Columnist Jon Ralston: Inside the president’s meeting

Friday, Feb. 8, 2002 | 5:01 a.m.

Karl Rove, presidential counselor: They're from Nevada. The governor -- his name's Kenny Guinn. And the two senators -- Harry Reid, he's the majority whip, but he will play ball with us on some issues. And John Ensign -- Harry says they do everything together, so much so that one press jerk in the state calls them Harry Ensign and CatDog. Just remember, we put Spence (Abraham) out on this because we want this done soon. So make it seem like you are listening to them without having made up your mind.

GWB: CatDog! That's good. OK, bring them in, Karl.

(Nevada threesome enters. Pleasantries exchanged.)

GWB: As Frasier Crane says, gentlemen, I'm listening. Gov. Guinn -- do you mind if I call you Kenny-Boy? I used to call someone else that but he's not a friend of ours anymore after that Enron thing. Whoops, Karl gets mad when I even say the name. Anyhow, Kenny-Boy, what do you have for me?

Kenny Guinn: Mr. President, the landscape has changed in only the last few months. There is a lot of science out there that isn't sound. And you said you'd make this decision based on sound science.

GWB: Did I say that? Karl, did I say that?

KR: Yes, sir. We gave them that statement last election when Gore was getting some traction. Remember, I told you about it.

GWB: Oh, yes. Of course. Go on, Kenny-Boy.

KG: Mr. President, there is a GAO report, the Nuclear Waste Technical Board says the science is weak to moderate and you guys haven't even done an Environmental Impact Statement.

GWB: We didn't do an EIS? Someone get me a pen and paper -- I need to write this down to ask Spence later. That's ridiculous. We didn't even do that for my Texas friends who wanted to bring low-level waste into my state. I'm listening, governor.

KG: All I'm asking is you take a look at this, Mr. President. All of this helps our legal case. And you know I will veto your decision if you decide to recommend Yucca Mountain, and we will tie this up in court.

GWB: I understand, governor. Harry and John?

Harry Reid: Mr. President, the governor has laid out the science very well. I want to talk politics, that's the kind of guy I am. Mr. President, you have to understand what will happen in the state to the Republican Party if you do this. This will kill your chances in two congressional seats. They will lose on this issue alone. If you don't believe me, ask John what I did to him with this issue when we ran in '98.

John Ensign: He's right, Mr. President. Harry killed me with that issue. Just killed me. And they'll do it to Lynette (Boggs McDonald) and Jon (Porter), too. The House is so close, Mr. President. Can't you at least delay this for awhile so the clock can't run out before the election?

GWB: I must say, Harry, I'm touched by your concern for the Republican Party in Nevada. Listen, John, I'd love to kill that Shelley Berkley, too, with all the nasty stuff she's said about me. And I know Lynette is a quality candidate. And the other guy -- what's his name? -- he probably will win no matter what we do because Karl tells me he's running against some teenager or something. So let's take the politics out of it? Listen fellas, I said I'd base this decision on -- what was that again, Karl?

KR: Sound science, sir.

GWB: That's right, sound science. And I will. And I have to check into this EIS thing. Get right on it. But I do have a country to run, gentlemen.

KG: Thanks for listening, Mr. President.

GWB: You're welcome, Kenny-Boy. Hope to get to Vegas soon. They wouldn't let me near there during the campaign.

HR: Thanks for your time, Mr. President. Oh, and just so you know, I'll be taking some shots at you later today on the stimulus bill. Nothing personal, sir. Just part of the game.

GWB: Don't I know it, Harry. It's all a game.

JE: Thank you, Mr. President. Harry and I appreciate it.

GWB: My pleasure, John. Keep up the good work.

(Governor and senators depart.)

GWB: So how'd I do, Karl? You think they bought it?

KR: Perfect, Mr. President. They're probably out there right now telling the press jackals that you were open-minded.

GWB: So what do we do next?

KR: We'll announce the decision next week. Maybe wait a few more days so Kenny-Boy and CatDog can save some face. Maybe throw them a bone with some transportation mitigation money. But it's time to get rid of this. Just in case we need Nevada in 2004, we want this gone.

GWB: I'm with you, Karl. Now let's get back to something important ...

(Tape ends)