Following is the transcript (video below as well) of President Bush being questioned at a gathering of minority journalists (the UNITY conference in Washington DC, August 6, 2004):

MARK TRAHANT: Mr. President, […] what do you think tribal sovereignty means in the 21st century and how do we resolve conflicts between tribes and the federal and state governments?

GEORGE BUSH: Tribal sovereignty means that, it’s sovereign. Ohhh, I get it! You’re a — you’re a — you have been given sovereignty and you’re viewed as a sovereign entity. It makes so much sense when explained like that!

MARK TRAHANT: Okay.

GEORGE BUSH: And therefore, the relationship between the federal government and tribes is one between sovereign entities. Wait, this is now the third time he said that Now, the federal government has got a responsibility on matters like education and security to help. And health care. And it’s a solemn duty. Wait, Dubya’s not answering the question From this perspective, we must continue to uphold that duty. I think that one of the most promising areas of all is to help with economic development, What? Economic development?? What does that have to do with the *meaning* of tribal sovereignty in the 21st century or the conflict with state and federal government?? and that means helping people understand what it means to start a business. That’s why the Small Business Administration has increased loans. It means, obviously, encouraging capital flows, Whew! Glad we have Dubya on the job to define what a loan is for us! but none of that will happen unless the education systems flourish and are strong. That’s why I told you, we spent $1.1 billion in reconstruction of Native American schools.

Afterwards, the Reverend Jesse Jackson held a news conference which he used to poke fun at Dubya.

BRENT MERRILL: As you saw today at the president’s conference, the leader of the free world does not understand tribal sovereignty. Ouch! What would you do in your estimation, Reverend, what would you do and how would you advise tribes to educate our folks, just exactly what tribal sovereignty is?

JESSE JACKSON: The President explained. You just didn’t understand. Sovereignty is sovereignty. You understand? It’s like in sovereignity. If you are on a reservation, you have been soverized. Your Ph.D. is in soverbication. You understand? I don’t think you understand. [laughs]

BRENT MERRILL: You’re right. I didn’t understand that.

Watch the video, it’s freakin’ hilarious!! The original transcript and streaming video are available too:

My only comment on this, is that this bumbling idiot has access to nucular weapons – if he asks nicely, he can even get access to the nuclear weapons. He has access to the most powerful military in the world. He sets the policy and tone for the largest economy in the world. Is he *really* the right guy for the job???

Now, one may make the argument that as president one can’t stay up to date on the issues of every single group in the country, and that would certainly be true. However, considering that one of the four groups that organized this press event was the Native American Journalists Association, this question, or one like it, should not have come as a surprise.

All of this leaves me really impressed with Dubya’s campaign machine. John Kerry has almost constantly been on the defensive about stupid trivial non-issues – many of which apply just as validly to Dubya. Kerry is completely unable to keep the conversation focused where *he* wants…

• Flip flopping??? My god, did we not hear Dubya state in the 2000 presidential debates that he would avoid nation building and would use our military in a more sensible manner and not over-commit the military and that he valued smaller government??
• Vietnam – regardless of whether or not Kerry threw away *all* of his medals or how much fire he actually came under while in Vietnam… he WENT TO VIETNAM… willingly… voluntarily. What did Dubya do? Well, all we know is that he is really defensive about it and won’t tell anyone.

If we are going to talk about stupid issues like the above, why can’t the Kerry people keep the big picture in the front of mind… like THE CURRENT PRESIDENT IS A BUMBLING IDIOT… and not let themselves get dragged down into esoteric details.

Oh enough ranting…

To finish, let’s review…