Signs of Change

He Understands

From Bush's speech yesterday:

"Listen, I understand war is controversial, and I'm going to talk about the war. But America has got to appreciate what it means to wear the uniform today, and honor those who have volunteered to keep this country strong. . . .

"And so I'm pleased with the progress, but I fully understand there's a lot more work to be done. . . .

"Now the fundamental question is: Can we win in Iraq? And that's what I want to talk about. First of all, you got to understand that I fully understand there is deep concern among the American people about whether or not we can win. And I can understand why people are concerned. . . .

"There may be an argument about tactics and whether or not we should have done it in the first place; I understand that. . . .

"I understand a lot of people don't agree, and that's fine, that's fine. But they've got to understand, at least in my case, that I'm making my decisions based upon what I think is right, and that making decisions that are the kind that I make, for example, got to be based upon a set of principles that won't change. People got to understand that."

And my favorite: "And I can understand people saying, man, it's all going to -- it's not working out."

So Much for the Tough Questions

It was mostly softballs from the audience yesterday, right from the get-go:

"Q Mr. President, I have a son that's special forces in Iraq. And I have another son -- (applause.) I have another son that's in the Army. He left college to join the Army. He's out in Hawaii. He's got the good duty right now. (Laughter.) But I thank God that you're our Commander-in-Chief. And I wouldn't want my boys -- (applause.)

"THE PRESIDENT: Okay, thanks.

"Q Again, I thank God you're our Commander-in-Chief. You're a man for our times. And I'm supporter of yours. And I think it's good that you come out and tell your story. And I think you need to keep doing more of it, and tell the story and the history of all this. And God bless you. And I thank you for your service."

When Will The Troops Come Home?

Agence France Presse reports: "The White House downplayed President George W. Bush's suggestion that US troops would still be in Iraq when his term ends in January 2009. . .