[doug from upland]

I agree with you. But the critics are putting words in his mouth that he didn't say and then lying about him.

[Cacophonous]

And he is handling it poorly. We all agree that Iraq posed an imminent threat. What he should say is, "Hell yes they were an imminent threat. Saddam butchers and gases his own people, is pursuing WMD, aids and abets terrorists and terrorism...yes, he was a threat, an urgent one, an immediate one, yes, an imminent one. We took him out."

That in no way invalidates or violates the Powell Doctrine of pre-emption that Bush was describing and defending in the words you posted. Simply, since Iraq posed an imminent threat, the Powell Doctrine does not apply.

Instead, the President and GOP jumped through hoops playing Clintonian word games, saying that Iraq did not pose an imminent threat, so the Powell Doctrine applies. Actually, we did not need the Powell (pre-emption) Doctrine to go justify ann invasion (and have, in my opinion, a stronger justification without invoking the Powell Doctrine). But now I'm repeating myself.

I get so frustrated with the GOP's ability to constantly shoot itself in the foot.

[RipSawyer]

"I agree with you. But the critics are putting words in his mouth that he didn't say and then lying about him."

A common strategy and one that has been used against me and probably anyone who has ever dealt with more than two other people in his entire life. Those who are best at doing this are able to seem oblivious to the fact of what they are doing and when confronted will deny to the end that they are, in fact, the liars. Such practitioners can be amusing to watch if you are not directly involved in what is going on, on the other hand, observing them can also cause extreme hypertension.

[Delta 21]

I can not believe how Bush has handled his Presidency! He has never once stooped to the media or swung at any pitches in the dirt.

He tells the truth and lets the chips fall where they may.

From my perspective....he has a pretty big pile of chips right now!!

[Matchett-PI]

"But the critics are putting words in his mouth that he didn't say.."

They can run, but they can't hide.

In actual FACT, it was Jay Rockefeller, himself who said those words:

"There's been some debate over how imminent a threat Iraq poses. I do believe Iraq poses an imminent threat.

..It is in the nature of these weapons and the way they are targeted against civilian populations, the documented capability and demonstrated intent may be the only warning we get.

"To insist on further evidence could put some of our fellow Americans at risk. Can we afford to take that chance? We cannot."

Senator Jay Rockefeller (D, WV), Speech on Iraq CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -- SENATE -- Thursday, October 10, 2002 Full speech here: http://www.thiefsden.net/archives/000073.html

[Mr. Mojo]

But the critics are putting words in his mouth that he didn't say and then lying about him.

Instead of acting like a punching bag, it would be nice if the President stood up for himself by publicly reiterating what he actually did say and decouncing these Rats who are intent on twisting his words for what they actual are -- unabashed liars.