Even in hindsight, Bush's vision isn't 20/20

Cable news and the networks gave George W. Bush a primetime slot for a press conference last night. Watch it and read the transcript at whitehouse.gov.

An interesting moment came when a reporter dared to veer off the script and ask a surprise question about what the President's biggest mistake to date has been. Well, he'll let us know when he thinks of something:

Q Thank you, Mr. President. In the last campaign, you were asked a question about the biggest mistake you'd made in your life, and you used to like to joke that it was trading Sammy Sosa. You've looked back before 9/11 for what mistakes might have been made. After 9/11, what would your biggest mistake be, would you say, and what lessons have you learned from it?

THE PRESIDENT: I wish you would have given me this written question ahead of time, so I could plan for it. (Laughter.) John, I'm sure historians will look back and say, gosh, he could have done it better this way, or that way. You know, I just -- I'm sure something will pop into my head here in the midst of this press conference, with all the pressure of trying to come up with an answer, but it hadn't yet.

It's understandable that he doesn't want to seem weak to the international public watching. But Americans are asking questions about 9/11 and Iraq that need answering. Bush admitting mistakes isn't the same thing as saying he could've avoided 9/11.

Personally, I feel like it only could've been avoided if all stars were aligned. But it makes me even more uncomfortable with Bush to think he's refusing to evaluate how the results of his actions measure up to his goals. On this theme, here's DHinMI's take on the presser at Kos:

Whenever asked about the effects of his actions, Bush answered by affirming his virtuous motives. When asked about a situation or development, Bush answered by referencing himself, often with strange third person-like observations of himself. He failed to give even an approximation of an answer to all but a couple of the questions. And most damning, despite being given numerous opportunities, Bush showed he's constitutionally prohibited from accepting responsibility--not blame, responsibility.

David Sirota picks up on a few discrepencies in claim versus fact:

CLAIM:

Iraq "refused to disarm."
- George W. Bush, 4/13/04

FACT:

"The Bush administration's top weapons inspector in Iraq, David Kay said that his group found no evidence Iraq had stockpiled unconventional weapons before the U.S.-led invasion in March."
- CNN, 1/26/04

Tom Shales in the Washington Post gives his analysis:

"When I say something, I mean it," George W. Bush said decisively near the end of last night's prime-time presidential news conference. Nobody called out, "When will you say something?" -- the White House press corps is too mannerly for that -- but some reporters, and some viewers, must have been thinking it.

Critical Viewer has written a hilarious "Busy Person's Guide to the Bush Press Conference" in which he translates questions and responses:

Q: You told Bob Woodward that Osama wasn't a priority before 9/11. Do you feel any personal responsibility for 9/11?

A: I was angry and sad on 9/11. Before 9/11 I was not.

Q: And do you feel personal responsibility for 9/11?

A: No. The patriot act is good. We were stovepiped. No war footing. 9/11 was gathering threat...thats why I dealt with Iraq. We must preempt all who hate us.