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 7
Here is the one thing that stood out most about the speech to me. When describing his first thoughts about the attack of the world trade center, Bush said "I was angry with Al Quaeda." Then quickly rethought what he had just said, and rephrased it with "what I later found out was Al Quaeda." Freudian slip???? hmmm, I wonder.
wayne, plainville
Pay attention NB, Ashcroft did nothing but blame Clinton for 9/11 all day yesterday in front of the commission. Yet he was the one who denied additional terror fighting funds one month before the bombings. And for those complaining about Kerry's "flip flops'? What about Bush's flip flops on the Homeland Security Dept, refusing to let Rice testify until the polls said most Americans wanted her to, and now his willingness to let the UN bail him out of this nightmare when he had previously refused their help? Wake up folks.
Nick, Charlestown
I can't believe anyone could have voted for him.
Lily, Needham
Once again Bush is interpreting very complicated events through his very simple-minded world view. This act is getting increasingly desperate and thin, as it showed last night. His answers were vague and he looked very nervous. And finally the Washington Press corps are doing their jobs and are asking Bush and his administration tough questions.
Andrew, Jamaica Plain
How about a comment from someone who didn't watch the news conference? After a few minutes I saw that this was ANY news conference with ANY politician. They're all the same -- evasive and non-informative, lacking in substance. I wish there had been regular programming.
Susan, Mansfield
I need to comment because people need to remember we are living in a different world since 9/11. We are a target. As the lone super power, there is nothing we can do to be liked, nor should we be motivated by the need to be liked by other countries. I fully support Bush's Foreign Policy. Bush's decision to go into Iraq was ambitious, but wouldn't you rather have the fighting of the war on terrorism in Iraq than in the U.S. cities. Make no mistake, we are at war, and will continue to be at war. Bringing a Democracy to Iraq will help, although it will not be easy. It is necessary to stick to the plan, and stay united.
Jackson, Boston
If last night's press conference did not convince people that we have a loose cannon as President then nothing will. Did he even answer one question? Bush seemed lost and at times confused from questions posed to him from reporters and skirted around every answer, instead rambling about other things than giving direct answers to very specific questions he was asked. Granted, Saddam Hussein was an evil man who needed to go, but the fashion in which Bush and his administration chose to go about removing him is beyond comprehension. There was no credible threat from Iraq towards the USA...so ask yourself this. Why is Saddam no longer in power but the mastermind behind the 09/11 tragedy still alive and well and now even more determined to harm America and its citizens? Bush has only added fuel to the terrorist fire in their hatred for America with his occupation of Iraq. Bush, go back to your ranch and milk the cows and wait for historians to write about your presidency. I don't think you'll like what they will have to say.
Steve, Quincy
I can see now why Dick Cheney does not want "W" to go before the 9/11 commision alone. I feel sorry for his family.
Elliott, quincy
TO WAYNE FROM PLAINVILLE - I AGREE - SLIP OF THE TONGUE, MAYBE???
HOLLY, DEDHAM
So, for those of you who want Bush out-do you believe Kerry can handle Iraq? I know you want the troops to come home, if we leave too soon- what will happen then? furthermore, I haven't seen any more terrorist attacks on this country.. It takes a long long time to get rid of these insane people-I for one will NEVER ask him to stop trying to catch them all..Put Kerry in office and watch the terrorists come back over and over again..He can't handle it!
Janine
