Bush's Brazen Request

Flanking himself with war heroes and taking it upon himself to decide what is good for the troops, President Bush yesterday requested -- one might even say demanded -- that Congress give him yet another $46 billion for his military campaigns, for a total of $196 billion this fiscal year.

Considering Bush's abysmal approval ratings, the widespread opposition to his war in Iraq and the Democratic control of Congress, that was a pretty brazen act. But Bush yesterday made it clear that he is not looking for compromise in the waning months of his presidency. There will be no search for common ground, no outreach to critics, not even further explanation of his policies.

Calling attention to the veterans and family members behind him, Bush combatively announced: "These patriots have come to the Oval Office to make sure -- and to make clear -- that our troops have the full commitment of our government. And I strongly agree that we must provide our troops with the help and support they need to get the job done. Parts of this war are complicated, but one part is not, and that is America should do what it takes to support our troops and protect our people."

According to the latest Washington Post/ABC News poll, nearly 70 percent of Americans -- an overwhelming majority, by any standard -- think Congress shouldn't give Bush all the money he's requesting for the war. And 43 percent think the request should be reduced sharply.

Yet Bush's only acknowledgement of opposition yesterday was a shot across the bow: "I know some in Congress are against the war, and are seeking ways to demonstrate that opposition. I recognize their position, and they should make their views heard. But they ought to make sure our troops have what it takes to succeed. Our men and women on the front lines should not be caught in the middle of partisan disagreements in Washington, D.C. I often hear that war critics oppose my decisions, but still support the troops. Well, I'll take them at their word -- and this is the chance to show it, that they support the troops."

Bush continued with the flag-wrapping motif a little over an hour later, by awarding the Medal of Honor to a hero of the war in Afghanistan.

What explains Bush's cocksureness? The president evidently is still counting on his ability to use the fear of appearing weak or unpatriotic to stampede skittish Congressional Democratic into giving him what he wants.

And who would bet against him?

The Coverage

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Noam N. Levey and Julian E. Barnes write in the Los Angeles Times: "Setting up another confrontation with congressional Democrats over the war in Iraq, President Bush on Monday sent Congress a $45.9-billion emergency funding request for expenses related to U.S. military campaigns around the world. . . .

"Standing with a group of veterans in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Bush appeared to invite the new showdown."

Steven Lee Myers writes in the New York Times: "Democrats on Capitol Hill, having failed last week to override Mr. Bush's veto of an expansion of a children's health insurance program costing $35 billion, reacted with dismay and anger that reflected a broader frustration over the war in Iraq. They also said they believed that Mr. Bush delayed his formal request to avoid unfavorable comparisons between his veto and the spending on the war. . . .

"Representative David R. Obey, Democratic of Wisconsin, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, criticized Mr. Bush for pushing the extra financing even as the president attacked Democrats as spendthrifts.