In his interviewwith Bob Costas of NBC yesterday, George W. Bush has proven without a shadow of a doubt what most of us here already know: The President is completely, totally insulated from reality.
(Link Alert: The above link goes to Fox Business website. I couldn't find this transcript anywhere else. If someone does, let me know and I will update.)
Here is the money quote:
Costas: This past week you restated America's fundamental differences with China.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes.
Costas: But given China's growing strength and America's own problems, realistically how much leverage and influence does the U.S. have here?
THE PRESIDENT: First of all, I don't see America having problems. I see America as a nation that is a world leader, that has got great values. And leverage is -- I don't think you should look at the relationship as one of leverage. I think you ought to look at the relationship of one of constructive engagement where you can find common areas, like North Korea and Iran, but also be in a position where they respect you enough to listen to your views on religious freedom and political liberty.
A world leader with great values. Except for that whole Iraq thing. And leverage, hell, who needs that?
I just really don't know what to say. It's another example of not only how completely out of touch Bush is with the public, but how the man lives in his own reality. Everything's just peachy here in the good ol' US of A, at least when viewed from his ivory tower.
How did Costas keep himself from sputtering and say, "Wait...WHAT????"
The Preznit went on to further show his true colors:
Costas: If these Olympics are as successful as they are shaping up to be, most people believe this only further legitimizes the ruling party in the minds on most Chinese citizens. And even absent true liberty as we understand it, the lives of hundreds of millions of Chinese people are much better than they once were. Therefore, what's the party's incentive to reform?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, if you're a religious person, you understand that once religion takes hold in a society it can't be stopped. And secondly, I think the Olympics are going to serve as a chance for people to come and see China the way it is, and let the Chinese see the world and interface and have the opportunity to converse with people from around the world. This is a very positive development, in my view, for peace.
I happen to agree with the last sentence, but that first one scares the crap out of me.