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 5
If Mr. Bush were handling Iraq correctly he would not need to defend his actions in a prime time press conference. All he really said was that he knew nothing, and does not know what he is doing.
kevin, south boston, ma
This speech just confirms as I have felt for some time that our President is completely out of his depth as the leader of our country. It is almost beyond belief and it's easy to understand why he and his handlers do not like to be exposed like they were exposed last night. He is, as the term goes, a fortunate son who has been placed into this position,regardless of his low qualifications, as a proxy to the actual powers that are now running our nation. I'm angered by the whole sad affair, especially knowing there are young men and women that believe in him and are now risking and even sacrificing their lives in Iraq for a reason that is still yet to be defined by this President.
Lynn, Columbus, Ohio
I am not a Bush supporter. I believe that he used 9/11 as an excuse to invade Iraq, take away personal freedoms from U.S. citizens, and do as he pleases with the American military. He has strained our relationship with old allies. He's a train-wreck of a president. That said, I did feel somewhat sorry for him Tuesday night. Watching his press conference was like watching a bad high school book report. It became clear that he does not know what he is talking about. I'm fairly certain that I heard him call Donald Rumsfeld the Secretary of State. He doesn't know what he's doing or saying, poor man. We should call Dick Cheney to task for the invasion of Iraq. Clearly, he's the man in charge. Let's give poor Georgie a desk job, and ask Cheney to answer all of the difficult questions that were so confusing to Bush.
Kristen, Boston, MA
Bush does not owe anyone an apology with respect to the government's course of action (or inaction) leading up to the 9/11 terror attacks. His administration had been in office for 8 months. The now infamous (and thoroughly overblown) "memo" that, if you would believe silly LIberals, supposedly indictaed that an Al Quaida attack inside the U.S. was imminent changes nothing. This memo was nothing more than another iteration of what everyone already knew - that Osama Bin Laden hated the U.S. and was itching to attack it inside its borders. Surprise! Furthermore, it was not based on any specific intelligence. The whole idea of laying blame for 9-11 on any administration is ridiculous and counterproductive. If laying blame is your thing, then at least as much emphasis needs to be placed upon the Clinton administration, which, of course, had been in power for the 8 years preceding Bush's administration, and which had long since relegated fighting Terrorism to a matter of law enforcement. What we're seeing now is an all-out blitz by the Liberal Media to try and get Kerry elected. The overblown focus on the useless 9-11 Commission hearings, as well as the daily emphasis on the uprising in isolated, fundamenatlist sectors of Iraq are but two examples of this campaign. These are the same leftists who argue that Bush has somehow "lost" 2 million jobs since taking office with a straight face - and without acknowledging that 9/11 was the final devastating blow to an already floundering economy (made floundering in large part by the economic policies of the Clinton administration). It's truly unbelievable, and as a faithful hater of Kerry I am sickened at times to live among so many supporters of this Adams Family cast-off. If you think we lack leadership now, go ahead and keeping pushing for Kerry's election. If that tragedy in fact is realized, just you wait for what's in store for this country. You may as well start brushing up on your Arabic now - if Kerry is elected, we'll all be speaking it by 2006.
Jon, Medford
Exceptional. Bush spoke from the heart. He does what many fear to do these days…and that is tell it like it is. I know, many people have trouble with this concept. They would rather listen to Clinton spin. This President believes that he is doing what is necessary to keep America safe and I support him 100%. Its funny, the guy can’t win … we blame him for taking action. If he doesn’t take action, and we get hit, we blame him for not taking action. We all need to grow up and realize that these cavemen want to kill us. Get real. Wake up.
Stevie, Quincy
America really does have a massive drug problem if they watched last night and said, "yes this is the great leader of the free world." I am not very political, but that guy is a mumbling, stumbling idiot! He couldn't answer one question clearly and succinctly. I'm just trying to figure out how a man so incapable of speaking with intelligence landed that job in the first place. No wonder the country is in the shape it is in. I'd have more confidence in Dan Quale.
joe, boston
I can't believe that some news commentators (at least on WBZ) are referring to this as a "strong showing" and "his strongest press conference yet." Was I watching the same telecast? The man practically burst a vein in his forehead with his attempts to NOT GIVE A DIRECT ANSWER TO A SINGLE QUESTION. Are people hesitant to criticize him because they feel like it's picking on the stupid kid in class? This man is in charge of the most powerful country in the world!!! The time for giving him the benefit of the doubt has long past. If viewers weren't appalled by last night's performance then this country as we know it isn't long for this world.
Eric, Arlington
I'd be very interested to hear what criteria Ed is using to arrive at the opinion that Bush is doing a fine job. The economy (3 million jobs lost)? Foreign policy (lied to get us into an unnecessary war while the 9/11 terrorists are still out there)? Domestic policy (social programs dominated by right wing religious fanatics)? The environment (where should I start?) This administration has been a complete disaster since day one.
Manuel, Whitinsville
When difficult questions were asked, Bush brought up "the troops" -- he might as well have had a baby and a puppy on the podium with him.
Brian, Braintree, MA
To me, a leader is someone who has the capacity to question the recommendations of his advisers. Bush so much as admitted in his speech last night (between all of the "um's", "uh's" and confused stares - all of the things you learn in 8th grade not to do when addressing the public) that whatever his military leaders want, they'll get. Oh really? I can't believe that almost 50% of our country does not expect a higher standard for our commander in chief. BTW - I am 100% behind our troops - I can't say the same about the administration that put them in Iraq.
Matt, Arlington
