Posted on 02/03/2007 9:10:58 AM PST by Sub-Driver
Bush Offers Democrats Conciliatory Words
Feb 03 11:40 AM US/Eastern
By LAURIE KELLMAN Associated Press Writer
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) -- President Bush squarely addressed the issue most on the mind of House Democrats, saying Saturday that deep divisions over the Iraq war need not bring anyone's patriotism into question.
"You know, I welcome debate in a time of war and I hope you know that," Bush said in opening remarks at the guest speaker at a retreat that drew about 200 lawmakers to a Virginia resort.
He said disagreeing with him over the war _ as many in the room do _ does not mean "you don't share the same sense of patriotism I do."
"You can get that thought out of your mind, if that's what some believe," the president said. "These are tough times, but there's no doubt in my mind that you want to secure this homeland as much as I do."
Bush's conciliatory words were similar to some of his previous statements. But the applause that followed them offered some indication that this audience was happy to hear them so directly and in person.
Democrats, who in November wrestled control of the House from Republicans for the first time in a dozen years, have yet to settle on a legislative response to Bush's war plan. It involves adding 21,500 troops to the 132,000 already in Iraq.
Deciding what any nonbinding resolution in opposition should say or what should be done if the buildup fails to stop the violence were primary topics at the lawmakers' two-day retreat.
Options could include stripping the budget of war money, capping the number of troops in Iraq or refusing to pay for future deployments.
With that in mind, Bush gave his plan a soft sell.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
Well, Bush is dead wrong on this. they may "want" to secure the homeland, but they certainly do not want to do the heavy lifting required, especially if it means projecting US forces.
There are many traitors amongst the democrats.
A president who decided to call these democrats out in public, could beat them up and down the street all day every day. The president's approval would rebound. He would stop the democrats from doing harm. But he will never learn that lesson, instead he will keep saying he "understands" why people think his policies won't work. Good God preserve us!
I don't question their patriotism either. They have none. There's no question about it.
He has gotton such a bad rap on this. "I welcome debate in a time of war and I hope you know that," By contrast, comrade Boxer says she will not debate global warming and Komrade Kucinich wants censorship of media.
Maybe I am wrong, but it sounds like he is appeasing them and I am not liking what I am hearing.
True, W will never learn that Democrats aren't his friends no matter how much of our money he sends their way.
He looks so at home in that crowd.
You don't think he has been doing this all along?
What was it when he let Kennedy write his education policy only to have Kennedy kick him in the teeth?
What was it when he consulted with the dem leadership before the war and you see what thats wrought.
And .. what he will get in return ....... SPIT IN HIS FACE!
I guess I am just so disappointed in him I am trying not to believe it.
...while the democrats find new and better ways to disrespect him.
He's been doing a lot of this. I hope he doesn't let them walk all over him.
Too late.
Appeasement is all we have heard from this administration since the November election and especially since the 110th Congress has been in session. It will get worse...
The next two years are going to be brutal...
Yep, and it's only just beginning...
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