RADAR: Bush Unveils New Briefing Room

ABC News’ Jennifer Duck reports: President Bush held a light-hearted ribbon-cutting ceremony with the press in the new James S. Brady Press Briefing Room.

"Welcome back to the West Wing. We missed you — sort of," Bush told an overcrowded room of reporters who have been working from an area a block outside of the White House for the past eleven months. 

Bush characterized the relationship between the president and the media as a "unique relationship." "It’s a necessary relationship. I enjoy it. I hope you do … sometimes you don’t like the decisions I make, and sometimes I don’t like the way you write about the decisions. But nevertheless, it’s a really important part of our process."

The President also commented on the conditions of the old briefing room which was renovated during the Reagan administration in 1981. 

Bush said the prior conditions were "substandard" and noted the new conditions — especially the air conditioning. 

"I think it’s going to benefit future Presidents and future White House press corps, to be working in modern conditions, conditions where a fellow like me will feel comfortable coming in here answering a few questions without losing 20 pounds."

Bush discussed touring the whole facility sometime in the near future.  "I’ve never toured — I’ve never even been able to get beyond the podium — if you know what I mean. As a matter of fact, I’ve always felt comfortable behind the podium in front of you, kind of as a shield.  But I would like a tour."

One reporter suggested the podium was bulletproof to which the President joked, "Well, it’s not exactly bullet-proof. Some of your bullets are able to — verbal bullets — are able to penetrate."

The President turned to ABC News White House Correspondent Martha Raddatz at one point, thinking she was going to ask a question.

"I did think you were going to ask me a question," Bush said.
Martha responded," I am."
The President laughed and said, "Well, maybe some other time."

Bush then promised to listen to the press while they all yelled a question.  "I’ll like listen … internalize, play like I’m going to answer the question, and then smile at you and just say, gosh — thanks, thanks for such a solid, sound question."

The ribbon was cut without much fanfare from the press, and the President walked back into the West Wing.  However the First Lady was anxious for a tour.  She came back to each booth on the ground floor, asking a few questions and commenting on the nice upgrades.