President’s response is upbeat, yet cautious

WASHINGTON – The first hint of what would become one of George W. Bush’s best days in the White House began about 3:15 p.m. EST Saturday with a phone call to the president at the Camp David retreat.

On the line was Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who began the conversation with a warning that first reports aren’t always accurate. According to White House spokesman Scott McClellan, Bush interjected: “This sounds like it’s going to be good news.”

It was. Rumsfeld told the president that U.S. forces in Iraq believed they had finally bagged Saddam Hussein. And 14 hours later, at 5:14 a.m. EST Sunday, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice telephoned a just-awakening Bush – now back at the White House – to say that Hussein’s capture was confirmed.

By midday, after a round of phone calls to foreign allies and congressional leaders, Bush was in the Cabinet Room of the White House speaking on national television: “In the history of Iraq, a dark and painful era is over.”

In his brief remarks, an unsmiling president delivered two messages: an upbeat one to the Iraqi people, and a second, more cautionary one, to the American public.

Bush told Iraqis it was no longer necessary to hedge their bets out of concern that Hussein might make a comeback. “You will not have to fear the rule of Saddam Hussein ever again,” he said. “All Iraqis who take the side of freedom have taken the winning side.”

Hussein now faces the “justice he denied to millions,” Bush said.

But to Americans Bush sounded a warning. “The capture of Saddam Hussein does not mean the end of violence in Iraq,” he said. “We still face terrorists who would rather go on killing the innocent than accept the rise of liberty in the heart of the Middle East.”

Bush carefully avoided any show of celebration during the three-minute speech. His private mood was perhaps best reflected by his call list: Prime Ministers Tony Blair of Britain, Silvio Berlusconi of Italy, Jose Maria Aznar of Spain and John Howard of Australia, all of whom had supported Bush’s decision to go to war.

There were no calls to the leaders of France, Germany and Russia, who had opposed the war.

Despite Bush’s low-key public reaction, there was no doubt that Hussein’s capture represented a major advance for him as he embarks on his re-election campaign. His Democratic rivals, who have made a major issue of his handling of Iraq, could only offer congratulations coupled with pleas that Bush use the moment to seek broader international support.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mukilteo in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
On second go, Mukilteo City Council votes against sales tax hike

A veto from Mayor Joe Marine forced the council to bring the potential 0.1% sales tax increase back for another vote Monday.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Two visitors comb the beach at Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, in Tulalip, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Nate Nehring and WSU Beach Watchers to host beach cleanup at Kayak Point

Children and families are especially encouraged to attend the event at Kayak Point Regional County Park.

One person dead in single-vehicle fatal crash near Stanwood

A 33-year-old male was found dead at the scene Monday evening with his vehicle partially wrapped around a tree.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish Regional firefighters respond to nearly 90 calls on the Fourth

While crews stayed busy on Independence Day, it was far more peaceful than other years.

Vehicles travel along Mukilteo Speedway on Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Mukilteo approves 84-acre annexation east of Speedway

The annexation of unincorporated land is expected to bring new revenue to the city as it faces budget challenges.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.