SCHAKOWSKY: BUSH ADMINISTRATION MISSTATEMENT OF THE DAY RELATIONSHIP WITH NAACP

JULY 15, 2004

SCHAKOWSKY: BUSH ADMINISTRATION MISSTATEMENT OF THE DAY -
RELATIONSHIP WITH NAACP

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) issued "The Bush Administration Misstatement of the Day" on President Bush's relationship with the NAACP.

During a campaign bus trip last week through Pennsylvania, President Bush was asked why he refused to accept an invitation to speak at the annual NAACP convention being held in Philadelphia. President Bush answered by first criticizing the leadership of the NAACP and replied that his "relationship with the current leadership [of the NAACP] as basically nonexistent." He added that he would seek members' support in other ways. (Washington Post, "Bush Criticizes NAACP's Leadership," July 10, 2004)

President Bush's comments now, however, are a reversal from a statement he had made during a videotaped speech to the NAACP's annual convention in 2001. President Bush said then:

"It matters what Presidents do. It also matters what Presidents say and how they say it. I've tried to speak in a tone that brings us together, and unites us in purpose. I believe that even when disagreements arise, we should treat each other with civility and with respect. That is a basic requirement of democracy." (July 9, 2001)