WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Bush (news – web sites) had a tough message on Wednesday for Iraqi militants attacking U.S. troops — “Bring them on” — and said the U.S. military presence was sufficient to deal with the attackers.
Bush spoke in the face of increasing American concern about the rising casualty toll. At least 23 U.S. troops have been killed by hostile fire since Bush declared major combat operations over on May 1.
“There are some who feel like that conditions are such that they can attack us there,” Bush told reporters at the White House. “My answer is: Bring them on. We have the force necessary to deal with the situation.”
Democratic leaders were sharply critical of the remark.
“I am shaking my head in disbelief. When I served in the army in Europe during World War II, I never heard any military commander — let alone the commander in chief — invite enemies to attack U.S. troops,” said New Jersey Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg.
Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri, a Democratic presidential candidate, said: “I have a message for the president: ‘Enough of the phony, macho rhetoric. We should be focused on a long-term security plan that reduces the danger to our military personnel.”‘
We get it. You’re a big macho cowboy protecting the folks at home.
At least you have the comic timing to make funny faces when the cameras are clicking – thank goodness for that. Comic relief is something we can always look forward to, from Ford to Clinton to Bush.
