Here:
The 8:30 p.m. EDT East Room press conference comes at a time when Bush is facing some of the lowest job approval ratings of his presidency.
. . .
Bush could also face tough questions on Iraq after the top American general acknowledged this week that the insurgency remains undiminished in its capabilities in the past year despite landmark elections and U.S.-led efforts to crush the rebels.
Face tough questions? Since when? Will this be an open house press conference?
Bush rarely faces tough questions because reporters always ask such broad questions that he can easily slide into his package talking points. Yes, we’re working hard to catch the terrorists. Yes, we’re working hard to lower gas prices.
Here’s the type of question we’ll likely see tonight:
Mr. President, Americans are concerned about the recent rise in gas prices. Is your administration concerned that high oil prices might slow down the economy?
Duh.
Here’s the type of question we should be hearing tonight:
Mr. President, you recently met with Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah. Are you convinced that the Saudis are producing and exporting as much oil as possible? If not, why not? And if they are, doesn’t this mean gas prices will go significantly higher if demand continues to grow?
Of course Bush would dodge the question and still talk about his “plan” to construct nuclear power plants. But the press could at least force him to work a little harder in the process.