Bush in Ottawa
30 November 2004 | filed under Media & Politics
I’m observing the way the US media is handling Bush’s first official visit to Canada. Both CNN and Fox news have published the same AP story. CNN has a sensational video about (supposed) anti-Americanism in Canada and perhaps a live feed from Parliament, though it doesn’t appear Bush will speak there as is customary.
Apparently there are some anti-war protests planned. All happenings on the Hill are being tracked by the minute by Ottawa journalist Paddy Moore.
Tomorrow Bush flies to Halifax where he will use the occasion to speak about the 2001 terrorist attacks, publicly thanking the people there who assisted diverted travelers after Sept. 11. It’s a few years late to be thanking Canada for that, I think, so I expect he’ll be spouting some propaganda. Not for the benefit of Canadians, of course.
CNN has begun broadcasting the Halifax speech live from their main site, if you’re interested.
comment by Tiffany on 01 December 2004 at 10:43 am
Did you see his thanks for the warm welcome quote yet? Priceless. :-)
“I want to thank the Canadian people who came out to wave — with all five fingers — for their hospitality.”
comment by Shane on 01 December 2004 at 6:21 pm
Yeah, that is quite funny - and true! There was substantial protest across the country.
He definitely used his charm to the fullest throught the visit, and in his speech made several jokes to warm up the audience before bringing up - the bomb - his desire for Canada to sign on to his missile defence objectives.
On Tuesday they released this (vague) joint statement about their talks. It doesn’t appear any trade disputes were resolved though.
comment by Tiffany on 02 December 2004 at 10:43 am