthia Hotel Tripoli, Libya, March 2, 2004 15:39:52 SOUNDBITE: (English) Mark Gauci, hotel director: "At this particular moment, Libya is attracting a very specific type of tourist. People coming to Libya know what to expect, and they are very pleased with whatthey find. The big interest is the culture, the historical sites and the deserts. People come with those expectations in mind, and find a little bit more than they expect." Tripoli, Libya, March 1, 2004 15:40:18 Office buildings in downtown Tripoli 15:40:26 British businessmen meet Libyan energy officials 15:40:36 Closeup of computer screen reading "Trade Mission To Libya" 15:40:40 SOUNDBITE: (English) David Kennedy, British businessman: "Like every market, it's gone through ups and downs. But the demand for the products that are sold by the guys on this trade mission is high, and looks se to grow even more in the months and years to come." 15:41:00 British and Libyan businessmen discuss deal 15:41:04 SOUNDBITE: (English) Matthew Kidman, business lawyer: "The issue is that the contracts you'd be signing as a foreign investor would largely be with government-owned companies. We need to see a commitment from the Libyan government itself to make sure that the Libyan trading parties will perform their obligations, that they will do what they have committed to do." 15:41:36 SOUNDBITE: (English) Sultan Alashger, Libyan Chamber of Commerce: "I think the American companies, when they enter the Libyan market, will face competition from other foreign companies that are already here. But the Americans have the know-how and the oil expertise, and knowledge of the industry. So I think they will take over." 22. High shot of Tripoli's business district STORYLINE: Libya looks set for a business boom following America's decision to lift its ban on US citizens travelling to Tripoli. The Libyans want to develop their economy - including the vitally important energy and tourism sectors - and need American investment to help them succeed. Washington banned US corporations from doing business with the Gadhafi regime I the 1980s because of Libya's links with terrorism. The Gadhafi show was in full swing at the weekend, bodyguards jostling with camera crews, as Libya's leader marked the end of an African summit. But this week the focus was on the United States, with the arrival of a delegation of American congressmen. Their message was clear. Now that Libya has pledged to abandon weapons of mass destruction, American business and tourism is on its way. And that's what Libya desperately needs. With almost two thousand miles of Mediterranean coastline, and cultural attractions to rival Rome or Athens, officials say Libya has massive potential as a tourist haven. Libya may never be a mass-market destination. Although secular, it's a Musli country and there are strict laws against the sale of alcohol. But that's part of its appeal, according to Mark Gaudi of the Maltese-owned Corinthia Hotel. Tourism isn't the only sector that will benefit from the lifting of the US travel ban. The country's oil and gas industry stands to gain too. So do American energy companies. They used to dominate Libya's oil and gas industry. But because Europe lifted its embargo faster than the US, American firms have given ground to their European rivals. Another British trade mission visited Tripoli this week to discuss further investment in the Libyan oil market. British businessmen reported strong demand and said the future looks good. It's an enticing prospect for American companies, now free to compete for their own piece of the cake. But a British lawyer who specialises in the energy sector struck a note of caution, saying Libya needs to establish an effective legal framework to protect foreign investors - and their funds. The Europeans have had a head start in the race to invest in Libya's future, now that sanctions are over and the country has better relations with the West. But Libyan officials recognise the power and the expertise that American companies have to offer, particularly in the energy sector. Sultan Alashger of the Libyan Chamber of Commerce said the Europeans would soon find themselves with a fight on their hands. And the Americans, he predicted, would emerge victorious. 15:42:26 P-APTN-2030: Hague Libya Friday, 05 March 2004 STORY: Hague Libya - REPLAY Chemical weapons watchdog reax to Libya's declaration LENGTH: 2:18 FIRST RUN: 1300 RESTRICTIONS: APTN Clients Only TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: APTN STORY NUMBER: 411469 DATELINE: The Hague, 5 March 2004 SHOTLIST: 15:42:36 Exteriors of OPCW - Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 15:42:40 Various of interiors of press conference 15:42:56 Various of blue files - disclosing Libya's chemical weapons programme 15:43:18 Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 15:43:25 SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "The OPCW has carried on munitions, the empty ones, the bombshells were destroyed last week, they found 3300 plus bombs that had been especially made in order to deploy the chemical weapons and those had already been destroyed. And now, what we have received today - which you have seen - is the declaration of the actual agents, the mustard gas that Libya is informing the world it had and which it intends to destroy in accordance with the obligations under the convention." 15:43:51 OPCW plaque 15:43:52 SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "All chemical weapons are very bad - so potentially the resources are for the production of terror weapons but the only ones that have actually been completed as chemical weapons are the mustard." 8. Journalists 9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "What we hope is that seeing the example of Libya and seeing how it has been extremely helpful to Libya in its relations with the rest of the world, other countries particularly in the Middle East and other regions will be encouraged to do so. We are also concerned about the Korean peninsular - North Korea is still not a member so there too we look forward to them joining us." 10. Exterior OPCW sign 11. Exterior OPCW building STORYLINE: Libya acknowledged stockpiling 20 tons of mustard gas and disclosed the location of a chemical weapons production plant in a declaration submitted on Friday to the chemical weapons watchdog organisation. Speaking to reporters at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons headquarters in the Hague, Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of the organisation said Libya had handed over 14 file cartons disclosing Libya's chemical weapons programme. Pfirter praised Libya's cooperation with the OPCW after it ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention in January. The declaration was a major step in Libya's eliminating its weapons of mass destruction, which it unexpectedly promised last December, hoping to end its international isolation and restore relations with the United States. On Thursday, the White House lifted the ban on Americans traveling to Libya and said it would expand the US diplomatic presence in Tripoli. It also said US companies that were in Libya before the sanctions can begin negotiating their return, pending the end of sanctions. In the past week, Libya made the first concrete move to eliminate its stockpiles when it destroyed 3,300 aerial bombs specifically intended to carry chemical payloads.
Libya File Material
1505 LYBIA LND X79 Lybia file material for Giusto/Weiner RTR 25 Saturday, March 06, 2004 CROSS ROLL TAPE ONLY 15:35:55 040303#011 Name: 040303#011 Title: LIBYA US AP FLASH 0015G Type: FEED-LINES In point: 00:25:34.25 Out point: 00:27:56.06 Duration: 00:02:21.11 Clip Location PDR A Tape ID Source APTN Notes SUPERED Dopesheet Libya US Wednesday, 03 March 2004 US delegation at parliament, Gadhafi speaks TYPE: Commentary SOURCE: LIBYA TV DATELINE: Sirte - 2 March 2004 Sirte, 420 kilometres (260 miles) east of Tripoli 15:36:22 . Various US delegation getting off plane 15:36:23 . US Representative Curt Weldon meeting local officials 3. Various US delegation meeting local officials 15:37:06 High shot of parliament interior 5. Various inside shots at opening of session 6. US Representative Weldon sitting in parliament, zoom out 7. Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi addressing parliament 8. US delegation listening to speech 9. Mid shot parliament 10. Gadhafi speaking 11. Audience 12. High shot parliament STORYLINE: US Representative Curt Weldon addressed the Libyan People's Congress on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding between the countries. Weldon, on his second visit to Libya in a month, said Gadhafi had told him last month that Americans don't know Libyans. Weldon said on Monday that the visit of the seven-member Congressional delegation was meant to show Libyans that continued cooperation with the United Nations and the United States will lead to American support for a fresh relationship. Gadhafi has agreed to dismantle Libya's nuclear programme under U.S., British and United Nations supervision, in return for a restoration of diplomatic ties with Washington. Gadhafi, speaking to the People's Congress, urged "all countries, from America to India, to get rid of these weapons." The annual meeting of the General People's Congress in this coastal town 420 kilometres (260 miles) east of the capital Tripoli, gathered nearly 800 legislators from regional people's assemblies. Gadhafi's efforts to shed his nation's rogue reputation include accepted responsibility last year for the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jetliner over Lockerbie, Scotland, prompting the U.N. Security Council to vote to lift its sanctions. The United States, which imposed trade sanctions on Libya in 1986 for its alleged support of terrorist groups, has also rewarded Gadhafi's recent actions, though it has not yet lifted sanctions. Last Thursday, the United States lifted 23-year-old travel restrictions imposed on Libya, which it considers a state sponsor of terrorism. It also invited American companies to begin planning their return to Libya and encouraged Tripoli to open in Washington an "interests section," a diplomatic office a level beneath an embassy. The United States also will expand its diplomatic presence in Tripoli. Other members of the U.S. delegation were Solomon Ortiz and Silvestre Reyes, both Texas Democrats, Nick Smith and Thad McCotter, both Michigan Republicans, Chris Chocola, an Indiana Republican, and Susan Davis, a California Democrat. 15:38:27 040303#121 Name: 040303#121 Title: LIBYA BUSINESS APTN 1800G Type: APTN FEED In point: 18:13:08.29 Out point: 18:16:52.20 Duration: 00:03:43.21 Clip Location PDR A Tape ID 8613 Source aptn Notes CONGRESSMEN IN SOUK ARE FROM 040301#140 Dopesheet Libya Business - Lifting of US travel ban boosts hopes for businesses SOURCE: APTN DATELINE: Tripoli, February 28 + March 1/3, 2004 SHOTLIST: Sirte, Libya, February 28, 2004 15:38:33 Commotion around Gadhafi as he walks along street Tripoli, Libya, March 1, 2004 15:38:40 US congressmen enter Tripoli's ancient souk 15:38:45 . Congressmen buy hats in souk 15:38:51 High shot of Tripoli with mosque in background 15:38:54 Fishermen against backdrop of palm trees 15:39:02 Peaceful square dominated by former cathedral 7. Tracking shot along narrow alleyway in souk 15:39:19 . Boy watches as craftsman makes saucepan 15:39:22 Waves crash onto beach 15:39:34 Cafe with hubble pipes in foreground 15:39:39 Man smokes hubble pipe 15:39:42 . Youths in cafe with Gadhafi portrait in background 15:39:47 . Exterior of Corinthia Hotel Tripoli, Libya, March 2, 2004 15:39:52 SOUNDBITE: (English) Mark Gauci, hotel director: "At this particular moment, Libya is attracting a very specific type of tourist. People coming to Libya know what to expect, and they are very pleased with whatthey find. The big interest is the culture, the historical sites and the deserts. People come with those expectations in mind, and find a little bit more than they expect." Tripoli, Libya, March 1, 2004 15:40:18 Office buildings in downtown Tripoli 15:40:26 British businessmen meet Libyan energy officials 15:40:36 Closeup of computer screen reading "Trade Mission To Libya" 15:40:40 SOUNDBITE: (English) David Kennedy, British businessman: "Like every market, it's gone through ups and downs. But the demand for the products that are sold by the guys on this trade mission is high, and looks se to grow even more in the months and years to come." 15:41:00 British and Libyan businessmen discuss deal 15:41:04 SOUNDBITE: (English) Matthew Kidman, business lawyer: "The issue is that the contracts you'd be signing as a foreign investor would largely be with government-owned companies. We need to see a commitment from the Libyan government itself to make sure that the Libyan trading parties will perform their obligations, that they will do what they have committed to do." 15:41:36 SOUNDBITE: (English) Sultan Alashger, Libyan Chamber of Commerce: "I think the American companies, when they enter the Libyan market, will face competition from other foreign companies that are already here. But the Americans have the know-how and the oil expertise, and knowledge of the industry. So I think they will take over." 22. High shot of Tripoli's business district STORYLINE: Libya looks set for a business boom following America's decision to lift its ban on US citizens travelling to Tripoli. The Libyans want to develop their economy - including the vitally important energy and tourism sectors - and need American investment to help them succeed. Washington banned US corporations from doing business with the Gadhafi regime I the 1980s because of Libya's links with terrorism. The Gadhafi show was in full swing at the weekend, bodyguards jostling with camera crews, as Libya's leader marked the end of an African summit. But this week the focus was on the United States, with the arrival of a delegation of American congressmen. Their message was clear. Now that Libya has pledged to abandon weapons of mass destruction, American business and tourism is on its way. And that's what Libya desperately needs. With almost two thousand miles of Mediterranean coastline, and cultural attractions to rival Rome or Athens, officials say Libya has massive potential as a tourist haven. Libya may never be a mass-market destination. Although secular, it's a Musli country and there are strict laws against the sale of alcohol. But that's part of its appeal, according to Mark Gaudi of the Maltese-owned Corinthia Hotel. Tourism isn't the only sector that will benefit from the lifting of the US travel ban. The country's oil and gas industry stands to gain too. So do American energy companies. They used to dominate Libya's oil and gas industry. But because Europe lifted its embargo faster than the US, American firms have given ground to their European rivals. Another British trade mission visited Tripoli this week to discuss further investment in the Libyan oil market. British businessmen reported strong demand and said the future looks good. It's an enticing prospect for American companies, now free to compete for their own piece of the cake. But a British lawyer who specialises in the energy sector struck a note of caution, saying Libya needs to establish an effective legal framework to protect foreign investors - and their funds. The Europeans have had a head start in the race to invest in Libya's future, now that sanctions are over and the country has better relations with the West. But Libyan officials recognise the power and the expertise that American companies have to offer, particularly in the energy sector. Sultan Alashger of the Libyan Chamber of Commerce said the Europeans would soon find themselves with a fight on their hands. And the Americans, he predicted, would emerge victorious. 15:42:26 P-APTN-2030: Hague Libya Friday, 05 March 2004 STORY: Hague Libya - REPLAY Chemical weapons watchdog reax to Libya's declaration LENGTH: 2:18 FIRST RUN: 1300 RESTRICTIONS: APTN Clients Only TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: APTN STORY NUMBER: 411469 DATELINE: The Hague, 5 March 2004 SHOTLIST: 15:42:36 Exteriors of OPCW - Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 15:42:40 Various of interiors of press conference 15:42:56 Various of blue files - disclosing Libya's chemical weapons programme 15:43:18 Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 15:43:25 SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "The OPCW has carried on munitions, the empty ones, the bombshells were destroyed last week, they found 3300 plus bombs that had been especially made in order to deploy the chemical weapons and those had already been destroyed. And now, what we have received today - which you have seen - is the declaration of the actual agents, the mustard gas that Libya is informing the world it had and which it intends to destroy in accordance with the obligations under the convention." 15:43:51 OPCW plaque 15:43:52 SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "All chemical weapons are very bad - so potentially the resources are for the production of terror weapons but the only ones that have actually been completed as chemical weapons are the mustard." 8. Journalists 9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "What we hope is that seeing the example of Libya and seeing how it has been extremely helpful to Libya in its relations with the rest of the world, other countries particularly in the Middle East and other regions will be encouraged to do so. We are also concerned about the Korean peninsular - North Korea is still not a member so there too we look forward to them joining us." 10. Exterior OPCW sign 11. Exterior OPCW building STORYLINE: Libya acknowledged stockpiling 20 tons of mustard gas and disclosed the location of a chemical weapons production plant in a declaration submitted on Friday to the chemical weapons watchdog organisation. Speaking to reporters at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons headquarters in the Hague, Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of the organisation said Libya had handed over 14 file cartons disclosing Libya's chemical weapons programme. Pfirter praised Libya's cooperation with the OPCW after it ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention in January. The declaration was a major step in Libya's eliminating its weapons of mass destruction, which it unexpectedly promised last December, hoping to end its international isolation and restore relations with the United States. On Thursday, the White House lifted the ban on Americans traveling to Libya and said it would expand the US diplomatic presence in Tripoli. It also said US companies that were in Libya before the sanctions can begin negotiating their return, pending the end of sanctions. In the past week, Libya made the first concrete move to eliminate its stockpiles when it destroyed 3,300 aerial bombs specifically intended to carry chemical payloads.
Libya File Material
1505 LYBIA LND X79 Lybia file material for Giusto/Weiner RTR 25 Saturday, March 06, 2004 CROSS ROLL TAPE ONLY 15:35:55 040303#011 Name: 040303#011 Title: LIBYA US AP FLASH 0015G Type: FEED-LINES In point: 00:25:34.25 Out point: 00:27:56.06 Duration: 00:02:21.11 Clip Location PDR A Tape ID Source APTN Notes SUPERED Dopesheet Libya US Wednesday, 03 March 2004 US delegation at parliament, Gadhafi speaks TYPE: Commentary SOURCE: LIBYA TV DATELINE: Sirte - 2 March 2004 Sirte, 420 kilometres (260 miles) east of Tripoli 15:36:22 . Various US delegation getting off plane 15:36:23 . US Representative Curt Weldon meeting local officials 3. Various US delegation meeting local officials 15:37:06 High shot of parliament interior 5. Various inside shots at opening of session 6. US Representative Weldon sitting in parliament, zoom out 7. Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi addressing parliament 8. US delegation listening to speech 9. Mid shot parliament 10. Gadhafi speaking 11. Audience 12. High shot parliament STORYLINE: US Representative Curt Weldon addressed the Libyan People's Congress on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding between the countries. Weldon, on his second visit to Libya in a month, said Gadhafi had told him last month that Americans don't know Libyans. Weldon said on Monday that the visit of the seven-member Congressional delegation was meant to show Libyans that continued cooperation with the United Nations and the United States will lead to American support for a fresh relationship. Gadhafi has agreed to dismantle Libya's nuclear programme under U.S., British and United Nations supervision, in return for a restoration of diplomatic ties with Washington. Gadhafi, speaking to the People's Congress, urged "all countries, from America to India, to get rid of these weapons." The annual meeting of the General People's Congress in this coastal town 420 kilometres (260 miles) east of the capital Tripoli, gathered nearly 800 legislators from regional people's assemblies. Gadhafi's efforts to shed his nation's rogue reputation include accepted responsibility last year for the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jetliner over Lockerbie, Scotland, prompting the U.N. Security Council to vote to lift its sanctions. The United States, which imposed trade sanctions on Libya in 1986 for its alleged support of terrorist groups, has also rewarded Gadhafi's recent actions, though it has not yet lifted sanctions. Last Thursday, the United States lifted 23-year-old travel restrictions imposed on Libya, which it considers a state sponsor of terrorism. It also invited American companies to begin planning their return to Libya and encouraged Tripoli to open in Washington an "interests section," a diplomatic office a level beneath an embassy. The United States also will expand its diplomatic presence in Tripoli. Other members of the U.S. delegation were Solomon Ortiz and Silvestre Reyes, both Texas Democrats, Nick Smith and Thad McCotter, both Michigan Republicans, Chris Chocola, an Indiana Republican, and Susan Davis, a California Democrat. 15:38:27 040303#121 Name: 040303#121 Title: LIBYA BUSINESS APTN 1800G Type: APTN FEED In point: 18:13:08.29 Out point: 18:16:52.20 Duration: 00:03:43.21 Clip Location PDR A Tape ID 8613 Source aptn Notes CONGRESSMEN IN SOUK ARE FROM 040301#140 Dopesheet Libya Business - Lifting of US travel ban boosts hopes for businesses SOURCE: APTN DATELINE: Tripoli, February 28 + March 1/3, 2004 SHOTLIST: Sirte, Libya, February 28, 2004 15:38:33 Commotion around Gadhafi as he walks along street Tripoli, Libya, March 1, 2004 15:38:40 US congressmen enter Tripoli's ancient souk 15:38:45 . Congressmen buy hats in souk 15:38:51 High shot of Tripoli with mosque in background 15:38:54 Fishermen against backdrop of palm trees 15:39:02 Peaceful square dominated by former cathedral 7. Tracking shot along narrow alleyway in souk 15:39:19 . Boy watches as craftsman makes saucepan 15:39:22 Waves crash onto beach 15:39:34 Cafe with hubble pipes in foreground 15:39:39 Man smokes hubble pipe 15:39:42 . Youths in cafe with Gadhafi portrait in background 15:39:47 . Exterior of Corinthia Hotel Tripoli, Libya, March 2, 2004 15:39:52 SOUNDBITE: (English) Mark Gauci, hotel director: "At this particular moment, Libya is attracting a very specific type of tourist. People coming to Libya know what to expect, and they are very pleased with whatthey find. The big interest is the culture, the historical sites and the deserts. People come with those expectations in mind, and find a little bit more than they expect." Tripoli, Libya, March 1, 2004 15:40:18 Office buildings in downtown Tripoli 15:40:26 British businessmen meet Libyan energy officials 15:40:36 Closeup of computer screen reading "Trade Mission To Libya" 15:40:40 SOUNDBITE: (English) David Kennedy, British businessman: "Like every market, it's gone through ups and downs. But the demand for the products that are sold by the guys on this trade mission is high, and looks se to grow even more in the months and years to come." 15:41:00 British and Libyan businessmen discuss deal 15:41:04 SOUNDBITE: (English) Matthew Kidman, business lawyer: "The issue is that the contracts you'd be signing as a foreign investor would largely be with government-owned companies. We need to see a commitment from the Libyan government itself to make sure that the Libyan trading parties will perform their obligations, that they will do what they have committed to do." 15:41:36 SOUNDBITE: (English) Sultan Alashger, Libyan Chamber of Commerce: "I think the American companies, when they enter the Libyan market, will face competition from other foreign companies that are already here. But the Americans have the know-how and the oil expertise, and knowledge of the industry. So I think they will take over." 22. High shot of Tripoli's business district STORYLINE: Libya looks set for a business boom following America's decision to lift its ban on US citizens travelling to Tripoli. The Libyans want to develop their economy - including the vitally important energy and tourism sectors - and need American investment to help them succeed. Washington banned US corporations from doing business with the Gadhafi regime I the 1980s because of Libya's links with terrorism. The Gadhafi show was in full swing at the weekend, bodyguards jostling with camera crews, as Libya's leader marked the end of an African summit. But this week the focus was on the United States, with the arrival of a delegation of American congressmen. Their message was clear. Now that Libya has pledged to abandon weapons of mass destruction, American business and tourism is on its way. And that's what Libya desperately needs. With almost two thousand miles of Mediterranean coastline, and cultural attractions to rival Rome or Athens, officials say Libya has massive potential as a tourist haven. Libya may never be a mass-market destination. Although secular, it's a Musli country and there are strict laws against the sale of alcohol. But that's part of its appeal, according to Mark Gaudi of the Maltese-owned Corinthia Hotel. Tourism isn't the only sector that will benefit from the lifting of the US travel ban. The country's oil and gas industry stands to gain too. So do American energy companies. They used to dominate Libya's oil and gas industry. But because Europe lifted its embargo faster than the US, American firms have given ground to their European rivals. Another British trade mission visited Tripoli this week to discuss further investment in the Libyan oil market. British businessmen reported strong demand and said the future looks good. It's an enticing prospect for American companies, now free to compete for their own piece of the cake. But a British lawyer who specialises in the energy sector struck a note of caution, saying Libya needs to establish an effective legal framework to protect foreign investors - and their funds. The Europeans have had a head start in the race to invest in Libya's future, now that sanctions are over and the country has better relations with the West. But Libyan officials recognise the power and the expertise that American companies have to offer, particularly in the energy sector. Sultan Alashger of the Libyan Chamber of Commerce said the Europeans would soon find themselves with a fight on their hands. And the Americans, he predicted, would emerge victorious. 15:42:26 P-APTN-2030: Hague Libya Friday, 05 March 2004 STORY: Hague Libya - REPLAY Chemical weapons watchdog reax to Libya's declaration LENGTH: 2:18 FIRST RUN: 1300 RESTRICTIONS: APTN Clients Only TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: APTN STORY NUMBER: 411469 DATELINE: The Hague, 5 March 2004 SHOTLIST: 15:42:36 Exteriors of OPCW - Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 15:42:40 Various of interiors of press conference 15:42:56 Various of blue files - disclosing Libya's chemical weapons programme 15:43:18 Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 15:43:25 SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "The OPCW has carried on munitions, the empty ones, the bombshells were destroyed last week, they found 3300 plus bombs that had been especially made in order to deploy the chemical weapons and those had already been destroyed. And now, what we have received today - which you have seen - is the declaration of the actual agents, the mustard gas that Libya is informing the world it had and which it intends to destroy in accordance with the obligations under the convention." 15:43:51 OPCW plaque 15:43:52 SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "All chemical weapons are very bad - so potentially the resources are for the production of terror weapons but the only ones that have actually been completed as chemical weapons are the mustard." 8. Journalists 9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "What we hope is that seeing the example of Libya and seeing how it has been extremely helpful to Libya in its relations with the rest of the world, other countries particularly in the Middle East and other regions will be encouraged to do so. We are also concerned about the Korean peninsular - North Korea is still not a member so there too we look forward to them joining us." 10. Exterior OPCW sign 11. Exterior OPCW building STORYLINE: Libya acknowledged stockpiling 20 tons of mustard gas and disclosed the location of a chemical weapons production plant in a declaration submitted on Friday to the chemical weapons watchdog organisation. Speaking to reporters at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons headquarters in the Hague, Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of the organisation said Libya had handed over 14 file cartons disclosing Libya's chemical weapons programme. Pfirter praised Libya's cooperation with the OPCW after it ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention in January. The declaration was a major step in Libya's eliminating its weapons of mass destruction, which it unexpectedly promised last December, hoping to end its international isolation and restore relations with the United States. On Thursday, the White House lifted the ban on Americans traveling to Libya and said it would expand the US diplomatic presence in Tripoli. It also said US companies that were in Libya before the sanctions can begin negotiating their return, pending the end of sanctions. In the past week, Libya made the first concrete move to eliminate its stockpiles when it destroyed 3,300 aerial bombs specifically intended to carry chemical payloads.
Libya File Material
1505 LYBIA LND X79 Lybia file material for Giusto/Weiner RTR 25 Saturday, March 06, 2004 CROSS ROLL TAPE ONLY 15:35:55 040303#011 Name: 040303#011 Title: LIBYA US AP FLASH 0015G Type: FEED-LINES In point: 00:25:34.25 Out point: 00:27:56.06 Duration: 00:02:21.11 Clip Location PDR A Tape ID Source APTN Notes SUPERED Dopesheet Libya US Wednesday, 03 March 2004 US delegation at parliament, Gadhafi speaks TYPE: Commentary SOURCE: LIBYA TV DATELINE: Sirte - 2 March 2004 Sirte, 420 kilometres (260 miles) east of Tripoli 15:36:22 . Various US delegation getting off plane 15:36:23 . US Representative Curt Weldon meeting local officials 3. Various US delegation meeting local officials 15:37:06 High shot of parliament interior 5. Various inside shots at opening of session 6. US Representative Weldon sitting in parliament, zoom out 7. Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi addressing parliament 8. US delegation listening to speech 9. Mid shot parliament 10. Gadhafi speaking 11. Audience 12. High shot parliament STORYLINE: US Representative Curt Weldon addressed the Libyan People's Congress on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding between the countries. Weldon, on his second visit to Libya in a month, said Gadhafi had told him last month that Americans don't know Libyans. Weldon said on Monday that the visit of the seven-member Congressional delegation was meant to show Libyans that continued cooperation with the United Nations and the United States will lead to American support for a fresh relationship. Gadhafi has agreed to dismantle Libya's nuclear programme under U.S., British and United Nations supervision, in return for a restoration of diplomatic ties with Washington. Gadhafi, speaking to the People's Congress, urged "all countries, from America to India, to get rid of these weapons." The annual meeting of the General People's Congress in this coastal town 420 kilometres (260 miles) east of the capital Tripoli, gathered nearly 800 legislators from regional people's assemblies. Gadhafi's efforts to shed his nation's rogue reputation include accepted responsibility last year for the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jetliner over Lockerbie, Scotland, prompting the U.N. Security Council to vote to lift its sanctions. The United States, which imposed trade sanctions on Libya in 1986 for its alleged support of terrorist groups, has also rewarded Gadhafi's recent actions, though it has not yet lifted sanctions. Last Thursday, the United States lifted 23-year-old travel restrictions imposed on Libya, which it considers a state sponsor of terrorism. It also invited American companies to begin planning their return to Libya and encouraged Tripoli to open in Washington an "interests section," a diplomatic office a level beneath an embassy. The United States also will expand its diplomatic presence in Tripoli. Other members of the U.S. delegation were Solomon Ortiz and Silvestre Reyes, both Texas Democrats, Nick Smith and Thad McCotter, both Michigan Republicans, Chris Chocola, an Indiana Republican, and Susan Davis, a California Democrat. 15:38:27 040303#121 Name: 040303#121 Title: LIBYA BUSINESS APTN 1800G Type: APTN FEED In point: 18:13:08.29 Out point: 18:16:52.20 Duration: 00:03:43.21 Clip Location PDR A Tape ID 8613 Source aptn Notes CONGRESSMEN IN SOUK ARE FROM 040301#140 Dopesheet Libya Business - Lifting of US travel ban boosts hopes for businesses SOURCE: APTN DATELINE: Tripoli, February 28 + March 1/3, 2004 SHOTLIST: Sirte, Libya, February 28, 2004 15:38:33 Commotion around Gadhafi as he walks along street Tripoli, Libya, March 1, 2004 15:38:40 US congressmen enter Tripoli's ancient souk 15:38:45 . Congressmen buy hats in souk 15:38:51 High shot of Tripoli with mosque in background 15:38:54 Fishermen against backdrop of palm trees 15:39:02 Peaceful square dominated by former cathedral 7. Tracking shot along narrow alleyway in souk 15:39:19 . Boy watches as craftsman makes saucepan 15:39:22 Waves crash onto beach 15:39:34 Cafe with hubble pipes in foreground 15:39:39 Man smokes hubble pipe 15:39:42 . Youths in cafe with Gadhafi portrait in background 15:39:47 . Exterior of Corinthia Hotel Tripoli, Libya, March 2, 2004 15:39:52 SOUNDBITE: (English) Mark Gauci, hotel director: "At this particular moment, Libya is attracting a very specific type of tourist. People coming to Libya know what to expect, and they are very pleased with whatthey find. The big interest is the culture, the historical sites and the deserts. People come with those expectations in mind, and find a little bit more than they expect." Tripoli, Libya, March 1, 2004 15:40:18 Office buildings in downtown Tripoli 15:40:26 British businessmen meet Libyan energy officials 15:40:36 Closeup of computer screen reading "Trade Mission To Libya" 15:40:40 SOUNDBITE: (English) David Kennedy, British businessman: "Like every market, it's gone through ups and downs. But the demand for the products that are sold by the guys on this trade mission is high, and looks se to grow even more in the months and years to come." 15:41:00 British and Libyan businessmen discuss deal 15:41:04 SOUNDBITE: (English) Matthew Kidman, business lawyer: "The issue is that the contracts you'd be signing as a foreign investor would largely be with government-owned companies. We need to see a commitment from the Libyan government itself to make sure that the Libyan trading parties will perform their obligations, that they will do what they have committed to do." 15:41:36 SOUNDBITE: (English) Sultan Alashger, Libyan Chamber of Commerce: "I think the American companies, when they enter the Libyan market, will face competition from other foreign companies that are already here. But the Americans have the know-how and the oil expertise, and knowledge of the industry. So I think they will take over." 22. High shot of Tripoli's business district STORYLINE: Libya looks set for a business boom following America's decision to lift its ban on US citizens travelling to Tripoli. The Libyans want to develop their economy - including the vitally important energy and tourism sectors - and need American investment to help them succeed. Washington banned US corporations from doing business with the Gadhafi regime I the 1980s because of Libya's links with terrorism. The Gadhafi show was in full swing at the weekend, bodyguards jostling with camera crews, as Libya's leader marked the end of an African summit. But this week the focus was on the United States, with the arrival of a delegation of American congressmen. Their message was clear. Now that Libya has pledged to abandon weapons of mass destruction, American business and tourism is on its way. And that's what Libya desperately needs. With almost two thousand miles of Mediterranean coastline, and cultural attractions to rival Rome or Athens, officials say Libya has massive potential as a tourist haven. Libya may never be a mass-market destination. Although secular, it's a Musli country and there are strict laws against the sale of alcohol. But that's part of its appeal, according to Mark Gaudi of the Maltese-owned Corinthia Hotel. Tourism isn't the only sector that will benefit from the lifting of the US travel ban. The country's oil and gas industry stands to gain too. So do American energy companies. They used to dominate Libya's oil and gas industry. But because Europe lifted its embargo faster than the US, American firms have given ground to their European rivals. Another British trade mission visited Tripoli this week to discuss further investment in the Libyan oil market. British businessmen reported strong demand and said the future looks good. It's an enticing prospect for American companies, now free to compete for their own piece of the cake. But a British lawyer who specialises in the energy sector struck a note of caution, saying Libya needs to establish an effective legal framework to protect foreign investors - and their funds. The Europeans have had a head start in the race to invest in Libya's future, now that sanctions are over and the country has better relations with the West. But Libyan officials recognise the power and the expertise that American companies have to offer, particularly in the energy sector. Sultan Alashger of the Libyan Chamber of Commerce said the Europeans would soon find themselves with a fight on their hands. And the Americans, he predicted, would emerge victorious. 15:42:26 P-APTN-2030: Hague Libya Friday, 05 March 2004 STORY: Hague Libya - REPLAY Chemical weapons watchdog reax to Libya's declaration LENGTH: 2:18 FIRST RUN: 1300 RESTRICTIONS: APTN Clients Only TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: APTN STORY NUMBER: 411469 DATELINE: The Hague, 5 March 2004 SHOTLIST: 15:42:36 Exteriors of OPCW - Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 15:42:40 Various of interiors of press conference 15:42:56 Various of blue files - disclosing Libya's chemical weapons programme 15:43:18 Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 15:43:25 SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "The OPCW has carried on munitions, the empty ones, the bombshells were destroyed last week, they found 3300 plus bombs that had been especially made in order to deploy the chemical weapons and those had already been destroyed. And now, what we have received today - which you have seen - is the declaration of the actual agents, the mustard gas that Libya is informing the world it had and which it intends to destroy in accordance with the obligations under the convention." 15:43:51 OPCW plaque 15:43:52 SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "All chemical weapons are very bad - so potentially the resources are for the production of terror weapons but the only ones that have actually been completed as chemical weapons are the mustard." 8. Journalists 9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "What we hope is that seeing the example of Libya and seeing how it has been extremely helpful to Libya in its relations with the rest of the world, other countries particularly in the Middle East and other regions will be encouraged to do so. We are also concerned about the Korean peninsular - North Korea is still not a member so there too we look forward to them joining us." 10. Exterior OPCW sign 11. Exterior OPCW building STORYLINE: Libya acknowledged stockpiling 20 tons of mustard gas and disclosed the location of a chemical weapons production plant in a declaration submitted on Friday to the chemical weapons watchdog organisation. Speaking to reporters at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons headquarters in the Hague, Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of the organisation said Libya had handed over 14 file cartons disclosing Libya's chemical weapons programme. Pfirter praised Libya's cooperation with the OPCW after it ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention in January. The declaration was a major step in Libya's eliminating its weapons of mass destruction, which it unexpectedly promised last December, hoping to end its international isolation and restore relations with the United States. On Thursday, the White House lifted the ban on Americans traveling to Libya and said it would expand the US diplomatic presence in Tripoli. It also said US companies that were in Libya before the sanctions can begin negotiating their return, pending the end of sanctions. In the past week, Libya made the first concrete move to eliminate its stockpiles when it destroyed 3,300 aerial bombs specifically intended to carry chemical payloads.
Libya File Material
1505 LYBIA LND X79 Lybia file material for Giusto/Weiner RTR 25 Saturday, March 06, 2004 CROSS ROLL TAPE ONLY 15:35:55 040303#011 Name: 040303#011 Title: LIBYA US AP FLASH 0015G Type: FEED-LINES In point: 00:25:34.25 Out point: 00:27:56.06 Duration: 00:02:21.11 Clip Location PDR A Tape ID Source APTN Notes SUPERED Dopesheet Libya US Wednesday, 03 March 2004 US delegation at parliament, Gadhafi speaks TYPE: Commentary SOURCE: LIBYA TV DATELINE: Sirte - 2 March 2004 Sirte, 420 kilometres (260 miles) east of Tripoli 15:36:22 . Various US delegation getting off plane 15:36:23 . US Representative Curt Weldon meeting local officials 3. Various US delegation meeting local officials 15:37:06 High shot of parliament interior 5. Various inside shots at opening of session 6. US Representative Weldon sitting in parliament, zoom out 7. Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi addressing parliament 8. US delegation listening to speech 9. Mid shot parliament 10. Gadhafi speaking 11. Audience 12. High shot parliament STORYLINE: US Representative Curt Weldon addressed the Libyan People's Congress on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding between the countries. Weldon, on his second visit to Libya in a month, said Gadhafi had told him last month that Americans don't know Libyans. Weldon said on Monday that the visit of the seven-member Congressional delegation was meant to show Libyans that continued cooperation with the United Nations and the United States will lead to American support for a fresh relationship. Gadhafi has agreed to dismantle Libya's nuclear programme under U.S., British and United Nations supervision, in return for a restoration of diplomatic ties with Washington. Gadhafi, speaking to the People's Congress, urged "all countries, from America to India, to get rid of these weapons." The annual meeting of the General People's Congress in this coastal town 420 kilometres (260 miles) east of the capital Tripoli, gathered nearly 800 legislators from regional people's assemblies. Gadhafi's efforts to shed his nation's rogue reputation include accepted responsibility last year for the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jetliner over Lockerbie, Scotland, prompting the U.N. Security Council to vote to lift its sanctions. The United States, which imposed trade sanctions on Libya in 1986 for its alleged support of terrorist groups, has also rewarded Gadhafi's recent actions, though it has not yet lifted sanctions. Last Thursday, the United States lifted 23-year-old travel restrictions imposed on Libya, which it considers a state sponsor of terrorism. It also invited American companies to begin planning their return to Libya and encouraged Tripoli to open in Washington an "interests section," a diplomatic office a level beneath an embassy. The United States also will expand its diplomatic presence in Tripoli. Other members of the U.S. delegation were Solomon Ortiz and Silvestre Reyes, both Texas Democrats, Nick Smith and Thad McCotter, both Michigan Republicans, Chris Chocola, an Indiana Republican, and Susan Davis, a California Democrat. 15:38:27 040303#121 Name: 040303#121 Title: LIBYA BUSINESS APTN 1800G Type: APTN FEED In point: 18:13:08.29 Out point: 18:16:52.20 Duration: 00:03:43.21 Clip Location PDR A Tape ID 8613 Source aptn Notes CONGRESSMEN IN SOUK ARE FROM 040301#140 Dopesheet Libya Business - Lifting of US travel ban boosts hopes for businesses SOURCE: APTN DATELINE: Tripoli, February 28 + March 1/3, 2004 SHOTLIST: Sirte, Libya, February 28, 2004 15:38:33 Commotion around Gadhafi as he walks along street Tripoli, Libya, March 1, 2004 15:38:40 US congressmen enter Tripoli's ancient souk 15:38:45 . Congressmen buy hats in souk 15:38:51 High shot of Tripoli with mosque in background 15:38:54 Fishermen against backdrop of palm trees 15:39:02 Peaceful square dominated by former cathedral 7. Tracking shot along narrow alleyway in souk 15:39:19 . Boy watches as craftsman makes saucepan 15:39:22 Waves crash onto beach 15:39:34 Cafe with hubble pipes in foreground 15:39:39 Man smokes hubble pipe 15:39:42 . Youths in cafe with Gadhafi portrait in background 15:39:47 . Exterior of Corinthia Hotel Tripoli, Libya, March 2, 2004 15:39:52 SOUNDBITE: (English) Mark Gauci, hotel director: "At this particular moment, Libya is attracting a very specific type of tourist. People coming to Libya know what to expect, and they are very pleased with whatthey find. The big interest is the culture, the historical sites and the deserts. People come with those expectations in mind, and find a little bit more than they expect." Tripoli, Libya, March 1, 2004 15:40:18 Office buildings in downtown Tripoli 15:40:26 British businessmen meet Libyan energy officials 15:40:36 Closeup of computer screen reading "Trade Mission To Libya" 15:40:40 SOUNDBITE: (English) David Kennedy, British businessman: "Like every market, it's gone through ups and downs. But the demand for the products that are sold by the guys on this trade mission is high, and looks se to grow even more in the months and years to come." 15:41:00 British and Libyan businessmen discuss deal 15:41:04 SOUNDBITE: (English) Matthew Kidman, business lawyer: "The issue is that the contracts you'd be signing as a foreign investor would largely be with government-owned companies. We need to see a commitment from the Libyan government itself to make sure that the Libyan trading parties will perform their obligations, that they will do what they have committed to do." 15:41:36 SOUNDBITE: (English) Sultan Alashger, Libyan Chamber of Commerce: "I think the American companies, when they enter the Libyan market, will face competition from other foreign companies that are already here. But the Americans have the know-how and the oil expertise, and knowledge of the industry. So I think they will take over." 22. High shot of Tripoli's business district STORYLINE: Libya looks set for a business boom following America's decision to lift its ban on US citizens travelling to Tripoli. The Libyans want to develop their economy - including the vitally important energy and tourism sectors - and need American investment to help them succeed. Washington banned US corporations from doing business with the Gadhafi regime I the 1980s because of Libya's links with terrorism. The Gadhafi show was in full swing at the weekend, bodyguards jostling with camera crews, as Libya's leader marked the end of an African summit. But this week the focus was on the United States, with the arrival of a delegation of American congressmen. Their message was clear. Now that Libya has pledged to abandon weapons of mass destruction, American business and tourism is on its way. And that's what Libya desperately needs. With almost two thousand miles of Mediterranean coastline, and cultural attractions to rival Rome or Athens, officials say Libya has massive potential as a tourist haven. Libya may never be a mass-market destination. Although secular, it's a Musli country and there are strict laws against the sale of alcohol. But that's part of its appeal, according to Mark Gaudi of the Maltese-owned Corinthia Hotel. Tourism isn't the only sector that will benefit from the lifting of the US travel ban. The country's oil and gas industry stands to gain too. So do American energy companies. They used to dominate Libya's oil and gas industry. But because Europe lifted its embargo faster than the US, American firms have given ground to their European rivals. Another British trade mission visited Tripoli this week to discuss further investment in the Libyan oil market. British businessmen reported strong demand and said the future looks good. It's an enticing prospect for American companies, now free to compete for their own piece of the cake. But a British lawyer who specialises in the energy sector struck a note of caution, saying Libya needs to establish an effective legal framework to protect foreign investors - and their funds. The Europeans have had a head start in the race to invest in Libya's future, now that sanctions are over and the country has better relations with the West. But Libyan officials recognise the power and the expertise that American companies have to offer, particularly in the energy sector. Sultan Alashger of the Libyan Chamber of Commerce said the Europeans would soon find themselves with a fight on their hands. And the Americans, he predicted, would emerge victorious. 15:42:26 P-APTN-2030: Hague Libya Friday, 05 March 2004 STORY: Hague Libya - REPLAY Chemical weapons watchdog reax to Libya's declaration LENGTH: 2:18 FIRST RUN: 1300 RESTRICTIONS: APTN Clients Only TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: APTN STORY NUMBER: 411469 DATELINE: The Hague, 5 March 2004 SHOTLIST: 15:42:36 Exteriors of OPCW - Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 15:42:40 Various of interiors of press conference 15:42:56 Various of blue files - disclosing Libya's chemical weapons programme 15:43:18 Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 15:43:25 SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "The OPCW has carried on munitions, the empty ones, the bombshells were destroyed last week, they found 3300 plus bombs that had been especially made in order to deploy the chemical weapons and those had already been destroyed. And now, what we have received today - which you have seen - is the declaration of the actual agents, the mustard gas that Libya is informing the world it had and which it intends to destroy in accordance with the obligations under the convention." 15:43:51 OPCW plaque 15:43:52 SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "All chemical weapons are very bad - so potentially the resources are for the production of terror weapons but the only ones that have actually been completed as chemical weapons are the mustard." 8. Journalists 9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "What we hope is that seeing the example of Libya and seeing how it has been extremely helpful to Libya in its relations with the rest of the world, other countries particularly in the Middle East and other regions will be encouraged to do so. We are also concerned about the Korean peninsular - North Korea is still not a member so there too we look forward to them joining us." 10. Exterior OPCW sign 11. Exterior OPCW building STORYLINE: Libya acknowledged stockpiling 20 tons of mustard gas and disclosed the location of a chemical weapons production plant in a declaration submitted on Friday to the chemical weapons watchdog organisation. Speaking to reporters at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons headquarters in the Hague, Rogelio Pfirter, the director general of the organisation said Libya had handed over 14 file cartons disclosing Libya's chemical weapons programme. Pfirter praised Libya's cooperation with the OPCW after it ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention in January. The declaration was a major step in Libya's eliminating its weapons of mass destruction, which it unexpectedly promised last December, hoping to end its international isolation and restore relations with the United States. On Thursday, the White House lifted the ban on Americans traveling to Libya and said it would expand the US diplomatic presence in Tripoli. It also said US companies that were in Libya before the sanctions can begin negotiating their return, pending the end of sanctions. In the past week, Libya made the first concrete move to eliminate its stockpiles when it destroyed 3,300 aerial bombs specifically intended to carry chemical payloads.
United States Senate 0900 - 1000
SENATE FLOOR DEBATE: Final vote on immigration reform. It will resume consideration of S. 2611, Immigration Reform bill. Time agreement as follows: Cornyn #4097 w/ 60 mins equally divided. // Bingaman# 431 w/ 60 mins equally divided. // Feingold #4083 w/ 60 mins equally divided. // Ensign #413 w/ 30 mins equally divided. // Stacked votes followed by final passage. W.O. VOTE on final passage is expected early afternoon. 09:18:18.5 the presiding officer: the senate will come to order. the chaplain, dr. barry black will lead the senate in prayer. the chaplain: let us pray. 09:18:33.5 almighty and eternal god, we thank you for our country. we praise you for her hills and valleys, her fertile soil, her trees, her plains and mountains. forgive us when we seek material power alone. forgive us if in our prosperity 09:18:56.2 we have been condescending to others or forgotten the invisible poor. forgive us too if we have neglected the admonition of your word. 09:19:10.8 lord, we confess our mistakes. use our senators today to keep us a nation, full of truth and righteousness. we pray in your wonderful name. amen. 09:19:33.9 the presiding officer: please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to our flag. i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, 09:19:43.8 with liberty and justice for all. the presiding officer: the clerk will read a comiewm case to the 09:20:00.1 senate. the clerk: washington, d.c. , may 25, 2006: to the senate: under the provisions of rule 1, paragraph 3 of the standing rules of the senate, i hereby appoint the honorable john nguyen van nghia, a senator from the state of new hampshire to der form the duties of the chair. 09:20:15.2 signed ted stevens, president pro tempore. the presiding officer: under the previous order, leadership time is reserved. senate will resume consideration of s. 2611, which the clerk will report clerk calendar number 414, s. 2611. 09:20:32.5 the presiding officer: the senator from pennsylvania. mr. specter: mr. president, we have a unanimous consent agreement limiting the remaining number of amendments with time agreements worked out. we would appreciate it if the 09:20:49.4 senators in sequence would be ready to go when the next amendment comes up. we anticipate a long session today. there will be other votes following completion of the immigration bill including a 09:21:03.6 vote on cloture of the nomination of brett kavanaugh for the court of appeals for the district of columbia. and i believe we are now ready to believe with the cornyn amendment. the presiding officer: the senator from texas. 09:21:18.3 mr. specter: mr. president, i should announce further that it is our intention to stack the votes at the conclusion of the debate on the remaining amendments. the presiding officer: snort from texas is recognized. mr. cornyn: mr. president, i'd like to call up amendment 4097 and ask for its immediate 09:21:37.8 consideration. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: the senator from texas propeses an amendment number 4097. mr. cornyn: i ask unanimous consent that further reading be dispensed with. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. cornyn: mr. president, i 09:21:52.2 believe in amendment is absolutely essential to the functioning of this comprehensive reform plan that has been shaped over the last two weeks on the senate floor. it is premised upon the concept of information sharing. and in a post-9/11 world, this is a concept that we have become 09:22:10.8 familiar with because the failure to share information between law enforcement and intelligence gathering authorities and other agencies of the federal government were one of causes of the terrible disaster this country sustained 09:22:26.9 on september 11, 2001. this amendment, i believe, , striegz an appropriate balance between controversiality of the 09:22:44.7 records of applicants under this bill and fraud detection. the compromise that we've heard it has been carefully crafted by a bipartisan coalition here will 09:22:57.3 not in any way be unravelled or hurt in anyway by this amendment. finally, an illegal alien, i believe l not be deterred from applying because of the this amendment. this amendment does not remove 09:23:16.7 controversiality per se. it applies only after an application is denied the need for controversiality passes. the next is -- text is modeled after the violence against women 09:23:33.2 act and i would ask my colleagues if the limit on controversiality is okay in the case against women who are subjected to violence, why isn't it okay for workers who are simply here illegally? 09:23:50.9 this country's early experience about 20 years ago now with immigration reform shows that a legalization or amnesty program say magnet for fraud and can be ploited any -- exploited in a 09:24:07.2 number of ways. we know that this vulnerability can be exploited not only by common criminals but also by terrorists. three terrorists convicted of the 1993 world trade center bombing obtained green cards 09:24:23.8 through the 1986 amnesty including new york city cab driver mohammed abu s hamala through nestity. 09:24:42.3 "the new york times" called the 1986 amnesty -- quote -- "one of the most extensive immigration frauds ever perpetrated upon the united states government. government." within scruft a few years, it was reported that the government had already identified almost 400,000 cases of possible fraud. 09:25:02.0 one of the reasons there was so much fraud in the 196 amnesty was -- 1986 amnesty was because the law did not allow the government to share information even after an application was denied. yet the current bill contains the exact same text and the 09:25:19.5 exact same flaws. my amendment does not eliminate any controversiality -- confidentiality in the bill. 09:25:34.7 my amendment simply allows the government to share and use information once a worker's application and all appeals are denied. my amendment is modeled after the current legal protections provided in the violence against women act which allows the 09:25:50.9 government to share and use information submitted in an application -- quote -- "when the application for relief is denied and all opportunities for that appeal of denial have been exhausted ." but that limitation is okay in that context, why is it not 09:26:09.4 appropriate in this context? i don't believe this amendment would deter any alien from applying for legal status. illegal workers seek a secure border and work site enforcement. 09:26:27.3 we may hear from some that in order to for undocumented individuals to come forward and take advantage of the legalization program provided by this lying bill that can he can't do anything that might cause them them to second guess or question whether they should 09:26:46.0 come forward. but the fact is, mr. president, i think there has to be a balance struck. i don't believe that any illegal alien will be deterred from participating in the very generous provisions of in lying bill because of concerns that if their application is denied that 09:27:02.5 that information can then be shared with law enforcement personnel. the fact is the kinds of things that we're looking out for are fraud, massive fraud schemes which would be designed to undermine the very structure of 09:27:19.7 this negotiated comprehensive immigration reform bill. paul virtue, president clinton's general counsel at the immigration and naturalization service testified before congress -- quote -- "that the confidentiality restrictions of 09:27:35.7 the law in 1986 prevented i.n.s. 09:27:39.3 from pursuing cases of possible fraud detected during the application process ." that was before the house judiciary committee on march 4, 1999. and according to one of our colleagues who was then in the 09:27:53.8 house of representatives, senator schumer, he was quoted in "the new york times" in 199 as saying, "one certain product of the agriculture amnesty program is that in developing immigration policies in the future, congress will be much 09:28:08.6 more wary of the potential for fraud and will do much more to stop it." mr. president, it's been said famously that those who refuse to learn from history are 09:28:24.9 condemned to relive it. and i suggest to my colleagues that we should have learned something from the massive fraud in the 1986 amnesty and we should not relive that in this bill today. 09:28:39.2 this amendment improves the current bill by preserving the confidentiality of applicants while allowing the government to share information and perhaps uncover massive fraud criminals trying to prevent and gain 09:28:59.0 access to our country and our immigration system in spite of massive criminal organized crime. so, i would ask my colleagues do we really want to grant impunity for fraud? 09:29:14.5 do we really want to in vite criminals and those who would perpetrate such fraud to do so again when we have the very tools at our command which would allow us to strike the proper balance between the prosecution 09:29:30.6 for fraud and yet at the same time encouraging those who would benefit from this program from coming forward. now, i've heard some suggest, mr. president, that the only way we're going to encourage people to come forward is if we make doing so an unequivocally 09:29:51.2 positive experience. in other words, it's all carrot and no stick. but i would suggest that the most practical way to deal with the current situation is both the combination of carrot and stick. 09:30:04.8 the carrot being obviously the offer of the great benefits and very generous benefits provided by this underlying legislation but the stick has got to be things like work site verification. ultimately that's the linchpin, 09:30:21.7 i believe, of the success of the entire program. not even border security, i believe, represents the linchpin for the success of this comprehensive immigration reform plan because 45% of illegal aliens currently in the united 09:30:36.3 states have entered legally like the three convicted bombers of the 1993 world trade center -- world trade center explosions. but we need a combination of border security, work site 09:30:54.7 verification and enforcement and employer sanctions for those who cheat in order to dry up the attraction of those who want to come to the united states to work. but in doing so, we can, i believe, provide a good balance 09:31:10.2 for those who are here and who congress has -- is in the process of determining should be available for certain benefits under this bill. but i believe do so in a way that would prevent and make far less likely the massive fraud 09:31:27.4 which undermined the 1986 amnesty. mr. president, i would reserve the balance of my time and yield the floor. the presiding officer: who yields time? the senator from massachusetts. mr. kennedy: mr. president, one 09:31:49.5 of the -- i was here in 196. i understand the 1986 act very well. i listened to my friend from texas describe the provisions that we have earned legalization saying effectively it's the same 09:32:05.3 that was offered in 1986 and, of course, it isn't because 1986 6 was a real amnesty. we've had this debate for ten days. we can have it again here today. what we're talking about in this 09:32:19.9 program is recognizing that people that have violated the -- the law are able to work and earn their way into a position where eventually they can apply for citizenship if they pay a penalty, if they demonstrate 09:32:38.3 that they paid their back taxes, they have no trouble with the law, and they are prepared to learn english.x and after the last person who's 09:32:50.6 in line now legitimately is able to gain entry in the yiewrks they can adjust their -- in the united states, they can adjust their status. but the 1986 failure is entirely different from what we have now because we had a proliferation of fraudulent documents. 09:33:09.6 that's the history. we understand that. and we had republican and democratic administrations that refused to enforce the 1986 laws. that's history. we can go out here an complained about 1986, but 1986 is not 2006 and what we did in 1986 is not 09:33:25.9 2006. now, we can talk about how some of the terrorists got into the united states. most of the terrorists got into the united states as a result of 9/11 through saudi arabia, and the reason they got in is 09:33:40.8 because the c.i.a. didn't talk to the f.b.i. or the immigration service. the majority of those that came on in here and were part of the 9/11 were known by the central intelligence agency and they never shared that information 09:33:56.1 with the immigration service or with the f.b.i. they didn't need fraudulent documents. they needed the f.b.i. and the c.i.a. to work together. but having said all that, mr. president, we hopefully have got the better relationship between the central intelligence agency and the f.b.i. now than we certainly had then. 09:34:14.0 but that is the past. we have to learn from the fast. i listened to the senator say that. and what we need is tamper-proof documents. if you don't have tamper-proof documents, this system is not going to work. tamper-proof documents. that is what we are committed 09:34:32.0 to, tamper-proof documents to try and deal with the fraud. now, people can come on the floor of the united states senate and talk about the fraud in our immigration system and that is true. what we're trying do with this legislation is remedy that, is remedy that. 09:34:49.1 i don't know what the alternative is from the senator from texas. i know what his concerns are, but i don't know what his remedy is. on this, we are talking about tamper-proof documents. we're talking about tamper-proof documents for guest workers, 09:35:04.8 we're talking about tamper-proof documents so that the law can be enforced against employers who are going to hire undocumented individuals that don't have the tamper-proof documents, and we're talking about tamper-proof documents for those individuals that want to try and play by the 09:35:21.8 rules and go by earned legalization. now, the language in this legislation is very clear, mr. president, and that is, if you lie on your application, you lose all your rights. 09:35:36.8 you lose all your rights. and you are subject to deportation. but if you commit an innocent mistake on your application, that can be considered and not be the -- used as a vehicle for deportation. 09:35:52.9 now, that is the principle difference, mr. president, and i don't think that that's an unreasonable one. now, the senator, i know, believes that if we don't -- if we don't change what we got in our law to what he wants so that 09:36:13.8 people will be, if we accept his amendment, people will not be discouraged from coming forth -- of course they will he a be 09:36:25.3 discouraged from coming forth. they find out the application is mistake. 09:36:41.3 we don't want them to be deported if it's going to be subject to the court and amendment, why they going to come forward and share information if they know if they share information confidencely they'll going to be deported? so we're undermining an essential aspect of this 09:36:57.1 legislation bringing people out of the shadows. we want people -- of the millions of people that are here are people that have come here because they want to work hard, they want to provide for their families, they want to be a part of the american dream, they're 09:37:13.9 prepared to learn english, they're prepared to pay their taxes, they're prepared to pay their penalty, and they want to have a sense of pride. they practice their faith and they want to be -- have a sense of pride. and they want to be able to come on in and be able to adjust their status so that they can be 09:37:29.2 legalized so they can have the respect of their children and their family and their 09:37:35.2 community. that's what the great majority of the people want, and that is what we are trying to do. but if we follow the cornyn amendment, people come on in there in good faith and somebody 09:37:50.3 flyspecks that application and says, no, this is a question of whether this is a case of criminal intent, boom, you're gone. you're deported. we are going to have a very difficult time. 09:38:03.0 we have crafted this legislation so that those who are going it lie on the application and those who are going to be involved in criminal activity, bang, they are subject to depour taismghts no if's, and's or but's. but we understand there are 09:38:18.9 going to be innocent mistakes made and we don't want to subject people to deportation because that isn't what all of this is really about, mr. president. and it does seem to me that honest people who submit a good-faith application to earn legalization should not be 09:38:36.0 signing their own deportation orders. otherwise, why should anyone apply? that effectively is what the cornyn amendment does, and i think effectively undermines the whole purpose and thrust of the legislation. 09:38:52.1 which hold the balance of my time. -- i withhold the balance of my time. mr. cornyn: mr. president, i have enormous respect for the knowledge and passion that the senator from massachusetts brings to this issue. i think he's reading more into the amendment than certainly i intend, and i'd like to explain 09:39:09.6 that. first of all, i don't want to get into an argument with him today about what is and what is not amnesty. we've had that debate, and i think we'll leave further discussion of that for another day. but i agree with him that what undermines the 1986 amnesty, 09:39:28.7 which i think we both agree was an amnesty, was the proliferation, as he said, of fraudulent documents. and he acknowledges -- and i think correctly so -- that coming up here now five years post-9/11, that it is important 09:39:45.3 that all of our law enforcement and intelligence agencies communicate with one another in a way that protects the american people. he talks about tamper-proof documents. this bill does not provide for such a tamper-proof document. 09:40:02.4 in fact, it maintains the current regime of allowing people to prove their eligibility to work by showing some combination of up to 20 different documents. that is where fraud has such 09:40:18.4 great potential because we know that there are document mills, there are criminal organizations that will generate a passport, a social security card, a driver's license, you name it. and some of the quality of their work is very high and easily 09:40:38.4 passes as a valid dolt. -- and easily passes as a valid document. and we don't have that in this bill and i hope that we will agree among ourselves that that 09:40:49.9 is an essential part of this comprehensive immigration reform. but what i am getting at is if someone uses a fraudulent document to apply for the benefits under this bill and they are denied the benefits under this legalization program, 09:41:09.6 then that information ought to be shared with the f.b.i., with potentially the c.i.a. in cases where their jurisdiction is invoked, and this has the opportunity not only to lead our 09:41:23.5 law enforcement personnel to shut down these fraudulent document mills, but also potentially to crack criminal syndicates that are engaged not only in generating false documents but trafficking in persons, in drugs, in guns, and even potentially terrorist 09:41:40.9 organizations. i think it's absolutely critical that we have the department of homeland security able to share that kind of information with the c.i.a. and the f.b.i. it's important that we bring 09:41:58.0 down those stovepipes that prevented the information-sharing that might have prevented 9/11. now, i'm not suggesting that a good-faith mistake in an application for the benefits under this bill would result in 09:42:13.1 deportation. to the contrary, i'm glad to hear the senator from massachusetts say, if you lie, you lose, you get deported. but i believe that we need to have a common-sense availability 09:42:29.7 of this information, not on a 09:42:33.7 widespread basis. we're not going to publish it on the internet. but i think that law enforcement ought to be able to share in this information on a case-by-case basis in a way that is designed not only to root out 09:42:48.4 and prevent crime and punish crimes that have already been committed but potentially protect us against future terrorist attacks of the and i just can't for the life of me understand why this is controversial, particularly coming up as we are on the fifth anniversary of 9/11. 09:43:05.0 i would withhold the balance of my time and yield the floor. the presiding officer: the senator from massachusetts. mr. kennedy: mr. president, first of all, under title 3, there are only four documents. there are not 20 documents. there are four documents. title 3, four documents. they are eight passports, the 09:43:21.3 realide i. i.d., the green cards and the employment authorization documents and they are basically biometric documents. there are four documents in title 3, not 20. secondly, the senator from texas is describings the conditions that we -- is describing the 09:43:36.2 conditions that we had in 1986, not in this legislation. there is the encouragement of the immigration with the department of homeland security and the f.b.i. when we have document fraud or when there is fraud, we can't make -- we make that extremely 09:43:54.6 clear. that was not clear, as the senator appropriately pointed out, in 1986. there was not that kind of cooperation. there was some but not nearly what it should be. we're all for that. the confidentiality clause in the underlying bill does not 09:44:08.7 protect the criminals. on the contrary, the bill requires d.h.s. and the state to disclose all information furnished by legalization applicant to law enforcement entities conducting criminal activity and national security investigations. 09:44:24.3 now, we learned from what we call irca, the 1986 act, and we have got that in the legislation. i will -- on page 38 of the legislation, it talks about other documents, "not later than 09:44:42.5 october 26, 2000, every document other than an interim document issued by the secretary of homeland which may be used as evidence of an -- has an acy asylee, shall be 09:44:58.7 tamper-resistant and shall incorporate a biometric identifier to allow the secretary to identify it electron lick eye, the status of the alien. so i am a strong believe their that's what we need. this legislation isn't going to 09:45:12.1 work unless we have an effective system. unique, special. but other countries have this, mr. president. and we ought to be able to do t many of the countries in the far east, brazil, south america, we can do it and we should do it. 09:45:29.0 and we will do it. and we have developed the language do it. so i don't -- we are for prime documents that have been accepted and recommended. we worked with the department o homeland security on the -- what 09:45:46.7 documents. there are four. i've mepged them. and we have insisted on the cooperation between the f.b.i. and the department of homeland security and the justice department in any of the areas of criminality. so we are all for at least what i understand the senator has 09:46:02.8 said. we're glad to clarify that. but we believe that we've attended to that. there's no question that in 1986 that was not the case. that was not -- we had -- we were rife with fraudulent 09:46:18.7 documents, failure to enforce the law in terms of against employers, separations between the i.n.s. at that time and the f.b.i. we didn't have the department o homeland security. and all of that we have learned from. 09:46:33.2 we have learned from. and i we have, i think, addressed the principle issues and questions that the good senator has outlined. and i withhold the balance of my time. the presiding officer: who yields time? 09:46:49.2 mr. cornyn: mr. president? the presiding officer: the senator from texas. mr. cornyn: mr. president, i appreciate the comments of the senator from massachusetts, but looking at the page that he refers to, on page 38 of the bill, it refers to "it says "not later than october 26, 2007, every document other than an 09:47:07.1 interim document issued by the secretary of homeland security "-- so forth and so on -- "shall be machine and tamper-resist tamper-resistant." in the past few days though we 09:47:23.9 have postponed the implementation of the western hem sphere initiative card for another 18 months. there is no certainty that that 09:47:32.5 will happen by that date, and what happened -- and what happens in the interim? let me provide a couple of examples. in 1995, the ex-president of lulac was found guilty of immigration fraud after he filed 09:47:46.1 fraudulent applications under the 1986 amnesty. let me just parenthetically note, mr. president, in talking to ameal yo gonzalez, the current head of citizenship and immigration services, he tells 09:48:02.1 me that they're still in litigation over some of the 19 -- the cases covered by the 1986 amnesty. still in lit gaismghts but getting back to mr. valez's case, he said the task force that brought him down resulted 09:48:18.9 in guilty pleas or convictions of 20 individuals who together are responsible for filing false legalization aly cations for in excess of 11,000 unqualified aliens.x between march of and january 09:48:36.4 1991 he and his coconspirators submitted approximately 3,000 fraudulent applications. in connection with the 1986 legalization program, there were 920 arrests, 822 indictments and 513 convictions for fraud and 09:48:54.2 related criminal activity. and i would just return to something i said at the outset. what we're talking about in this amendment is essentially the same language contained in the violence against women act. the language in that act which 09:49:08.8 is designed to protect battered women and family members states that the controversiality pro-- confidentiality provisions end -- quote -- "when the application for relief is denied and all opportunities for appeal of that denial have been exhausted." 09:49:25.0 i would subject that if that language is enough for the protection of women against whom violence is committed, isn't it good enough for a worker who is simply ought of status? this is not designed to undercut the compromise or the overall structure of the plan that is 09:49:42.1 here on the floor. this is designed to mark it -- make it work. i want to make sure that we are committed not only to comprehensive immigration reform but that we're actually going make it work. that's all this amendment really does and i would ask for the support of my colleagues and 09:49:59.2 yield the floor and reserve the balance of my time. mr. reid: mr. president? the presiding officer: the democratic leader. mr. reid: i yield one hour of my post cloture time to the senator from massachusetts, senator 09:50:15.7 kennedy. the presiding officer: the senator has that right. mr. specter: mr. president? the presiding officer: the senator from pennsylvania. mr. specter: mr. president, earlier this morning, as we do every morning before coming to the floor to debate the immigration bill, a group of senators sat down to consider 09:50:32.8 and analyze the a.m.s which were on the -- amendments which were on the list for today. and in discussion the -- discussing the amendment by the senator from texas, there was candidately doctor candidately 09:50:55.5 more confusion than we have seen so far. when the senator from texas says that the immunity is eliminated only after only after the 09:51:08.2 application is denied, then the reason for confidentiality ends, i disagree with him about that because the reason for the confidentiality is to get the applicant to be candid and 09:51:24.8 complete and honest about all of the information in the application. so that if the applicant knows that at some point the confidentiality is gone, there 09:51:41.2 is no longer the motivation to be completely open and completely candid in making out the application. what we're really seeking here 09:51:53.3 as a public policy matter is to get applicants to be candid and forthright and complete in the information which they are providing. if there is evidence of fraud in 09:52:10.7 the application or if there is evidence of crime, than will be provable by evidence outside the scope of the application. there is another aspect of 09:52:28.6 confidentiality and that is the 09:52:31.8 confidentiality or safe harbor which applies to the employer. when the immigrant makes an application there is material which has to be supplied by the employer, illustrative of which 09:52:50.9 is a check stub which authenticates that the applicationant has a job. now the confidentiality applies to what the employer provides as well. 09:53:07.4 and the safe harbor or confidentiality protects the employer so that the employer doesn't run the risk of providing some information which ends up on the application and then is disclosed that could be 09:53:21.3 used against the employer in a variety of contexts. now, it is possible that the amendment by the senator from texas could be passed and that aspect could be cured in 09:53:36.5 conference. but it is my thought after reflecting on it considerably is that the issues ought to be waited out and resolved in conference as opposed to having 09:53:52.5 the passage of the cornyn amendment. the value of confidentiality to encourage the immigrant to make full disclose your and the value that the employer has outweighs 09:54:16.3 the things the senator from texas articulates. when the immigrant is faced with a situation where the confidentiality ends at some point, it is hard enough for senators and experienced lawyers 09:54:31.7 to figure it all out. to expect an immigrant to be able to figure it out. and i think the consequence for the immigrant will be hesitant and unwilling or chilled, if you will, to provide all the 09:54:46.7 information. and my sense is that our service will work -- system will work better if there's no ambiguity or no uncertainty as to the confidentiality being maintained throughout the entire process 09:55:03.4 beyond what the application and appeals have all run out. but this is an important issue and i thank the senator from texas from focusing our attention on it. i do believe it is better addressed in conference. mr. president, how much time 09:55:17.7 remains on this amendment? the presiding officer: the amendment support retains 12 and a half minutes, the opponents retain 14 minutes. mr. specter: mr. president, his announced earlier that in the mackment of the bill that we 09:55:36.3 would stack five votes which wehave remaining on the immigration bill. think that is the most efficient way to handle the matter because we know that when we have a 15-minute vote with five minutes 09:55:50.7 more they frequently extend far beyond that time. not wanting to cut off senators. we had two senators out last night. we went to close to 30 minutes and i did not want to call for regular order. 09:56:07.1 evenings are a little more difficult but it's very difficult to cut off senators with the senators on the way. the senator could be on the way for a very long period of time. but i cannot control the 09:56:23.6 stacking of votes because it requires unanimous consent to set aside the cornyn amendment before going to the next amendment. anybody can object. so we're going to have a vote after the cornyn amendment and 09:56:39.1 we will then try to see if we can't get consent to stack the balance of the votes. the earlier announcement that the votes will be stacked will not take place because objections have been raised to that procedure. 09:56:55.9 i yield the floor. mr. kennedy: mr. president, i just take a few minutes -- mr. specter: mr. president, before the senator from massachusetts continues, i ask that the proponent of the next amendment come to the doctor -- well, 09:57:14.1 he will be in the vote. we'll just have one vote. mr. kennedy: mr. president, just along those lines, i think our colleagues ought to be alerted that we can anticipate a vote fairly shortly. mr. president, just in response 09:57:32.6 to my friend from texas, he is familiar with the fact that we passed the border security act in 2002. we haven't achieved -- the idea was to understand everybody who 09:57:48.5 was coming to this country to know where they were and when they were leaving. we've made dramatic process. as of now, every green card, every work permit, every visa is machine readable and biometric. every single one that we have 09:58:05.3 working today. this is a dramatic shift in change in terms of dealing with the issue of fraud which has been talked about here. now, mr. president, in order for the immigration reform, we've talked with security officials 09:58:23.7 who all told us that it is in our interest -- in our national security interest to bring people out of the shadows. they've all indicated. we've got so many individuals here whose names we don't know. we don't know their locations. 09:58:39.6 they are living in a shadowy world that can more often than not or at least sometimes can be connected with crime. and many of these people, obviously, wanted a different life and the a different future 09:58:56.3 to. be able to make that progress and ice light those individuals that -- isolate those individuals that pose a threat to us, our security officials that came before our committee said that a real confidentiality clause is necessary, absolutely 09:59:13.0 necessary, for the earned legalization to succeed. in order for immigration reform, current undocumented immigrants will have to be experience sueded that it's safe to come forward to an agency that 09:59:26.5 mistrust. they'll be uncomfortable that the application they provide about the histories, their employers, their families will not be used against them, their families or their loved ones. churches, community agencies and attorneys will also need 09:59:40.8 confidence that they are not exposing their clients to immigration enforcement by encouraging them to apply for legalization. the change in the cornyn amendment would make the confidentiality clause, i believe, worthless. hundreds of thousands of 09:59:55.8 immigrant what's qualify for earned legalization will likely be dissuaded from participating. hundreds of thousands of immigrants would be encouraged to remain in the shadows rather than risk coming forward under these conditions.
John Roberts Confirmation Hearing / Senate Judiciary Committee / COMMITTEE 1300 - 1400
JUDGE JOHN ROBERTS HEARING The Senate Judiciary Committee continues its 4th day of hearings on the nomination of Judge John Roberts to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Roberts / Outside witnesses Senate Judiciary continues with Roberts hearing--- begins with twenty minutes from Senator Patrick Leahy, then Senator Ted Kennedy, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Russell Feingold, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Richard Durbin, then a closed session from 11a-11:30am. Roberts is excused and the hearing reconvenes at 11:30am for 6 panels of outside witnesses. (1p-2p break scheduled) 13:00:01.5 a.nabret. judge robertson. j higenbachman and others that have mine and i trust your deep and enduring respect and these 13:00:14.2 individuals believed in the constitution and hoped government would step up and protect the rights of the the minorities and the persons who were victims of majortarian successes and fashioned a 13:00:31.6 strategy for using the laws and kowrlts to attack racial seggration and set the court to remain the stain of racial seggration the law and court i am posed upon the land. you may ask why i invoke the 13:00:47.5 names and speak in the voice of towering legal giants and hold up the contribution to advice civil rights juris prud ens. two fold: first i'm qualified to do so. second: since nominated bit 13:01:03.2 president serious questions have been raised concern judge roberts' views about the relevance and legality of 13:01:11.5 remedies aimed at ending race yat discrimination unfortunately few americans know or focus on the history of myriad ways the positive law and legislatures and courts reinforced and perpetuated 13:01:25.8 racial discrimination in america. it is up to this committee, therefore, to assure the very least the next chief justice of the united states understands that history and most importantly why remedial action was and continues to be necessary. 13:01:40.4 those kowr ageious soles that laid the foundation or overturning decades of legally enforcedrationial seggration are calling out to you and i echo their voices to respect their labors and heed their lessons. once fitness to be the chief 13:01:55.3 justice transsends stellar economic, am democratic achievements and acknowledge professional competence. the nominee's views and documented activist attempts to thwart the court's attempts to mismantle seggration schemes 13:02:11.6 and courts permitted to be ejected and sustained bring into play something much more fundamental than technical skills. critical question before you is one of values. not exe tension. -- competence. to understand why it is true let me only consider the most 13:02:29.0 wretched decision the supreme court ever handed down in a case of human rights, dread scott v. sanford. the authorize of that decision judge jghts roger tawney highly qualified -- but faced if a 13:02:47.1 former slave had to sue to attain the free status as tawney wrote black persons are not persons within the meaning of the framing of the constitution. brown, author of 1986 plexy v. ferguson had impressive 13:03:03.8 credentials and academics and a graduate of harvard and yale and prior judicial experience sixth circuit court of appeals and lacked the values to sense advertise why 13th, 14th 15th amendments in other 13:03:24.8 words a loan dissender, graduate of a smaller law school son of slave owners who gave us the final word, and his word, his word that -- has rung throughout years. gentlemen and lady, i would 13:03:42.6 conclude with this observation abraham lincoln stated in his famous speech 1862 to the congress fellow citizens we cannot escape history. 13:03:55.9 and it was george santiana said those cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. given the nature of the exchangesings i've observed taking place this week in 13:04:11.0 connection with the hearings i would leave with you the words of dr. martin luther king: he asked, and answered, these questions: coward es asks the question, is it safe, expediencesy asks the question 13:04:29.3 is it politic? then the question, is it popular? but conscience must ask the question, is it right? i leave you with those challenges. >> mr. specter: thank you very much, judge jones. our practice in the committee is to have a five minute rounds 13:04:48.5 in the setting the witness list, we had many, many, many requests. and we have honored as many as we could with some 30 witnesses equally divided between 13:05:02.4 democrats and republicans, usually there is he a tilt for the majority, but my decision was to divide them equally. we have a very long road ahead of us. this is the second panel on 13:05:18.1 six. and it is my hope that the request he will be brevard ed and wanted to -- abriefitiated and wanted to see you and hear you and hear your statements 13:05:32.9 and view and look you in the eye. i'll have just a few questions you want to ask. let me start ug congressman lewis for you with great appreciation with what you have done. 13:05:46.6 the voting rights act which we labored through in 1982 and i was there and senator dole's office and senator kennedy deeply involved and senator leahy and so many of us were, to get the effects test instead 13:06:05.5 of intent test so we'd have 13:06:09.1 realistic enforcement of civil rights. senator kennedy and i conferred and he came to me and said let's renew the bill this year, act this year, if we can. 40th year anniversary and have a jammed agenda and try to do that, will be renewed. 13:06:22.8 doesn't expire until 'o7 and i'm very much with you on the objectives and what we have to do. the memoranda which were referred to and quite a number of them, go back to judge roberts' days as a young lawyer 13:06:39.4 and he has testified that he was representing a client and we had real battles with the regan administration. there's no doubt about that. and i was involved in them, notwithstanding the fact it was 13:06:53.8 my party. congressman lewis i would like your views how you regarded what judge roberts said in explaining his views at the time -- or what the memoranda said, which he said were not necessarily his views, and you 13:07:15.7 have to evaluate that contrasted with very close questions to senator kennedys and others and did not raise objections and said he did not have an agenda to turn back the clock 13:07:26.9 >> mr. lewis: my view, senator -- mr. chairman, that the judge was on the wrong side of history. he was on the wrong side of the voting rights act. not just the letter, but also the spirit of the act. it is very hard and very 13:07:46.1 difficult, almost impossible, to prove intent. you don't have, i think, vernon jordon, the former head of urban league said on one occasion, that you won't have people in the american south in 13:08:01.6 11 southern states old confederatesy from virginia to texas putting up signs saying we're going to discrimiate and keep black people from getting elected. they're not going to do that. i was young, too. a few years ago. 13:08:18.4 24, 25. but i tried to dot right thing. -- tried to do the right thing and i got in the way. judge roberts as a young attorney in the administration of president reagan and others failed to go with his gut. 13:08:35.0 maybe, did he go with his gut? did he go with his heart? or just views. you don't come by years later and say, oh, no, oh, no pfs not my view. -- this was not my view. sometimes you have to fight and 13:08:50.0 get in the way. if you can't get in the way at 25 or 30 you, you're not going to get in the way when you're 50. >> mr. specter: thank you congressman lewis. i have a 1:40 left and give governor thornburgh an opportunity to comment. based on your knowledge of 13:09:06.7 judge roberts and you worked with him, at a time when he was young, did you think that those memoranda reflected his own views as to civil rights? or what do your insights and 13:09:22.0 knowledge of judge roberts tell you as to what we might expect of him as chief justice if confirmed on these issues? >> mr. specter: mr. thornburgh let me. mr. thornburgh: i've never 13:09:41.5 seen hostility of civil rights with judge roberts on my professional association with him going back some 15 years. secondly i think it is important and justice ginsburg was quite definite in this in her appearance at the time of 13:09:58.9 her nomination, to separate out the views that are expressed as an advocate for a client and the views that might obtain if the individual were speaking for him or herself. and thirdly, i don't think any of us could stand, perhaps, my friend john lewis could, 13:10:17.9 because of his distwink wished career, i don't think any could stand a complete and thorough rum ishing through the views we expressed at 20 or 25-year-old d -- 25-years-old. 13:10:33.9 i shutter to think the thinks i had in my craw at at time would stand the test today. most importantly i think my conclusion on the basis of personal knowledge of judge roberts that there's no hostility there in the civil rights. 13:10:50.9 as avenration of the rule of law and to extent of rule of law permits, it seems to me, that he would be a strong supporter of equal rights and equal treatment and equal justice for all under the law. 13:11:06.5 >> mr. specter: thank you governor thornburgh. this is a very, very distinguished panel and we could hear a great deal more and my time sup and i have to set the lead on observing the time. senator leahy could you care to question? >> mr. leahy: a comment, 13:11:21.8 and, of course, governor thornburgh is a friend of all of ours and worked with him as an attorney general and mentioned justice ginsburg, so the record is clear, her appearance here is a lot different. 13:11:35.4 she answered questions from numerous senators and race discrimination and affirmative action. several other senators she answered questions on gender discrimination. several other senators she answered questions reproductive rights. 13:11:51.4 from several other senators answered questions on death penalty. and first amendment and freedom of speech, region clause of the first amendment, separation of powers, unnumb rated rights, 14th amendment. [ indiscernible ] difference to 13:12:07.2 congress and three or four thee didn't answer but answered specifically from both republicans and democrats intensive. i only mention it it seems to be some view when judge roberts took, i think, too much to 13:12:25.0 heart, the recommendation by a. i, when my friend john lewis talks about times get in the 13:12:41.6 way, he knows of which he speaks. he nearly died doing that. he's doing it for the right cause. the cause is civil rights. and i think every effort in america and every white 13:12:56.4 american and every browne brown american and everybody always, all americans, have to thank you for what you did. >> mr. specter: thank you senator leahy. anybody want to say anything? [ unidentified speaker ] 13:13:12.4 could i have a thought and welcome the panel, particularly a friend of john lewis and worked a lot on the african-american museum of history and culture here in washington d.c. sometime soon and got that passed through. judge roberts if i could ask you a real brief question 13:13:30.7 >> mr. brownback: i hear the concerns and thoughts and i respect the thought that you're putting forward here. judge roberts asked you know when people, i think, senator durbin asked him, how do we know what kind of judge you're 13:13:45.2 going to be on the issue, obviously you have a great head and want to look at heart and hard to see a man's heart and judge roberts respond and said, well look at how i ruled in the cases thus far, not a lot of, 52 cases thus far, has one washington metropolitan transit 13:14:01.8 authority, where he ruled against the d.c. government's claim of sovereign immunity in in favor of workers disability discrimination lawsuit. kind of thin, but we only have 52 cases and that one is there. and then, he also talked about 13:14:18.0 his dedication to rule of law. and that's really what drew him into the law and if he is sufficiently dedicated to that rule of law, given the basic, los now that we have on books, to work to protect civil rights 13:14:33.7 and number of other issues, shunned that give some solice if the heart is right on defending the rule of law given we gotten the laws better and right now, he could be quite a good judge for civil rights 13:14:51.5 cases? 'll respond as a former litigation and judge. as a judge we look at the 13:15:04.7 record and record made here, part i have observed shows an early >> mr. jones: disposition to take positions contrary to civil rights enforcement. the burden that is now imposed 13:15:20.8 upon him and imposed upon this committee is to be satisfied that the presumption for infeferns that one can draw 13:15:38.6 from the prior record is overcome and that he doesn't share those views at this time. that's a burden of judgment this committee has to make. i would also point out that if i may just be a little personal, at the time i left the -- my job as a general counsel naacp, a position that 13:15:57.7 i had occupied which authorize 13:16:04.9 -- thors go good marshall occupied, i joined the court upon boiment of president carter in 1979 and at that time we thought, generally, certain 13:16:15.2 civil rights principles were settled. we thought the issue of school deseggration was settled in light of chief justice berger's decision said that bussing and transportation appropriate 13:16:31.3 remedy when finding of constitutional violations that rigged a school district. we thought the issue of firm firm was settleled when the bockey case and justice powell opinion to take race into account. we find that following that case, those cases which i 13:16:47.9 thought were settled, i was in sitting as a judge on the sixth circuit court of appeals and engaged in dealing with the first wave of attacks against school deseggration and against affirmative action. the challenges claiming 13:17:04.9 preferencial treatment, claiming forced bussing. all of these buzz words were coming at the court and we were, then, faced with the decision, are these principles settled? and i, now, learn that in the boiler room of the regan 13:17:21.7 administration, stoking out and crafting a lot of theories that were being used in the courts to attack the fellow principles, was the nom me. now, that -- nom nominee. that raises the question for 13:17:36.8 you and the committee to desid, one, if one is a believer in the rule of law, why one would not accept swan as settled law, not accept bockey settled law and not accept weber and settled law and whole juris prud ens built up to reaffirm 13:17:55.2 the value of remedial actions when it was clear that we had this vast history of racial discrimination >> mr. brownback:fy could before my time runs out, quickly say i appreciate the thought 13:18:10.3 >> mr. specter: senator brownback we have to move on >> mr. brownback: would know what judge roberts has ruled and done as a judge. and i would hope people could look at that and in a fair light of what it is and indicating his judicial tempment and nature. that's, mr. chairman. 13:18:27.1 >> mr. specter: thank you very much, senator brownback. we're going to break for unlunch. senator kennedy? >> mr. kennedy: thank you very much. i don't think any of us in the course of time of questioning judge roberts ever suggested that in any way he had any hostility on the issues of 13:18:45.2 race. i really think the question was, does he get it. does he get it? just what the good judge pointed out, the march toward progress we've seen over the recent years. so i'd ask mr. henderson and john lewis. 13:19:02.4 how about this argument? well, he was just an attorney. he was just an attorney you speaking for administration. he was just taking administration's position. so we shouldn't be too harsh on this. sure, administration was just wanted the reauthorization of the intent test. 13:19:19.3 he was just following orders. so to speak on this. why should we not assume that he gets it? with regards to the issues of this nation's great, great 13:19:36.2 challenge, the poison of discrimination that is there since the first days of it. and we've all seen, including my own state of massachusetts. the challenges that we have faced. what's your response to that? >> : senator i reg recognize 13:19:58.7 a legitimate argument it represents the views of the client. >> mr. henderson: i assure you judge roberts never 13:20:10.8 distanced himself from issues in particular the memoranda at issue to give comfort to the notion he had not internalized these views to reflect his own policies. judge roberts has a vision of judicial restraint and he's articulated it himself, really 13:20:28.4 a retreat from the role of the fed cal courts in protecting civil rights. from my view this is not academic debate but very personal. i grew up right here in the nation's capital and 16 before form seggration ended by law. 13:20:44.3 i know what it is like to be on the politically disfavored side of a color line. and i know that the federal courts have played an importat role in helping to ensure equal opportunity for all of american 13:20:59.5 citizens and we're not prepared to take that risk. i would simply say even in today's society, senator brownback mentioned earlier, lots changed and things happened and improved. true. 13:21:13.3 in the words of william faulkner the past is never dead and in fact not even past. to confirm that point i have a pending complaint, right now, before the department of justice, for a case of public accommodation discrimination from a hotel in new orleans over the fourth of july weekend in an area where i thought 13:21:31.2 change had been made and a lasting way that would not have let that happen and i know first hand the stigma and reject the analysis. >> mr. kennedy: it's true i asked him about whether the 13:21:46.8 positions he had taken at that time whether he would reverse any of these and we didn't hear a response from him that he might. let me ask john lewis, to comment on that, and then, also, the comment. got a minute and a half, john, you note business and hope you 13:22:04.0 respond to the earlier question. hope, also, when judge roberts was asked about the intent test and effects test and was asked, also, by members of the panel well if we actually had the 13:22:20.4 intent test do you think we'd made the progress we'd made with the effects test? he said, i'm not so sure we might not have made the kind of progress on that. we know the earth shattering progress that's been made with the election of officials 13:22:35.9 locally state and at the federal level in the progress that's made with the effects test. i'm interested in someone who knows the and believes that the voting rights act is the key civil rights issue, what is 13:22:52.2 your own view on this question? how could anyone view that if we had had the intent test to be where we are today? wouldn't we be a different land? >> mr. lewis: i tell you, senator, as someone that worked in the america for several 13:23:09.1 years directing voter education project seven years trying to get people registered and trying to get people to to lose their sense of fear, i tell you we wouldn't be where we are 13:23:23.0 today. the american south would be different. the country would be different if we had relied on the intent test. i wouldn't be here as a member of congress and a lot of my colleagues in the house of representatives and a lot of elected officials all across the south, before the voting rights act in 1965 less than 50 13:23:40.9 black elected officials in 11 southern states virginia to texas. today there's more than 9,000. we wouldn't have made it. that's still would be people trying to get elected and they wouldn't be elected. i don't buy the argument just 13:23:55.1 doing his job. he was just following the rules s. by 2 time you had the '64 civil rights act; '65 voting rights acts is fair housing act in 1968. 13:24:10.6 by this time someone in the administration, they should have a mindset. i think that says something about juris roberts mindset and didn't stand up and argue against this attitude. he didn't speak out. he didn't send memos saying something different. ken my time is up, thank you 13:24:29.7 >> mr. specter: thank you very much, senator kennedy. senator durbin? >> mr. durbin: thank you very much mr. chairman and to the panel and that you my colleague senator kennedy i think during the course of inquiry of judge roberts lazar focused on civil rights and 13:24:46.1 voting rights act and done a great service to the operation of the committee and i hope that we all appreciate how much work went into it. but i do recall, senator kennedy, on the first day you went into this, i made notes, how judge roberts repeatedly said that's 23 years ago and a 13:25:02.8 staff lawyer and the justice department and that was the position for the administration i worked for and my job to articulate administration policy. we heard that consistently whenever we brought up the memos. so i thought to myself in fairness if we're going to allow him to use that 13:25:19.5 explanation, what does he feel today? what can he tell us today? i, personally, believe in redemption in faith and politics and i think john lewis you've seen so many in the past in the wrong side of history in the civil rights that realized 13:25:34.8 that and conceded that and moved to a different position. during the course of this hearing, we asked judge roberts many questions. in fairness to him one of the due direct questions he answered when i asked about bob jones university case and said 13:25:50.6 i disagreed with the position of regan administration. i'm glad he said that. i wish he could have told us more. then i tried him a last round 13:25:58.0 of questioning to get down to a point of where would you draw the line as an advocate? or some things you would not bring your legal skills to. you have spoken with pride of romer v. evans and the fact that you counseled gays and lesbiansto about to lose the 13:26:15.5 rights in colorado and a few hours ago asked him sitting at the same table, could you take the other position to restrict the rights? he said yes. so it comes down to fundamental question. i don't think i understand if there's a clear right brine in 13:26:29.9 the mind when it comes to the issue of freedom and when it comes to the issue of liberty and that troubles me, knowing that i'd feel more confident he could lead the court. i'd like to ask you, john lewis, on the issue of redemghts, do you feel that even if -- redempings, do you 13:26:47.9 feel even if he was totally wrong 23 or 24 years ago in the memos, people can change? >> mr. lewis: i think it is possibility and conceivable, senator, that people can change. but when you believe and feel and know from your experience 13:27:04.2 or maybe from the law, and from history that you've been wronged, you show some signs. you're not afraid to talk about. you're not afraid to go on the record. juris roberts has been afraid to show or demonstrate in his signs that he's changed. 13:27:21.6 i wonder what his part of mind dset >> mr. durbin: i think that's the point and wade henderson made the point when senator kennedy went directly to the voting rights act like bob jones university he could have made it clear that 13:27:36.0 position was just wrong and history had proven it wrong and yet for two successive days, it came up short. wade henderson you've made that point on what you had to say here, the critical questions, values and just not competence here. 13:27:51.1 what we're dealing with. judge roberts -- judge jones said the same. i don't want to dwell any longer other than to tell you this is the threshold issue, the issue of race is the threshold issue and i have to 13:28:07.0 be convinced in my mind judge roberts comes to the critical job as the head of the third branch of our government with the clear understanding what we must do in this country, still, to deal with the issues of race and justice for so many min or thees in this country. thank you -- minorities on the 13:28:24.6 panel. >> mr. specter: thank you very much, senator durbin. >> mr. brownback: mr. chairman if i could make one quick clarification. we're talking redemption and i don't think he needs to be redeemed in any sense whatsoever. 13:28:37.9 to the extefernlt -- no, new speaker. prior to the efects test. >> mr. kirsanow: let's look after the effects test implemented what did he do? argue the chisism v. roberts and argued for the extension of 13:28:55.6 effects test to state judicial eleks if he redeemed himself at all clearly did it right there. we have facts here. this is not speculative in terms of looking at heart and [ indiscernible ] necessarily 13:29:11.3 discern that we were absolute evidence what he felt about enforcement of effects test >> mr. specter: thank you commissioner. senator sessions wants a minute recognition before we break for a very abbreviated lunch >> mr. sessions: thank you mr. chairman. i would like to add, i've been 13:29:26.8 listening to some of this as i could. i would like to add that we prefer the explanations from judge roberts on each one of the memorandums he wrote, each one of the situations he was called to express an opinion on, such as the effects test. 13:29:42.8 his ruling was absolutely consistent with the supreme court ruling, at that time. all i would say:i think it is -- say is, i think it is unfair to suggest he has a record that indicates that he 13:29:58.5 was somehow wrong on civil rights at that time. yes, he opposed quotas, yes, he supported the extension of the voting rights act, completely. but, he did not favor itsality races to overrule the supreme court -- -- supreme court 13:30:18.6 opinion. i would like to say the record shows affirmatively he's committed to equal justice under law what he's called upon >> mr. specter: thank you very much, senator sessions 13:30:29.0 senator kennedy? >> mr. kennedy: consent that the naacp legal defense education fund prepared some important testimony to be made a part of the record >> mr. specter: without objection made part of the record. thank you all very much. we have so many witnesses we're going to have enabbreviated 13:30:47.1 lunch hour and resume at 2:00. [ recess ] 1:30 p.m. east everyone time. 13:30:57.9 --1:30 p.m. eastern time. [ recess ]
John Roberts Confirmation Hearing / Senate Judiciary Committee / COMMITTEE 1300 - 1400
JUDGE JOHN ROBERTS HEARING The Senate Judiciary Committee continues its 4th day of hearings on the nomination of Judge John Roberts to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Roberts / Outside witnesses Senate Judiciary continues with Roberts hearing--- begins with twenty minutes from Senator Patrick Leahy, then Senator Ted Kennedy, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Russell Feingold, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Richard Durbin, then a closed session from 11a-11:30am. Roberts is excused and the hearing reconvenes at 11:30am for 6 panels of outside witnesses. (1p-2p break scheduled) 13:00:01.5 a.nabret. judge robertson. j higenbachman and others that have mine and i trust your deep and enduring respect and these 13:00:14.2 individuals believed in the constitution and hoped government would step up and protect the rights of the the minorities and the persons who were victims of majortarian successes and fashioned a 13:00:31.6 strategy for using the laws and kowrlts to attack racial seggration and set the court to remain the stain of racial seggration the law and court i am posed upon the land. you may ask why i invoke the 13:00:47.5 names and speak in the voice of towering legal giants and hold up the contribution to advice civil rights juris prud ens. two fold: first i'm qualified to do so. second: since nominated bit 13:01:03.2 president serious questions have been raised concern judge roberts' views about the relevance and legality of 13:01:11.5 remedies aimed at ending race yat discrimination unfortunately few americans know or focus on the history of myriad ways the positive law and legislatures and courts reinforced and perpetuated 13:01:25.8 racial discrimination in america. it is up to this committee, therefore, to assure the very least the next chief justice of the united states understands that history and most importantly why remedial action was and continues to be necessary. 13:01:40.4 those kowr ageious soles that laid the foundation or overturning decades of legally enforcedrationial seggration are calling out to you and i echo their voices to respect their labors and heed their lessons. once fitness to be the chief 13:01:55.3 justice transsends stellar economic, am democratic achievements and acknowledge professional competence. the nominee's views and documented activist attempts to thwart the court's attempts to mismantle seggration schemes 13:02:11.6 and courts permitted to be ejected and sustained bring into play something much more fundamental than technical skills. critical question before you is one of values. not exe tension. -- competence. to understand why it is true let me only consider the most 13:02:29.0 wretched decision the supreme court ever handed down in a case of human rights, dread scott v. sanford. the authorize of that decision judge jghts roger tawney highly qualified -- but faced if a 13:02:47.1 former slave had to sue to attain the free status as tawney wrote black persons are not persons within the meaning of the framing of the constitution. brown, author of 1986 plexy v. ferguson had impressive 13:03:03.8 credentials and academics and a graduate of harvard and yale and prior judicial experience sixth circuit court of appeals and lacked the values to sense advertise why 13th, 14th 15th amendments in other 13:03:24.8 words a loan dissender, graduate of a smaller law school son of slave owners who gave us the final word, and his word, his word that -- has rung throughout years. gentlemen and lady, i would 13:03:42.6 conclude with this observation abraham lincoln stated in his famous speech 1862 to the congress fellow citizens we cannot escape history. 13:03:55.9 and it was george santiana said those cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. given the nature of the exchangesings i've observed taking place this week in 13:04:11.0 connection with the hearings i would leave with you the words of dr. martin luther king: he asked, and answered, these questions: coward es asks the question, is it safe, expediencesy asks the question 13:04:29.3 is it politic? then the question, is it popular? but conscience must ask the question, is it right? i leave you with those challenges. >> mr. specter: thank you very much, judge jones. our practice in the committee is to have a five minute rounds 13:04:48.5 in the setting the witness list, we had many, many, many requests. and we have honored as many as we could with some 30 witnesses equally divided between 13:05:02.4 democrats and republicans, usually there is he a tilt for the majority, but my decision was to divide them equally. we have a very long road ahead of us. this is the second panel on 13:05:18.1 six. and it is my hope that the request he will be brevard ed and wanted to -- abriefitiated and wanted to see you and hear you and hear your statements 13:05:32.9 and view and look you in the eye. i'll have just a few questions you want to ask. let me start ug congressman lewis for you with great appreciation with what you have done. 13:05:46.6 the voting rights act which we labored through in 1982 and i was there and senator dole's office and senator kennedy deeply involved and senator leahy and so many of us were, to get the effects test instead 13:06:05.5 of intent test so we'd have 13:06:09.1 realistic enforcement of civil rights. senator kennedy and i conferred and he came to me and said let's renew the bill this year, act this year, if we can. 40th year anniversary and have a jammed agenda and try to do that, will be renewed. 13:06:22.8 doesn't expire until 'o7 and i'm very much with you on the objectives and what we have to do. the memoranda which were referred to and quite a number of them, go back to judge roberts' days as a young lawyer 13:06:39.4 and he has testified that he was representing a client and we had real battles with the regan administration. there's no doubt about that. and i was involved in them, notwithstanding the fact it was 13:06:53.8 my party. congressman lewis i would like your views how you regarded what judge roberts said in explaining his views at the time -- or what the memoranda said, which he said were not necessarily his views, and you 13:07:15.7 have to evaluate that contrasted with very close questions to senator kennedys and others and did not raise objections and said he did not have an agenda to turn back the clock 13:07:26.9 >> mr. lewis: my view, senator -- mr. chairman, that the judge was on the wrong side of history. he was on the wrong side of the voting rights act. not just the letter, but also the spirit of the act. it is very hard and very 13:07:46.1 difficult, almost impossible, to prove intent. you don't have, i think, vernon jordon, the former head of urban league said on one occasion, that you won't have people in the american south in 13:08:01.6 11 southern states old confederatesy from virginia to texas putting up signs saying we're going to discrimiate and keep black people from getting elected. they're not going to do that. i was young, too. a few years ago. 13:08:18.4 24, 25. but i tried to dot right thing. -- tried to do the right thing and i got in the way. judge roberts as a young attorney in the administration of president reagan and others failed to go with his gut. 13:08:35.0 maybe, did he go with his gut? did he go with his heart? or just views. you don't come by years later and say, oh, no, oh, no pfs not my view. -- this was not my view. sometimes you have to fight and 13:08:50.0 get in the way. if you can't get in the way at 25 or 30 you, you're not going to get in the way when you're 50. >> mr. specter: thank you congressman lewis. i have a 1:40 left and give governor thornburgh an opportunity to comment. based on your knowledge of 13:09:06.7 judge roberts and you worked with him, at a time when he was young, did you think that those memoranda reflected his own views as to civil rights? or what do your insights and 13:09:22.0 knowledge of judge roberts tell you as to what we might expect of him as chief justice if confirmed on these issues? >> mr. specter: mr. thornburgh let me. mr. thornburgh: i've never 13:09:41.5 seen hostility of civil rights with judge roberts on my professional association with him going back some 15 years. secondly i think it is important and justice ginsburg was quite definite in this in her appearance at the time of 13:09:58.9 her nomination, to separate out the views that are expressed as an advocate for a client and the views that might obtain if the individual were speaking for him or herself. and thirdly, i don't think any of us could stand, perhaps, my friend john lewis could, 13:10:17.9 because of his distwink wished career, i don't think any could stand a complete and thorough rum ishing through the views we expressed at 20 or 25-year-old d -- 25-years-old. 13:10:33.9 i shutter to think the thinks i had in my craw at at time would stand the test today. most importantly i think my conclusion on the basis of personal knowledge of judge roberts that there's no hostility there in the civil rights. 13:10:50.9 as avenration of the rule of law and to extent of rule of law permits, it seems to me, that he would be a strong supporter of equal rights and equal treatment and equal justice for all under the law. 13:11:06.5 >> mr. specter: thank you governor thornburgh. this is a very, very distinguished panel and we could hear a great deal more and my time sup and i have to set the lead on observing the time. senator leahy could you care to question? >> mr. leahy: a comment, 13:11:21.8 and, of course, governor thornburgh is a friend of all of ours and worked with him as an attorney general and mentioned justice ginsburg, so the record is clear, her appearance here is a lot different. 13:11:35.4 she answered questions from numerous senators and race discrimination and affirmative action. several other senators she answered questions on gender discrimination. several other senators she answered questions reproductive rights. 13:11:51.4 from several other senators answered questions on death penalty. and first amendment and freedom of speech, region clause of the first amendment, separation of powers, unnumb rated rights, 14th amendment. [ indiscernible ] difference to 13:12:07.2 congress and three or four thee didn't answer but answered specifically from both republicans and democrats intensive. i only mention it it seems to be some view when judge roberts took, i think, too much to 13:12:25.0 heart, the recommendation by a. i, when my friend john lewis talks about times get in the 13:12:41.6 way, he knows of which he speaks. he nearly died doing that. he's doing it for the right cause. the cause is civil rights. and i think every effort in america and every white 13:12:56.4 american and every browne brown american and everybody always, all americans, have to thank you for what you did. >> mr. specter: thank you senator leahy. anybody want to say anything? [ unidentified speaker ] 13:13:12.4 could i have a thought and welcome the panel, particularly a friend of john lewis and worked a lot on the african-american museum of history and culture here in washington d.c. sometime soon and got that passed through. judge roberts if i could ask you a real brief question 13:13:30.7 >> mr. brownback: i hear the concerns and thoughts and i respect the thought that you're putting forward here. judge roberts asked you know when people, i think, senator durbin asked him, how do we know what kind of judge you're 13:13:45.2 going to be on the issue, obviously you have a great head and want to look at heart and hard to see a man's heart and judge roberts respond and said, well look at how i ruled in the cases thus far, not a lot of, 52 cases thus far, has one washington metropolitan transit 13:14:01.8 authority, where he ruled against the d.c. government's claim of sovereign immunity in in favor of workers disability discrimination lawsuit. kind of thin, but we only have 52 cases and that one is there. and then, he also talked about 13:14:18.0 his dedication to rule of law. and that's really what drew him into the law and if he is sufficiently dedicated to that rule of law, given the basic, los now that we have on books, to work to protect civil rights 13:14:33.7 and number of other issues, shunned that give some solice if the heart is right on defending the rule of law given we gotten the laws better and right now, he could be quite a good judge for civil rights 13:14:51.5 cases? 'll respond as a former litigation and judge. as a judge we look at the 13:15:04.7 record and record made here, part i have observed shows an early >> mr. jones: disposition to take positions contrary to civil rights enforcement. the burden that is now imposed 13:15:20.8 upon him and imposed upon this committee is to be satisfied that the presumption for infeferns that one can draw 13:15:38.6 from the prior record is overcome and that he doesn't share those views at this time. that's a burden of judgment this committee has to make. i would also point out that if i may just be a little personal, at the time i left the -- my job as a general counsel naacp, a position that 13:15:57.7 i had occupied which authorize 13:16:04.9 -- thors go good marshall occupied, i joined the court upon boiment of president carter in 1979 and at that time we thought, generally, certain 13:16:15.2 civil rights principles were settled. we thought the issue of school deseggration was settled in light of chief justice berger's decision said that bussing and transportation appropriate 13:16:31.3 remedy when finding of constitutional violations that rigged a school district. we thought the issue of firm firm was settleled when the bockey case and justice powell opinion to take race into account. we find that following that case, those cases which i 13:16:47.9 thought were settled, i was in sitting as a judge on the sixth circuit court of appeals and engaged in dealing with the first wave of attacks against school deseggration and against affirmative action. the challenges claiming 13:17:04.9 preferencial treatment, claiming forced bussing. all of these buzz words were coming at the court and we were, then, faced with the decision, are these principles settled? and i, now, learn that in the boiler room of the regan 13:17:21.7 administration, stoking out and crafting a lot of theories that were being used in the courts to attack the fellow principles, was the nom me. now, that -- nom nominee. that raises the question for 13:17:36.8 you and the committee to desid, one, if one is a believer in the rule of law, why one would not accept swan as settled law, not accept bockey settled law and not accept weber and settled law and whole juris prud ens built up to reaffirm 13:17:55.2 the value of remedial actions when it was clear that we had this vast history of racial discrimination >> mr. brownback:fy could before my time runs out, quickly say i appreciate the thought 13:18:10.3 >> mr. specter: senator brownback we have to move on >> mr. brownback: would know what judge roberts has ruled and done as a judge. and i would hope people could look at that and in a fair light of what it is and indicating his judicial tempment and nature. that's, mr. chairman. 13:18:27.1 >> mr. specter: thank you very much, senator brownback. we're going to break for unlunch. senator kennedy? >> mr. kennedy: thank you very much. i don't think any of us in the course of time of questioning judge roberts ever suggested that in any way he had any hostility on the issues of 13:18:45.2 race. i really think the question was, does he get it. does he get it? just what the good judge pointed out, the march toward progress we've seen over the recent years. so i'd ask mr. henderson and john lewis. 13:19:02.4 how about this argument? well, he was just an attorney. he was just an attorney you speaking for administration. he was just taking administration's position. so we shouldn't be too harsh on this. sure, administration was just wanted the reauthorization of the intent test. 13:19:19.3 he was just following orders. so to speak on this. why should we not assume that he gets it? with regards to the issues of this nation's great, great 13:19:36.2 challenge, the poison of discrimination that is there since the first days of it. and we've all seen, including my own state of massachusetts. the challenges that we have faced. what's your response to that? >> : senator i reg recognize 13:19:58.7 a legitimate argument it represents the views of the client. >> mr. henderson: i assure you judge roberts never 13:20:10.8 distanced himself from issues in particular the memoranda at issue to give comfort to the notion he had not internalized these views to reflect his own policies. judge roberts has a vision of judicial restraint and he's articulated it himself, really 13:20:28.4 a retreat from the role of the fed cal courts in protecting civil rights. from my view this is not academic debate but very personal. i grew up right here in the nation's capital and 16 before form seggration ended by law. 13:20:44.3 i know what it is like to be on the politically disfavored side of a color line. and i know that the federal courts have played an importat role in helping to ensure equal opportunity for all of american 13:20:59.5 citizens and we're not prepared to take that risk. i would simply say even in today's society, senator brownback mentioned earlier, lots changed and things happened and improved. true. 13:21:13.3 in the words of william faulkner the past is never dead and in fact not even past. to confirm that point i have a pending complaint, right now, before the department of justice, for a case of public accommodation discrimination from a hotel in new orleans over the fourth of july weekend in an area where i thought 13:21:31.2 change had been made and a lasting way that would not have let that happen and i know first hand the stigma and reject the analysis. >> mr. kennedy: it's true i asked him about whether the 13:21:46.8 positions he had taken at that time whether he would reverse any of these and we didn't hear a response from him that he might. let me ask john lewis, to comment on that, and then, also, the comment. got a minute and a half, john, you note business and hope you 13:22:04.0 respond to the earlier question. hope, also, when judge roberts was asked about the intent test and effects test and was asked, also, by members of the panel well if we actually had the 13:22:20.4 intent test do you think we'd made the progress we'd made with the effects test? he said, i'm not so sure we might not have made the kind of progress on that. we know the earth shattering progress that's been made with the election of officials 13:22:35.9 locally state and at the federal level in the progress that's made with the effects test. i'm interested in someone who knows the and believes that the voting rights act is the key civil rights issue, what is 13:22:52.2 your own view on this question? how could anyone view that if we had had the intent test to be where we are today? wouldn't we be a different land? >> mr. lewis: i tell you, senator, as someone that worked in the america for several 13:23:09.1 years directing voter education project seven years trying to get people registered and trying to get people to to lose their sense of fear, i tell you we wouldn't be where we are 13:23:23.0 today. the american south would be different. the country would be different if we had relied on the intent test. i wouldn't be here as a member of congress and a lot of my colleagues in the house of representatives and a lot of elected officials all across the south, before the voting rights act in 1965 less than 50 13:23:40.9 black elected officials in 11 southern states virginia to texas. today there's more than 9,000. we wouldn't have made it. that's still would be people trying to get elected and they wouldn't be elected. i don't buy the argument just 13:23:55.1 doing his job. he was just following the rules s. by 2 time you had the '64 civil rights act; '65 voting rights acts is fair housing act in 1968. 13:24:10.6 by this time someone in the administration, they should have a mindset. i think that says something about juris roberts mindset and didn't stand up and argue against this attitude. he didn't speak out. he didn't send memos saying something different. ken my time is up, thank you 13:24:29.7 >> mr. specter: thank you very much, senator kennedy. senator durbin? >> mr. durbin: thank you very much mr. chairman and to the panel and that you my colleague senator kennedy i think during the course of inquiry of judge roberts lazar focused on civil rights and 13:24:46.1 voting rights act and done a great service to the operation of the committee and i hope that we all appreciate how much work went into it. but i do recall, senator kennedy, on the first day you went into this, i made notes, how judge roberts repeatedly said that's 23 years ago and a 13:25:02.8 staff lawyer and the justice department and that was the position for the administration i worked for and my job to articulate administration policy. we heard that consistently whenever we brought up the memos. so i thought to myself in fairness if we're going to allow him to use that 13:25:19.5 explanation, what does he feel today? what can he tell us today? i, personally, believe in redemption in faith and politics and i think john lewis you've seen so many in the past in the wrong side of history in the civil rights that realized 13:25:34.8 that and conceded that and moved to a different position. during the course of this hearing, we asked judge roberts many questions. in fairness to him one of the due direct questions he answered when i asked about bob jones university case and said 13:25:50.6 i disagreed with the position of regan administration. i'm glad he said that. i wish he could have told us more. then i tried him a last round 13:25:58.0 of questioning to get down to a point of where would you draw the line as an advocate? or some things you would not bring your legal skills to. you have spoken with pride of romer v. evans and the fact that you counseled gays and lesbiansto about to lose the 13:26:15.5 rights in colorado and a few hours ago asked him sitting at the same table, could you take the other position to restrict the rights? he said yes. so it comes down to fundamental question. i don't think i understand if there's a clear right brine in 13:26:29.9 the mind when it comes to the issue of freedom and when it comes to the issue of liberty and that troubles me, knowing that i'd feel more confident he could lead the court. i'd like to ask you, john lewis, on the issue of redemghts, do you feel that even if -- redempings, do you 13:26:47.9 feel even if he was totally wrong 23 or 24 years ago in the memos, people can change? >> mr. lewis: i think it is possibility and conceivable, senator, that people can change. but when you believe and feel and know from your experience 13:27:04.2 or maybe from the law, and from history that you've been wronged, you show some signs. you're not afraid to talk about. you're not afraid to go on the record. juris roberts has been afraid to show or demonstrate in his signs that he's changed. 13:27:21.6 i wonder what his part of mind dset >> mr. durbin: i think that's the point and wade henderson made the point when senator kennedy went directly to the voting rights act like bob jones university he could have made it clear that 13:27:36.0 position was just wrong and history had proven it wrong and yet for two successive days, it came up short. wade henderson you've made that point on what you had to say here, the critical questions, values and just not competence here. 13:27:51.1 what we're dealing with. judge roberts -- judge jones said the same. i don't want to dwell any longer other than to tell you this is the threshold issue, the issue of race is the threshold issue and i have to 13:28:07.0 be convinced in my mind judge roberts comes to the critical job as the head of the third branch of our government with the clear understanding what we must do in this country, still, to deal with the issues of race and justice for so many min or thees in this country. thank you -- minorities on the 13:28:24.6 panel. >> mr. specter: thank you very much, senator durbin. >> mr. brownback: mr. chairman if i could make one quick clarification. we're talking redemption and i don't think he needs to be redeemed in any sense whatsoever. 13:28:37.9 to the extefernlt -- no, new speaker. prior to the efects test. >> mr. kirsanow: let's look after the effects test implemented what did he do? argue the chisism v. roberts and argued for the extension of 13:28:55.6 effects test to state judicial eleks if he redeemed himself at all clearly did it right there. we have facts here. this is not speculative in terms of looking at heart and [ indiscernible ] necessarily 13:29:11.3 discern that we were absolute evidence what he felt about enforcement of effects test >> mr. specter: thank you commissioner. senator sessions wants a minute recognition before we break for a very abbreviated lunch >> mr. sessions: thank you mr. chairman. i would like to add, i've been 13:29:26.8 listening to some of this as i could. i would like to add that we prefer the explanations from judge roberts on each one of the memorandums he wrote, each one of the situations he was called to express an opinion on, such as the effects test. 13:29:42.8 his ruling was absolutely consistent with the supreme court ruling, at that time. all i would say:i think it is -- say is, i think it is unfair to suggest he has a record that indicates that he 13:29:58.5 was somehow wrong on civil rights at that time. yes, he opposed quotas, yes, he supported the extension of the voting rights act, completely. but, he did not favor itsality races to overrule the supreme court -- -- supreme court 13:30:18.6 opinion. i would like to say the record shows affirmatively he's committed to equal justice under law what he's called upon >> mr. specter: thank you very much, senator sessions 13:30:29.0 senator kennedy? >> mr. kennedy: consent that the naacp legal defense education fund prepared some important testimony to be made a part of the record >> mr. specter: without objection made part of the record. thank you all very much. we have so many witnesses we're going to have enabbreviated 13:30:47.1 lunch hour and resume at 2:00. [ recess ] 1:30 p.m. east everyone time. 13:30:57.9 --1:30 p.m. eastern time. [ recess ]