WASHINGTON - President Bush (news - web sites), wrapping the themes of his re-election campaign in his State of the Union address, asserted Tuesday night that America is strengthening its economy and successfully combatting terrorism. "We have not come all this way — through tragedy and trial and war — only to falter and leave our work unfinished," he said.
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"We have come through recession and terrorist attack and corporate scandals and the uncertainties of war," the president told lawmakers at the opening of a campaign year. "And because you acted to stimulate our economy with tax relief, this economy is strong and growing stronger."
Democrats were quick to take issue, noting that 2.3 million jobs have been lost under Bush, that deficits are soaring and casualties are climbing in Iraq (news - web sites).
Bush's speech was designed to cast him as the commander in chief, grappling with the nation's problems and above politics while Democratic rivals for his office race around the campaign trail trading charges.
more (if you can take it)...
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=544&e=1&u=/ap/20040121/ap_on_go_pr_wh/state_of_the_unionSorry I missed the SOTU. I had the choice of watching that and lighting myself on fire.