House Speaker Nancy Pelosi squarely addressed the issue most on the mind of the President, saying Saturday that deep divisions over the Iraq war need not bring anyone's humanity into question.
"You know, I welcome debate in a time of war and I hope you know that," Pelosi said in opening remarks as she presided over a retreat that drew about 200 lawmakers to a Virginia resort.
She said disagreeing with her over the war — as the President does — does not mean "you don't share the same core humanity."
"You can get that thought out of your mind, if that's what some believe," the Speaker said. "These are tough times, but there's no doubt in my mind that you do not - nor have you ever - personally tortured animals or people in your spare time."
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Pelosi added, that those who say that Bush is a misogynist should be dismissed... "When we are in a time of war, how can it be productive to raise questions about whether you have ever assaulted or abused Laura, Jenna or Barbara - verbally or physically?" Pelosi added, "Some may believe these spurious rumors, but I find it completely counter-productive to discuss these matters while the Senate is negotiating non-binding reslolutions."
"We feel no animosity," said Pelosi. "Discussions of the president's intelligence and capacity to deal with the complexities and pressures of his job were strictly forbidden during the session. Also, all waiters were strictly forbidden from asking the president whether it is true that he is drinking alcohol again. I mean, how could that be constructive during a time of war."
Pelosi concluded her remarks by saying, "Finally, no one is questionning that you and the Vice President are still Best Friends Forever. In spite of the embarrassment that he brings your administration nearly every day either with his own words or through the testimony in the Libby trial, and in spite of the disastrous counsel that he has offered you over the past 6 years, we give no credence to the rumors that you are planning to Rumsfeld - I mean remove him. Such rumors are totally counter-productive during a time of war. Especially a war with Iran."