Why say it? Simple answer: To attack Bush.
Why go over there? Simple answers: 1. To say she was there, saw things first hand, therefore, is "justified" in her condemnation of Bush and his plan....she "saw it all for herself." 2. To get accolades for being "so brave," and garner attention to "herself" and "herself's" campaign against Bush and his plan.
Yes, she knows the media will shield her; it always does.
I believe she always has known the military hates her. But the militay wasn't her audience; she merely used them as a backdrop from which to send her scud missiles. She spoke to others, i.e., the European socialist community....to garner their support for her in the future....they don't like our military, either. The Frenchies hate Bush, too.
That's only my humble opinion, however.