THE President speaks to Marines at Camp Lejeune, NC (LIVE THREAD)

Foxnews

[ConservativeMan55]

Bush is about to speak to troops in Camp Lejeune according to Foxnews...developing! A very large crowd has gathered to hear our hero speak!

[ohioWfan]

I understand what you're saying, but consider this......

This is a President who is deeply emotionally involved with the troops, and has a very difficult time controlling those emotions when he speaks with them, or even about them.

On top of that, he was headed for a private meeting with the families of some of the Marines who have fallen. Everyone there knew that, and knew that he would get 'specific' in those meetings. Perhaps he asked his speechwriters to keep it more generic than specific.

What I observed in watching it, is that these Marines were very involved in what he was saying, and thrilled that he was there. Family members who were there were also impressed. They all know he cares. They know he 'worships' soldiers, and that he is thankful that they are doing what they are doing.

As for the 'volunteer' part....this is not the first military setting in which he has emphasized that......he did so at Ft. Hood as well.

He doesn't give 'Reagan' speeches, because he is Bush. And I, as the mother of a soldier, was impressed with his words of comfort and support.

But I guess you could say, that's just me.......

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Hi, there. I saw snippets of the President's speech on local NC news - and then interviews with several Marines and Marine wives - 100% loving the President's presence there. His words did not matter as much as just him being there! The enthusiastic applause that was given cannot be faked. The love between this President and our beloved Troops is just so obvious and reciprocal back to him. I agree with you, Ohio - the President I know was touched and moved to be with these men and women who are laying their lives on the line every day. And with their family members (bowing to you, dear Ohio and all those who have loved ones serving our country).

This President has given major speeches at such important times - over and over and over again. The ones right after September 11th, the one about Israel, the one at the UN, the one when this war began, all holding his emotions in such check that I can simply not understand how any man can do that. Yet the President "is a loving kind of guy" and he surely has had to work hard to keep those emotions in check when he is with "his" troops, America's beloved heroes in the military!!! BUT THE LOVE BETWEEN THEM, THE RESPECT, THE HONOR, THE ADMIRATION = HIS FOR THEM - THEIRS FOR HIM - SIMPLY WAS OVERWHELMINGLY BEAUTIFUL!

[ohioWfan]

BUT THE LOVE BETWEEN THEM, THE RESPECT, THE HONOR, THE ADMIRATION = HIS FOR THEM - THEIRS FOR HIM - SIMPLY WAS OVERWHELMINGLY BEAUTIFUL!

AMEN, Freedom!!

GOOD to see you! :o)

As to having my precious young son serving.......I am honored and proud to be part of such a large company of Americans who are sacrificing for such a just and noble cause.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Good to see you to! And Amen back to you also.

[faithincowboys]

You make your case well, but I stand by my contention that he and his team could have done better.

God Bless Your Son for His Service, may he return safely.
If you were comforted by Dubya's performance today, that's all that counts.

[ohioWfan]

Thank you. I believe that he will return safely.

One small point, though........if it were a 'performance' by the President I would not have been comforted by it. The last 'president' performed. This one speaks from his heart.

[faithincowboys]

Don't misunderstand--my contempt for Clinton dramatics is deeper than you can imagine.

Performance connotes guile, but I think it doesn't always have to be the case. Performance that is genuine is the most effective.

I think Dubya gets an A for authenticy (which is essential) but he is not doing so hot in emotion. Limbaugh often talks about the arousal gap, I think in this case, an emotional and stirring speech would have been wonderful!

In times such as these, it is a leader's job to rally a nation. Young men, like your son, are in harm's way and might have to make the ultimate sacrifice. It is important that those men know they are loved. It would have been a great opportunity for Dubya to mention specific people who have fallen in this just war.

A loved one feels better, I would imagine, if they think their dead loved one is not an anonymous statistic. Dubya should have told us these stories and formally introduced the nation to its' heroes.

I want to hear about the kid from East Los Angeles who left his gang, joined the marines, became a better person and gave his life for America. The kid from Cedar Key, Florida who died in Nasseriah for us. These are young men that deserved more today, IMHO!

[ohioWfan]

I'm not trying to be contentious here, but there was plenty of emotion today, cowboy......you just missed it.....

I can show you many more pictures that show it, and from what I've read, local coverage had plenty of interviews of families and marines who were thrilled by the President's presence and his words.

The members of the military are getting what they 'deserve' fromt this Commander in Chief........and that's not just my opinion.

[blackbag]

Hey Fred,
long time no see....
Anyway, The speech was great. Even better for me
(electrifying)since I was actually there on the sidelines with gov staffers.

[Fred Mertz]

I'm doing fine, and there you go bragging again ;^)

[Jimidallas]

George W. Bush truly is a great American and a President who actually cares about people. We don't know just how lucky we are to Have him as our President. Or maybe we do:)

Thank God for George W. Bush! He truly is a GREAT MAN AND LEADER !!