From The Memory Hole...Ari and Helen..WH Briefing 1/23/03

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/01/20030123-3.html#4

Q You said earlier today that the President doesn't care whether the American people support any decision to go to war or not.

MR. FLEISCHER: I didn't say that.

Q Basically you said it.

MR. FLEISCHER: No, it's a --

Q Okay, what did you say?

MR. FLEISCHER: It's a wily paraphrase, Helen, wily.

Q I think I compressed it well. (Laughter.)

MR. FLEISCHER: I know you do. That's why you asked it the way you did. (Laughter.)

The President believes the following: that his job as Commander-in-Chief is to, first and foremost, protect the country from any threats that he perceives the American people may suffer. In carrying out that duty, the President, of course, at all times wants to have the support of the American people. But if the American people are fundamentally opposed to, or totally in favor of, a military action anywhere in the world, the President will make his judgment about when to use force to protect the country on the basis of what he believes is best to protect the country, not on the basis of any poll for or against.

Q So basically you're saying the impact of the public's opinion has no meaning, meaning, actually, the anti-war demonstrations have no impact on the White House.

MR. FLEISCHER: No, Helen, what I'm saying is quite the contrary. The President, of course, seeks public support, and if the President makes a determination to use public -- use support, the President will go to the public. And I think you'll see he'll -- there will be even more support. At this very moment, the strong majority of the American people, as indicated by public polls, as on a very consistent and long-term basis, with little to no change since last August, have said that they support the use of force to disarm Saddam Hussein.

Q -- that he does expect that the public would support him if he goes -- I mean, they would rally the patriotism and so forth. Isn't this what the drumbeat is now, where major speeches every day in support of war?

MR. FLEISCHER: Well, I think there's no question that the administration is and will continue to take its case and make its case to the American people. We are a democracy, after all.

Q If he makes the case, why don't you produce the weapons?

MR. FLEISCHER: That's up to Saddam Hussein to produce the weapons. They're not in the possession of the United States.

Q No, if it was up to us -- we keep charging it; if we know something why don't we prove it"

MR. FLEISCHER: Well, let events take their course, Helen, and listen to Mr. Wolfowitz's speech today.

Q Are you going to pull a rabbit out of the hat?

MR. FLEISCHER: Terry.

I'll go out on a limb and say Helen, WE LOVE YOU!

:yourock:

Q No, if it was up to us -- we keep charging it; if we know something why don't we prove it"

and would not 'let go' Some very good Ari mincing of words here...all in the name of Democracy and "WH Press Briefings."

In retrospect....knowing WHAT we know now...Helen, you are right-on!