What was this about? From the beginning of a late morning press conference …
THE PRESIDENT: I just met with Specialist Chris Hill’s family from North Carolina. You know, I told the family how much we appreciated his sacrifice — he was killed in Iraq — and assured him that we would stay the course, that a free Iraq was very important for peace in the world, long-term peace, and that we’re being challenged in Iraq because there are people there that hate freedom. But the family was pleased to hear that we — its son would not have died in vain. And that’s an important message that I wanted to share with you today.
Let me ask you a couple of <$NoAd$> questions. Who is the AP person?
Q I am.
THE PRESIDENT: You are? [Then ask it]
Q Sir, [what ‘a], in regard to —
THE PRESIDENT: Who are you talking to?
Q Mr. President, in regard to the June 30th deadline, is there a chance that that would be moved back?
THE PRESIDENT: No, the intention is to make sure the deadline remains the same. I believe we can transfer authority by June 30th. We’re working toward that day. We’re, obviously, constantly in touch with Jerry Bremer on the transfer of sovereignty. The United Nations is over there now. The United Nations representative is there now to work on the — on a — on to whom we transfer sovereignty. I mean, in other words, it’s one thing to decide to transfer. We’re now in the process of deciding what the entity will look like to whom we will transfer sovereignty. But, no, the date remains firm.
I’m genuinely unsure what to make of that.
[ed. note: the portions in brackets are my additions based on hearing the audio.]
