I, frankly, thought we’d gotten rid of that when I signed the McCain-Feingold bill. I thought we were going to once and for all get rid of a system where people could just pour tons of money in and not be held to account for the advertising.
And so, I’m disappointed with all those kinds of ads.
QUESTION: This doesn’t have anything to do with other 527 ads. You’ve been accused of mounting a smear campaign.
Do you think Senator Kerry lied about his war record?
BUSH: I think Senator Kerry served admirably and he ought to be proud of his record.
But the question is who best to lead the country in the war on terror? Who can handle the responsibilities of the commander in chief? Who’s got a clear vision of the risks that the country faces?
QUESTION: Some Republicans such as Bob Dole and some Republican donors such as Bob Perry have contributed and endorsed the message of those 527 Swift Boat Veterans for Truth ads.
QUESTION: When you say that you want to stop all...
BUSH: All of them.
QUESTION: So, I mean...
BUSH: That means that ad, every other ad.
QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)
BUSH: Absolutely. I don’t think we ought to have 527s.
I can’t be more plain about it. And I wish -- I hope my opponent joins me in saying -- condemning these activities of the 527s. It’s -- I think they’re bad for the system. That’s why I signed the bill, McCain-Feingold.
I’ve been disappointed that for the first, you know, six months of this year, 527s were just pouring tons of money -- billionaires writing checks. And, you know, I spoke out against them early. I tried to get others to speak out against them as well. And I just don’t -- I think they’re bad for the system.
QUESTION: On the price of oil, it’s at or near record levels. Other than pushing for your energy proposals which we know about, what else are you doing to try to mitigate the price of oil?
BUSH: That’s the best thing, is to come up with a comprehensive energy strategy that encourages conservation, encourages environmentally sensitive exploration for natural resources in our own hemisphere. It talks about, of course, dealing with new forms of energy, and admittedly, those aren’t going to come on market in time to deal with the current price of oil.
QUESTION: Did you talk to President Putin about it this morning?
