Bush And Sarkozy Do Lunch

U.S. President Welcomes French Counterpart To His Family's Home In Maine

(AP)  President Bush, using all the trappings of his family's oceanfront estate, worked on a cozier relationship with France and its new president Saturday.

Bush welcomed Nicolas Sarkozy, the French leader known for his fast-paced style who may also be this White House's last true chance for better relations between the two nations.

"He's bringing a good brain, good vision and goodwill," Bush said from his parents' compound, which juts out like a finger pointing into the Atlantic Ocean.

Bush called Sarkozy a friend who could be counted on to speak frankly.

"We have had good disagreements — on Iraq, in particular," Bush acknowledged about the frayed U.S.-France partnership. "But I've never allowed disagreements to not find other ways to work together."

Sarkozy, visiting Bush for the first time as France's president, came with plenty of his own warm words. He focused on more than two centuries of united history between the countries, thanking the U.S. for sacrificing lives to help defend France in time of war.

"That is a lot more important than Mr. Sarkozy or Mr. Bush," he said. "Because after Mr. Bush, and after Mr. Sarkozy, we'll continue to be friends of the Americans."

All the effusiveness was intended to be a message to the world that diplomatic life is on the upswing for the U.S. and France. It comes in contrast to the bitter relationship with former French president Jacques Chirac, who clashed with Bush most notably over Iraq.

Sarkozy, too, acknowledged differences but downplayed them.

"Do we agree on everything? No," he said, an apparent reference to the divisive Iraq war. "Because maybe even within a family there are disagreements, but we are still a family. And we may be friends and not agree on everything, but we are friends."

Privately, Bush and Sarkozy met for about 50 minutes for what the U.S. president called a "heart-to-heart" talk. The former president sat in on the session with them.

The topics included Iran, where Bush is seeking Sarkozy's aid in thwarting Iran's suspected pursuit of a nuclear weapon. Other world hotspots — Darfur and Lebanon among them — were likely discussed, but the White House refused to divulge details.

The French president was treated to a true day in the life of the Bush experience.

There was the greeting of handshakes and hugs from two presidents — the current one and his dad, former President George H.W. Bush, who owns the Kennebunkport compound. They were joined by President Bush's wife, Laura; his mother, Barbara; and other family all around.

The Bush grandchildren even made colorful signs to herald Sarkozy's arrival. Bush said it was an important signal to Sarkozy that he was invited to meet the whole family.

As if to pound home the point that the event was a casual one, the White House put no seafood entree on the menu in a region renowned for its lobster. Instead, the visiting president got American picnic fare of hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans and fresh dessert.

"If he feels like it, he can have him a piece of blueberry pie," Bush declared.

Sarkozy also got whisked away for a ride on a speed boat, with the former president at the helm and President Bush at his side. They soaked in a sparkling summer day in Maine.

Bush spokeswoman Dana Perino said the president looked forward to seeking Sarkozy next in September, at the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Sarkozy gives Bush a chance to shore up support in the core of Europe, although the new leader has clearly echoed Chirac's opposition to the Iraq war.

Meanwhile, Saturday's event sustained a setback before it started.

Sarkozy's wife, Cecilia, canceled at the last minute because she and two of their kids were sick — a notable absence. Sarkozy explained that they had come down with sore throats.

"We're disappointed she's sick, but we understand," Bush said. "That happens sometimes in life."

In France, Sarkozy caused a considerable stir by opting to take a vacation in the United States — seen as a sign of his pro-American tendencies. He chose Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, N.H., about 50 miles from the Bush compound known as Walker's Point.

Bush said he would go to France if Sarkozy invited him. But he didn't try hiding the fact that he prefers his ranch in central Texas, where his vacation continues on Monday.

After indulging the media by fielding some questions — and then prodding the talkative Sarkozy to do the same — Bush wrapped up their brief appearance on his own terms.

"Thank you," he said. "We've got to go eat a hamburger."

[scarletphd]

The sickest man alive:
"BETTER DEAD THAN GAY!"
Posted by Agnim

The sickest man alive:
"BETTER DEAD THAN GAY!"
Posted by Agnim

The sickest man alive:
"BETTER DEAD THAN GAY!"
Posted by Agnim

The sickest man alive:
"BETTER DEAD THAN GAY!"
Posted by Agnim

The sickest man alive:
"BETTER DEAD THAN GAY!"
Posted by Agnim

The sickest man alive:
"BETTER DEAD THAN GAY!"
Posted by Agnim

The sickest man alive:
"BETTER DEAD THAN GAY!"
Posted by Agnim

The sickest man alive:
"BETTER DEAD THAN GAY!"
Posted by Agnim

The sickest man alive:
"BETTER DEAD THAN GAY!"
Posted by Agnim

The sickest man alive:
"BETTER DEAD THAN GAY!"
Posted by Agnim

The sickest man alive:
"BETTER DEAD THAN GAY!"
Posted by Agnim

[lewiston14]

"Any pretzels on the menu?"

Lunch is all ready over. To late. I would have been really ticked if I did not even get a lobster, some slaw,salad, and corn. How cheep a hot dog. Next time take him to burger hill. Get him a bowl of chili.
GEE

Maybe they will both get gas lol

[grazinggoat]

Any pretzels on the menu? Actually we can volunteer to offer half-a-dozen bags to make sure! Are you in Randy?

[meboard]

I see someone forgot to tell the French President that shrub was taking him out boating (a shirt and tie--no time to change?).
My we have an active little commander-n-creep. If he's not doing wheelies on his little golf cart--he's out spinning around in his boat. What a M-A-N... NOT!
Hey George...did you hear 8 more of our boys got killed in Iraq today...but never you mind...stay the course in Daddy's cute little boat.

[meboard]

In true bush form: "He's bringing a good brain, good vision and goodwill," Bush said from his parents' compound, which juts out like a finger pointing into the Atlantic Ocean."

Yes Mr. President...that would be the middle finger...we'd all love to extend you the finger!
What a looser!!!!

[neoconrcrazy]

"Bush said he would go to France if Sarkozy invited him. But he didn't try hiding the fact that he prefers his ranch in central Texas, where his vacation continues on Monday. "


bushit continues his vacation while our heros do extended tours increasing the chances they'll come back "incognito" in coffins we're not allowed to see.

this bushit family is a plague on our Nation.

[lewiston14]

Sharn: Interesting idea. I offered an idea and you came up with another. We now have a dialog. Rather then a bunch of people spewing hate we are trying to work the problem. Amazing how people interact to really get something done. I read your idea carefully and see good points and we are not on a party ticket to do it. Well done.

[j-whitman]

It doesn't look like France wants him back now... He's Bush's new Poodle

[j-whitman]

Would somebody please pass the polonium-210 for the Freedom Fries ??

[cmp271]

I had you pegged as nearly an intellectual world traveler... UNTIL.... you had to bring up Clinton's issues, as if they actually were important or even cared about amongst the world community.
Posted by USAyesterday at 05:36 PM : Aug 11, 2007


You are right, whoever you are, I have been around the world, actually. As for whether the people care, this is the image America has given to the world. We were made a laughingstock by it, and there are many who remember! You have your opinions so do I! Clinton destroyed alot of what is good with America! She will do worse by us.

I also don't have to go anywhere to know how much others do not like Americans-yet, they are so willing to come to our country and welcome our dollars abroad, especially the countries where our unwelcome service people live off base.

Bush does blunder alot, in his speaking skills. He doesn't know how to articulate correctly-"he can get him a piece of pie" is this "ebonics" being practiced by a President concerned about NCLB? I give him credit for attempting to sort it out with France. We need each other. I still suggest go and read about 2012. France is guilty of supplying the means for countries in the mid-east to make weapons which will now be used against them. It is about time they woke up, as well as the rest of the world!!! Maybe next time we will be allowed to cross their airspace, and reopen our bases!!

[usayesterday]

Bush troubles has speaking not clear;
but its news not.

Big power mistaken.
Posted by goldesprit at 05:46 PM : Aug 11, 2007
...............


Thank you goldesprit, your post gave me the best laugh I've had all week!

[goldesprit]

"But I've never allowed disagreements to not find other ways to work together."

Bush troubles has speaking not clear;
but its news not.

Big power mistaken.

[usayesterday]

Bush blunders, but the whole world knows him by now. At least he isn't disgracing us with adulterous affairs. I wonder, has that navy blue dress ended up in the Smithsonian??

Posted by cmp271 at 05:18 PM : Aug 11, 2007
................

Well, cmp271, I enjoyed reading your first paragraph until I came up on this three-sentence-travesty (above). Please go to France, and actually talk to people. When you ask them if they hate America and why, I can guarantee you one thing....


...THE FRENCH WON'T GIVE A RATS AZZ ABOUT CLINTON'S AFFAIRS!!!

I had you pegged as nearly an intellectual world traveler... UNTIL.... you had to bring up Clinton's issues, as if they actually were important or even cared about amongst the world community.

[cmp271]

Was this meeting really a surprise for anyone??? Sarkosy knows who to cozy up to and it is the United States. We have always stood by France, even if she has had bad leadership. Our country's ideals are founded not in just Thomas Paine but in Voltaire and the French Revolution that happened when ours did, remember Lafayette? This new leader of France seems to have his head on straight. Their country is as much of a mess as ours. Remember the riots over jobs? It is too bad they went so far socialist the last few decades. Paris and the Riviera are still worth visiting. Buy some Brie, make sure you butter the cracker its on, it tastes great, have it with some nice red bordeaux.

He seems so modern, Sarkozy. He and his wife are who France should be and wants to be.

I have wanted to go back and visit, perhaps the time is now right.

Bush blunders, but the whole world knows him by now. At least he isn't disgracing us with adulterous affairs. I wonder, has that navy blue dress ended up in the Smithsonian??

Also read up on Prophesy 2012, especially the so called new one by Nostradamus. We need France!!! Let's bomb Iran ahead of time.

[tbweb]

President Bush's personality gets in the way of the Republican message and the Republican agenda, so much so that the Republican message and agenda gets lost. The Republicans need a better messenger!

[sharncedar]

"Start to vote for a president directly rather then a group that votes for us. "

good thinking, but i see it the same but the other around. The move towards direct election of president and senators was where we lost control of democracy. Bigger elections are easier to fix and influence with money. the right size of an election is one where you can talk personally to the candidates; psychological studies show a person behaves most ethically towards people they have personal interaction with. I would propose a system in which every 1000 people elect a representative, and a body of 500 of these govern districts of 500,000 souls, roughly a congressional district today. Then those representatives elect one of themselves each to a national body of 600 that governs the nation. Eliminate the state governments and the waste and duplication of county and school district etc, the local government is the district government which also directly elects the national government, again from among their number which is people they know and understand at a human level.

Then each perosn can reasonably expect to meet and influence their government, possibly eat dinner with them - we have direct access instead of lobbyists. with the human contact, ethics and trust are multiplied.

[thisandthat1]

Did Sarkozy stop the boat and have a hissy fit with the photographers? I hope he doesn't get drunk like he did at the G8 Summit and puke on the Prez. When is he going back to France? (I hope soon!)

[rushlimpdrug]

Think they'll have some chineeze take-out?
If Sarkozy is lucky he may meet the v.p. and they can go huntin' together.
Dick to Sarkozy:
"Hey Sarkozy, get a load of this"

[olebd]

It's not easy running a country.Posted by zoltaric at 01:22 PM : Aug 11, 2007


Bush sure makes it seems easy to ruin a country though! LOL

[zoltaric]

It's not easy running a country. God bless both of them. Burgers and beer, speed boat riding with a former and standing U.S. preidents, A states governer, and their families on a lake in New England in the summer. Hmmmmm. Wonder if they have watermelon. Cool!