Rove Speaks!
WH DCoS Karl Rove spoke at the American Enterprise Institute this a.m. and to the surprise of some, he took questions. Asked about his role in the CIA leak investigation, he declined to comment, referring the questioner to a statement released by his attorney. Rove: "I have nothing more to add. Nice try, though."
On immigration, Rove ducked a question from CNN's John King on what would happen if the wing of "Tom Tancredo took over" the GOP on the issue. Rove: It's a problem of security, a problem of economy. It's a problem that we will have to attack on several different fronts if we are resolve it." Rove said the Bush admin was doing a "better job" on apprehending illegals than he is given credit for. Rove said the admin's goal is to end catch-and-release policies "along the Southwest border by the end of the year." But, he said: "We will not be able to secure the border unless we have a temporary worker program." More Rove: "This is about getting the right policy and politics will take care of itself."
Rove, on the mood of the country: "Look, we're in a sour time. I readily admit it. To be in the middle of a war where people turn on their television set and see people dying is not something that makes people happy and optimistic and upbeat. I heard the same kind of language about the 2004 election. We're going to be just fine on the fall elections. We stand for.. a strong national defense, a [complete win in] the war on terrorism, which involves victory in Iraq, , strong national defense, economic policies that are pro-growth involving tax cuts and free trade, fiscal restraint in the budget process. Our opponents at this point stand for little more than ... obstructionism." More Rove: "The American people are a center-right country presented with center-right candidates will vote center-right candidates."
Rove, on the war: "I think the war looms over everything. No doubt about it."
Rove, on conservative critics of admin. fiscal restraint: "They're missing the facts." More Rove: "Would people like to do more? You Bet. But the difficulty of getting progress in the real world ... requires a lot of energy and a lot of nerve."
Asked about the feasibility of Soc. Sec. individual retirement accounts, Rove: "Personal accounts do not solve the problem of Soc. Sec. "The do solve the problems facing the individual retirees."
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