Press Conference by the President
December 4, 2007
Press Conference by the President
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
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“The holidays are approaching and the clock is ticking for the United States Congress. Based on the record so far, Americans could be forgiven for thinking that Santa will have slipped down their chimney on Christmas Eve before Congress finishes its work. Let’s hope they’re wrong.”
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“Why would you take time to analyze new information? One, you want to make sure it’s not disinformation. You want to make sure the piece of intelligence you have is real. And secondly, they want to make sure they understand the intelligence they gathered: If they think it’s real, then what does it mean?”
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“I really am going to — look, we got — it’s hard to believe, like a month away from the Iowa caucuses, and it’s going to get intense. And elections are intense. They are intense experiences, and they’re intense on both sides.”
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Q Do you miss it?
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I’m going to miss the campaigning. I like campaigning. If somebody ever says they don’t like campaigning, they’re not telling you — either that, or they’re a lousy candidate. I mean, it’s fun. (Laughter.) I enjoy it. I enjoy the crowds, I enjoy the noise, I enjoy giving that message, I enjoy the competition. And, yes, I’m going to miss it.
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Q Thank you, Mr. President. I may want to apologize in advance because –
THE PRESIDENT: Please do.
Q — I can’t help but read your body language this morning, Mr. President. You seem somehow dispirited, somewhat dispirited.
THE PRESIDENT: I think you need to apologize for advance — (laughter.) This is like — all of a sudden, it’s like Psychology 101, you know? (Laughter.)
