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
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I thought the President made a strong case to complete our mission in Iraq. I believe it is hypocritical for people to criticize the administration's decision to attack Iraq and then criticize the failure to attack Afghanistan prior to 9/11. In my opinion once Afghanistan was destroyed as a safe haven for the terrorists they would have searched for another country with equal hatred for the U.S.. The obvious choice would be Iraq, therefore it would be negligent to not act against a government that had actively sought to kill a President and had weapons that could be used to inflict a large number of casualties in the U.S.. Finally, I am disturbed by Kennedy and Kerry trying to paint the Iraq war as another Vietnam. I think it is wrong factually and ,since all our media coverage travels around the world, those comments only work to strengthen the resolve of our enemies and destroys the morale of our soldiers.
Fred, Lynn
This guy is really dangerous, the sooner we get him out of Washington the better.
Bruce, Falmouth
Confirmed my growing sense that under George Bush, we are less safe than ever, and surely we have more enemies than ever. The real skill in this administration belongs to coaches and speechwriters. On his own, more or less, in the Q&A period, he showed more of himself. It was not encouraging.
Carleton , Philadelphia
Watching Bush speak last night had to be one of the most frustrating and embarassing things I have ever experienced. I couldn't believe how he sidestepped each and every question only to return to his soundbites and catch phrases, including words such as "terror" or "danger", "freedom" or "resolve". It is shameful that he did not apologize to the relatives of the September 11th victims when directly asked if he would do so. It was also amazing to see exactly how stupid this man really is. He stumbled and mis-pronounced himself on a constant basis and had a look on his face like that of a cornered animal. I hope the American people will realize that this is NOT a man we want leading our nation for the next four years. Wake up America, and vote this idiot out of the Whitehouse.
Dylan, Cambridge
I thought that Bush spoke with conviction. I may not agree with the content of his speech but I have to say that it was a clear and decisive message. I think that hindsight is a beautiful enemy - it teaches you to be defensive for the next attack. I think that is what Bush is trying to do - but his methods are still questionable.
gigi, boston
I think that the President's speech was a good one. He is certainly correct that we need to hand over power on 6/30 and there should be no question or waffle about it. This obsession with an apology for what happened is silly and just poloarizes people so it is difficult to see reason. 9/11 was horrific but to ask one person to apologize is outrageous, there were failings on all sides, the FBI, the CIA, the Clinton Administration and to some extent (I only say to some extent because the length in office it was far less than what the Clinton Admin had) the Bush Administration. It is very easy to blame in hindsight and point to the buget cuts and the this distraction and that distraction, but if you can check your emotions at the door then you will see this was simply the worst culmination of a lot of little things. Each individual entity (person or organization) did what they could with the information they had. We have been so trained to look for the emotional outlet and to 'feel another's pain' that as a society we have lost the ability to look at the big picture. Emotions are great and caring for other is wonderful but there are times where you have to put that aside and look at something without emotions to make a clear and proper decision. That is what President Bush is doing, and the media and the rest of the country should be glad that he is keeping his focus and not going off willy nilly because of emotion.
Wendy, Waltham
In a previous editorial, the Boston Globe was right to call Bush's administration reactive. In his third (!) press conference, Mr. Bush vainly tried to connect the dots of Iraq and terror, despite the fact that his reasons for initating the war have never been substantiated. While many are upset that the 9/11 hearings have dissolved into a partisan tug-of-war, the Bush administration has shown its arrogance by fighting the process since its inception. To use a corporate model, a CEO must answer to the shareholders for the actions of his/her subordinates. Mr. Bush's team clearly want the rules changed to suit their failures and offer only blame as a rationale.
Peter , Somerville
who lets this guy speak in public? can't his aides prep him a little better? it's obvious that things continue to deteriorate in Iraq and that there is no long term plan on how to stabilize the country. Or if there is, GW certainly isn't able to articulate it. Who is he trying to kid with all the one-liners and rhetoric? ..... I guess the same people who elected him the first time and unfortunately will probably do it again......
Mike, quincy
Seems like he was beating around the bush! As usual! It was lame and a waste of quality TV time!
Jose, Boston
I'm totally astonished by two things President Bush seems to be unable to do: He couldn't think of a mistake he'd made as President and wouldn't, given several opportunities, express any responsibility for 9/11. President Bush keeps talking about wanting to cultivate a culture in this country of people taking responsibility for their actions --- instead of blaming others. But why can't he admit at least some responsibility for 9/11? Or was it all just Clinton's fault?
Paul, Brookline
