Bush says 'U.S. Can't Win War On Terror'

President Bush ignited a Democratic inferno of criticism on Monday by suggesting the war on terrorism could not be won, forcing his aides to scramble to defend his remarks just as he had hoped to bask in convention accolades.  On the campaign trail in New Hampshire, Mr. Bush sought to emphasize the economy, but his comments on terrorism dominated national attention. In an interview on NBC-TV's "Today" show, Mr. Bush vowed to stay the course in the war on terror, saying perseverance in the battle would make the world safer for future generations. But he suggested an all-out victory against terrorism might not be possible. Asked "Can we win?" Mr. Mr. Bush said, "I don't think you can win it. But I think you can create conditions so that the -- those who use terror as a tool are less acceptable in parts of the world." [more ] and [more ]

• Bush changes mind says war on terror will be won [more ]
• "One of the interesting things people ask me, now that we're asking questions, is, can you ever win the war on terror? Of course, you can."- President Bush, 4/13/04
• "I don't think you can win [the war on terror]." - President Bush, 8/30/04
• "In this different kind of war, we may never sit down at a peace table. But make no mistake about it, we are winning and we will win," Bush said, pausing to grin slightly. "We will win by staying on the offensive, we will win by spreading liberty." President Bush 8/31/04 [more ]