Speaking with reporters in the White House Rose Garden, Bush declined to say what questions the commission members specifically asked. But he did say the session was cordial.
“I’m glad I did it. I’m glad I took the time … I enjoyed it,” he said. “I answered every question.” The 10 commissioners gathered around Bush and Cheney, who were seated on chairs near the fireplace in the Oval Office for the unprecedented closed-door meeting that was off-limits to all but White House counsel Alberto Gonzales and two members of his staff. Critics have suggested the two men met together to make certain there were no discrepancies in their statements. One commissioner, Jim Thompson, said the questions included everything “across the board” that had been in public hearings.
