Bush's press conference

I just finished watching Bush's press conference this morning (which was not scheduled until today). Bush's appearance and demeanor were very interesting. In his opening remarks, he was very reserved and seemed dismayed and tired. Of course many questions concerned Harriet Miers. Bush stated his reasons for nominating her in a concise, effective manner. However, in addressing questions as to the concerns and criticisms of the conservative base, Bush simply repeated the reasons why he nominated Miers. In some ways, such repetition answered the question, but in most ways it did not. Bush also said that Miers was the most qualified person for the job. That clearly is not correct.

The questions from the reporters were varied and rather pointed. They covered Miers, Iraq, hurricane relief, the budget, the Plame investigation, social security, the economy, pandemic disease response, and a few other topics. On one hand, Bush gave many of the same ol' answers and lines we have heard before. On the other hand, he did a pretty good job of giving answers that addressed the specific questions asked, and he appeared comfortable answering questions.

It was an odd event to witness. Bush started out meek and uncertain, but once he started answering questions, he went in the other direction. This is just the opposite of the pattern I have seen previously.

I am going to be interested to see how the winger pundits react to this press conference. Bush is on the verge of facing major battles and opposition within his own party, and this press conference--since it was probably scheduled in response to the conservative response to the Miers nomination--will mark the start of the conflict. In some ways, I think it was meant to be a bit of a preemptive strike against his conservative critics. Will it be effective?