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 listened with an open mind, wanting to hear a plan for Iraq and the war on terror that would stop the bloodshed and turn Iraq over to Iraqis. I was surprised that Bush stonewalled and seemed incapable of responding to even simple questions (for example why he and Cheney were appearing together in front of the 9/11 commission). I am nervous for us that he literally seems to be in over his head. He relies on cliches and route phrases, saying them over and over. He also is not being forthright, he is parsing words (saying if he knew they were going to fly into buildings with airplanes he would have done everything in his power to stop them) -- well duh! His job was to command the FBI, the CIA and all those in government to follow up on leads and intelligence -- not to wait for OBL to send him a specific plan. There is a story in today's Washington Post that reveals that Bush received many briefings even before August 6 which talked about OBL's intent to attack America or Americans. I also am shocked that he does not know to whom power in Iraq will be turned over to on June 30. He does not seem to care about our people - he said well maybe to the families of troops -- a year may seem like a long time, but that is not very long. I listen to John Kerry, he seems to understand what combat is like - his experience in Vietnam makes him see that combat is not a game - it is heartbreaking for families and loved ones, and tough work for the armed forces. I didn't need to live through Vietnam to appreciate Kerry's service there. I was surprised to hear Bush finally saying what Kerry has said all along -- that we need the UN and we need NATO in Iraq. Sounds like Bush realizes that Kerry has been right!
Kathy, Quincy
I thought President Bush did a good job of taking some questions as launching pads to explain his position in a new way, sometimes rather more creatively than I would have expected. I'm not sure how truthful it was for him to say that when he says something he means it. Isn't there a notable list of pronouncements that he has made, but has not followed through with, such as the "Marshal Plan for Afghanistan," not to mention some domestic pledges? I would have loved to have had someone ask about that, in some detail. Although he was willing to say that he probably had made some mistakes while not quite knowing what they were, his lack of awareness of any fault whatsoever that he could name is rather revealing. It's fine to be decisive when taking action, but not to be aware of mistakes to learn from as a result leads me to wonder how decisively he could lead the nation into a tragically wrong direction without even attempting to change course as a corrective. I also flat out disagree with his pronouncements on the universal desire for freedom and our need to bring it to others. Even in this great nation, as much as we might like, we are not as free as we might think ourselves to be. While I agree that all human beings deserve to be free from tyranny, and I live for the justice that would grant that very freedom, it is not in the nature of all human societies to manifest freedom in the same way. All people live according to beliefs that limit their freedom. While it might be helpful for them to see the limitations of these beliefs, we have no business forcing them to believe otherwise. Therefore, we can never expect to force them to be any more free than their beliefs will allow, especially given the "prisons that we choose to live inside" (Doris Lessing) ourselves.
Daniel, Shrewsbury
Bush practically said that we're on a mission from God... Maybe he's gotten inspiration from watching the Blues Brothers.
P., Methuen MA
You're fired!!
Mark, boston
The man was tripping all over his toungue! It was embarrassing at times to listen to him! His answers to tough guestions about failing to heed warnings about an imminent attack by Al Qaeda were nothing more than regurgitated sound bites. He proved last night beyond a shadow of a doubt that this bush needs to be re-planted back in Texas. Who could possibly want 4 more years of this nonsense?
John, Quincy
He dodged most of the questions reporters asked him. He also seemed a bit flustered. I understand now why he doesn't hold many press conferences. it does not bring out the best in him, that's for sure.
Tom, Attleboro
I cannot believe that people in this country are wavering so bad. Stand behind your president, support him and his beliefs. I completely believe that he is right - we cannot pull out of Iraq now. First, if we did, think about how many terrorists and radicals would fully believe that the US is weak and talks a great talk but cannot follow through. He was right in saying that the US has to show that when we say something we mean it. As for the war over there, the UN Security council gave Hussein and ultimatum which he ignored. Something had to be done to show that when the UN speaks, they mean what they say. It is sad how quickly everyone in the country is willing to put down the US efforts over there. You talk about the president not leading "the right way" but what do you think our troops who are over there putting their lives on the line think about the reaction this country is giving. If nothing else, YOU MUST SUPPORT YOUR TROOPS! Listen to some of these soliders when they come home, they see an improvement over there and believe in what they are doing - why doesn't everyone else in this country believe! Iraq is definitely better off without a dictator ruling that country. Bush was assertive that June 30th is the day for power to be given back to the people and allow them to run their country in a diplomatic way. I think everyone should back off and let things happen as they will. As a last thought, being from MA, I cannot believe anyone would want JOHN KERRY as president. The country would definitely be worse off than it is now. He has no clue about anything - if he should (god forbid) become president, well you might as well let Kennedy just run the country because that is who will really be in charge! I was very proud of our president and his speech - he is completely right in staying the course and being so adamant about it! History is being made and the world will be a better place after all is done in Iraq.
Donna, Whitman
As usual, no clear plan or strategy for getting US troops out of Iraq was mentioned. We're handing over power on June 30? To who? Bush won't say. Just a lot of flag waving nonsense about the soldiers over there and how grateful and happy the Iraqis are, yeah right. Not from the footage I've seen. Weren't they supposed to greet us with flowers and US flags? W and the rest of the war mongers got this wrong from the beginning and refuse to accept any responsibility for the disaster is has become. Wasn't it nearly a year ago that Bush did the photo op announcing the end of combat in Iraq? What a joke.
Tom, Newton
Why does everyone look to blame someone for 9/11??? How about blaming Osama bin Laden - he is the one responsible for it!! There was no way anyone could have known they were going to fly planes into buildings. Doesn't anyone remember how it was after the 9/11 attack? The country came together as one and I cannot believe that in 3 short years everyone has forgotten about it! Get over it - move on - and stop looking to blame anyone!
Dee, Boston
The nation isn't used to a leader who has the courage to stand for what is right, and fight the force of evil. This president is a leader committed to defending our country. The nation can no longer risk being led by flip-flopping, poll-watching, passive appeasers. GO PRESIDENT BUSH!
Jeff, Boston
