Indeed. I just did a quick search on a few Bush speeches from 2003 about Iraq and WOT, and the words "difficult" "struggle" "sacrifice" and "long"(time) are repeated generously...I ask for your patience, with the delays and inconveniences that may accompany tighter security; and for your patience in what will be a long struggle.
President George W. Bush's Address to a Joint Session of Congress and the American People, September 20, 2001
Reading it again just now, I am horrified at what has become of this country.
It is a magnificent speach.