George W Bush's BBC interview
Earlier today George W Bush sat down with BBC America's Matt Frei and recorded an interview - ahead of his Africa tour.
We didn't learn a great deal but it is good to see the White House acknowledging the importance of the BBC and in a two-way with BBCtv's Kirsty Wark, Matt Frei talked about the time he spent with the President after the formal interview. Frei reported that President Bush said that he hoped to conclude a settlement of the Palestinian question during his period of office and that it would be the most important thing that he hoped to achieve.
Maybe Bush is acknowledging "the importance" of George Bush but I see no sign that the sentiment is reciprocated. Watching Matt Frei's report on BBC 6 o'clock news last night Frei was openly scoffing at Bush and it was obvious the BBC were treating the whole thing as a joke. Frei even went on at some length about how much time Bush gave to talking to him in the most disparaging terms - the unmissable implication was that he had nothing better to do as 'a lame duck' President. Bush has every reason to regret giving this interview given how the BBC presented it.
Posted by: Oscar Miller | February 15, 2008 at 09:13 AM
oops - I meant to write that Bush was acknowledging the importance of the BBC - not George Bush! (interesting Freudian slip!).
Posted by: Oscar Miller | February 15, 2008 at 09:15 AM
oops - I meant to write that Bush was acknowledging the importance of the BBC - not George Bush! (interesting Freudian slip!).
Posted by: Oscar Miller | February 15, 2008 at 09:16 AM
There is no level to which this moron Frei will stoop to show his contempt for your President, who is (a) far more intelligent and (b) more popular than the likes of Frei will ever be.
What Frei does cannot be described as journalism, but pathetic and condescending sneering. He is a buffoon who long ago should have been kicked out of the States as an unwelcome guest.
What really gets to Frei is how a country which is not in lockstep with his beliefs can be so successful, and the people so decent.
Posted by: Andy | February 15, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Ross Kemp should have done the interview. His documentary on Afghanistan that is current shown on Youtube and other places have earnt the respect from military people in the USA to be fair and balance.
Posted by: jdun | February 16, 2008 at 04:41 AM
Just saw the ad about the BBC on this site. Very good. I have posted many times with them and they never let me in???
Posted by: maggie watts | February 17, 2008 at 09:39 AM
My first thought when I saw the headline was, "Matt Frei? He's an anti-American jerk!" and I can see from the above comments, he is still true to form.
Posted by: Mary Fernandez | February 18, 2008 at 05:52 AM
Andy, if you ever come to the US pacific northwest make it known. If you're in the area, you'll be welcome for dinner with my gracious wife.
Mary, don't you think Bush is also true to form, having good intentions with aholes? ;)
Posted by: Steevo | February 22, 2008 at 07:46 AM