WUSA9 May 25, 2007
White House Responds to Poop Attack
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Despite a televised attack on President Bush during a Rose Garden press conference on Thursday, the White House Friday conformed to existing Bush Administration policy, and did not discuss any military operations it is considering in response.
Mr. Bush was answering questions about terrorism when a passing bird relieved itself on Mr. Bush's left arm. The biological attack did not deter Mr. Bush, who brushed aside the bird dropping and continued with the question and answer session. In response to media inquiries, the White House released a response from Deputy Press Secretary Dana Perino, who said, "It was his lucky day...everyone knows that's a sign of good luck."
Mr. Bush did not order retaliation against a turkey he pardoned in White House ceremonies in 2005. The unruly bird disrupted the Thanksgiving tradition, but the president apparently decided retribution was not called for.
Other chief executives have been more forceful in dealing with offending wildlife. In what became known as "Attack of the Killer Rabbit," President Jimmy Carter reportedly struck a swamp rabbit with a boat oar.
President Eisenhower, unhappy at the damage done by White House squirrels, once told an aide, "The next time you see one of those squirrels go near my putting green, take a gun and shoot it."
Military weapons expert John Pike tells 9NEWS NOW that a military response to the offending bird might be difficult. "This is one of those cases where there are simply no good military options," he said.
Tourists standing outside White House gates on Friday recommended shooting the bird, but Pike argues military politics could make sniping difficult.
"If you're trying to get an army sniper in there, well then the Air Force and the Navy are going to say whatever happened to jointness? They're not going to give this mission to the army alone," he said.
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