Laura Bush: Upbeat Republicans Revive Bush Theme of Compassion

The New York Times > Washington > Campaign 2004 > Upbeat Republicans Revive Bush Theme of Compassion: "'No American president ever wants to go to war,' Mrs. Bush said. 'Abraham Lincoln didn't want to go to war, but he knew that saving the union required it. Franklin Roosevelt didn't want to go to war, but he knew that defeating tyranny demanded it. And my husband didn't want to go to war, but he knew the safety and security of America and the world depended on it.'"

If Lincoln had gone to war against Kansas, would we praise him now? If Roosevelt had gone to war against Mexico, would we be grateful for his courage and practical wisdom? Republicans say we should feel safer under George Bush's leadership, but he picked the wrong enemy! He doesn't know what he is doing. However sure our president is that he's doing the right thing, no amount of steadfastness can substitute for poor judgment. In fact, his self-assurance makes him unable to see his mistake.