MSNBC: Disturbing "raised fist" Bush graphic, "Defy These Terrorists"

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6870439/

WASHINGTON - Calling this weekend’s national election in Iraq “a grand moment in Iraqi” history, President Bush on Wednesday urged the populace to “defy these terrorists” waging an unrelenting campaign of violence by casting their ballots.

Conducting the 18th formal news conference of his presidency, the first of his second term, Bush touched on a wide spectrum of topics, including his proposal to overhaul Social Security, the budget deficit, shaky U.S. relations with allies and Democratic complaints about his top Cabinet picks.

Bush restated his support for a Social Security overhaul that offers a private investment option and said he was looking forward to "leading the Congress" on the issue. He continued to eschew specifics of the proposal, except to reiterate his support for an option for people to privately invest part of their payroll contributions to the system and to say that there should not be any increase in payroll taxes, which fund the Social Security program.

The president acknowledged that some Republicans are nervous about dealing with the issue, but said "our job is to confront issues and not pass them on." He said he would “continue to speak directly to the people” to build support for overhauling a system that the administration predicts will go "bankrupt" by 2042.

[Cocoa]

1. we'll see how much influence Bush has with the Iraqis