I, I don't know — Bono came in and dropped this new iPod off... Lightweight. Crank it on, and you shuffle the shuffle.

(ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTER) DEB RIECHMANN: Back in October of 2000, Mr. President —
DUBYA: October of 2000?
RIECHMANN: Yes, sir. Back in October of 2000, this is what you said —
DUBYA: Okay. Whew.
RIECHMANN: "We will ask not only what is legal, but what is right. Not what the lawyers allow, but what the public deserves." In the CIA leak case, has your administration lived up to this campaign promise?
DUBYA: In the — pardon my — I didn't hear you.
RIECHMANN: In the CIA leak case, has your administration lived up to this campaign promise?
DUBYA: Oh, Deb, look, I said the other day to the press corps that was assembled in Argentina that there's still an ongoing investigation. We take this investigation very seriously, and we'll continue to cooperate during the investigation.

A pandemic is a lot like a forest fire. If caught early it might be extinguished with limited damage.... A pandemic is unlike other natural disasters. Outbreaks can happen simultaneously in hundreds, or even thousands, of locations at the same time.

A pandemic is a lot like a forest fire. If caught early it might be extinguished with limited damage. If allowed to smolder undetected, it can grow to an inferno that spreads quickly beyond our ability to control it.

There, I, I, there, there's some background noise here, a lot of chatter, a lot of, uhh — speculation, and — uhh, opining. But the American people expect me to do my job, and I'm going to.

There's been a lot of damage, and we want to help in any way we can. I told the Ambassador that — reminded him what I told President Musharraf — I said — once talked to him, I said Pakistan is a friend, and America will help.

I think that steroids ought to be banned from baseball.

REPORTER: Have you ever discussed with Harriet Miers abortion? Or have you gleaned from her comments her views on that subject?
DUBYA: I have no litmus test. It's also something I've consistently said. There is no litmus test. What matters to me is her judicial philosophy, what does she believe the role — the proper role of the judiciary is, relative to the legislative and the executive branch. And, she'll be asked all kinds of questions up there, but the most important thing for me is what kind of judge will she be? And so there's no litmus tests.
REPORTER: Sir, you've already said there was no litmus test —
DUBYA: Correct. And I'll say it again. There is no litmus test.

I think it's important to bring somebody from outside the system, the judicial system, somebody that hasn't been on the bench and, therefore, there's not a lot of opinions for people to look at.

Governor Perdue of Georgia I thought did a — showed some leadership by saying we've got to — anticipating a problem, here's what we need to do to correct it. There's going to be some — by the way, and here's what we have done and will continue to do.

The good news is — and it's hard for some to see it now — that out of this chaos is going to come a fantastic Gulf Coast, like it was before. Out of the rubbles of Trent Lott's house — he's lost his entire house — there's going to be a fantastic house. And I'm looking forward to sitting on the porch.

Right now, we need to get food and clothes and medicine to the people, and we'll do so. And one of the main delivery systems will be the armies of compassion.

Brownie, you're doin' a heck of a job.

I don't think anyone anticipated the breach of the levees.

They have killed in Madrid and Istanbul and Jakarta and Casablanca and Riyadh and Bali and London and elsewhere, and they are determined to do more harm. And they kill indiscriminately. In other words, they don't care who they kill.

The comments by the number two man of Al Qaeda make it clear that Iraq is a part of this war on terror, and we're at war. In other words, he's saying, leave. As I have told the American people, one, that people like Zawahiri have an ideology that is dark, dim, backwards. They don't trust — they don't appreciate women. If you don't agree to their narrow view of a religion you'll be whipped in the public square. That's their view, and they have tactics to help spread that view. In other words, they've got goals. They want to spread that point of view throughout the world, starting in the broader Middle East. And part of their goal is to drive us out of the broader Middle East, precisely what Zawahiri said. In other words, he's threatening.

By the time the baby boomers like me get completely retired, there will be about 75 million. In other words, a lot. ...And I believe that if you are a willing employer — In other words, if you have somebody looking for work and you can't find an American, there ought to be a legal way — not an illegal way — a legal way for you to be able to employ that person. ...We'll use our diplomatic corps. In other words, we're working with friends and allies. ...We're working hard to coordinate law enforcement around the world. In other words, we're using all assets of this great nation in order to defeat this enemy.

When you ride hard on a mountain bike, sometimes you fall. Otherwise you're not riding hard.

This morning I have been in contact with our Homeland Security folks. I instructed them to be in touch with local and state officials about the facts of what took place here and in London, and to be extra vigilant, as our folks start heading to work.

I know the only way to defeat this ideology is with a better ideology, based upon freedom and human rights and dignity — human dignity. And it's — it hasn't been an easy period of time for a lot of people — I know that. But I feel strongly in a heart of hearts that the decisions we have made will make it easier for our grandchildren to look back at this point — to grow up in a peaceful — and look back and say, thank goodness these people had the courage of their convictions.

I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep on the soil of a friend.

I want to thank the President and the CEO of Constellation Energy, Mayo Shattuck. That's a pretty cool first name, isn't it, Mayo. Pass the Mayo. His wife, Molly, appreciated that.

In terms of your Prime Minister, he's a — interesting guy. He's a lot of fun to be around. He promotes, uhh, serious business in a, in a, in a way that, uhh, endears himself to people. And so, uhh, I think his presidency has been an important presidency for the EU during difficult times, and he's handled it well. And, umm, I was gonna say he's a piece of work, but that might not translate too well. Is that all right, if I call you a piece of work?

The relations with, uhh — Europe are important relations, and they've, uhh — because, we do share values. And, they're universal values, they're not American values or, you know — European values, they're universal values. And those values — uhh — being universal, ought to be applied everywhere.

The ties that bind the Americas are particularly vivid here in Florida. I mean, if you spend any time in this state, you'll find people from all over our hemisphere who live here. This state has benefited because immigrants from throughout the hemisphere have made their homes here. I know firsthand — I'm pretty familiar with the state's governor. He keeps me abreast of what's taking place in this state. You know, our ties are represented in different ways. Perhaps you know this, but my brother was lucky enough to marry a fantastic woman from Mexico. The First Lady of Florida is Mexican-born. A United States senator from Florida, Mel Martinez, was born in Cuba. No, the ties in our hemisphere between America and our hemisphere are particularly strong in Florida.

You know, I don't think a photo inspires murderers. I think they're inspired by an ideology that is so barbaric and backwards that it's hard for many in the Western world to comprehend how they think.

To the American people, "Marine" is shorthand for "can do".

But, nevertheless, I think long term, the stock market is, will reflect the long-term strength of America.

I like the idea of people running for office. There's a positive effect when you run for office. Maybe some will run for office and say, vote for me, I look forward to blowing up America. I don't know, I don't know if that will be their platform or not. But it's — I don't think so. I think people who generally run for office say, vote for me, I'm looking forward to fixing your potholes, or making sure you got bread on the table.

MRS. GODFREY: I showed up today on behalf of my friends and my family, and about 80 employees at Godfrey Lumber. It's a small, family-owned business started by my late father-in-law, Woodrow Wilson Godfrey. You would have loved him. It's actually —
DUBYA: Woodrow Wilson?
MRS. GODFREY: Woodrow Wilson.
DUBYA: Yes.
MRS. GODFREY: His mother was a staunch Democrat.
DUBYA: Yes. Guy is a heck of a businessman, though.

DUBYA: Mary is with us. Mary Mornin. How are you, Mary?
MS. MORNIN: I'm fine.
DUBYA: Good. Okay, Mary, tell us about yourself.
MS. MORNIN: Okay, I'm a divorced, single mother with three grown, adult children. I have one child, Robbie, who is mentally challenged, and I have two daughters.
. . .
DUBYA: There's a certain comfort to know that the promises made will be kept by the government.
MS. MORNIN: Yes.
DUBYA: And so thank you for asking that. You don't have to worry.
MS. MORNIN: That's good, because I work three jobs and I feel like I contribute.
DUBYA: You work three jobs?
MS. MORNIN: Three jobs, yes.
DUBYA: Uniquely American, isn't it? I mean, that is fantastic that you're doin' that. Get any sleep?

Jan, out of deep compassion for a fellow human being, adopted Katya, and here she is in America. She came as an 11-year-older. She's a teenager. I'm not going to tell you her real age. Let me just say she's under 20.

I thought the most important moment of the State of the Union, of course, was when the mom from Pflugerville, Texas hugged the woman, the human rights advocate from Baghdad.

DUBYA: Andrew Biggs is with us. He is the Associate Commissioner for Retirement Policy of the Social Security Administration, Washington, D.C. In other words, he is an expert on the subject. Andrew, step forth. Let the people of Arkansas — no, sit forth — let the people of Arkansas —
DR. BIGGS: Thanks very much.
DUBYA: Tell them whether or not we got a problem or not, from your perspective.
DR. BIGGS: Put simply, we do, in fact, have a problem.
DUBYA: By the way, this guy — PhD. See, I was a C student. He's a PhD, so he's probably got a little more credibility. I do think it's interesting and should be heartening for all C students out there, notice who's the President and who's the advisor. All right, Andrew, get going. Andrew's got a good sense of humor.

We will pass along to our children all the freedoms we enjoy — and chief among them is freedom from fear. ...The only force powerful enough to stop the rise of tyranny and terror, and replace hatred with hope, is the force of human freedom. ...America will stand with the allies of freedom to support democratic movements in the Middle East and beyond, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world. ...And because democracies respect their own people and their neighbors, the advance of freedom will lead to peace. ... The beginnings of reform and democracy in the Palestinian territories are now showing the power of freedom to break old patterns of violence and failure. ... To promote peace and stability in the broader Middle East, the United States will work with our friends in the region to fight the common threat of terror, while we encourage a higher standard of freedom. ...We expect the Syrian government to end all support for terror and open the door to freedom. Today, Iran remains the world's primary state sponsor of terror — pursuing nukyular weapons while depriving its people of the freedom they seek and deserve. ... Our generational commitment to the advance of freedom, especially in the Middle East, is now being tested and honored in Iraq. ...And the victory of freedom in Iraq will strengthen a new ally in the war on terror ... We will succeed in Iraq because Iraqis are determined to fight for their own freedom, and to write their own history. ...We are standing for the freedom of our Iraqi friends, and freedom in Iraq will make America safer for generations to come. ...And we have said farewell to some very good men and women, who died for our freedom, and whose memory this nation will honor forever. ...Ladies and gentlemen, with grateful hearts, we honor freedom's defenders, and our military families. ...The attack on freedom in our world has reaffirmed our confidence in freedom's power to change the world. We are all part of a great venture, to extend the promise of freedom in our country... and to spread the peace that freedom brings. ...The road of Providence is uneven and unpredictable — yet we know where it leads. It leads to freedom. Thank you, and may God bless America.

Two weeks ago, I stood on the steps of this Capitol and renewed the commitment of our nation to the guiding ideal of liberty for all. ...We are witnessing landmark events in the history of liberty. ...And to the Iranian people, I say tonight. As you stand for your own liberty, America stands with you. ... We will succeed because the Iraqi people value their own liberty. ... Americans recognize that spirit of liberty, because we share it. ...In the end, Iraqis must be able to defend their own country — and we will help that proud, new nation secure its liberty. ...We are all part of a great venture ... to renew the values that sustain our liberty.

Nearly four years ago, I submitted a comprehensive energy strategy that encourages conservation, alternative sources, a modernized electricity grid, and more production here at home — including safe, clean nukyular energy. ...We're working closely with the governments in Asia to convince North Korea to abandon its nukyular ambitions. ...Today, Iran remains the world's primary state sponsor of terror — pursuing nukyular weapons while depriving its people of the freedom they seek and deserve.

Civil rights is a good education. Civil rights is opportunity. Civil rights is home ownership. Civil rights is owning your own business. Civil rights is making sure all aspects of our society are open for everybody.

DUBYA: how old is your child, Carl?
CARL: Fourteen years old.
DUBYA: Yes, 14. Well, if she were —
CARL: He, sir.
DUBYA: He, excuse me. I should have done the background check. She will — when she gets ready to — when she's 50, the system will be broke, if my math is correct.

Vladimir Putin — I have discussed with Vladimir Putin some of his decisions. I will continue — as you might remember in our meeting in Chile. I will continue to do so. I will remind him that if he intends to continue to look West, we in the West believe in Western values.

But in my meetings with Chinese leadership in the past, in my meetings with Chinese leadership in the future, I will constantly remind them of the benefits of a society that honors their people and respects human rights and human dignity.

REPORTER: Mr. President, I'd like to ask you about the Gonzales nomination, and specifically, about an issue that came up during it, your views on torture. You've said repeatedly that you do not sanction it, you would never approve it. But there are some written responses that Judge Gonzales gave to his Senate testimony that have troubled some people, and specifically, his allusion to the fact that cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment of some prisoners is not specifically forbidden so long as it's conducted by the CIA and conducted overseas. Is that a loophole that you approve?
DUBYA: Listen, Al Gonzales reflects our policy, and that is we don't sanction torture. He will be a great Attorney General, and I call upon the Senate to confirm him.
[Dubya points to another reporter...]

For a half century, America defended our own freedom by standing watch on distant borders. ...There is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant, and that is the force of human freedom. ...The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world. ...Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens. ...America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way. ...America's influence is considerable, and we will use it confidently in freedom's cause. ... We will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation, the moral choice between oppression, which is always wrong, and freedom, which is eternally right. ...In the long run, there is no justice without freedom. ... Some, I know, have questioned the global appeal of liberty, though this time in history, four decades defined by the swiftest advance of freedom ever seen, is an odd time for doubt. ...Eventually, the call of freedom comes to every mind and every soul. ...Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. ...Division among free nations is a primary goal of freedom's enemies. ...Yet because we have acted in the great liberating tradition of this nation, tens of millions have achieved their freedom. ...One day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world. ... America has need of idealism and courage, because we have essential work at home, the unfinished work of American freedom. ... In America's ideal of freedom, citizens find the dignity and security of economic independence, instead of laboring on the edge of subsistence. ... In America's ideal of freedom, the public interest depends on private character ... In America's ideal of freedom, the exercise of rights is ennobled by service. ...We cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time. ...Did our generation advance the cause of freedom? ...Americans by choice and by birth, are bound to one another in the cause of freedom. ...We felt the unity and fellowship of our nation when freedom came under attack. ... We go forward with complete confidence in the eventual triumph of freedom. ...We have confidence because freedom is the permanent hope of mankind ...When citizens marched in peaceful outrage under the banner "Freedom Now", they were acting on an ancient hope that is meant to be fulfilled. ...Renewed in our strength, tested but not weary, we are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom.

The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. ...There can be no human rights without human liberty. ...Some, I know, have questioned the global appeal of liberty. ...Liberty will come to those who love it. ...When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you. ...In a world moving toward liberty, we are determined to show the meaning and promise of liberty. ...This is the broader definition of liberty that motivated the Homestead Act. ...Liberty for all does not mean independence from one another. ...Soldiers died in wave upon wave for a union based on liberty. ...History also has a visible direction, set by liberty and the author of liberty. ...America, in this young century, proclaims liberty throughout all the world, and to all the inhabitants thereof.

It's important that we celebrate a peaceful transfer of power. ...You can be equally concerned about our troops in Iraq and those who suffered at the tsunamis with celebrating democracy.

WASHINGTON POST: Why should [the District of Columbia]... have to spend 12 million dollars from their budget — from their homeland security budget they get from the federal government — to provide security for the inauguration?
DUBYA: The inauguration is a high-profile event, like a lot of other events that, unfortunately, in the world in which we live, could be an attractive target for terrorists. And by providing security, hopefully that will provide comfort to people who are coming from all around the country to come and stay in the hotels in Washington and to be able to watch the different festivities in Washington and eat the food in Washington. We've got people coming from all around the country, and I think it provides them great comfort to know that all levels of government are working closely to make this event as secure as possible.

SONYA STONE: I would like to introduce my mom. This is my mother, Rhoda Stone. And she is grandmother of three, and originally from Helsinki, Finland, and has been here over 40 years.
DUBYA: Fantastic. Same age as my mother.
SONYA STONE: Just turned 80.

And it was hard leadin' up the Afghan elections, as you remember. There was the lot of talk about how the — somebody was gonna get killed and they couldn't vote. And sure enough, when people were given a chance, millions of people showed up, and the first voter was a woman in a country where women had been savaged by the former government run by the Taliban. So, look, I know it's hard.

Also elected that year [1978] was a young attorney from Sacramento, California, named Bob Matsui. Bob went on to serve with distinction and integrity in the House of Representatives for more than 25 years. He was a principled advocate for the people of northern California and he will be deeply missed.... One of Matsui's colleagues was Lungren, as I mentioned, and he is typical of what is a pretty interesting group of folks who've run and won in 2004.