Answering Critics GWB Gives a Campaign Speech - Not A Presidential Address

CBS NEWS - What the president did was give a fine campaign speech.

What the president didn’t do was address the substantive concerns about the administration’s reconstruction policy directly. Nor did he level with the American people about the costs in blood and bucks.

I’m left wondering which is more important to President Bush, reconstruction or re-election?

EL - I don't wonder.

The costs of failure in Iraq are obvious and immense: more instability in the volatile Arab world, a more fertile spawning ground for terrorists, a setback for Arab democracy and openness, and a huge gash on American influence. The case is not hard to make. But doing right it requires some honestly and willingness to argue with critics.

A leader addresses these challenges - a campaigner finesses them.