Bush says Congress wasting time, money

(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-12-21 10:56

Bush suggested that people were feeling better about their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, even though thousands of combat troops remain in both countries to provide security. He expressed concern that support for Afghanistan is fading among NATO allies.

"My biggest concern is that people say, 'Well, we're kind of tired of Afghanistan and, therefore, we think we're going to leave,'" Bush said.

The president also:

- Said the economy is strong but left open the possibility of taking more aggressive steps to prevent a recession. In terms of further stimulation, we'll consider all options," he said. "So we're watching carefully."

- Said he will continue to oppose global-warming initiatives that would hamper US economic growth. "I take the issue seriously," Bush said about climate change. "But I want to make sure that we're effective in what we do, and do not wreck our economy in whatever we do."

- Predicted that the GOP would win the White House in 2008 and regain seats in the House and Senate. Bush said he wouldn't be dragged into the presidential race when asked about the comments of fellow GOP candidate Mike Huckabee, who criticized the administration's foreign policy as "arrogant bunker mentality."

- Jokingly dismissed a question about former President Clinton's suggestion that if his wife Hillary Rodham Clinton were elected, she would send him and former President George H.W. Bush on a goodwill trip around the world. "Well, 41 didn't think it's necessary," Bush said, referring to his father by the number of his presidency. "Sounds like it's going to be a one-man trip."

Starting Friday, Bush plans to split the Christmas holidays between Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains, and his ranch in Crawford, Texas. He is to return to the White House on Jan. 1 and take off a week later for a major trip to the Middle East.

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