Yesterday, White House Communications Director Dan Bartlett was featured on “Ask the White House,” where regular citizens send in questions to be answered by the President's minions. As first reported by Oliver Wills, yesterday's questions were dandies, we can tell you. Makes you wonder what questions they didn't choose to answer.
The Iron Mouth has edited Dan's answers for clarity. Each answer actually corresponds to its proper question. Although Dan would certainly deny it, we are sure the edited version reflects the truth of the matter. We are certain the questions do.
Dan Bartlett:
Great to be here today. I know there are a lot of questions so let's go right to the questions.
From the Department of I Really Think I Can Get Away With Not Answering, But I Inadvertently Revealed The Truth of The Matter:
Stephen, from Colorado Springs, CO writes:
Dan, Why is it that the president or you will not declare that the documents (CYA Memos) are false and untrue? Certainly if the documents are fakes, then the information in them is false as well.
Let's hear you and Mr. Bush say they are false and untrue accusations and we can settle all this mess.
Dan Bartlett:
We don't have the technical expertise to determine if they were fake or not. Remember, these supposedly came from the personal files of man who died more than 20 years ago. Thankfully, a lot of expert bloggers and other news organizations did get to the bottom this growing scandal.
Unintended Truth:
Nathalie, from Washington, DC writes:
Will the President come clean about his missing years in the Texas, Alabama, New England Air National Guard?
Why can't he just release the missing records so we can all get on with our lives?
Dan Bartlett:
I wish it were that easy.
Straight Shooter:
John, from Royal Oak, MI writes:
Why have there only been two white house press briefings in the last two months?
Dan Bartlett:
He's been traveling a lot lately.
Can't argue with this one:
George, from Kettering, Ohio writes:
1. I would like to understand why President Bush is unwilling to acknowledge the mounting problems we facing in Iraq?
2. Does the White House realize that the rosy picture it presents to American people is unrealistically over-optimistic?
Dan Bartlett:
Insurgents are trying to literally blow up the progress we are making.
Yes, He REALLY Did Say That:
Michael, from Miami Beach writes:
How has the administration's overall approach toward securing Iraq changed, given what appears to be a progressive increase in insurgent activity against American troops and the Iraqi government, as well as violence against American and other foreign civilians?
Dan Bartlett:
It's also important that Iraqis fight the enemy, not just Americans.
They Made Sense to Us, Too:
Danny, from Chicago writes:
Mr. Bartlett, Why did you not question the authenticity of those CBS memos when you met with John Roberts? Why did the White House subsequently release them?
Dan Bartlett:
We released them because we believe everyone should have the opportunity to see any record related to the President's military service.
Half Truth:
Dan Bartlett:
Sorry I need to run. I enjoyed taking your questions.