Line of the Day

November 19, 2006

Bush Toasts Vietnamese Hosts at Ceremonial Dinner

PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. President, and Madam Chi, the reason I'm smiling is because I'm really happy to be here. And so is Laura. And we thank you for your warm hospitality.

Vietnam is a remarkable country. For decades you had been torn apart by war. Today the Vietnamese people are at peace and seeing the benefits of reform. The Vietnamese own their own businesses, and today the Vietnamese economy is the fastest growing in Southeast Asia. Vietnamese students have great opportunities here at home and abroad. The Vietnamese people are traveling around the world and sharing this ancient culture with peoples of the world. And the United States, as well as other APEC partners, look forward to strengthening our ties.

Vietnam is a country that's taking its rightful place as a strong and vibrant nation. Mr. President, your leadership is helping your country succeed. I can see it as I drive on the streets, the people of your country have hope. And I hope they know as a result of my visit they have the friendship of the American people.

Asked if Vietnam's postwar success was an idication that Iraq might be better off in the long run if the U.S. withdrew, Bush snapped "Absolutely not.  it's vital we prevail in Iraq so they can enjoy the benefits of peace just as the Vietnamese are.  Vietnam didn't get this way because America cut adn ran.  We stayed the course and they're enjoying the benefits today."

A White House spokesman later noted that Bush was "Coked to the gills" in the early '70s, and apparently was never told that America in fact lost the Vietnam War.  His confusion became evident in the middle of the ceremonial dinner in his behalf, when he repetedly referred to his communist hosts as "our former comrades in arms."  When an aide approached and whispered a correction in his ear, Bush perfomed a spit-take all over the First Lady of Vietnam. 

At a subsequent briefing, a White House spokesman insisted the President had known all along that the communists had won the Vietnam War, but was admiring the way they were opening their formerly closed society to economic and personal freedoms.  Asked to sum up Bush's view of the two conflicts, the spokesman said "Vietnam is an inspiring story, and we must prevent Iraq from becoming another Vietnam."