President Bush warned on Monday that Democrats might cut off funding for Iraq if they win control of Congress in November, which he said would “embolden terrorists” and endanger America.
“There are a lot of good, decent people saying: Get out now; vote for me; I will do everything I can to — I guess, cut off money is what they’re trying to do to get our troops out,” Bush said at a news conference. “It’s a big mistake. It would be wrong, in my judgment, for us to leave before the mission is complete in Iraq.”
“Any sign that says we’re going to leave before the job is done simply emboldens terrorists,” he said. “I’m sure they’re watching the campaign carefully.”
Bush was unapologetic about criticizing Democrats on national security, although he conceded they are well intentioned.
“I will never question the patriotism of somebody who disagrees with me,” Bush said. However, “I have every right, as do my administration, to make it clear what the consequences would be.”
The Democratic National Committee said the remarks signaled a shift by Bush.
“President Bush seems to have turned over a new leaf today with his claim that he will not attack the patriotism of those who disagree with him,” said DNC Communications Director Karen Finney. “If the president is sincere, he should have his GOP hatchet men like Vice President Cheney, Karl Rove and Ken Mehlman also stop attacking the patriotism of those who disagree with the Bush administration’s failed policies in Iraq.”
Bush said he would steer clear of Connecticut Senate race, in which moderate Sen. Joseph Lieberman, who supports the Iraq war, is running as an independent after being beaten in the Democratic primary by anti-war liberal Ned Lamont.
The president also acknowledged the ongoing bloodshed in Iraq has been hard on him and the country.
“Sometimes I’m frustrated, rarely surprised,” he said. “Sometimes I’m happy. But war is not a time of joy. These aren’t joyous times. They’re challenging times and they’re difficult times; and they’re straining the psyche of our country.”
Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass, whom Bush vanquished in the 2004 presidential election, scoffed at Bush’s remarks.
“The American psyche isn’t the problem,’ the Massachusetts Democrat said. “The problem is this administration’s disastrous Iraq policy.”
