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A Daily Chronicle of Bush Administration Distortion October 1, 2004

     

Bush Sends Mixed Signals on Terrorism



At last night's debate, President Bush said that we could not hope to defeat terrorists if we have a leader who sends mixed signals. Bush said, "you cannot lead if you send mixed messages. Mixed messages send the wrong signals to our troops. Mixed messages send the wrong signals to our allies."1 But, throughout his presidency, Bush has sent mixed messages on fundamental terrorism-related issues.

For example, in September 2001 Bush said that he was determined to capture Osama bin Laden "dead or alive."2 Six months later Bush said, "I don't know where he is. You know, I just don't spend that much time on him... I truly am not that concerned about him."3

In April of this year, Bush said that we could win the war on terrorism.4 Then, on August 30, he said "I don't think you can win [the war on terror]."5 The next day, he said "Make no mistake about it, we are winning and we will win [the war on terror]."6

Sources:
  1. "Transcript: Does Bush see Kerry character flaws?," CNN.com, 10/01/04.
  2. "Wanted: Dead or Alive," ABC News, 9/17/04.
  3. "President Bush Holds Press Conference," The White House, 3/13/02.
  4. "President Addresses the Nation in Prime Time Press Conference," The White House, 4/13/04.
  5. "Bush: 'You cannot show weakness in this world'," Today Show, 8/30/04.
  6. "Remarks by the President of the American Legion," The White House, 8/31/04.



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