[Peach]

That's a good point, mewzilla and I'm glad you raised it.

President Bush is repeating himself and he has admitted that. It was bothering me somewhat.

BUT, when the same question is asked over and over, there are only so many ways of answering those questions.

Thanks for clarifying that issue for me.

[A Citizen Reporter]

TR: Uses the McAwful quote to bring up National Guard service.

GWB: The political season is here. I wish that they wouldn't denigrate the Guard. It's fine to go after me, but to denigrate the Guard is wrong.

[Peach]

RE AWOL Charge:

Bush: I've heard it for years, I served my time and proudly so.

I wouldn't have been honorably discharged if there wasn't verification of my time and service. I left 8 months before my term expired because I went to Harvard Business School.

Russert: Re files

Bush: My files have been opened for years. Everything is open for review re the AWOL charge. It's politics. I'm used to it. What I don't like is when people say serving in the Guard isn't true service.

[mystery-ak]

Answers and words are important, but demeanor is everything...does he look strong and confident in his answers......

[Amelia]

TR: What about McAuliffe's quote that President was AWOL?

GWB: Was in NG, learned to fly planes, put in time, honorably discharged. This has gone on for years. Did report or wouldn't have been honorably discharged; did show up in Alabama.

Don't denigrate Guard, lots of wonderful people serve in guard.

TR: Willing to open files?

GWB: Sure, people have been questioning this for years. People have looked at these for years. They can look at anything that is there. Doesn't like it when people say serving in Guard is not true service; it is. Could've been called up.

TR: You didn't volunteer to go?

GWB: No, I didn't. Served here. Looking back, Vietnam was a political war, politicians making military decisions. Good lesson to learn, that doesn't need to happen again.

TR: Economy chart...unemployment up, etc...why should we trust this administration to continue to lead?

GWB: Stock market decline began by March 2000. Economy going down by time GWB took office. Attacks in Sept. 11 had effect on economy. Everything we've gone thru affected economy.

Instead of sitting around wondering what to do, I took action - cut taxes, economic stimulus plan. Jobs are increasing, economy getting better.

TR: Benefits from tax cuts haven't happened.

GWB: It's HAPPENING. Look forward to debate on economy. Economy is coming around just fine.

TR: GAO says current economic situation not sustainable. How as a fiscal conservative can you allow a $5 billion deficit?

GWB: Budget I just submitted cuts deficit in half in 5 years; at that point deficit in terms of GDP will be low. We do have issues, must modernize Medicare. Have to deal with Social Security. Entitlement programs must be dealt with.

Highway bill in Congress now.

TR: Base conservatives say GWB is biggest spender in US History.

GWB: Discretionary spending has steadily declined. We ARE at war, must give troops best equipment & best pay.

TR: In past wartime has meant higher taxes, not lower. Why keep cutting taxes?

GWB: Best way to stimulate economic growth. Don't want to slow it down. More worried about the fellow looking for the job.

TR: No more tax cuts til budget is balanced?

GWB: Hypothetical. Can't tell you what economy is going to be. Need to keep taxes low on working people.