To: Tom Clarke who wrote (10449 ) 6/20/2001 10:24:26 AM From: Father Terrence Respond to of 59480 TRANSCRIPT OF GEORGE W. BUSH'S MEETING WITH AL GORE Finally released transcript of the private meeting... AL: "Have a seat, George." (In a derisive tone): "Or should I call you 'president-elect'? GEORGE: (smiling) "Well, Al, as someone once said, "you don't have to get snippy about this!" AL: "I can't help it George, I feel snippy. You want a Heineken?" GEORGE: "No, I don't drink anymore, remember?" AL: "Oh yeah yeah...(under his breath) "yeah, right". GEORGE: "What was that?" AL: "Oh nothing, nothing at all." (Takes another swig of beer). "It's been a hell of a month, George." GEORGE: "You're telling me." AL: "I'm really depressed." GEORGE: "You've got to try to pull yourself out of this, Al." AL: "Hey, I've been trying. I've been hitting some night spots, partying with rock stars. I just feel kind of lost. What have you been up to?" GEORGE: "I'm very busy with the transition, Al. Trying to sort out picks for my cabinet, you know." AL: "No, I don't know. That was supposed to be MY transition. (Al guzzles more beer.) GEORGE: "You really should lay off that stuff, Al." AL: "Easy for you to say, pal. You've got a FUTURE! As a matter of fact, you've got MY FUTURE!" GEORGE: "Look, Al. Get over it. You lost. Can't you let go of it? The nation is divided, but I'd like to try to heal its wounds." AL: "Heal this wound, buddy boy! (Here Al grabs his crotch with his hand.) "You and your damn attorneys STOLE this election from me!" GEORGE: (under his breath): "Christ, what a major league a-hole." AL: "This isn't over, buddy! I've got my media friends recounting those votes now...and they'll PROVE that I won!" GEORGE: "Al, I really don't have time for this. I've got to get going..." AL: "The truth hurts, doesn't it pal?" George rises and leaves the room, shaking his head. Al cradles his Heineken, and ponders his next move: AL: (thinking) "I bet they're still here. I bet republican operatives are watching me right now. Look! (noticing a fly that has landed on his beer bottle) "Look at that fly. I'm not even going to swat it. They'll see that. And then they'll know...they'll know that I was the compassionate candidate."