Wherein is revealed one of the great things about American democracy

Yesterday, Bush was interviewed by reporters from African radio stations.

He explained the agenda of his African trip: “I want the people on the continent of Africa to know that the American people care deeply about the human condition”.

And he’s not going empty-handed: “And so this is going to be a trip that I bring the goodwill of American people”.

He’s also bringing a double helping of IN OTHER WORDS: “Exports to the United States from the continent of Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, have tripled. Exports from the United States to sub-Saharan Africa have doubled. In other words, this trade has been good. One way to firm up the commitment to make sure that our nation remains non-protectionist -- in other words, a free trading nation -- is to complete the Doha Round.”

IN OTHER W— HEY, HE USED “CRITERION” CORRECTLY! “Nations that have received Millennium Challenge grants have met a test. In other words, there is a criterion to qualify for the money.”

IN OTHER WORDS: “In other words, if there’s hopelessness, then it’s liable that extremists who are recruiting people to create havoc not only in their respective countries or neighborhoods, but also in our country -- if there’s hopelessness, they have a better chance to recruit.”

YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS: “Remember that the ideology that is prevalent, that uses murder as a weapon, cannot recruit in hopeful places.”

LIBERIA IS NOT YOUNG, BUT IT LOOKS MAAHVELOUS: “And so, my hope, of course, is that people that have been here trying to save themselves from the violence, go help this young -- not young, but this country get back on its feet.”

SEPARATED AT BIRTH? “Mr. Mugabe has ruined a country”.

A Ghanaian reporter seized this career-making opportunity:

Q: Mr. President, I will recommend you, during your short visit to my country, to have a taste in our juicy, tasty and nicely perfumed pineapples.

BUSH: Pineapples.

TRUER WORDS WERE NEVER SPOKEN. EVER: “You’re right, my presidency does end. And that’s one of the great things about American democracy.”

SPEAKING OF TALKING VEGETABLES: “In other words, the United States farmer is willing to take less of a subsidy if his -- can be assured that his product will get a fair hearing in somebody else’s market”.