The complete text of the joint press conference between Presidents Bush and Putin in Slovenia on June 16, 2001. wherein President Bush made the 'looked into his soul' comment...note that what he actually said was:

"BUSH: I will answer the question. I looked the man in the eye, (Putin). I found him to be very straightforward and trustworthy. We had a very good dialogue. I was able to get a sense of his soul, a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country. And I appreciated so very much the frank dialogue. There was no kind of diplomatic chit chat, trying to throw each other off balance. There was a straightforward dialogue, and that's the beginning of a very constructive relationship. I wouldn't have invited him to my ranch if I didn't trust him.
(LAUGHTER)

"This was a very good meeting, and I look forward to my next meeting with President Putin in July. I very much enjoyed our time together. He's an honest, straightforward man who loves his country. He loves his family. We share a lot of values. I view him as a remarkable leader. I believe his leadership will serve Russia well. Russia and America have the opportunity to accomplish much together. We should seize it, and today we have begun."

Notes:
Pres. Bush says: "I was able to get a sense of his soul", not as currently reported: "I sensed his soul", or "I looked into his soul". There is also no direct quote in the transcript where Pres. Bush said Putin was a "good man": Perhaps most striking is Pres. Bush's comment: "We share a lot of values." "He (Putin) is an honest, straightforward man...". It might have something to do with their close involvement in the Intelligence communities of their respective countries, as both leaders had considerable exposure to that World, with Putin in the KGB, and Bush as the son of the CIA Director.
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