Harry Reid Responds to Bush

Harry Reid responded to President Bush's invite to a White House sit down.

Transcript from Crooks & Liars

The president is inviting us down to the White House withpreconditions," Reid said. "Things are not OK in Iraq.  As thePope said on Easter Sunday, a slaughter is taking place in Iraq.  The Popefurther said nothing good is coming from Iraq. The president must realize that. He has to deal with Congress. We are an independent branch of this government,and by our Constitution we have equal say that he has.  And he's got tolisten to us.  Because we are speaking for the American people; heisn't." (Transcript below the fold)

Reid: "He wants to go down there and say, 'I want a clean bill.' That's not negotiating. I mean, I am — prided myself on being a pretty goodlawyer, trial lawyer.  I've settled lots and lots of cases.  But younever settle a case going in saying, 'You can come and meet with me, but here'swhat the result's going to be before we meet.'  That doesn't work. And thepresident has to realize it doesn't work in the practice of law, it doesn't workin the business world and it doesn't work in government."

Bush probably wants to brow beat, tongue lash and remind them he's the decider.