Bush Stuns Troops, U.S., With Iraq Trip

BAGHDAD, Iraq - President Bush (news - web sites) flew to Iraq (news - web sites) under extraordinary secrecy and security Thursday to spend Thanksgiving with U.S. troops and thank them for "defending the American people from danger."


The unannounced visit brought wild cheers from battle-worn soldiers, stunned the nation and even surprised the president's parents, who had been expecting him at the Thanksgiving table at his Crawford, Texas ranch.


The president returned to U.S. soil early Friday, as his plane landed at Andrews Air Force base outside Washington shortly after midnight, before continuing on to Texas to complete the dramatic journey.


Bush, the first U.S. president to visit Iraq, promised that insurgents testing America's commitment will not be rewarded with a U.S. retreat.

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What do you think about this visit?

So our persident isnt just talk, he deos love the troops.

I was kinda suprised. It is nice to know that he would do that though. I bet it got some of the soldiers hopes up.

Originally posted by jetsetter
I was kinda suprised. It is nice to know that he would do that though. I bet it got some of the soldiers hopes up.

If you read the article the soldiers say they did have their hopes up.

Too bad he doesn't attend any funerals of the soldiers or even visit a family or two of the soldiers who have fallen. Would have been cheaper and less "flight suity" politics.

I wonder how much that photo-op cost us?

I just watched a news program and it said that Bush was the first US president to do something like this. I hope that this was not just a stunt and he really cares. It seems like he does cares.

Originally posted by Herder
Too bad he doesn't attend any funerals of the soldiers or even visit a family or two of the soldiers who have fallen. Would have been cheaper and less "flight suity" politics.

I wonder how much that photo-op cost us?

Who cares how much it costs. We can afford it. It did acomplish something. The troops got there hopes up and got a reenforcement in their leardership.

Originally posted by jetsetter
I just watched a news program and it said that Bush was the first US president to do something like this. I hope that this was not just a stunt and he really cares. It seems like he does cares.

I also think he does care.

If no other president did this.

Then it most of mean he does care.

Originally posted by Herder
Too bad he doesn't attend any funerals of the soldiers or even visit a family or two of the soldiers who have fallen. Would have been cheaper and less "flight suity" politics.

I wonder how much that photo-op cost us?

If you didnt know all security has to be planned for ANY trip of the president.

It would be just to much haslle.

Also if he went to one funerel he would have to go to others too.

Or there would be to much talk about he being racist.

you know the democrats they want to get he for any minor thing.

Originally posted by jetsetter


Who cares how much it costs. We can afford it. It did acomplish something. The troops got there hopes up and got a reenforcement in their leardership.

Yes I agree with you.

You cant buy troops there hope.

and it deos as you said show he is a very skilled leader.

I think it was a pretty stupid thing to do. They are shooting rockets at planes at the same airport he went to.

At least it shows that he is willing to take a risk that could help.

The president of the United States shouldn't take these kinds of risks. Especially in a place as dangerous as Iraq.

I think that the presidents need to take a few more risks like that. It shows that they are really in the game and are willing to sacrafice their own safey to get the job done.

That will change the first time one gets themselves killed.

I just herd that he was not the first president to go into a war zone like that but he is the first to do it in secret. He is the first not to make it too complicated with all the suits and such.

It's merely a strategic ploy to raise morale amongst the US and Allied troops.

Originally posted by Canuck
It's merely a strategic ploy to raise morale amongst the US and Allied troops.

I agree its that and he is just a good caring president.

Also he wanted to show that he is willing to takes risks too.

Originally posted by Canuck
It's merely a strategic ploy to raise morale amongst the US and Allied troops.

And to get votes and increase his popularity in the polls.
Bush is a really bad president.

I totally agree with you, goose.
I think the upcoming election will be interesting, I doubt he will be voted in again..... if you can call the previous election a proper vote...... lol

Did you hear the speech he gave to the troops. After he finishes, you can hear a LOT of boos from the crowd of soldiers. Listen for it when they replay it. That is, if they don't do a quick edit. I heard it first thing this morning.