Mr. President
The following is an interview with President George W. Bush in USA Today's January 14, 2005 edition:
Bush: 'I'm really excited about ... some big issues'
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THE PRESIDENT: First, I'm looking forward to a second inaugural address.
Q: Are you going to preview it for us, sir?
A: Liberty is powerful, and freedom is peace. And that's about all I'm going to preview. But I'm looking forward to giving it. It's going to be a little different this time. Last time it was so new and so different. I was reminded at one time, I said, well, gosh, I hope I can make it through without choking up, because my mother and dad are sitting — will be sitting behind me. This time there's no doubt — that thought hasn't even entered my mind. I'm looking forward to absorbing much more of the moment this time than I did last time.
Q: How much do you even remember about last time? Is it kind of a blur?
A: It was cold.
Q: And rainy.
A: And rainy. But I'm looking forward to it a lot, because I'm looking forward to the next four years. This is a chance to work to spread peace. This has been an amazing three months, when you think about it: elections in Afghanistan and Palestinian territory and soon to be in Iraq.
At home, I'm really excited about working on some big issues: Social Security and immigration reform, policies to keep the economy growing. You know, I'm mindful about — when I submit the budget, we've still got a war to win. But we'll send a tough budget up, that really says to the American people, we're going to be wise about how we spend your money.
And part of being wise about how we spend your money is, we're not going to increase money on programs that aren't working. We're results-oriented people. And so we want to be able to say to the people that this budget helps reduce the deficit, and that's important. But equally importantly is, this budget represents focusing resources on programs which work. So I'm looking forward to it. I've got the energy, drive, desire to serve for four more years. And that was part of what the campaign was about, convincing the American people of that. And now that I'm honored by the vote, I'm looking forward to the beginning of the second term.
Q: You talk about wanting to revise Social Security. The Democrats seem to be engaged in a political campaign against it right now. They're using the techniques of the campaign and they're using rhetoric that's very hot. How are you going to overcome that? You say you want to reach out and work with them. How can you work with them if that's going on?
A: Well, I think the first thing that is necessary is for all of us here in Washington to recognize we have a problem. And I will spend time talking to the American people about the problem. And the problem is that there's not enough payers into the system relative to the benefits promised. And it gets worse over time.
Now, I spoke to a high school yesterday. And I was there to talk about improving education. And I started looking at those students, and I realized that by the time they get to be retired, the system will be bankrupt. And we have a duty to solve the problem now. That's what we have — and I'm going to remind people of that.
Q: How do you deal with the Democrats, who seem to be dead-set against it?
A: The best way to deal with anybody, on any issue, is to remind them that the people want us here in Washington to solve problems. And I believe that when the people see a problem and that people shy away from working together to solve the problem, there will be a political consequence for not working on the people's behalf.
In this country — I've campaigned twice on Social Security. And I campaigned plainly, and I said, we've got a problem, and here are some ideas as to how to solve it. And I believe that the — I know younger Americans are looking for leadership when it comes to this issue. And they're not — they want to see people from both parties stand up and say, we hear your voice, that there is a problem in Social Security, and we'll solve it. It's very important to comfort the older Americans — in other words, those on Social Security, and to remind them nothing will change. And by doing that, we will rid the process of one of the old-time scare tactics, because this issue really, is, we're talking to the young generation of Americans.
And the fundamental obligation is to leave America a better place for a young generation that's coming up.
Q: Sir, I heard you talk about Social Security for two campaigns now. And I think it might help people to understand why this issue and why now, because you already heard the critics who say, Medicare is in worse shape, some of the governors saying, hey, about Medicaid. Why are you committed to this particular issue, and why now?
A: Well, if we don't act now, the solution for Social Security, when it becomes — starts losing money in 2018, and out of money in 2040, will be much more severe. The sooner we work and solve the problem, the easier it is to solve the problem.
And this — the Social Security system goes into the red in 2018. That means more money going out than coming in, and it gets worse and worse and worse. And so that if you're 20-years-old today, by the time you retire, the system will be broke. And that may seem like a lot of time for some politicians, but it is a very quick period of time for people who expect for government to act on their behalf.
Q: Polls show that there's a great amount of anxiety out there among people about what this is really going to mean to them.
A: Sure. But what — the first step is — what doing nothing will mean to them is a broke Social Security system. That's a fact. And, therefore, I believe all of us must come together and work together. I've laid out principles. And nothing will change for seniors. No matter what they hear, nothing will change.
And I believe that younger workers ought to be given the option of taking some of their own money and setting it aside in a personal savings account, because I know it's going to be important for money in the Social Security system to be able to earn a better rate of return than the money which — than the rate of return which is being earned now by the government.
Q: Even those who say that the personal accounts are a really powerful idea that will have a big effect on the system and on the economy say, that's not enough to pay for what Social Security needs to do in the future. You've ruled out using payroll taxes. Everyone thinks that that leaves a reduction in guaranteed benefits for everyone. How adamantly can you say that that won't happen?
A: Look, that was an idea that was put out by Democrats in the past. And I'll listen to ideas. I'm just interested in bringing people together to address the problem and solve the problem and make it whole, and make it so that future generations have got a system without bankrupting our economy by having to raise payroll taxes so high, or dramatically slashing benefits.
Q: Should people expect some reduction on future guaranteed benefits as just a necessity of putting the system back on —
A: No. What people should expect is that we will work with people of both parties to do the best we can possibly do to prevent the system from going bankrupt and to making the system viable.
Q: One last one on this. It sounds as though you're open to almost everything, with the exception of increasing payroll taxes.
A: No, I've laid out the principles, and I meant what I said on my principles.
Q: Turning to Iraq, how will we know the elections in Iraq have been a success? And if they are successful, when can we start to see some troops coming home?
A: First of all, the fact that they're having elections is an amazing moment in Iraqi history. Secondly, we hope everybody votes. Of course, some won't vote because of intimidation. Most people in Iraq do want to vote. Most people are interested in exercising their free will. And there are some who won't because they're afraid of getting hurt. And I recognize that, and we'll do everything we can up to election day to help make them feel more secure.
I think the fact that they're having elections is a great moment in Iraqi history. This is a part of a process. These people will be voting on a group of people that will form an assembly, out of which will come leadership. The leadership will then call together those who will write the constitution. That will be approved by the people. And then there will be a permanent legislature ratified, or elected by the people.
So this is a process. And our job is to do two things: one, help the politics go forward — three things really — help the politics go forward, help rebuild that country, and train Iraqis so that they are the ones who defeat the killers, they're the ones who bring them to justice.
And we've sent an assessment team there that will report back as to how best to achieve that mission of training the Iraqis. Of course it makes sense to constantly assess where we are, and that's what this assessment team is going to do. We'd like to get the troops out of there as quickly as possible, but we will do so once the mission — once the Iraqis are prepared to defend themselves.
Q: Are you concerned that if the violence continues after the elections that American will want to stay the course will start to wane?
A: There will be violence after the elections.
Q: Are you concerned how it will affect the American will?
A: It's very important for us to show progress toward our goals, and — but there will be violence. And these people — what — they're trying to shake the will of the free world and the will of the Iraqis. That's what they're trying to do.
Q: Expectations are that you'll soon be asking Congress for maybe another $100 billion to help pay for what is going on in Iraq and Afghanistan. Is that the case? And is —
A: We're going to have to pay for what's going on there. I'm not going to tell you how much it's going to be, but there's all kind of speculation. Matter of fact, I haven't seen the request yet, so I'd be speculating along with you.
Q: Do you have any sense, sir, that that expenditure — ongoing expenditure of money will hurt your ability to do the other things you want to get accomplished?
A: We will present a budget that is — wisely spends the people's money, that will cut the deficit in half, that will enable me to get up in front of the people and say those programs that aren't working will not be getting extra money. And some of the programs won't be getting any money at all, as far as we're — that will be our request to the Congress.
I'll also stand up in front of the Congress and say, listen, let's support our troops. Our troops are doing hard work, they're doing good work, and we got to make sure we fund those — fund that good work. And that's what the supplemental will be about.
Q: Do you want to indicate any of those of programs that won't be given any money —
A: No, I think it's best —
Q: We'll start the squawking right now.
A: I think it's best to let the budget come out on its own course, and —
Q: Are you still confident that you can cut the budget deficit in half —
A: Yes.
Q: In five years?
A: Yes, I am.
Q: Do you think that the revenue projections are looking better?
A: Feeling pretty good about it. We'll submit a budget that does that.
Q: Do you have any concern that the deficits and the federal debt, the shortfalls in Social Security and Medicare will start to have an impact on foreign investors who now hold, what, half of our debt?
A: No, I think that's part of the issue and that is to lead, and to show the world that we're prepared to deal with the twin deficits — one the budget deficit, both long-term and short-term. The short-term deficit, obviously, is that money we spend over the next five, 10 — 10 years. Long-term deficit — or the implications of the long-term deficit are the unfunded mandates within Social Security and Medicare. And we started dealing with health care by reforming the system. And now we're going to address Social Security and other entitlements in the budget I submit.
The other deficit, of course, is the trade deficit. And the best way to deal with the trade deficit is to make sure that America is a great place in the world to do business. The best place in the world to do business. That's why already I've started to talk about legal reform, asbestos reform, class action reform, medical liability reform. I think all those are very important initiatives in order to make sure this is a good place to grow our economy and produce goods and services. And we need to keep taxes low, we need to show that we are willing to take on the deficits. We need to continue to promote markets overseas. Congress needs to pass an energy plan and I look forward to working with them to do so. The world is watching this administration to see whether or not we're willing to take on the deficits and we'll show that willingness.
Q: Are you concerned in the increase in foreign investment here and the fall of the dollar?
A: America is — first of all, we have a strong dollar policy in this administration. And I'm confident foreign investors will find America a good place to invest. We're transparent, we've got rule of law, we've got a great — a great market for stocks and bonds, and — but there's more work to be done. We've got to show the world that America has got a flexible — flexible work rules. We've got — the entrepreneurial spirit would be strong, that taxes are reasonable, that the legal system is fair and balanced. Those are some of the things we can do to make this a place where people want to invest their money.
Q: Can I take you back to the inauguration for a few minutes, sir?
A: I don't know yet. Blue or red, I'm not sure.
Q: Okay. People look for signals in those. One of your favorites is that pale blue one — I'll be looking for that.
A: Okay. I was thinking about the blue.
Q: How confident are you that Chief Rehnquist will be able to be there to administer the oath?
A: I am very hopeful he'll be there. He said he would be there. I'm looking forward to him giving me the oath.
Q Which Bible will you be using?
A: I'll be using the Bible I used last time, which, interestingly enough, is the Bible my dad was sworn in on, my brother, Jeb, was sworn in on, and I used it the first inauguration.
Q: Are there inscriptions inside now, of all the times it was used?
A: The final — yes. So far. In other words, the ones for this swearing-in are being placed now. An expert about — who is an expert on putting pages in Bibles.
Q What's the name for that?
A: Official name?
Q: How do you feel about the protests that are planned?
A: The protests don't bother me. It's a great part of democracy. I mean, I've seen my fair share since I've been the President and it is — people are allowed to express themselves.
Q: You're obviously a student of history. Do you now stop and think about the history that you're making by doing this?
A: Yes, I do. I mean, I think we're sowing the seeds for peace for a long time to come. And it's — but I don't really worry about my place in history. I don't believe — I believe history can only truly judge a presidency after a number of years have gone by. That's when the objective historians are able to judge whether or not the decision-making at the period has had a lasting effect; whether or not — we're setting big goals, and whether or not those big goals will be achieved or not won't be known for a period of time.
And we tend to think of our Presidents in terms of four-year periods, but if you do big things and sow the seeds for change, that's going to take more than a four-year period for those seeds to bear fruit. And so I really — I come to work and I — in this job you're dealing with problems all the time, and it's — and sometimes it's important to step back and take a look at what you have done and what you intend to do. And the inauguration period is a good time to do that.
Q: You must think that you will be judged in history by the steps you've made to help the progress of democracy in the Middle East. In that same context, do you view this fight that you're now going to take on in Social Security as another big contribution that you, personally, can make in the flow of history in this country?
A: Oh, I think it's important for people to look at a President and say he was willing to take on big tasks. And some will say, well, you shouldn't talk about Social Security because it's too hard to do. And I would hope people would judge my presidency based upon our willingness to say, we've got a problem, and our duty is to work to solve the problems, and let's go solve them. I think people appreciate that.
Immigration reform is hard for some, but I think it's — I know it's necessary. Simplifying the tax code is an important goal. These are big goals. But I'm the kind of person that believes in trying to solve big problems before they become acute.
Q: Do you believe that you have four full years in which to accomplish this, or that after two years things get tougher and you can —
A: Well, I think — there's no question this town goes from, hopefully, bipartisan to political as presidential elections close — get close. But I'm not running for office ever again and —
Q: You said that without a hint of regret in your voice, sir.
A: Well, I'm sure I'll miss elected politics, but when it's all said and done — this is too early to reminisce about a political career, but I am — and I'm focused on these next years because I recognize we've got a chance to get some important things done. And I'm confident when it's all said and done, when the people speak, elected officials listen. And I intend to work with the people to encourage them to speak.
Q: Was it a mistake for the Education Department to pay Armstrong Williams to endorse No Child Left Behind in his broadcasts?
A: Well, obviously, first of all, I'm very aware of which newspaper broke the story.
No. I do think that your story brought up serious concerns. And I think there needs to be a clear distinction between journalism and advocacy. And I appreciate the way Armstrong Williams has handled this, because he has made it very clear that he made a mistake. And I think all of us — the Cabinet needs to take a good look and make sure this kind of thing doesn't happen again.
Q: Thank you, sir.
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