Yesterday on television I saw George Bush fielding a comment during a North Carolina public Q&A. This was not a scripted event with only faithful supporters admitted. The man in the audience who attracted the media coverage admitted he didn’t have a question—only a comment. “I feel like despite your rhetoric, that compassion and common sense have been left far behind during your administration,” the man said. “And I would hope from time to time that you have the humility and grace to be ashamed of yourself.” The man had the appearance of a sincerely concerned citizen—not the look or tone of a “demonstrator.” The President told the crowd to let the man talk when they started to boo. The President didn’t belittle his critic and responded to the wiretap part of the comment with his rational for their necessity and legality.

To me the President’s smile sometimes looks like a smirk, but I was pleased he was willing to have what seemed to be a dignified exchange with his critic.

AP report on MSNBC site