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Bush thanks soldiers in rehearsed talk
(AP)
Updated: 2005-10-14 20:21
The president told them twice that the American people were behind them.
"You've got tremendous support here at home," Bush said.
Less than 40 percent in an AP-Ipsos poll taken in October said they approved
of the way Bush was handling Iraq. Just over half of the public now say the Iraq
war was a mistake.
White House press secretary Scott McClellan said Thursday's event was
coordinated with the Defense Department but that the troops were expressing
their own thoughts. With satellite feeds, coordination often is needed to
overcome technological challenges, such as delays, he said.
"I think all they were doing was talking to the troops and letting them know
what to expect," he said, adding that the president wanted to talk with troops
on the ground who have firsthand knowledge about the situation.
The soldiers all gave Bush an upbeat view of the situation.
The president also got praise from the Iraqi soldier who was part of the
chat.
"Thank you very much for everything," he gushed. "I like you."
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