NBC's Bob Costas has his admirers and critics, but he isn't shy and certainly wasn't intimidated by his prime time interview Sunday night with U.S. President George W. Bush.
Name another journalist who wrapped up an interview with a U.S. President by saying, “Okay, you're dismissed.”
Some of the Q & A:
Costas: . . . Alright, our time here is limited but we will get to as much as we can, the opening ceremonies were glorious there is much to admire about China's people, China's culture, and its present accomplishments. But this remains an authoritarian state.
Bush: That's true.
Costas: With an abysmal human rights record. In the long run, is China's rise irreconcilable with America's interest?
Bush: No, in the long run America better remain engaged with China and understand that we can have a co-operative and constructive yet candid relationship. It's really important for future presidents to understand the relationship between China and the region and its important to make sure that America is engaged with China even though we may have some disagreements.
Costas: You met with President Hu Jintao not just at the opening ceremony, but privately since then. Did you press him on the full array of American concerns? Human rights, press freedom, Tibet, China's support of rogue regimes like Sudan and Myanmar?
Bush: And North Korea and Iran.
Costas: It was all on the table?
Bush: Oh absolutely every time. Every time. But you've got to understand something Bob. I don't need the Olympics to advance America's agenda. I've met with Hu Jintao a lot since I have been the President and listen we agree with them on a lot of things and we disagree with them on things, and that's the way the relationship is going to be. It needs to be as I mentioned constructive and co-operative.
Costas: This past week you restated America's fundamental differences with China but given China's growing strength and America's own problems, realistically, how much leverage and influence does the U.S. have here?
Bush: First of all, I don't see America having problems. I see America as a nation that is a world leader that has got great values and leverage, I don't think you should look at the relationship as one of leverage, I think you should look at the relationship as one of constructive engagement, where you can find common areas like North Korea and Iran. But also be in a position where they can respect you enough to listen to your views on religious freedom and political liberty.
Costas: If these Olympics are as successful as they are shaping up to be, most people believe this only further legitimizes the ruling party in the minds of most Chinese citizens. And even absent true liberty as we understand it, the lives of hundreds of millions of Chinese people are much better than they once were. Therefore, what's the party's incentive to reform?
Bush: Well first of all, if you are a religious person you understand that once religion takes hold in a society it can't be stopped. And secondly I think the Olympics are going to serve as a chance for people to come and see China the way it is, and let the Chinese see the world and interface and have, you know, the opportunity to converse with people from around the world. . . .
Costas: . . . During the Opening Ceremony, we saw you conferring with Vladimir Putin. We now know that you were talking about the conflict that had erupted that day between Russia and Georgia.
Bush: That's true.
Costas: Now Georgia is a former Soviet Republic that is sympathetic to the West and that is attempting to embody many Western values. But just as you need China, you need Russia strategically around the globe. You've got to walk a fine line. What did you say to Putin?
Bush: I said this violence is unacceptable. I not only said it to Vladimir Putin, I said it to the President of the country, Dmitry Medvedev. . . . Look, I expressed my grave concern about the disproportionate response of Russia. And we strongly condemn bombing outside of South Ossetia.
Costas: China is a nation that warmly received Omar al-Bashir of Sudan, who has since been indicted by the International Court on charges of genocide. Then, this past week they revoke the visa of Joey Cheek, an exemplary Olympian who had planned to come here not to directly protest China's government, but to call attention to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. What's your reaction?
Bush: My reaction is I'm sorry Joey Cheek didn't come. He's a good man. Joey Cheek's just got to know I took the Sudanese message for him. My attitude is if you've got relations with Mr. Bashir, think about helping us solve the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. That was my message to the Chinese government.
Costas: As you attempt to press these points with them, do you find Hu Jintao not just warm to you personally, but is he receptive? Do you sense any movement?
Bush: Yeah, it's hard to tell. I mean, all I can tell you is that it is best to be in a position where a leader will listen to you. . . . .
It was a lengthy interview. And near the end, Costas asked Bush: “Are you going to a couple more events before you leave?”
“I'm going to swimming, if you'd ever let me off this set,” Bush said.
Costas, laughing, said “Okay, you are dismissed.”
”Thank you sir,” said Bush.
”Thank you, Mr. President.”
