Bush: Iraq Bombers 'Are Having an Effect'

[rodeodance]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&e=1&u=/ap/20041221/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush

Bush: Iraq Bombers 'Are Having an Effect'

31 minutes ago


By TERENCE HUNT, AP White House Correspondent

WASHINGTON - In a sobering assessment of the Iraq (news - web sites) war, President Bush (news - web sites) acknowledged Monday that Americans' resolve has been shaken by grisly scenes of death and destruction and he pointedly criticized the performance of U.S.-trained Iraqi troops. "No question about it," he said. "The bombers are having an effect."


At a year-end news conference, the president also refused to say whether his strategy for overhauling Social Security (news - web sites) would entail cutting benefits, raising the retirement age or limiting benefits for wealthier workers. "Don't bother to ask me," Bush said, adding that he would not tip his hand until he starts negotiating with Congress next year.


Bush declined to criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin (news - web sites) despite concerns that he has strengthened authoritarian controls and backtracked on post-Soviet democratic reforms. Bush said he has a good personal relationship with Putin and "I intend to keep it that way." The United States and Russia have disagreements, the president added, but he said the relationship is good.


The president also offered a warm testimonial for Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld in the face of spreading expressions of no-confidence by GOP senators. Rumsfeld appears "rough and gruff," Bush said, but "he's a good, decent man. He's a caring fellow."


For 53 minutes, Bush fielded questions on international and domestic affairs. It was his 17th formal news conference, held one day before he flies to the presidential retreat at Camp David for a vacation that will stretch into early next year and include a stay at his Texas ranch. .......

[Deja Q]

1. And have been long before 'Mission Accomplished' had been spurted too.

:eyes:

What a crock of steaming cattle cack.

[unblock]

2. having an IMPACT, george. are having an IMPACT. sigh.

ronnie was so much better at reading the script.

[RoyGBiv]

5. There are days ...

There are days I miss Ronnie, for that reason. If they're gonna feed me the same recycled, idiotic BS, at least don't bore me.

[NYC]

3. Don't bother to ask me?

That's his response to a question at a news conference? Some news conference.

[gristy]

4. I'll say...

This picture was on the front page of the NY Times today. The caption reads "A gunman in Baghdad on Sunday shot and killed an election official who had been pulled from his car."

To call this picture disturbing would be an understatement.

www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2004/12/19/international/20041219_IRAQ_SLIDESHOW_4.html

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

6. Having an effect? Hello Captain Obvious!

[Moderator]

7. duplicate topic

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=1086690&mesg_id=1086690