Democrats Cosy Weekend With War Criminal – “He’s Still Got The Touch”, Says Pelosi

“Mr. Bush was so warmly received yesterday that he stayed in the room to shake hands for a half-hour after he was done answering questions”

All those blogger/Democrat cheerleaders who still believe despite all the indications to the contrary that Congressional Democrats will save the country and impeach Bush should maybe think again.

As the AP reports, all is copacetic between Bush and the Democrats: so much so that they even invited him to their weekend retreat at the Anheuser-Busch owned, luxurious Kings Mill Resort in Virginia:

Kingsmill Resort and Conference Center, owned and operated by Busch Properties Incorporated, one of the Anheuser-Busch Companies, is the perfect setting for all meeting types. Nestled in a planned residential community, few resorts or conference centers provide such a unique opportunity for a variety of groups. Kingsmill offers the perfect balance between business and pleasure.

Oh, how very cosy. (Note to the curious: Anheuser Busch, Donations to the Republican party 1999-2004: $2.9 million The Democrats are giving money indirectly to the Republicans. Well done those Dems! I bet there’s a few smaller donors won’t be too happy with that.)

Bush woos House Democrats at retreat
By JENNIFER LOVEN, Associated Press Writer
Sat Feb 3, 2:31 PM ET

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. –

President Bush squarely addressed the issue most on the mind of House Democrats, saying Saturday that deep divisions over the
Iraq war need not bring anyone’s patriotism into question.

“You know, I welcome debate in a time of war and I hope you know that,” Bush said in opening remarks at the guest speaker at a retreat that drew about 200 lawmakers to a Virginia resort.

He said disagreeing with him over the war — as many in the room do — does not mean “you don’t share the same sense of patriotism I do.”

“You can get that thought out of your mind, if that’s what some believe,” the president said. “These are tough times, but there’s no doubt in my mind that you want to secure this homeland as much as I do.”

Bush told Democrats in private that he empathizes with their anguish on Iraq, saying the war is “sapping our soul,” according to two officials who attended the session. They spoke on condition of anonymity because it was a closed meeting.

Bush’s conciliatory words were similar to some of his previous statements. But the applause and acknowledgment that followed them offered some indication that this audience was happy to hear them so directly and in person.

“We were honored by your presence. We’re also encouraged by your remarks,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (news, bio, voting record) of California said after Democrats met privately with the president. “I believe we have an opportunity to work together.”

[…]

“I look forward to working with you,” he said. “I know you’ve probably heard that and doubt whether it’s true. It’s true.”

The LA Times gives a little more background:

The White House and the Democratic caucus had carefully negotiated how many questions the president would face, ultimately agreeing that the Democrats could ask six — and only after reporters left the room.

Oh right, so the Democrats colluded yet again in enabling Bush to remain publicly unaccountable for his illegal actions. Well done Dems again!

In addition to the question about Iraq, which was asked by San Diego Rep. Susan A. Davis, lawmakers also asked about immigration, the budget and the government response to Hurricane Katrina.

In public, however, Bush, Pelosi and other Democratic leaders took pains to avoid appearing partisan.

In opening his speech, the president joked about having used the term “Democrat Party” in his recent State of the Union address — a phrase that some lawmakers interpreted as derogatory.

“Now, look, my diction isn’t all that good,” the president said. “I have been accused of occasionally mangling the English language. And so I appreciate you inviting the head of the Republic Party.”

Democrats laughed appreciatively.

“Still has the touch,” Pelosi noted later.

Doesn’t sound to me like impeachment is on the Democrats’ agenda any time soon, if it ever was.

To Iran, and beyond!