Andy Card

" Clouseau reviled regard -- is prone to blood the viral motor group -- rules 1866 caller or click -- cars dot com and now it's time for the how -- cars show. Welcome back to the west -- We miss you. Sort of thing at a podium -- you"

" he said we called Beyonce behold a rubble halt and we didn't we said that her outfit was a -- hope get up as did -- And out of his mind -- exhibit one guys did to say solid one wasn't that kind of outfit that you're not referring to build. As the --"

" Liked it docked here its. Yes good me okay the most expensive car on how lots and a oh lead guitar."

" John McCain as a fighter and they have to make alterations in the campus this. George you know for the purpose of this being able to to -- that I expect -- duplicate its offensive person. Decision we sat and talked about it and decide what's -- for the campaign."

" He's a terrific guys got a great reputation people want strengthen deputies Amanda strength so I think he'd say yes. A wonderful guy I have nothing but positive things to say about him."

" Radio network. How is not here today will be that tomorrow this is on the notion filling in for an some housekeeping details and then as promised earlier Andy card former chief of staff to places states will be on the line. With us. If you'd like to be on the line with us -- phone numbers 8774694322. And which -- kindly consented -- phone calls we'll get to those actually in the hour. The -- line for those huge -- leave a message 61777 3469. And that number is 617779346. We also have an email address and we invite you to participate that way if you before how we are at W Mark -- And speaking of that use -- a judge for appalled question. And we're going into that now call -- 186 X call or click -- cars dot com says. DePaul which should need to -- there one legalized. You know 4% say 54 union dues before she expressions -- the average Laden's ultimate called of this no opinion that it had a choice that -- okay 54 interest. Okay Andy card was oh unforgiving Andy -- the promoter group has dozens of cars and trucks available -- if you look and shops election. You need to call 1866 call Ira were -- Ira cars dot com. Andy card is on the line with mean Andy good afternoon and thanks for joining us. As I recall in New York the second long that you share of the second longest term as chief of staff to the president of the United States."

" I did Sherman Adams has the record that he was 55 years in nine months -- I was five years and six."

" And for those who don't remember -- was the chief of staff under president Eisenhower so that that goes back -- When you're thinking of leaving did you think gosh -- hold on for three more months the indoor record"

" awful lot of my assistant told me about it all the -- that I had decided I should leave but a little -- that record I was there to help president it was job and I felt that he needed to make it change."

" It says an early in your background that you start out the boy scouts selling issue must be a good guy"

" I'm proud -- An awful lot who was outside the -- holbrook Massachusetts I'm very proud of that community in everything the use it -- help me. My church scouts Playskool political activities it was a great community brought -- and I should point --"

" Me in the interest of full disclosure of -- and I actually go way back from the time before he was. A member of the cabinet or chief of staff and we were involved in the Republican Party activities together here in Massachusetts. It's also was a point to make that. That Andy was the US secretary of transportation member of the cabinet under George HW bush others prefer the first President Bush. And do you have any actually welcome -- Well what does it mean to be chief of staff due to the present and it's not. It's not a department where you have control of a particular area such as transportation to what you have to do when your chief of staff to depression."

" This is the staffer for the president who's responsible for the rest of the staff. And so -- argued that the job as a staff position it just -- staff position that you are in charge of the rest of the staff for the present. And you have to help him in a position to make tough decisions and I broke the job done that we categories. The first I call the care and feeding of the president making -- the president has timed it. You to sleep in between Mary and it's so that is in it. Pretty good frame of mind to make tough decisions the second responsibilities policy formulation and -- tracks very bright people who -- seem to have type a personalities and my job was to help and it goes right people so that they could thoughtful wise counsel for the president. And then the president have to make tough decisions and he never has what -- making it easy decisions so I had to make sure that he had. Number of options every time that he was considering what -- tough decisions but the president make that decision and nobody knows about it he basically didn't make the decision. And so the third responsibility -- called marketing and selling that's taking the decision made by the president in telling the right people -- members of the cabinet -- could be and the congress could the American people could be all of the above."

" Let's get to some of the tough question you talked about the president. You've heard the route that people think he's not bright he's not articulate they don't have confidence in just in the raw intellect. You've been able to deal with him first hand for a number of years how much truth is there to that accusation."

" Truth he has a very bright guy he is extremely disciplined about doing his homework and reading it is very very well read a little known fact is that has great that yeah you'll were actually better than John Kerry's. So you -- not. He used by the pool by any stretch the imagination he's very very smart and extremely well read he's actually -- a student of history. He almost always has who -- going. And one is usually get fiction and yellow ones and nonfiction and spent a lot of time in the nonfiction world reading history could be. Russian history Japanese history here American history and it depends on what he's he's coming down the road he's going to meeting with who for example they'll probably pick up some home on Russia read about the history of Russia but he has a very very well read very intelligent person. Who also -- by far beyond the circle of people who are in the administration. Regularly invites people outside of the White House to common. Gather around the table is Oval Office park doesn't advertise it what because some of the people who come don't want to be known that they couple light but -- Very good listener he's very smart I would say that in terms of this language. -- sometimes stumbles over words the same way as bad news to -- and point new phrases but that's a good challenge for those -- from the staff that the girl would really."

" If you're just joining us Andy card former chief of staff to the president in the United States is on the line with me and will be for this hour. Hill and he was also former secretary of transportation under the first President Bush. -- I've never met the current president I did have a few meetings with his father. Before he was present during when he was Vice President when he was running. I have the distinct impression with the first President Bush. He was a man who was very impressive when you of one on one with him. And in a small crowd small group he was also very impressive. But as the crowd got larger when new issues speaking actually do a group of several hundred -- larger. The podium bush not his strong shoot he didn't come across nearly. As impressively as he did when you're literally talking one on one and I the opportunity to speak with. With a -- of former president one -- one a couple of times. Could the same be said about the present the current President George Bush is he more impression when you just in a small meeting with him then when addressing people"

" I I agree with your assessment of former President Bush -- I think that the it is likely that that's the same impression people would have of the sort I know people who are strong critics of the president. Who when -- without an adult kind of especially with the biblical with horrified people -- the world they walk -- saying you know. You really just pretty smart he really does understand he did ask could insightful question. And so I think yes like a lot of people he's more impressive when you get to know him rather than just seems standing on the stage watching one of the."

" And earlier I watch the president speak yesterday in the Cleveland town hall -- was speaking about Iraq Jewish carry on CNN Fox News may be elsewhere. Sit and --"

" These yet because. They actually covered the whole speech where they did he took a lot of questions from the audience."

" Right and I sudden that effect later on the evening he and I do the program here later in the evening like I got she's -- I got some of those questions I tune in in the middle of that. I I was watching carefully I'm not an anti bush got them but I was watching carefully and then spent some time the media and the sense that. There were some mannerisms that undercut his own position sometimes she would. Smile a little bit died trying to be friendly China be accessible I thought some of the pronunciation you know when he says young stated view in times that of two. I wondered. Whether the White House ever undertook to hire some media consultants who would videotape the president. Work women say that mr. president here's how you can improve your delivery and be more effective in that domain."

" That is always a suggestion that comes in and it's very hard thing or. A principal reason that they do and you know even as candidates there are many times -- candidate as told by his quote -- we need to change you. If you go meet with this speech therapist oh have you here if -- were different. And then visit -- given but you yourself. And that's in conflict yeah but anyway no I don't see the president sitting down personality transplant."

" Was wasn't real it was a recommended and he refused always Jesus never America recommended -- us."

" I don't remember being recommended when he was sitting as president but I. Certainly heard discussions about it when he was candidate."

" You word you have been sent to a heralded something called the White House Iraq group whig WH IG is the acronym. -- Iraq study group and I guess doesn't make as good an actor in the actually dropped the study. The members including Karl Rove Scooter Libby Condoleezza Rice Karen Hughes and Mary matalin. First is that true what. But would -- you had it. Okay and this was a group that was studying Iraq prior to what turned out to be invasion of Iraq. Is that correct."

" It was. It was yes it was prior to invasion but it was not pride of the -- from -- it's them let the."

" There is always there has been the accusation against you and against the president. The information you -- had you. Either you didn't have complete information all the information -- and you didn't release completely to the public and that has -- one of the."

" But all the warm yet. Are -- about this group and reality that's why bring it up because I want to -- While it was it was a it was a way they have into agency coordination. All of message. Yeah and to make sure that the right in the left hand at the same information. And something that you know that there were I rose in almost every organization. And my job as chief of staff was to -- those silos and so the people. With other responsibilities could have access to summit of the nation that would impact of what they would if the president. And so that was really -- it grew all of these people with very very busy. And I found that they were so busy that they didn't have time to talk to each other while some of the -- really important but obviously. Buildup do something about Saddam Hussein required all of us to have the discipline this if it was in and talked about. Information of the days it. And and also talked about how best to communicate over the course -- next and that was the group there was nothing serious about -- what effect -- Frequently -- hoops with the other on issues that are important like -- security is an education or leave no child behind act so. Yes I would. Basically allocate a lot of in every day or every other day you people but it the other possible witnesses to discuss. The American people."

" As you look back on it now in advance of the Iraq war how good was the information that you and the others were getting and sifting through and discussing with the president."

" there's always 2020 foresight that risk so are we over the information that we had proved not to be. Accurate and there was other information that came to light. Afterwards we went to war that nobody -- But I can tell you would get reference in weapons of mass destruction. Almost the entire world believed Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction the Russians the French the Germans the Chinese. The British certainly United Nations Security Council. Over 16 times 47 but what it's 16 times that he should. Allow weapons inspectors and that you should come clean with all of the documents the provost turned toward what and you can even some of the information that we had four. -- well. Chemicals that he had received we have we see them and you would let us. Find out whether or not you still had that particular matter stockpile. So he -- the weapons inspectors also the entire world because whom he had weapons of mass destruction and I think it was credible roster belief that it is that the intelligence suggested. Intelligence however proved to be wrong."

" So do you think that he had weapons of mass destruction and got rid of them in the early days of the war do you think he never really had them."

" I I think that I still believe that if we may find weapons of mass destruction if we certainly found a lot of old chemical weapons. It has been used when he protect the -- for example but. I think -- much of what Saddam Hussein had was -- And but he allowed that if you recognize and one -- that that. He was. Challenging the United Nations and we know now that he was also rising world officials is -- good treatment from the United Nations. So he was not a good character by any stretch the imagination the world. We ended up playing along with him unfortunately the US the British that the United Nations ended up calling as well."

" We're talking with -- Andy card former chief of staff to President Bush the second longest serving chief of staff in the history of the country second only in Sherman Adams under president Eisenhower. Andy and audience bare with us as we have to paused to patient bills will be back on the other side and continue the conversation your phone calls. Will be welcome later in the hour as well. A body else in this is that we -- program. Welcome back this is Bobbie Nelson in on the line with these Andy card former chief of staff to the president of the United States. Andy thanks for journalists over the break. Let me go back -- to the war. The weapons of mass destruction -- certainly one of the reasons for going to war but the operation was called operation Iraqi freedom. Implying that there was an an objective to establish Iraqi democracy. In the reasoning to go to war how much weight was given to the weapons of mass destruction and how much weight to other issues."

" Well first -- remember the context but it would present at its decision we have just about a the start of the war on terror against the Al Qaeda organization. And we had reason to believe that the community of the Middle East. There is."

" should be could you speak just a little little louder I guess he audio registrars and -- thank."

" Remember that we had just come out of the attack on September 11 in the beginning of the war terror against the outside organizations some of it. Indeed in the Middle East that the enemy of my enemy is right for. And Al Qaeda had an enemy in the United States does Saddam -- the enemy in the United States and there was credible concern that. Those two enemies of the United States would -- and that would be very bad -- some very bad for the world. So the president had to change the loss of the US had the force of several weapons. And he said that we get going to be pro active in trying to eliminate the threat to a national security. And so we were appropriately concerned about whether or not it would be a relationship between the Al Qaeda organization. And Saddam Hussein and he certainly did not want the wealth of Iraq. Be available to Al Qaeda terrorists that we did not want the ostensible. Weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands."

" As you look back on it now -- you know it's it's five years ago. From the vantage point of 2007 do you think that the war was a correct thing to undertake."

" I do I'd do it feel very strongly that. The United States given the fact that the entire world believed Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction that he was. Not playing by the rules that you've agreed to -- my. Under the UN sanctions and with regard to weapons of mass no weapons inspectors have it was country. And I think that it. It was appropriate for the president to say the world changed on September 11 we -- to be pro active in making the our national security is. Challenge especially by someone like Saddam Hussein."

" So you in effect you're saying that the removal of Saddam Hussein is justification enough. War having proceeded with the military operation."

" I think there are many many reasons what was the concern in the Hussein had weapons of mass destruction that was thought to. Second concern was that he was eating its problems in the neighborhood he was funding terrorist organizations. Challenging Israelis he was certainly. Saying nice things about the bad things that were happening the United States -- the Al Qaeda network. And he was stirring the pot in that region as I I think that was. Right that the president was concerned not -- that Saddam Hussein was a terrible -- result people. He has who killed hundreds of thousands of little people that he was dictator who is. Incision bringing democracy to the people he did not want Iraq to have government -- for the Iraqi people. What Saddam Hussein and his and."

" One last question -- go to the telephone lines. It is said that before you left operation which is now little over a year ago on April of those six you had tried to get. The president to replace then secretary of defense Donald runs rumsfeld. And the even Laura bush had allied with you to try to effectuate this is that it."

" I thought I don't accept. The second part of your statement that Bob Woodward broke the rock I found -- much of these quotes from me or accurate however many it would take it out of caught."

" So well vocational Laura bush was not part of the equation did you try to convince the president to replace. The secretary rumsfeld at that time."

" yet that is what the role of the chief of staff. I would frequently talked to present about personnel that was serving in ministry sometimes I would say if you're thinking about making this change this is the time to make. For the following reason. And you should think about. Other times I would say you may be thinking about making it changes it is thought that I'd be considered you have to consider when the confirmation hearings be held by the United States sent. What's going on in the international would be taking place you win they're hearing it before the Senate so there were many times when I what the president said it might think about it you change. -- this person -- that's why I think about bringing the different person or to replace somebody. So yes I offered the president all kinds of advice and counsel and sometimes I would say he should think about changing the secretary of defense to any general of the secretary of labor of the secretary of housing and urban development and other times I would say if you think about it should think about it right now. Both I I can't say that I never council the president but I think that the way to Bob Woodward wrote about it in his book state of denial it reflects. The context of the which by its place and if."

" Andy card former chief of staff to President Bush and former secretary of transportation to the first President Bush on the line with me this hour our phone number 8774694322. Over the telephone lines -- promise if that's okay with you -- next online is Kevin good afternoon Kevin"

" missed the cut. What thoroughly disgraced Massachusetts resident okay and I just wanted to know that as a frame my question particularly peculiar. After the ball -- has driven this -- straight into the rocks. Would you consider running for governor of the commonwealth of this completely embarrassing commonwealth."

" Kevin thanks and any I assume that wasn't your life not quite right could not be calling recommend that you. I have that you probably I don't know seven remembers but I think he does I had a -- campaign for governor in 1982. And it was a fabulous experience it was -- master's house sources does it serve if a yours. In in the governor and Republican primary in 1982 lost in the Republican primary. And yet. If he was a wonderful thing because in many what it was gave you opportunities to serve and watched as -- yes I love the pop -- messages what the people there and what issues like a very close attention to still call holbrook Massachusetts awful not in the position I think would be the candidate is."

" Are you planning on you have. Getting any aspiration politically in terms of elective office should not go over some governor's some other position."

" I think you know I I grew up in -- it was a that policy does not a dirty things to be and -- politician not accurate word. In fact my grandmother was suffered jet C. It is -- with the responsibility to be engaged to involve the you would -- to be. Part of the process the -- unity -- while serving on the planning board over access to its like reflect the office. While serving the masses of legislatures and they like one woman's Republicans and Democrats. If I had fabulous experiences -- Washington DC I would never rule out an opportunity in government or in politics. But nor am not quietly building campaign organization people. That money aside to contribute to see if I wouldn't run for office but I would certainly not slam the door and --"

" And I'm glad you mentioned are already I should mention that Andy card was special assistant. To the president for intergovernmental affairs. And I guess some later W system to the president director of Germany intergovernmental affairs when President Reagan was in office."

" It was it was a great experience -- for President Reagan you know I started I had very long tenure in the Reagan White House that was valuable experience and a fabulous friends and into rating continues he's -- next."

" Let's go back to the telephone lines down next -- our program"

" the current hello. One school arm. -- god my question is I supported the president invoked election and my it's important to include now reason that most of my friends and coworkers in -- livid about it -- position on immigration. It doesn't need to light of these feel that border if you feel that that's tomorrow. Parliament to go from 29 to 60 guys."

" It's okay or the immigration issue was something that the president knows an awful lot of well. Yet be the governor of Texas in not. Have strong views about immigration. The president does want to -- our borders and have much better for the control but he also recognizes the reality is we have some well. Million illegal immigrants inside this country. And they -- proving to our economy and that is not likely that they're going to be rounded up and sent hole in we don't have enough. Immigration officials to round them up and send them all. And so the president said. I want to do something that is realistic. Sure it's not going to be popular and behind who have which I think that we should have a two step process one we've we've secured the order would say it have been without following the rules in the second part of the process was to do something about the illegal immigrants here. He said I don't want to give them amnesty and and we have the citizenship. But I. I do believe that we should. A lot of work in this country if they've they've by the rules they pay a penalty they have come here illegally and you know Europe provided that he in this. And so that the Kennedy and John McCain and others were -- the Senate. It just didn't get the votes for it and it won't happen it will not be any reform in the Croatian -- between now."

" Right you're right that even a year or so ago when the president proposes it was a compromise. A proposal and then he got credit from neither side which was a -- interest think nobody was willing to. To meet in the middle and nobody usual and give the president credit for the initiative but as you point out another of its dead. -- make sense for the president to say okay we charge for the whole -- we couldn't get that lets at least try for part of that and let's. Let's propose to seal the border."

" Well as you probably know they are appropriate security at a significant budget increase last year. Improve border security alone Mexican border in the Canadian border but mostly alone -- four. In this post these buildings make sense if it could be probably will be a real physical fence will be electronic. But they are in the process of doing there are also sending more people. In the immigration service the Customs Service -- for the border I think we have improved our border security for their radically over the course the last month. But it's still -- should be and I would read this department over its security is not moving as quickly as we were led to believe they were people. -- experiences allocating the resources that it is appropriate to -- the tests."

" Andy card Israel until my last April a year ago April. Chief of staff to the president of the United States in the Massachusetts native let's go back to the telephone lines now. Phone numbers 8774694322 and we go next to -- good afternoon -- Com site Kevin good afternoon Kevin"

" hey -- and it you know even though I disagree with god which a lot of issues -- always been impressed that would itself -- very loyal. To a man who believe and there are a lot of that. And usually really that would jump ship you've been -- something that you -- you -- the -- goes -- firstly may have you you must be impressed with the guy make that decision. Eddie Eddie right not he's not jumping ship Barton and -- opinions as soon."

" I've got a point I respect the present I respect George W. Bush and I -- actually respect stop president whoever is the president. And when the president asked if it was something I think to try to find a way to say yes. And I was asked by the president to be as -- as happened it was it was experience I really do respect to what was. I respect how he'd make tough decisions contrary to -- he is a very smart person. He is very well read. He is very deliberate but it is also has the discipline or making his decision in the present -- they have electric making these decisions. Because you make tough decisions I respect how he makes the and he knows that. Time and not make that decision or you'd have to make it and then hope it will be implement the right way and I respect the present I didn't agree with every decision made. But he got elected president I thought I was -- help him I'd be an article two of the constitution. And he has a awesome responsibility for that they. Is the shortest or taken by anyone who's -- up. It caused him to preserve protect and defend the constitution there was no conditional clause doesn't say if the political winds blowing in the direction that everybody -- the UN if you permission of the right to a war or anything else. And that is -- very -- would obligate the president has its burden rests formally on -- it is cheered with. That was on was -- the Supreme Court. The American people with or less on the president's -- two two. I was very very honored have a chance to wear articles who two."

" And there -- this we have to -- more bills and for those in the audience -- going to come back on the other side continue our conversation with Andy card. The former chief of staff to President Bush. Our phone numbers 8774694322 Imani Nelson this is now we car program. We're about this dissolving else we're talking with -- Andy card former chief of staff to President Bush he was the second longest serving chief of staff. In the history of the country's second only to Sherman Adams under present an hour. And we're inviting your phone calls as well to -- back to the lines in and I want to. Ask a question -- an honorary degree from University of Massachusetts -- people who were protesting that. We when you get into the limelight like Q did you did an IQ have. Sometimes it gets really ugly an unpleasant their personal attacks there. There are things that people say that are just complete distortions of what goes on you know people in public life for human beings also how bad is it dead and you able to develop a fixed in. Toward these attacks often -- Reached your family did they get upset when they hear these these kinds of of accusations -- the vehemence with which -- launched."

" Well you know. I have participate in the political process -- and so I've seen. Move ya mean -- I think they have relatively -- it I always ate my wife who's just a wonderful person. And so blessed that -- his wife what it was all worth it. He has a source of great strength of me but it's always harder on this -- that it is on the principle and he he took it pretty tough when I was -- as best she could go on us and but anyway. I found that the it was a relatively small number of faculty that was leading the charge. I handful of students but -- couple handfuls to but there were also a number of students who went out of their way to -- wing and as a nice thing -- meals. Compliment me and one fellow -- I was really proud to be on the stage knowing that you Libya -- it. I'm proud of the experiences at a grateful opportunities that come my way and I -- to the people -- is that they -- Fine thought the -- and I respect you man I love we speak I practiced free speech but they also hope that people will be respectful of all. Speak with leases that they mean politically"

" let me make a ghastly congratulatory handshakes on the tax pats on the back. We're less covered by the media than the others"

" I I didn't watch the media -- sort it because that but I was. You very polite to all of the people who were angry that I was there being recognized the honorary degree I I parliament that I -- was pleased to be here and I felt great group -- I was on that the men like I think them for being here I thank them -- exhibiting their view but no it didn't bother me I. I travel all around the country and I. While going to college campuses well this deal with people who are. Sometimes asking questions appropriate ignorance and I try to educate them the realities of some of the decisions I watched the president may. In -- helped him make good decisions. And I think we look at the great country and I hope people will continue to this I think apathy is that they. It's what troubling that a protest."

" We -- participation -- chance 8774694322 we go next to Lynn good afternoon --"

" Union mr. card have been waiting for seven years an opportunity to bring up this subject on the -- but we're still sending it I think literally years that President Bush's advisers were hesitant to mention to. -- criticize him about the way he pronounces words I'm sure I have a set."

" We eat the grass the president on the frequently would ease the present while the ruling that he would make up words that he would make it. It's appropriate. Anyway."

" Word says that he uses in correctly but the way he pronounces words I'm sure having gone to Yale and Harvard. He knows the words to with print -- to and not. And instead of deafening he says Dutton I'm sure he's doing that intentionally and it is still don't."

" I don't think we've done -- intentionally. But but I understand what this thing."

" You're the famous one I think is is new killer I gotta argue that nuclear new. But then what was -- you're saying that he you'd think the president is doing this as shtick or somehow to did the."

" Trying to sound like a good ol' boy from taxes and he's not anything can I -- there was no Arab is what he has and I don't think he's --"

" Dear disappointed -- your thought at least they did that the president was part actor or something man. Turns -- not the case."

" What's more irritating is that everybody is following his lead out. I am this morning and Fox News every spot reporter MS NB. CC and -- and even wolf blitzer they're tough for adapting to or anywhere -- in"

" it did just that they ask you tastier mr. card please talk about what really nuclear power are atomic powers pronounced now. Say say it hasn't hasn't taken many even with a former chief is that good I didn't. Yet read immigration."

" Used to say something the little strangely -- former president there's certainly did and you know I think Bill Clinton when you know he sometimes become a great two million -- fitted with -- audiences they -- I've seen him. He would good old boy had seen -- be very. Up but he so even Hillary Clinton we -- this speech you know was sounding more like your audience that she was something in that -- sitting on the."

" Andy were -- none of the we run out of the -- want to congratulate you on your public service to this country and thank you for being on the program I hope we can call on you again. Much havoc but thanks. This is obvious Nelson here in tune with the Holocaust room"