[Sloth]

If correct, this is where the Bushbot spin machine kicks in -- he means he's sorry it happened, but not that he's apologetic. Just like the time the U.S. clearly apologized to the Chicoms for surviving their attack on our surveillance plane, and most everybody here insisted that we didn't.

[mcg1969]

This is exactly right. I heard the sound bite. He did not apologize for the actions, only for their consequences.

"I'm sorry for the humiliation that they feel... I'm sorry that people will get the wrong impression of the United States..."

This would be like shooting someone and saying, "I'm sorry that the bullet wound is painful."

It will indeed be interesting to see how both sides spin this one...

[cyncooper]

No spin here.

I have said since the story first came to light and the reporter framed his question to President Bush as "how do you expect to win hearts and minds with tactics like these?", that the intent from the left was to paint this as the officially sanctioned actions of the administration.

THAT is what was meant by "the president needs to apologize".

He has always said the acts depicted in the photos are offensive and shocking and are not officially sanctioned.

Saying the phrase "I'm sorry it happened" is not the apology the left wants and expects to extract.

[Texasforever]

If correct, this is where the Bushbot spin machine kicks in --

You sound as happy as Charlie Rangel.