Bush: So in closing just let me say that India and the United States
share a commitment to freedom and a belief that democracy provides the best
path to a more hopeful future for all people. Now give me five, Manmohan, so
the photo guys can get their picture.Manmohan Singh: I have your
five right here, Mister President. Four fingers of friendship and the thumb
of opportunity.
Bush: Hey! Watch it Manmohan, you're hurting my hand.
Singh: Ah, very sorry. I do have a most powerful grip. My father
used to say that when Shiva was giving out handshakes, two times did I find
myself in the line.
Bush: Yeah, yeah, leggo my hand. I like your hat by the way. If I
was forced to wear a hat like yours, that's the color I would pick. It's
called Bush blue in this country.
Singh: A most remarkable blue. I was stricken almost immediately
by how well I matched your tie..
Bush: That's understandable. Now would you please let go of my
hand before I have to slug you? And wipe that silly grin off your face while
you're at it. We've got to take a couple questions from the press now. Tony?
Tony: This question is for Prime Minister Singh. Why do your
people continue to call themselves Indians? Don't they know we have Indians
over here in America? I mean, for the layperson it can get very confusing.
Singh: We have been called Indians for many centuries, far before
the first white settlers arrived in America and discovered the indigenous
people. Now, on a more relevant topic, India is most desirous of a permanent
seat on the Security Council of the United Nations. We have a compelling
case that we...
Bush: Question for me over here. Murray?
Murray: Yes sir. There is a report in today's Washington Post that
your administration developed a plan to shape the outcome of this years
Iraqi elections. Care to comment?
Bush: Thanks for the question. Yes we did. But it's important to
note that we did not carry that plan out. It was a contingency, in case
there was somebody we liked. But, I mean, you look at the field, there
really wasn't anybody we really felt like sticking our necks out for.
Question for Manmohan. Young lady from the AP.
AP Lady: About the clothes you're wearing - do you think that
Nehru jackets are poised to make a comeback?
Singh: The Nehru jacket has been a popular item of apparel in
India for many centuries, so there can be no comeback, except, perhaps in
your country. On the other hand, the larger issues of U.N. reforms...
Bush: You got one for me, Stretch?
Stretch: Yes sir. How soon do you plan on firing Karl Rove?
Bush: Heh, heh, you trying to pull one over on me, Stretch? Trying
to get me to talk about an ongoing investigation?
Stretch: Yes sir, I guess I was.
Bush: I'm too quick for you. One more for Prime Minister Singh and we're
going to wrap this up. Jimbo?
Jimbo: Do you people really worship cows?
Singh: What do you mean 'you people'? What an impertinent
question! India is a land of great culturdiversity and breadth. Certainly we
all enjoy the cow, although many of us have different approaches as to how
we do so. Now, the Security Council...
Bush: Gotta lighten up, Manmohan. That's just our impertinent
American press corps in action. Now give me another handshake for the
camera.
Singh: Ouch! You are retaliating most painfully. I did not have
the opportunity to to obtain a good grip.
Bush: Yeah, how do ya like that, Crusher?
Singh: Owww... |
