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As Al-Arian points out, a lot of Muslims probably voted for Bush because for some reason they thought he would be more favorable to their cause. It was not Bush's job to point out that they were wrong. Now that his real position on Israel et al. has been revealed, and now that we are at war with Islamic terrorism, it's unlikely that he will get many votes from Arab terrorists next time around. But he may still get a few votes from Muslim conservatives more worried about abortion, taxes, and business than Israel, and there's no point in driving those away too.

It's also Bush's job to try to keep the broad Muslim community in the U.S. pacified and happy, while at the same time nabbing the real terrorists. This isn't an easy balancing act. It's not unlikely that there are other terrrorists among the major American spokesmen, and it will still be Bush's job to deal with them until things are sorted out.

Also, keep in mind that things change over time. Welcoming Muslims to the White House back then isn't quite the same as welcoming them now. It's still being done, but the purposes are somewhat different and different rules are being followed.

The only real basis for faulting the White House on this particular visit would be if a terrorist was allowed in with a weapon. That didn't happen.

Also, keep in mind that things change over time. Welcoming Muslims to the White House back then isn't quite the same as welcoming them now. It's still being done, but the purposes are somewhat different and different rules are being followed.

Think so?
AMC Attends White House Briefing on Controversial INS Policy
WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 17, 2003:
Yesterday AMC Executive Director Eric Erfan Vickers and Board Secretary Dr. Nedzib Sacirbey attended, along with other Muslim and Arab American leaders, a White House briefing on the controversial INS policy that has caused to many tremendous personal hardships, and which has created mounting consternation in the Muslim and Arab American community.
The briefing was arranged by Ali H. Tulbah, the Associate Director of Cabinet Affairs, and AMC commends him for initiating this substantive dialogue with key officials in the White House Administration.
American Muslim Council LINK

The American Muslim Council is not moderate, by any stretch of the imagination.