George Bush Says, “Trust Me.” 3

Here’s the question from NBC’s David Gregory: “Mr. President, after the mistakes that have been made in this war, when you do as you did yesterday, where you raised two-year-old intelligence talking about the threat posed by al-Qaeda, it’s met with increasing skepticism. A majority in the public, growing number of Republicans appear not to trust you any longer to be able to carry out this policy successfully. Can you explain why you believe you’re still a credible messenger on the war?”

Bush’s reply: “I’m credible because I read the intelligence, David, and make it abundantly clear in plain terms that if we let up, we’ll be attacked, and I firmly believe that. You know, I — look, this has been a long, difficult experience for the American people. I can assure you al-Qaeda, who would like to attack us again, have got plenty of patience and persistence, and the question is, will we.”

(Many tired, discredited, NeoCon talking points and spin snipped. Follow the link if want to read the Same Old Lies One More Time. )

None of which, of course, answers the question. Offered a chance to address the seminal challenge facing his presidency, Bush chose stock phrases, straw-man arguments and an appeal to fear. And then he got personal.

“They are a threat to your children, David,” Bush said.

(And now Dan Froomkin cuts to the chase–ed.)