While President Bush held a press conference in Iraq, where he is on an unannounced farewell visit today, a journalist threw an unannounced pair of shoes at him. Bush, who has quick reflexes, responded to the incident saying:
"It's a way for people to draw attention. I don't know what the guy's cause is. But one thing is for certain. He caused you to ask me a question about it. I didn't feel the least bit threatened by it. These journalists here were very apologetic. They . . . said this doesn't represent the Iraqi people, but that's what happens in free societies where people try to draw attention to themselves."
In Muslim culture (and probably most others) throwing shoes at someone is considered an insult.
Satellite
Nﾟmph
Shiseido
This was unreal!!!
First, Bush has some great reflexes for any guy, but especially for someone his age. Second, the reporter has a good arm, a heavy loafer is hard to aim - that thing was going straight!
I laughed, I could not help it, but after my rational side kicked in, I realized this was not cool - makes everyone look bad, especially the Iraqi govt/people.
1Bush ducking under it was sick, especially when shoe-hurler had the element of surprise.
2What does Bush think, the guy's with PETA?
3The deaths of at least 100,000 men, women and children upsets some people.
Not "da Shoes", (I'm cleaning up a fun ball)...Pay back!!!
4I would have gotten knocked in the noggin for sure. Kudos on Bush's mad reflexes.
5Zeze, I don't think it's so wrong to laugh. It's pretty funny that the guy was like ten feet away, had two tries, and still couldn't hit Bush. Plus, Bush seemed fairly amused by it. He was smiling as the guy threw the second shoe. I really love this video, Bush handled it like an old pro. But I do think he's in extra-high spirits because he's almost out.
6Sorry, but I laughed hysterically. Even replayed it.
7I loved when the announcer said, "In Arab culture, the sole of the shoe is considered an insult." As opposed to Western culture where it is the highest form of flattery.
8Janneth, I thought that was funny too. I love that Bush had a sense of humor about this, joking that he wishes the shoes had been his size.
9It's a bit scary to think you can throw a shoe at the president (even though I wish I'd thrown him all my shoes, every day, for the past 8 years) -
I mean, what if it was SOMETHING ELSE than a shoe - WTF's up with the secret service? They have less reflexes than Bush?
Also, I don't want to be that guy (in that guy's shoes, hahaha). He's probably spent some nice quality time since then...
10That's not funny! That's right up there with "Sleeping with the FISH!"
11Cannot wait to see what Jon Stewart does with this.
12I've gotta admit, I don't get the funny - one for Karlotta's reason and two for the guy's reason.
13Somebody is going to be in trouble...
14I don't think the secret service could do much here, they check for weapons, not freakin shoes! lmao - I still can't get over it!
I do wonder why no one managed to move before the 2nd air attack was launched.
Mich, I agree, he handled it very well, he even waves off the ss agent and just hangs out afterwards - I would probably hid some where behind the podium until someone told me wth was going on! In defense of the reporter's aim, it was good, but Bush was too fast int he first one and he and Maliki deflected the second. (having thrown enough things at people in my life I know how tricky aerodynamics are when ur not dealing with round objects)
15In trouble=I mean, the Secret Service folks.
16LOL! DAMN! That's FUNNY!! Was it even worth it? I mean the guy is going to get caught and didn't even have the pleasure of actually hitting Bush. Bush does have mad reflexes!!! I think its sad but it really speaks loud and clear about just how angry people are toward Bush!
17Hee!
Definitely the biggest laugh I had today. Mad reflexes, Bush!
18All I could was
then 
19Um... is anyone else frightened by the fact that the reporter who threw the shoes seems to be screaming in terror/pain just before the feed is cut? I can't even imagine what happened to him in the aftermath.
And I really wish the shoe had caught Bush square in the face.
20TAHNK YOUUUUUUUUUU!!!
21(because it was funny)
22Cote- That has got to be the most backwards thing I've read in a while. I don't know what video you're watching, but from where I'm sitting it doesn't sound like screams of terror or pain so much as just shouting and hollering in Arabic. He tried (and failed, humorously, I'll admit) to assault our President. How exactly would you hope that he'd be dealt with? I think tackling him down is MORE than reasonable. I'm sure what happened to him is that he was apprehended and probably put in jail. It's not like he's out being quartered in a square somewhere.
23Of course he handled it fabulous, he has been in the position for 8 years - just think of the threats that have been foiled. It just seems madden when they all came all out at once.
24I needed that.
Props to Bush for dodgin' the shoe.
25"Um... is anyone else frightened by the fact that the reporter who threw the shoes seems to be screaming in terror/pain just before the feed is cut? I can't even imagine what happened to him in the aftermath."
Absolutely not! Of course he's terrified; he just threw a shoe at the president of the United States of America. Obviously he didn't think that one through very well. I hope he did get a little roughed up. Serves him right in my opinion. But the best part has to be the fact that he didn't even hit him. Nice reflexes pres'!
26Well ok then... That was some mad skills Bush used to duck out of way of the shoe!!
27Wow that was sweet! Bush has some mad reflexes, probably could make some kind of joke here but I'm not going to bother. Props to Bush on this one.
28Serious concerns aside, maybe Bush should take up dodgeball!
29Go Bush!
30I read that the reporter was not even jailed, to answer those questions. And I'm glad Bush took it so lightly, but seriously, the guy throws the shoe and ten minutes later security wakes up,,, helloooo?
31I don't like him as a president, but he is one of the best party frat guys we have had in office since that crazy Teddy Rooselvelt. I am half surprised he didn't catch it and throw it back.
32lol, did anyone else notice that the guy actually threw sandals, not shoes - makes sense I guess so he could take them off quicker!
I just saw on some random channel, nearly a thousand attorneys have already called in offering to defend him.
33kia, you made me laugh.
34I still can't help but laugh whenever I see this. At least Bush knows how to duck. Lol
35Oh BTW, the guy wasn't screaming in terror. He said, "consider this a goodbye kiss you dog".
36Personally, I'm a bit jealous...I have a few shoes I'd like to throw. But I must say those are some mad ducking skills for a man of his age. Maybe Bush should have went into sports instead of Politics.
37"I am half surprised he didn't catch it and throw it back."
Oh gosh Kia, could you imagine. I can see Bush now, "You want a piece of me!" Then he throws the shoe back.
38I bet Bush is counting down the days. I would be...
I hope that guy got into serious trouble. There needs to be a zero tolerance policy on assualts on leaders.
39What an embarassment.
40wow...I wonder if Obama is going to make everyone take off their shoes before any conference..
41hausfrau... you're making me craze the cupcakes in your icon. Is that red velvet cupcake? My friend's mom makes this awesome blue velvet cake and should me marketed. It's that good.
42Oh, I know, if this happened to Obama, people would be outraged!
43That's actually being nice. It's the least of what he deserves.
44Myst, what is blue velvet cake??
45OMG, I just found a Paula Deen recipe for blue velvet cake. Of course coconut, butter, marshmallows, butter, peee-cans, cream cheese, buttermilk, and more butter, y'all.
46lol and don't forgot the blue food coloring.
It's basically just like red velvet cake, instead you use blue food coloring janneth. It's really good
47If anything, Bush has mad reflexes.
48i find this absolutely hilarious
49Kia! lol, you are so right, this is one of the first things Bush has done that impressed me!
krae- Obama hasn't been responsible for the level of destruction and deaths that Bush has. If Obama ever pulls what Bush did, I will be the first to throw a shoe at him. And also it kind of rebuts that whole "welcomed as liberators" nonsense. Iraqis also threw their shoes at the statue of Saddam...sad.
Anyway, Liberty is right, Bush would be my first pick for a dodgeball team!
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