Such is the distrust that the current administration has engendered in me that I find myself wondering if this man was planted in the audience. "Mr. President," says Karl Rove right before the appearance, "We're going to have someone ask you some aggressive questions, but you're going to respond with an honest, heartfelt reply, as follows." I am mortified that my opinion of my government's motives has sunk so low.

By the way, kudos to the person above who questioned labeling Mr. Taylor as a "liberal" simply because he asked the president about matters of freedom and integrity.

I loved how President Bush, after the joke about not being his favorite guy, barked at Mr. Taylor, "Go ahead what's your question?!"

I truly believe Mr. Taylor has earned his right to appear as a guest on NPR. He was composed, clear, polite and honest, qualities the majority of us find lacking in this president.

While it's nice the conversation took place, it is pretty pathetic that such a simple exchange is so unique and remarkable. Imagine if Mr. Bush had been a uniter and led the nation in civil dialogue from the start of his presidency. Not only would America be a better place to live -- we might have never invaded Iraq.

The hateful deeds of "heartfelt" hands cause much of the worlds suffering. I'd rather the President had more empathy (not to mention transparency) and less heartfelt conviction. The hubris of this administration, and its effect here and abroad, is what's truly shameful.

Well, I would not say it was a heartfelt response, more like the same canned message we hear all the time on the issue of wire tapping. I will say I was surprised that the guy was even in the room since most of the presidents appearances are packed with screened guests. I also agree that at least the president let him speak held the audiences response at bay until the man was finished.

If civility has a scale with a high of 10, and this represents a 7 point jump that would be great. But when you start at minus 5 and move to plus 2, you're still no where near a constructive discourse.

Despite my misgivings about the "liberal bias" of NPR I listen on a regular basis because NPR does attempt to be "fair and balanced" unlike NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN and Fox. The president's response was civil, candid and appropriate. I haven't heard this on any other news source.

I heard it on the air. It takes more than a snappy comeback to make a conversation. But it's the beginning of a conversation. I for one am not hopeful about it continuing. It was announced today that the Attorney General has acknowledged that the NSA is conducting warrantless spying on conversations wholly within the US. Those are the conversations I am concerned about.

I disagree with the use of the term liberal. I would say that Harry Taylor's comments are very middle of the road.

Bush's response is heartfelt(?) but quite disingenuous. There is evidence that it was not done on a limited basis and much disagreement on the legality of warrantless wiretapping. He makes it sound like only calls from al-Qaeda were monitored, as if he knows who is and who is not an al-Qaeda member. Geez, if they know who is in al-Qaeda already, why the hell don’t we just arrest them all. There is so much bull$@#* being thrown around by Bush and his henchmen that we should all be supplied with umbrellas when they speak.

The only people "amazed" that the President responded with a heartfelt answer are those who have bought into the myth that Bush is evil and close-minded.

While I vehemently disagree with this administration's leadership I appreciate the fact that the President allowed Mr. Taylor to exercise his First Amendment right. When I think of a true democracy, I envision exchanges such as this and I hope to see more.

If this is what impresses "liberals" or qualifies as a "real conversation" I'm even more worried about our country's future than I have been. This is not the first time Bush has spoken to a liberal in public and treated him with respect. So what? You can't get elected President if you're as antagonistic as many Republican congressmen have been, and I'm sure if Bush were in the House instead of the White House, he'd be one of them. This is just politics, and I'm really disturbed that many of my fellow Democrats are falling for Bush's latest charm offensive when we should be figuring out how to take back Congress this fall.

Why is someone who questions the motives for war, the lack of leadership from the White House, and the current direction of the country automatically a liberal? To me, it sounds like Mr. Taylor is merely observant. This Administration's failings and flailing should be obvious to all, regardless of political affiliations.

This is exactly how I feel -- and more! In my lifetime I have never been so ashamed of the leadership in Washington, including the exectutive brance and office of the president.

This administration has labeled anyone who disagrees with their policies as a "liberal". I would call this a conversation with one of the 60% of Americans who disagree with the manner in which he governs the country. My question is how did this guy get into the audience in the first place? I guess the "security" was not quite as good as the president thinks!!!

Interesting that he (GWB) didn't refute the man's claim that his phone is wiretapped.... I thought it was only the conversations of domestic to international calls where the subject of al-Qaeda was concerned? Neither did GWB address any of the other issues that Harry Taylor brought up as attacks on freedom. I think that's a reflection on GWB's level of ability to communicate and articulate.

Mr. Taylor is a true patriot. He had the courage and will to somehow find a venue where he could stand up and speak the truth in person to Mr. Bush. I've thought a lot about what I would say if I had the chance, but Mr. Taylor managed to cover the important points, and he did it in a dignified manner.

It is necessary and good that we are able to approach and hold accountable our elected leaders. We are ordinary citizens who are less and less inclined to do so for fear of reprisal and have become, en masse, resigned to a fate of special interest government featuring a shortsighted, greedy and selfish approach to the social ills of our country and our role in the global community. I hope our children, if they survive us, forgive us for what we have done and not done.

I agree with everything the liberal said. Having said that, I must say that I am heartened by the simple fact that the dialogue took place. If we don't find some common ground in our country, I fear for our future. And finding common ground begins with civil, respectful, HONEST dialogue.

The President has a real conversation with a liberal.