We used to have a saying in Naval Air that I think is appropriate for "W" at this point:
"No Guts -- No Air Medal! " *S*
Seems to me that the President might be well off keeping his philosophical "pedal to the metal".
Or to coin the Iron Lady's mantra: "George, don't 'go wobbly' on me!"
The president's political enemies are lurking in the shadows, awaiting just such a signal of doubt or diminution in resolve!
Balls, George! Balls! Repeat after me...Got it?
Frankly, that was one think I backed the president on. "Bring it on", expressed exactly what we should have our enemies thinking about. Bother us and you'll get your ass kicked. No need to appologize for telegraphing that.