For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 18, 2003

Interview of the President by Laurence Oakes, Channel 9 TV
The Library
October 14, 2003

3:44 P.M. EDT

Q Mr. President, thanks for speaking to us. What's the main purpose of your trip to Australia? Are you hoping for greater Australian contribution to the stabilization and rebuilding of Iraq?

THE PRESIDENT: No, the main purpose is to thank the people of Australia and thank my friend John Howard for being strong in the face of terror and being understanding that we have a historic opportunity to bring peace and freedom to parts of the world that need peace and freedom. It really is the main purpose. Australia is a great country. I would define our relationship as a unique relationship. And I'm looking forward to it. I've been there. they tell me it's kind of like Texas, which is another reason I want to go.

Q I think that's right. But not everyone agrees -- in Australia, agrees with you on the war. Some members of the opposition are talking about possibly protesting when you address the parliament by wearing white arm bands or turning their backs. Would that concern you?

THE PRESIDENT: Not at all. No, it means that democracy is alive and well. It's a -- I don't expect everybody to agree with us. But one thing is for certain, the Prime Minister was strong. And the Australian military performed brilliantly, I mean, brilliantly. And I've talked to a lot of our generals and commanders about how the Australians participated and they were just -- A-plus was the rating. And I think a lot of people would like to hear that from the American President, and I'm going to tell them. And if somebody feels like they want to express discontent, that's okay. That's democracy.

Q Well, what about the suggestion from your critics that while you won the war, the peace is being bungled?

THE PRESIDENT: They're wrong. We're making great progress in Iraq. We've got a pretty steep hill to climb. After all, one, we're facing a bunch of terrorists who can't stand freedom. These thugs were in power for awhile, and now they're not going to be in power anymore, and they don't like it. And they're willing to kill innocent people. Their terrorist activities --we'd rather fight them there than here.

And secondly, that life is pretty darn good compared to what it was under Saddam Hussein. People aren't going to be tortured; they're not going to be raped; they're not going to mutilated; there are not going to be mass graves. And plus, that the infrastructure is improving. I talked to our Secretary of Commerce today. His exact -- he's in Baghdad. He said, look, he said, Mr. President, he said, you're not going to believe the world here is a lot different than some in America think it is. There's a burgeoning marketplace. He met with women business owners. I mean, there's excitement there about a free society emerging. And it's in our interests that this society be free.

Q Sir, there are two Australian citizens being held in Guantanamo Bay.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q What's going to happen to them? And what do you say to people in Australia who think they should be either charged or released?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, we would be glad to work with the government on the issue. And if John wants to discuss it, I'm more than happy to discuss it. We're working with a variety of countries that have got people in Guantanamo Bay. These are people picked up on the battlefield. We're trying to learn more about them to make sure we fully understand --

Q Are they being tortured?

THE PRESIDENT: No, of course. We don't torture people in America. And people who make that claim just don't know anything about our country.

Q Another issue between the two countries is the -- possibly the free trade agreement.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, sir.

Q Do you think you will get it, and will you using this to push it along?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes. I told John that we'd like to get a free trade agreement done by the end of this year, and I think it's a good opportunity to say that again. And he and I won't sit down and negotiate the fine points, that's what we've got fine staffs to do. But at our level we can encourage the negotiators to move along. Let's get it done. Let's resolve our differences. Australia is an important friend, an important economy, and I think trade is in our national interests.

Q Australians have spent this week at memorial services for the victims of the Bali bombing. Can you hold out any hope for them that this -- that the war on terrorism is actually getting somewhere?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, Hambali is no longer a problem. He's the guy that organized the Bali bombing. He won't be bombing anybody anymore. That's a positive step.

First of all, I understand what it means to be in a country that grieves over the senseless death of innocent life. And the Australians suffered a mighty blow. And the -- matter of fact, the other day I was in Kentucky, you know, politics for a guy running for governor. And a mother -- a fine looking couple walked up, a mom and dad, said, you've got to know, our daughter died in Bali. And tears in his eyes. And I gave him a big hug. And he said, Mr. President, whatever you do, don't stop so it doesn't happen again.

The best way to deal with terror is to be on the offensive and to find these people and bring them to justice. That's why Australia is such an important partner, equal partner, in the war on terror. John Howard gets it. He understands. The Prime Minister knows that we've got to be tough, and at the same time create the conditions where there's an alternative to terrorism, and that's freedom and peace.

Q One final question.

THE PRESIDENT: Sure.

Q You're in trouble politically if you believe the polls.

THE PRESIDENT: Why do you say that?

Q The polls show you dropping in popularity.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, actually, there's a poll that showed me going up yesterday. Not to be on the defensive. But go ahead. (Laughter.)

Q Well, I was going to ask why you think you and Tony Blair seem to have lost support, but John Howard hasn't?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, it must be his charisma. (Laughter.) I don't know. Actually, I'm in pretty good shape politically. I really am. I didn't mean to sound defensive.

Q No, sir

THE PRESIDENT: I am. Politicians, by the way, who pay attention to the polls are doomed to be kind of chasing -- trying to chase opinion. What you need to do is lead, set the tone. And I've taken some tough decisions. And I will look forward to making the case that the decisions I have taken will make America more secure, make the world more peaceful, and make this country more prosperous. And so I'm upbeat about it. And as to why Howard is maintaining his popularity and -- he married well and he's smart.

Q Sir, thank you. And I look forward to seeing you in Australia.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, sir. Looking forward to it. Thanks.

END 3:50 P.M. EDT