avocado8

True. On the other hand, I caught him actually correcting his own grammar--he said something like "the [Baker Hamilton] group are going to--is going to have recommendations".

Also, I thought overall he was properly conciliatory. Whether he'll actually act reasonably is, of course, doubtful.

Posted by: nj at November 8, 2006 2:35 PM

It's his folksy-belligerent speaking style that makes me wince. And did you catch him telling a reporter that he lied when he told said reporter that Rumsfeld would be staying? I definitely heard that grammar correction, but I also heard a lot more self-correction (or rather, self-contradiction -- "the reason I did that was [what sounded like an honest an overly candid reason]..." followed by "but I also did it because [scripted reason, which contradicted/conflicted with first reason]"). It was just weird.

I also noted, btw, the difference between this speech and the post-election/inaugural (can't remember which) address he gave a few years ago. In that prior one, he claimed a mandate he didn't have, and did not speak of compromise and common ground -- he only spoke of working with Democrats who agreed with him. This one was much more about working together, and he used the term "common ground" a couple times. Not sure what to make of it; just noticed, is all.

Posted by: Lori at November 8, 2006 2:46 PM

Yup, he sounded very defensive in this press conference. I actually thought he was being pretty candid when discussing the Rumsfeld resignation; not having listened to many prior press conferences where he took questions directly, I don't know whether this was unusual, but to me it signalled that he knows his style has to change a little.

Posted by: nj at November 8, 2006 4:59 PM

That's what I meant: he was being shockingly candid on the one hand, and then remembering the script on the other. It was very strange indeed. :)

Posted by: Lori at November 8, 2006 5:12 PM