Bush goes on the defensive: Houston Chronicle [View All]

[jbfam4]

Feb. 9, 2004, 6:11AM

Bush goes on the defensive
Explains Iraq decision, economic policies in TV interview
By BENNETT ROTH
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/topstory/2393879


The president denied going to war unnecessarily, saying on NBC's Meet the Press that even though weapons of mass destruction have not been found, Saddam Hussein's ability to one day make such weapons was reason enough to wage war.

"We thought he had the weapons," Bush said of the toppled Iraqi leader. "He had the capacity to make a weapon and then let that weapon fall into the hands of a shadowy terrorist network."

Responding to charges that he misled Americans about the reasons for the war in which 529 U.S. troops have died, Bush said: "Sitting behind this desk, making very difficult decisions of war and peace, I based my decision on the best intelligence possible."



Several political analysts said Sunday they are uncertain whether Bush's switch in strategies paid off, characterizing his demeanor as somewhat defensive and his explanations of policies as breaking little ground that might sway swing voters.



University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato said Bush "came across as defensive. I don't think he was presidential."