July 11, 2007
8:05 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. I like a good, short introduction.
Q -- --
THE PRESIDENT: Yes. After all, it is your room. Welcome back to the West Wing. We missed you -- sort of. I can already tell this place has improved; the last time I was in here to hold a press conference I broke out into a sweat -- not because of your questions, but because of the climate. The air-conditioner seems to work well. I hope the facility is -- suits your needs. I really do.
The relationship between the President and the press is a unique relationship, and it s a necessary relationship. I enjoy it. I hope you do. As I say, sometimes you don t like the decisions I make, and sometimes I don t like the way you write about the decisions. But nevertheless, it s a really important part of our process. And the fact that you were working in substandard conditions just wasn t right. It really wasn t.
And so my White House worked with Steve and Ann, worked with Mark Smith to get it right. And I think it s going to benefit future Presidents and future White House press corps1, to be working in modern conditions, conditions where a fellow like me will feel comfortable coming in here answering a few questions without losing 20 pounds.
It was really hot in here. As a matter of fact, I can t imagine how Snow could handle it on a regular basis. But now it s modern, and it s going to enable you to do a better job. And I m glad that s the case.
I want to thank Peter Doherty -- where is he? Yes, Peter, thanks for working hard here. You get a lot of credit for making sure this thing works. And one of these days Laura and I are looking forward to coming and actually see what it s like working here. I ve never toured -- I ve never even been able to get beyond the podium -- -- if you know what I mean. As a matter of fact, I ve always felt comfortable behind the podium in front of you, kind of as a shield. But I would like a tour.
Q Bullet-proof --
THE PRESIDENT: Well, it s not exactly bullet-proof. Some of your bullets are able to -- verbal bullets -- -- are able to penetrate2. But you ve been around a long time, see, you know what it s like to query3 Presidents. You ve been -- you re kind of an older fellow.
Q -- --
THE PRESIDENT: Yes -- proudly so. Thanks for the birthday greeting, too. I appreciate that thoughtful gesture.
But, anyway, we re glad to join you for this ribbon-cutting, and we thank you very much for working with Hagin and the bunch to make sure this thing -- deal works. And it s going to. And it s going to make your life better and, frankly4, it s going to make the lives of future Presidents better, as well. And so it s a good contribution that you all have left behind. And we re glad to have been a part of it. And so -- wait --
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.
Q I am.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, maybe some other time.
Q Oh, but do you think you open --
THE PRESIDENT: See what I m saying?
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 simultaneously5? Like, really loudly. 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 -- -- thanks, thanks for such a solid, sound question.
Here we go, ready? I m going to cut the ribbon. Then you yell. I cogitate6 -- and then smile and wave.
Are you going to come, Laura? Here we go.
Q -- --
THE PRESIDENT: Brilliant question.
Q -- -- cogitating7 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.
END 8:12 A.M. EDT
