taken from YahooNews via USAToday:
President Bush uses some phrases over and over:
What he says When he says it Why he says it “I appreciate that question.” Several times in every news conference, usually immediately after a complex or tricky question. This means he needs a second to collect his thoughts. “Thank you for giving me a chance to come by and say hello.” At the beginning or end of a news conference. He’s signaling that, although this is part of his job, it isn’t his favorite part. “We’re making progress.” When he’s pressed on difficult issues, such as overhauling
Social Security or ending North Korea’s nuclear program.He’s saying that he’s working on it. “I look forward to working with (Congress, Democrats, Russians,
Iraq’s government, etc.).”In response to questions about the lack of progress on changes to Social Security, withdrawal of troops from Iraq, immigration laws, nuclear proliferation. Bush is suggesting that others aren’t playing ball yet, but he’ll get what he wants eventually. “I’m going to continue to speak directly to the American people about this issue.” Variations: “I’m going to continue to work on this issue” and “I’m going to continue reminding people.” When he’s asked what he can do to reduce gas prices, spur more
democracy in Russia, change the partisan tone in Washington, end Iran
and North Korea’s nuclear programs, prompt action on his Social Security
proposals.He wants people to know that he’s on the case. “Now is the time to act.” When Social Security is the topic. He’s signaling that he won’t drop it. “My job is to confront tough issues.” When he’s asked about slow progress on his proposals to change Social Security and immigration and medical malpractice laws. He’s explaining that although it looks like nothing is happening, that’s how politics works. Leave them laughing
Aiming to disarm reporters, he tries teasing humor:
• Surprising a reporter by calling on him: “If you don’t raise your hand, does that mean you don’t have a question?”
• After he referred to a reporter’s daughter when, in fact, the child is a boy: “Excuse me. I should have done the background check.”
• Teasing a TV reporter: “He’s a sensitive guy. Well-centered, though.”
• Bidding farewell to reporters as he prepares to go to his Texas ranch for a holiday: “I look forward to not seeing you down there.”That’s all folks
To connect with viewers, he tries folksy remarks:
• “In this job, you’ve got a lot on your plate. … You don’t have much time to sit around and wander, lonely, in the Oval Office, kind of asking different portraits, ‘How do you think my standing (in history) will be?’ ”
• “I readily concede I’m out of my lane (discussing complex Medicare issues). I’m not pretending to be an actuary.”
• “The Crawford Pirates are the (Texas) state 2A, Division II champs, and we look forward, don’t we, to wave the championship banner above the Crawford High School.”
• “The Oval Office is the kind of place where people … walk in and get overwhelmed in the atmosphere, and they say, ‘Man, you’re looking pretty.’ ”
Pretty good analysis I must say…