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 8
Saturday night live will not be able to spoof last nights "new conference" because Bush provided the best spoof ever. If I had never seen Bush speak and didn't somewhat understand what was going on I would have thought he had alzheimers or some other short term memory affliction. In response to every question he simply reiterated his opening remarks about staying the course in Iraq, about changing the world, bringing democracy to the middle east etc. etc. When asked why he and Cheney were going before the 9/11 commission together when the commission wanted to interview them separately he said "They want answers and we can provide information", which was not an answer to the question. I am not a Bush supporter. On the one hand I see this as a laughable piece of bizzaro political theater on the other this "press conference" has all the characteristic arrogant, paternalistic dismissiveness of this administration and can be seen a slap in the face to all of us. It also raises the possibilty that a man so demonstrably incapable of straying off message as President Bush seems to be may in fact not have a clue as to what he is doing. It is frightening to think that such a man is the "Leader of the free world".
len, dedham
I am libertarian who votes for the best candidate possible. The current administration has spent four years focused on one thing: fighting terror. I find spending billions and billions of our future generations' dollars, for their own agenda, with no regard for our children, completely selfish and ignorant. I agree with the fact that terrorists need to be dealt with, but our aggression only breeds future generations of terrorists; its a vicious cycle that most Americans fail to see. We need an Administration change, direly. I hope that come election day each and every American asks themselves one question: what positive actions has this administration accomplished in their 4 years besides eliminating the Taliban's existence in Afghanistan and toppling Sadaam's regime in Iraq??
Ty, Boston
I think the president was right when he took us to war with Iraq, and I think he's right now. To faulter or sway now would give our enemies and our allies the wrong impression. I wish the president was more forcefull with our armed forces and ended this sooner.
David, Billerica
I guess C. Rice will write a book after she retires too... I saw her looking at the president with an angry face. I wonder what she was thinking? It will be too late Mrs Rice! Whether or not Kerry is a flip flop, he still has a good sense of what is going on and I would rather trust him that he will bring some fresh change to the government and try to recover American image, economy and relations with the world.
kara, swampscott
Mr. Bush has spent 40% of his presidency on vacation. Now I understand why... His conviction is dwarfed by his incoherence and marginal understanding. He couldn't even offer a basic yes or no answer to having made any mistakes in office. He abdicated any responsibility for decisions which must be his. Do we need more troops in Iraq? "that's up to General Abizaid, .... If that's what he wants, that's what he gets." But since no additional troops are likely to be available, will we be faced with a draft after the November elections or will the US continue to hire mercenaries (contractors)? Truman said that "the buck stops here." The Bush legacy will be "if you have a buck, stop here"!
David, Manchester, NH
WHY SHOULD BUSH APOLOGIZE? You people are crazy. Bin Laden is responsible for 9/11 and Hussein's defiance is responsible for the deaths in Iraq. If you want this country to become socialist then fine...vote for that wishy washy, dishonest, flip-flopping, anti-american, self-confessed war criminal and you can have him and Ted Kennedy running the show. Most of the people responding to this message board are too dumb to vote anyway.
Mike, Arlington
How many of you critics of George Bush have a Masters Degree from Harvard?. My son is an F-16 fighter pilot who flew combat missions in the first and second Gulf War .I know what it feels like to have a loved one at risk. I trust George Bush to allow the professionals to guide the military actions in Iraq. I served in the U.S. Airforce during the vietnam war and I would never like to serve under a liberal Commander-in-Chief again.
Thomas, Pineville
Not surprisingly, Bush's performance was totally inadequate. The guy is clearly in over his head and is far too rigid in his thinking to appreciate how badly things are going in Iraq. His "answers" to reporters' questions are not only non-responsive but given in such a flippant manner that is really worrisome.
Jack, Franklin, Ma.
Do you know why Fox News is so popular? Because the average American cannot get non-liberal, beat the politican down, news anywhere else. After reading the comments listed here, I now know why the Globe is so blantantly liberal, and why your circulation is dropping - you're just preaching to the converted and the amount of liberals continue to decline because they are too "holier than thou" that is willing to spend someone else's money (not their own of course)
Don, Boston
Well said Mr. President! How about we trying supporting our commander in chief instead of trying to make him look like the bad guy, as many of those "media hounds" are trying to do! Don't believe everything you read from those liberal spinsters who will stop at nothing to make the president look bad!
Jason, Derry, NH
