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 3
How embarrasing. The man cannot put together a sentence.
Katie, Boston
I think he's right. We should not abandon Iraq. It will let the world know that when we say we will do something we will follow through. It is a good thing we are there. It will be good for us in the long run. If we leave then terrorists will terrorize that country and take over control. It will be another terrorist haven just like it was under Saddam Hussein. If Kerry is voted into office it will give the terrorists a victory and it will embolden them to continue terrorizing people to get what they want. The media in this country has been disgraceful. So hasn't the democratic leadership. We should be standing behind our president and showing the world that we mean business. I have no problem with asking tough questions and being critical but most of these people just lie completely. If you look at the whole situation logically then there is no way you can vote for Kerry. George Bush is a fine president and we should let him finish his work.
Ed, Boston
The President was truly pathetic last night, and displayed his own dismal uncertainty and weak leadership abilities in the quagmire that he has placed the lives of our troops and the American people in. The White House is clearly controlled by a group of war mongering thugs of the likes ot Dick Cheney, Condi Rice, and Don Rumsfeld - all of whom are truly contemptable human beings as is their President.
Phillip , Fitchburg
I thought President Bush did great. His best yet. He answered all questions very well, and treated the media with great respect (more than they do for him). He did a fantastic job - I think he deserves an A++.
pat, cohasset, ma02025
Let's face it, President Bush is not the best public speaker. However, the content of the message was dead on....The United States is pushing for a new world order. The world order is one that values democracy and justice and freedom. The Middle East has been a social and political wasteland created by hundreds of years of tyrranical rule. The momentum created during this long period can be stopped in two ways; overthrow dictators bent on repressing others and foster a germ of hope withinthe populus. We have accomplished one and are striving every day to fost the second. This takes time. Time is something the press and the liberals are not willing to give a Republican president. The media is not showing the thousands of Iraqis going to work every day and interviewing the families of those who were wrongly imprisoned for Saddam's politics. The press is not putting the little girls and young women who are able only now to attend schools and have a voice in the marketplace. This is the real Iraq. People, creating a free Iraq opens up the possibilities for future presidents to work cooperatively within the Middle East. This is not a plan for George Bush, or even the Iraqi people today. This war is being waged now so that future generations can be assured of peace.
David, Watertown
I thought he did a bad job... wish we had another candidate other than Flip Flop Kerry to vote for. I don't trust Kerry and have no idea what he stands for. I ask myself which one would the terriorst want to be president. For this reason I'll probably still vote Bush for Kerry is well.... Kerry.
mike
Same old boring platitudes, buzzwords and catchphrases. Afterwords, canned replies and non-answers.
Harvey, Allston
Shelly from Taunton's response was brilliant. My thoughts exactly: November can't come quickly enough. We've got the rest of the spring, summer, and fall to wait.
Rich, Jamaica Plain
I would like to start by saying I am tired of the media trying to crucify this president. I am also tired of the blame game being tossed around by our Liberal Media and the democrats if any one is to blame it is Bin Ladden. We are not doing or country any favor by trying to divide it into two camps ... these terrorists aren't going away in fact I am quite sure the are enjoying this circus. It only HELPS them !!!!! So wake up people George W. Bush did not start this war and I don't see him blaming the previous administration which certainly deserves some. Do you REALLY think if he knew what was coming on 9/11 he would have ignored it and just let it happen. Did we try to blame the current administration when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor? No we united !!!!!!!!
NB, South Easton
I thought Bush did well. He is not a great speaker, however he means what he says. The fact is the Middle East is a mess and the U.S. is the only nation that can fix it. Terrorist are breeding there. Iraq is step 1.
Dan, Burlington
