Bush said terrorists should not make any moves against the United States
during the political uncertainly surrounding the presidential election.
"I have all the confidence in the world that the Clinton administration
and the next administration, which I hope is the Bush administration, will
do whatever it takes to send a chilling signal to terrorists that we'll
protect our property and our people," Bush told reporters during a brief
appearance before cameras alongside Rice.
"The warning ought to be
that, as we decide this election, people should not try to take advantage of
our nation."
Bush said he, Rice and retired Gen. Colin Powell were using daily White
House intelligence briefings to shape a foreign policy agenda in the
Bush administration. Powell is Bush's likely pick for secretary of state.
The briefings from the Clinton administration are part of an effort by the
White House to proceed on a dual transition track with Bush and Al Gore.
Gore receives regular security briefings as vice president.
Bush's briefing sessions, conducted by the Central Intelligence Agency,
began this week after the administration and the Bush campaign worked out
the details of who would be in attendance from the Bush campaign and where
the briefings would take place. Initially, Bush did not plan to sit in on
the briefings, an administration official said. The Bush campaign wanted one of its senior staff members,
presumably Rice, to receive the briefings and then give a summary to the
governor later. The administration objected, however, and insisted that Bush
himself be present, the official said.
Bush has said he thinks the briefings are important. "We spent a lot of
time talking about how to seize what I believe is a very unique moment in
American history to promote a foreign policy that is bipartisan," Bush said.
"A great tradition of America has been that foreign policy has been
bipartisan. That is, as they used to say, partisanship, when it comes to
foreign policy, stops at the water's edge. And Condi and I are in
discussion, obviously with others, like Colin Powell, about how best to
promote the U.S. interests and at the same time promote peace. And so, we
talked about trade, we talked about setting priorities, including making
sure our friends know that we're friends."
Bush also said he was closely watching developments in the Middle East,
where violence threatens to leave a shattered "peace process" for the
next administration.
"I'm aware of the responsibilities that the United States must play in the
Middle East, and Gen. Powell and I discussed the Middle East. Condi and I
are in constant discussion about the Middle East. And what concerns me is
peace," Bush said.
"I understand the important role the United States can
play, but the United States must not set artificial timetables. We've got to
be patient – firm and patient. But anytime there is a potential outbreak in
hostilities, it will concern me."
Copyright 2000 by United Press International. All rights reserved.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.