[OldFriend]

Yes, the TRUTH is that the general said they would need more IRAQI troops to protect the election.

The President had been discussing that very issue with the General yesterday morning.

[windchime]

I think it was 'Special Report' that also mentioned this last night emphasizing IRAQI TROOPS. The media at the press conference tried to spin the story 'their way'

More Troops Needed In Iraq, Officials Say
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A45683-2004Sep23.html

Excerpts:

"I think we will need more troops than we currently have to secure the elections process in Iraq that will probably take place in the end of January," Abizaid said after a closed-door briefing with legislators about the state of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. But, he added, "IT IS OUR BELIEF THAT THOSE TROOPS WILL BE IRAQI TROOPS," Also, he said, there may be more international troops.

So, Abizaid concluded, "I DON'T FORSEE A NEED FOR MORE AMERICAN TROOPS,but we can't discount it." There are 135,000 U.S. service members in Iraq. ..............

Asked for official comment, an Army spokesman said, "We have received no formal orders for Requests for Forces, and there is no planning underway."

[snooker]

No there was no followup question.

Bush said he just met with the general and no request was made.

Later it was confirmed the general had said he wanted more troops --- IRAQI troops. NATO has just stepped up with 300 trainers to help build the Iraqi force as quickly as possible.

So the MSM lied by not quoting the general completely and accurately. Who woulda thunk it. Apparently it did occur to Bush since he just went over troop deployments with the general and Allawi.