Today the newly renovated White House press briefing room reopened after an $8 million face-lift. And on a day when a former aide, who apparently swore her allegiance to George Bush and not the Constitution, was telling Congress she wouldn't honor their subpoena, when Senate Republicans again refused to hold an up-or-down vote on Iraq, when the President was still standing by an Attorney General who has repeatedly lied, this is how he was greeted by the press:
Q What, do you think I'm going to ask a question?
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I did think you were going to ask me a question, yes. (Laughter.)
Q I am. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: Well, maybe some other time.
Q Oh, but do you think you open --
THE PRESIDENT: See what I'm saying? (Laughter.)
Q You can't come to the press room, especially a modern press room --
THE PRESIDENT: Wait a minute, let's do this -- let me cut the ribbon, and --
Q You think anything has changed?
THE PRESIDENT: Let me cut the ribbon -- are you going to cut it with me, Steve -- and then why don't you all yell simultaneously? (Laughter.) Like, really loudly. (Laughter.) And that way you might get noticed.
Q It doesn't sound like you're going to answer --
THE PRESIDENT: No, I will. I'll, like, listen --
Q And leave?
THE PRESIDENT: -- internalize, play like I'm going to answer the question, and then smile at you and just say, gosh -- (laughter) -- thanks, thanks for such a solid, sound question.
Here we go, ready? I'm going to cut the ribbon. (Laughter.) Then you yell. I cogitate -- and then smile and wave. (Laughter.)
Are you going to come, Laura? Here we go.
(The President and Mrs. Bush cut the ribbon.) (Applause.)
Q -- (inaudible) --
THE PRESIDENT: Brilliant question.
Q -- (inaudible) -- cogitating that, right?
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. See you soon.
Q We look forward to seeing you come and do a little --
THE PRESIDENT: I will see you soon, thank you.
Q Y'all come back. (Laughter.)