Sportscaster Bob Costas Does Kickass Bush Interview

168 Comments

AmyVernon, on 08/11/2008, -4/+102Bob Costas is a very underrated journalist, because he made his name in sports. He's just an intelligent reporter who does his homework. (And, no, I'm not related to him.)
merlin484, on 08/11/2008, -4/+80i agree, it was excellent political journalism. you could even see bush drop the ***** shield about half way through it.
vexingmodstwo, on 08/12/2008, -12/+84Has hell frozen over? Did the HuffPo actually post a somewhat unbiased article?
bubbadoo989, on 08/12/2008, -13/+79It was a great interview... yes there were leading questions, but remember who we are talking about (GW is marginally literate, based on his prior PR performances).

But, I must give GW credit, he sounded much more lucid, spoke to the point and actually sounded a bit like a leader. Doesn't really make up for 8 years of historical incompetence and deceipt, though.
ouzome, on 08/12/2008, -8/+64Bush was great, but he's had great speeches before. I even felt a little patriotic after watching it. Suprised to see a few positive comments about Bush on digg...
scoottie, on 08/12/2008, -7/+55http://www.prnewschannel.com/absolutenm/templates/ ...

Costas: You saw the Opening Ceremony, you've seen Michael Phelps and company, at the pool, you went to beach volleyball, the USA's win over China in basketball last night, what are your impressions so far?

Bush: First of all I think the Chinese are being great hosts, the venues are fantastic, and our team's fired up and so am I. I'm excited to be here. It's such a thrill to watch our men and women compete.

Costas: You met with the ball players before the basketball game last night.

Bush: I did.

Costas: What was their response to you?

Bush: Their response was … well first of all… obviously these are great stars… and their response was thanks for coming, we are really really honored to represent America, and I was impressed by them. And of course they go out and put on a great performance.

Costas: And winning 101- 70. Alright, our time here is limited but we will get to as much as we can, the Opening Ceremonies were glorious there is much to admire about China's people, China's culture, and its present accomplishments. But this remains an authoritarian state.

Bush: That's true.

Costas: With an abysmal human rights record. In the long run, is China's rise irreconcilable with America's interest?

Bush: No, in the long run America better remain engaged with China and understand that we can have a cooperative and constructive yet candid relationship. It's really important for future presidents to understand the relationship between China and the region and its important to make sure that America is engaged with China even though we may have some disagreements.

Costas: You met with President Hu Jintao not just at the Opening Ceremony, but privately since then. Did you press him on the full array of American concerns? Human rights, press freedom, Tibet, China's support of rogue regimes like Sudan and Myanmar?

Bush: And North Korea and Iran.

Costas: It was all on the table?

Bush: Oh absolutely every time. Every time. But you've got to understand something Bob. I don't need the Olympics to advance America's agenda. I've met with Hu Jintao a lot since I have been the President and listen we agree with them on a lot of things and we disagree with them on things, and that's the way the relationship is going to be. It needs to be as I mentioned constructive and cooperative.

Costas: This past week you restated America's fundamental differences with China but given China's growing strength and America's own problems, realistically, how much leverage and influence does the U.S. have here?

Bush: 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, I don't think you should look at the relationship as one of leverage, I think you should look at the relationship as one of constructive engagement, where you can find common areas like North Korea and Iran. But also be in a position where they can respect you enough to listen to your views on religious freedom and political liberty.

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 of 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?

Bush: Well first of all, if you are 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 gonna 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, you know, the opportunity to converse with people from around the world. This is very positive development in my view for peace. You know, who knows how China's going to progress. They have been through some very difficult political times, the Cultural Revolution for one, where the leadership actually created violent anarchy as the society turned on itself. All I can tell you is it's important for the United States to be active in this part of the world, with all countries, and to stay engaged with China.

Costas: Moving away from China for just a second, during the Opening Ceremony, we saw you conferring with Vladimir Putin. We now know that you were talking about the conflict that had erupted that day between Russia and Georgia.

Bush: That's true.

Costas: Now Georgia is a former Soviet Republic that is sympathetic to the West and that is attempting to embody many Western values. But just as you need China, you need Russia strategically around the globe. You've got to walk a fine line. What did you say to Putin?

Bush: I said this violence is unacceptable. I not only said it to Vladimir Putin, I said it to the President of the country, Dmitry Medvedev. And my administration has been engaged with both sides in this, trying to get a cease-fire, and saying the status quo for all troops should be August 6th. Look, I expressed my grave concern about the disproportionate response of Russia. And we strongly condemn bombing outside of South Ossetia. It was just interesting to me that here we are, you know trying to promote peace and harmony, and we're witnessing a conflict take place.

Costas: No Olympic truce in this case.

Bush: There wasn't. And I was very firm with Vladimir Putin. And he and I have a good relationship. Just like I was firm with the Russian President. And hopefully this will get resolved peacefully. There needs to be international mediation for the South Ossetia issue.

Costas: Couple more quick things.

Bush: Sure.

Costas: China is a nation that warmly received Omar al-Bashir of Sudan, who has since been indicted by the International Court on charges of genocide. Then, this past week they revoke the visa of Joey Cheek, an exemplary Olympian who had planned to come here not to directly protest China's government, but to call attention to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. What's your reaction?

Bush: My reaction is I'm sorry Joey Cheek didn't come. He's a good man. Joey Cheek's just got to know I took the Sudanese message for him. My attitude is if you've got relations with Mr. Bashir, think about helping us solve the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. That was my message to the Chinese government.

Costas: As you attempt to press these points with them, do you find Hu Jintao not just warm to you personally, but is he receptive? Do you sense any movement?

Bush: Yeah, it's hard to tell. I mean, all I can tell you is that it is best to be in a position where a leader will listen to you. I went to church here. And I'm sure the cynics say 'Well, you know, it was just a state sponsored church.' On the other hand, and that's true, it gave me a chance to say to the Chinese people, religion won't hurt you, you ought to welcome religious people. And it gave me a chance to say to the Chinese government, 'Why don't you register the underground churches and give them a chance to flourish?' And he listened politely. I can't read his mind, but I do know that every time I met with him, I pressed the point.

Costas: Your father has long standing connections to China. He was an envoy here even before we established an official ambassador's position during the 1970s. And he is here with you on this trip, so there's a family connection.

Bush: Absolutely. Yeah, it was a great connection. I can remember riding my bike around Beijing in 1975.

Costas: Only bikes then, just about.

Bush: Unbelievable how far this has changed. And he feels the same way. We were honored yesterday, when the President, Hu Jintao, invited my dad, and me, and Laura, and my sister, and my daughter, my brother, for dinner or lunch. It was a great gesture of kindness. Bob, it's very important for the American people to know, coming here gave me a chance obviously to root for our team, and you've captured that but also, coming here is a sign of respect for the Chinese people. And this is a big, important nation. We'll have our differences, we'll have our agreements. But in order to find common ground and move the world toward peace, it is important for this country to show respect for the people of the country.

Costas: Briefly, one more sports question.

Bush: Sure.

Costas: You have been outspoken. Your past connections to baseball, you used the State of the Union speech to do it, to talk about performance enhancing drugs in sports. Marion Jones recently petitioned you for clemency. She's serving time because of her involvement in the BALCO case, one time Olympic hero. We know many Olympians, and in your favorite sport and mine, baseball, big time names, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, what's your feeling about this, and how much do you, as an American, trust the integrity of the sports you watch?

Bush: Let's just talk about baseball. Obviously, one of the great things about baseball is that we can compare the records of the players of the 50s to the 60s and the 70s and obviously the 1990s. And it is very important for there to be, for the sport to be clean. The great continuity, the history of baseball is real. And secondly, we don't want adults sending mixed message to children, that it's ok to shoot up drugs in order to become a star, cause it's not okay.

Costas: You gonna go to a couple more events before you leave?

Bush: I'm going to swimming, if you'd ever let me off this set.

Costas: (Laughter) Okay, you are dismissed

Bush: Thank you sir.

Costas: Thank you, Mr. President.
BanzaiMan, on 08/11/2008, -5/+45Bob Costas++.
halfdirt, on 08/12/2008, -4/+43Buried for not being unreasonably and rabidly anti-Bush.
zwendkos, on 08/12/2008, -2/+36If I had to pick someone to emcee my wedding, it would be Bob Costas. He would research the ***** out of me and deliver toasts and introductions like he had been my brother for all my life. Every time I watch him on TV, he almost makes me laugh with how smooth he delivers such intricate and spot-on commentary or interview questions. Shoot, if I had to have a dinner with three people, living or dead, Bob Costas certainly would at least be the maitre de.

Oh my god, I have a man crush on Bob Costas.
ericdano, on 08/12/2008, -3/+29You know, he's not a good public speaker. Period. But he is not stupid like everyone says.
apothekari, on 08/12/2008, -1/+24NBC should give him Russert's show.
He is an amazing interviewer, always prepared,always intelligent.
Meet the Press needs him.
allengeer, on 08/12/2008, -1/+23Probably one of the more pressing interviews I've seen directed at George Bush, and I must say that he handled it quite well. Aside from the minor blips in speech fluency that we are accustomed to, he had tactful responses which also had more content then the normal B.S. response. I was impressed by both Bush and Costas in this interview.
chmcarro, on 08/12/2008, -1/+23Would buy again!
scoottie, on 08/12/2008, -2/+23yes very surprising indeed
schoate09, on 08/12/2008, -2/+23I agree, as someone who really isn't a fan of Bush, I have to say, he conducted himself well in this interview, and he didn't take Costas' political bait to stir controversy.
tonto69, on 08/12/2008, -2/+21but are you sleeping with him? :)
wooFmeoWoinK, on 08/12/2008, -5/+22Amazing interview, probably the toughest one Bush has ever done, which is a sad reflection on the US media.
zippy757, on 08/12/2008, -9/+26something is wrong at Huff-in-Puff ...
bainfu, on 08/12/2008, -3/+19I think he means we don't have problems like other countries have problems. People aren't getting executed in the streets, genocide isn't occurring, millions are not starving, but I think he was just trying to downplay our "problems."
inactive, on 08/12/2008, -0/+15 Yes because a casual interview by a sports journalist at the Olympic games would have been just the time and place for that conversation.
Larsonal777, on 08/12/2008, -3/+17Sure there are things "wrong" in America... but until you go somewhere else and see how well the US has it then you really need to well... stop complaining like a spoiled little child.

I hate how you relate everything to Athiesm... so we have something in common.
caborobo, on 08/12/2008, -0/+13Costas would never do it. His heart is in sports. Though he would do it better than anyone out there. Bob Costas is nothing but AAA class.
thelif, on 08/12/2008, -5/+17Wouldn't it be hilarious if there was a real life "What if" machine from Futurama and it showed the world actually being a lot worse if Bush wasn't elected? Oh man..
inactive, on 08/12/2008, -4/+15Puffington Hoax? Is that honestly the best you could come up with, really?
phrenzy, on 08/12/2008, -0/+10Got to say - I am a veteran "bush-basher" - But he carried himself well through that interview. I
bossm4n, on 08/12/2008, -1/+11And he should take a few lessons from Costas on how to be impartial, like the profession calls for.
forceuser, on 08/12/2008, -0/+9I'm surprised Bush did so well in that, I liked what he had to say.
Maxmaxxwell, on 08/12/2008, -0/+9Yep, that's what was said
Larsonal777, on 08/12/2008, -3/+12Agreed.
EtherGnat, on 08/12/2008, -0/+9Sadly we get better interviews these days from comedians and sportscasters.
FriedTurkey, on 08/12/2008, -4/+12Yes
zspade, on 08/12/2008, -3/+11Olberman was a sports journalist...
scoottie, on 08/12/2008, -3/+11yeah i think they need to run a story now about the USA losing to Cuba was somehow Bush's fault
SixOrSoPapers, on 08/12/2008, -0/+7Abbreviated Version:

Costas: You saw the Opening Ceremony, you've seen Michael Phelps and company, at the pool, you went to beach volleyball, the USA's win over China in basketball last night, what are your impressions so far?

Bush: First of all I think the Chinese are being great hosts, the venues are fantastic, and our team's fired up and so am I. I'm excited to be here. It's such a thrill to watch our men and women compete.

Costas: You're excited? Feel these nipples!
5urr3al5am, on 08/12/2008, -1/+8Ok let's give them credit.. Unbiased: 1.. Extreme Liberal Slant: 10,000
phocis850, on 08/12/2008, -1/+8I thought it was a great interview and a terrible article by the Post.
Great job by Costas AND Bush.

It's funny how the interview is geared around world peace and unity and the Post just throws Bush under the bus like he's an idiot. Way to go Post, who's the idiot? It's amazing how many people actually read the Post as God's honest truth.
browe07, on 08/12/2008, -5/+11Its a bit off the topic, but man Bush looks like hes aged 30 years during his presidency. Almost felt sorry for him... almost.
ouzome, on 08/12/2008, -1/+7By saying that, he was alluding that China should allow freedom of religion and sponsor other religions besides just one...
jotate, on 08/12/2008, -2/+8If you're going to start coming up with belittling puns for all the news sources that are bashing Bush, you should've probably started a few years ago if you want to finish before he's out of office.
PeeEqualsNP, on 08/12/2008, -2/+81) Some of Bush's comments were simply stating that a major civil right is an individual having the right to believe whatever they want and not get imprisoned or punished (or killed) for believing something different. This is a major issue in China and would be a big step in that country towards more civil liberties. Religious freedom in China would be similar to other countries granting women more rights.

2) Religion is a big part of Bush's personal life and he stands for what he believes, even if the entire country is against him. This is a character trait I think most of us would prefer in a leader instead of someone who changes their mind to please whoever they are talking to at the moment. At least we know where he stands, regardless of whether you agree or not.
analogkid01, on 08/12/2008, -1/+6Bob Costas = Bob Costas + 1? Interesting variable names you use.
scoottie, on 08/12/2008, -1/+6to bad that bush was talking about problems in competing with china on the new world market
elitexero, on 08/12/2008, -1/+6Finally, something to link people to when they claim George Bush is a dumb fool. He's not a dumb fool, he just can't speak when he doesn't pre-read the speeches someone else writes for him. He's a sharp guy.
Midtowner, on 08/12/2008, -0/+5Bob Costas for Meet the Press.
samimnot, on 08/12/2008, -0/+5I've always liked Bob Costas...the man is very intelligent and always prepared. He would be a great replacement on To Meet the Press. He has the perfect "tone" for the job...never inanely confrontational (like the ABC Debate, aka: the Gib and Stephy Show) while still making his points and probing for answers.
As far as President Bush...I thought it was the best he's sounded in years. He actually came off looking informed (and that's saying a lot ;-) because I personally feel he's done a terrible job).
And yes...I'm sure the Q and A was rehearsed, prior to taping. But all interviews are...
gitrplaya4u, on 08/12/2008, -0/+4bob_Costas *
ouzome, on 08/12/2008, -2/+6They know Bush isn't afraid to use military action . . . and that speaks VOLUMES my friend, especially to a country like Russia. Same position Reagan took and the wall came down and we collapsed Russia and they had a sort of democracy for a long time.
ObamaWins08, on 08/12/2008, -3/+7No, he said "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, I don't think you should look at the relationship as one of leverage."
I'm no big bushie fan, but quit pandering to the audience. He was saying he would rather focus on America's good traits (and we all know he should probably consider our sucky ones too).
My wife's a first grade teacher, she can help you with comprehension... unless you want to admit to only just wanting to bash Bush...
ouzome, on 08/12/2008, -1/+5that has happened to every single president. look at your buddy bill for crying out loud.
Buavesy, on 08/12/2008, -2/+6History will speak differently of Bush. Only time will tell. People hated Lincoln during his presidency and look at how he is remembered. Believe and think what you want, but history and time speak for themselves.

@Larsonal I completely agree with you btw if you didnt notice.
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