Bush Urges Support For Iraq War

President Bush left the seclusion of his Texas ranch Monday to remind Americans why he thinks they must not give up on peace and stability in Iraq.

In the face of growing skepticism over the war, Mr. Bush told a meeting of the Veterans Of Foreign Wars in Republican-friendly Utah that "a policy of retreat and isolation will not bring us safety" from terrorism.

With U.S. casualties rising and his approval rating falling, Mr. Bush urged Americans to stand united in the war in Iraq and against terrorists everywhere.

CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller reports Mr. Bush made a rare and direct reference to the 1,864 U.S. personnel who have so far lost their lives there.

"We owe them something. We will finish the task they gave their lives for," the president said. "We'll honor their sacrifice by staying on the offensive against the terrorists."

Mr. Bush also hailed Iraqi efforts to draft a constitution, saying it will be a landmark event in Iraq's history and move toward democracy.

While the United States has not been attacked since Sept. 11, 2001, Mr. Bush said, "We're not yet safe. Terrorists in foreign lands still hope to attack our country. We must confront threats before they fully materialize."

"The only way to defend to our citizens where we live is to go after the terrorists where they live," he said.

Monday's speech was the first of two Mr. Bush is giving this week reaffirming his plan to stay the course despite the recent focus on problems in Iraq. The second comes Wednesday to a National Guard group in Idaho.

While Mr. Bush has been vacationing at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, anti-war protesters camped by the roadside have taken the limelight, complete with a Sunday evening concert by folk singer Joan Baez.

In an ad airing in Salt Lake City to coincide with the president's visit, Cindy Sheehan – the grieving mother who started the protest vigil outside Mr. Bush's ranch – pleaded for a meeting with him and accused him of lying to the American people about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction and ties to al Qaeda terrorists.

One station, ABC affiliate KTVX, refused to run the ad, saying it could be offensive to the community.

Mr. Bush has strong support in Utah, where he received nearly 70 percent of the vote last fall. But nationwide polls find the public growing more skeptical about his handling of the war.