At a farewell to the White House briefing room, President George W. Bush joked that he was a "crackpot from Texas," and veteran reporter Sam Donaldson was a "has been," RAW STORY has learned.
A transcript of the relevant portions follows the video, which may be viewed below.
BUSH: I know you've been complaining about the digs for a while. This is like the end of an old era. And let me just say we felt your pain, and so we decided, you know, to help you renovate and come up with a new Brady center.
And so I want to thank the former spinmeisters for joining me up here. Tell my people how to do it, will you? I mean, it's -- (laughter) -- but anyway, Laura and I wanted to come by and wish you all the best as you get to move headquarters for a while. Look forward to welcoming you back here in, I guess, six or seven months. Is that right?
QUESTION: Nine.
BUSH: Nine months?
QUESTION: (Off mike) -- Mr. President.
BUSH: That's what you get when you bring your crackpot up from Texas. (Laughter.)
QUESTION: No comment, sir.
BUSH: So, like suede chairs? Is that you're looking at, kind of velvet arm chairs?
QUESTION: (Off mike) -- chairs, yeah.
BUSH: Arm chairs. Everybody wants to be able to lean back.
QUESTION: We want more chairs.
BUSH: It looks a little crowded in here. And so you want to double the size?
QUESTION: Yes.
BUSH: Forget it! (Laughter.) You get to work like the rest of us. We might have some air conditioning, if we decide to. (Laughter.)
Anyway, good luck in the new building. Looking forward to seeing you over there.
QUESTION: (Off mike.)
BUSH: Does the air conditioner work better there than here?
QUESTION: Yeah.
QUESTION: Yes.
BUSH: The last time I had a press conference in here, it felt like it was outside. As a matter of fact, some of your makeup was running.
QUESTION: Mr. President, should Mel Gibson be forgiven? (Laughter.)
BUSH: Is that you and Gregory standing back there?
QUESTION: (Off mike.) (Laughter.)
BUSH: You know --
QUESTION: (Off mike) -- respect for your elders. (Laughter.)
QUESTION: Should Mel Gibson be forgiven for claiming that the Jews start all the wars?
BUSH: Is that Sam Donaldson? (Laughter.) Forget it! You're a has-been. We don't have to answer has-beens' questions.
