Bush defends effort against terror before nation
In a rare news conference last night, President Bush sought to reassure Americans about the volatile mission in Iraq and the war on terror. What were your reactions to the press conference?
in today's globe: Bush vows he'll stick to Iraq plan
Complete transcript of press conference
Page 12
President Bush was defensive, evasive, uninformed, and offered nothing beyond the same spin we've heard since the beginning of the Iraq war. His response to the question to whom will we turn over the keys to Iraq on June 30th directly contradicted Kofi Annan's statement that the UN will not become involved in Iraq until stability is restored. Perhaps most disturbing was what was missing from the President's press conference: any mention of the role of a Middle East peace settlement between Israel and Palestine in restoring peace in the region.
Linda, Cambridge, MA
I thought the press conference was a disgrace. I don't know how else to put it. It's not as if he was giving a press conference to the the Sisters of Mercy. This was televised world wide at a sensative time in our history, and that's what the President presented to the World!!! Not only should the President get the blame for such an ill conceived press conference, but his advisors and cabinet for not making sure the leader of the free world was prepared to give an address. I don't know of any excuse that could lessen the blow of this terrible press conference. I hope the President does something to counteract the bad response to his press conference, because it cannot stand alone as a voice to the world that we are a confident nation who will protect our borders and protect the freedom loving people of the world. I believe the effect was one of uncertaintly and secrecy and Bush did nothing to dispell any of these myths. Just the look on Condi's face said it all.
Peter, Quincy
I'm fine if the President isn't a poet when answering questions. What's scary is that his answers have no content - it shows a great lack of vision and thought. 2 Characteristics I would consider important for our "Leader". He clearly has trouble thinking for himself, and he clearly can not justify any of his actions. I can only hope he is a 1 term President. Fighting the war - Insanity is repeating the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. We need a new way of thinking about this war. Economy - He will be the first President since Hoover to have less jobs at the end of his term than when he started it.... that's hard to do.
Tim, Boston
Tonight, the President highlighted that he was in fact, a child left behind. More horrible rhetoric and no action. Its time to get serious. The intel community has failed and most from both parties agree at least on that issue. So why hasn't this great leader gotten more personally engaged? It's a testament to how serious he is about terror. We lied about intel to go to war, we lied about the kind of reception we'd recieve, we lied about WMD---all the while we have scaled back our efforts to kill Osama? Giving illegal aliens jobs, giving illegal aliens licenses, no border security, considering Pakistan (a known WMD pusher) is our ally....NONE of this is consistent with good leadership.
Bill, New Bedford
It is shocking to witness the real, unscripted Bush. Last night I saw a man performing no better than an unprepared high school student bumbling through a class presentation: uninformed, ineloquent, uncomfortable, evasive, stuttering, repetitive, refusing to accept responsibility, and frankly embarrassing. Yet inexplicably, half this country will claim to be reassured by what it perceives as his confidence and resolve. Enough of this "common touch" BS; we need an articulate president who can adequately defend his policies. Can you imagine Kerry coming across as such a dullard? I can't wait for the debates!
Mike, Boston
Boy, from the sound of the comments I've read so far, I'm glad I watched the Bruins game instead. Sounds as if ol' GW wasted everyones time by not anwering any questions clearly. But what would you expect in an election year, straight honest talk about the issues and concerns of America? Huh!
Dan, Boston
He should be impeached for lying to the American people and putting our soldiers in harms way; all to avenge his father's failure. He has been the worst president in the history of the United States.
Jim, Plymouth
Wayne from Plainville. Great Observation. Did you see the look on Condi Rice and Andrew Carr after that little mishap? Oh well, that's what happens when an individual like W is elected. I really feel that the whole Iraq war was to get Suddam for his W.'s daddy. I also would have liked to hear what we are currently doing on the war against OBL and his tyrrants. I also wanted to hear the questions answered, instead of beating around the bush. November as many have said, can't come fast enough.
Kate, Cambridge
Those who think that Iraq's culture can be changed in 60 days or even a year, wake up!!! That's an ideology and utopy! Bush doesn't know what he is talking about what mess he guided US nation into. It will take years, decades to make some change toward that direction.. Can someone invade US and change US democracy, US culture in 60 days?? Before you say it was right to go to Iraq, you go first and try to understand what they think, and how they think and how you can convince people think differently. Let me ask you at what expense are you willing to continue war in Iraq? Lives, tax payers money, international relations... It's like Bush didn't collect enough money from taxes and went to war on a credit card. Who is going to take that burden? You and your children!!!
kara, swampscott
I thought the President gave a very informative speech and answered the questions just fine. What is with some of these posts? Some of you are so Left Wing it's scary. Did any of you think that the War with Iraq would be easy? Do you not comprehend the importance of the mission? With a free and democratic Iraq, the US will show the world that it is indeed a friend of the Muslim world and that it's word is good. If we left now, Iraq would be in total chaos and is that really the right thing to do? Of course American soldiers and those of other nations in the Coalition will be killed and that is indeed tragic, but do any of your kerry supporters actually believe that if we engage in war, lives will not be lost? It is a good thing many of you did not have a chance to serve in WWII because Europe would be speaking German. Sacrifices are a part of war. We are at war. Do you liberal pacifists honestly believe that the US should always be defensive and not offensive from now on? Do you honestly believe that the terrorists will not try to MURDER innocent US citizens? Wake up!! Also, to those who continually harp about the lack of WMD's, even your beloved President Clinton believed that Iraq had them. You cannot blame Pres. Bush for believing the intelligence reports that the CIA, FBI, NSA, NSC, sec of state and defense gave him now can you? Do you all forget what happened on 9/11/01? Do you honestly think that john kerry, who has done zilch since being a lifelong senator, can get things done as president? Name 5 things he has actually done in all the years he's been in the senate besides flip flop on every serious issue. At least now we have a President that is true to his word and believes that it is his job, not the UN's, to protect American interests and security. Lastly, to those Kerry (supporters) who want to blame Pres. Bush for the economy. I guess it is his fault that the WTC was attacked and collapsed. I guess it is his fault that as a result of 9/11, the US has had to spend more on security at airports and other vital,strategic buildings. I guess it is his fault that the Travel industry lost billions due to the aftershocks of 9/11 and all those employees who lost their jobs should be angry at him and not the terrorists. I guess it's Bush's fault for the crooked Enron execs? Give me a break. You are shameless!
rich, hyannis
