Associated Press
Former President George W. Bush said Monday “we all need answers” on the extent of contact between President Donald Trump‘s team and the Russian government, and didn’t rule out the idea that a special prosecutor could be necessary to lead an investigation.
The Republican also defended the media’s role in keeping world leaders in check, noting that “power can be addictive,” and warned against immigration policies that could alienate Muslims.
“I am for an immigration policy that’s welcoming and upholds the law,” Bush told NBC’s “Today” show.
Bush’s comments came after a prominent Republican in Congress, Rep. Darrell Issa of California, called for a special prosecutor to investigate whether Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election and was in touch with Trump’s top advisers during the campaign.
Bush said he would trust Senate Intelligence panel Chairman Richard Burr to decide if a special prosecutor is necessary.
But, Bush added, “I think we all need answers … I’m not sure the right avenue to take. I am sure, though, that that question needs to be answered.”
The former president, who is promoting a book of his paintings of wounded veterans, also took issue with Trump’s characterization of the media as an “enemy of the people.” Bush said the U.S. won’t be able to convince authoritarian governments, including Russia, to open up their governments to media scrutiny if U.S. leaders try to discredit their own press.
“We need an independent media to hold people like me to account,” Bush said. “Power can be very addictive, and it can be corrosive. And it’s important for the media to call to account people who abuse their power, whether it be here or elsewhere.”
On the issue of immigration and Trump’s recent attempt to ban travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations, Bush warned that if the U.S. freezes out other countries and turns inward, that would only make it more difficult to fight the Islamic State group and other foreign extremists.
“I think it’s very hard to fight the war on terrorism if we’re in retreat,” he said.
Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
2 comments
Tony Branch
February 27, 2017 at 11:43 am
Good for George W. Bush. Why can’t we seem to get either Senators Marco Rubio or, as far as I know, even Bill Nelson to make a comment on this?
Call and e-mail their offices if you agree with me!
Marvin Haire
February 28, 2017 at 11:13 am
I am certain MANY things are going on.
1. News media INVESTIGATES everything and they REPORT it.
2. Some influential folk in the government have things they DON’T want disclosed and/or companies they, somehow, have money tied up in…..
3. To INVITE Russia is a MAIN reason of concern because WHEREVER they go they step in to control. All they need is the door cracked (not opened).
4. Are there SLEEPERS and who could they be? Hmmm who worked for/with the Russians
5. What about CONGRESS giving up MOST of their money, benefits, raises etc more than EVERYONE ELSE. That would wipe out most of our shortfalls a debt….RIGHT?
6. Why touch Social Security and MEDICARE that covers the Elderly and Disabled too
7. Strait hen up and help the police forces get proper training, the military and Fire Department…pay and training
8. Get URGENT HELP for the Veterans immediately…They give/gave the important parts of their LIVES and many are from various places
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