Bush rejects Iraq troop pullout

BOISE, Idaho -President Bush and his aides Tuesday stepped up their response to an anti-war movement that has gained momentum in recent weeks, saying that heeding protesters’ wishes to withdraw troops from Iraq would “weaken” broader U.S. efforts to combat terrorism.

Bush made his remarks in a surprise appearance during a vacation stay at an Idaho mountain resort, arguing that the views espoused by Cindy Sheehan, mother of a slain soldier and the founder of an anti-war encampment near the president’s ranch in Crawford, Texas, did not represent the opinions of most of the military families he has met.

The criticism marked a new line of argument from Bush, and coincided with an announcement that he would spend time today with National Guard families during a stop near Boise.

“There’s a lot of people protesting, and there’s a lot of points of view about the Iraq war,” Bush said at the resort, about 80 miles north of the state capital. “As you know, in Crawford last weekend, there were people from both sides of the issue – or from all sides of the issue – there to express their opinions.”

At Fort Lewis in June 2004, Bush met briefly with Sheehan and other members of her family – as he does regularly with families of fallen soldiers, including the meetings planned for today – but she has demanded to see him face-to-face.

“I understand her anguish,” Bush said. “I met with a lot of families. She doesn’t represent the view of a lot of the families I have met with. And I’ll continue to meet with families.”

Bush’s comments come amid signs that the protest movement is continuing to build its network and sharpen its message.

Bush will address thousands of National Guard troops and their families today in Nampa, Idaho, and is expected to once again discuss the war on terrorism. Following his speech, he will meet privately with the families of slain soldiers.

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