Bush: America Has Answered The Call

This story was written by Pablo Albilal, Daily Targum

As the president prepared to speak, his smile faded while his demeanor took on the serious look of a president in search of cementing his legacy.

"Seven years have passed since I first stood before you. In that time, our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined," he said. "We faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens. These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it's fair to say we've answered the call."

American citizen's key areas of dissatisfaction, according to a Gallup Poll, are the state of the nation's economy, the United States' role in world affairs and dissatisfaction in how the system of government works. There has been a shift in American's points of concern, moving from the War in Iraq to general disapproval over the state of the nation's economy.

Bush conceded the faults in the economy and offered his own solutions.

"To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy," he said. "As we meet tonight, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty."

Bush pushed for the passing of his $150 billion economic stimulus package.

According to the recent January Reuters/Zogby Index, only 31 percent of American voters approve somewhat of Bush's performance in office. There has been an overall trend of a downward spiral in Bush's rating among the American people, and his approval lingers around its low point of his two-term presidency.

The president also addressed his oft-besieged foreign policy stance.

"Al Qaeda is on the run in Iraq and this enemy will be defeated," he said.

Bush promised and urged Congress to fully fund our troops abroad.

"In the fight ahead you will have all you need to protect our nation," the president said.

As expected by many pundits, Bush offered to America his stern disapproval of the Iranian government.

"We're also standing against the forces of extremism embodied by the regime in Tehran," he said. "Tehran is also developing ballistic missiles of increasing range and continues to develop its capability to enrich uranium, which could be used to create a nuclear weapon."

His comments were met by mixed applause, a testament to America's divided political state.

"This month in Ramallah and Jerusalem, I assured leaders from both sides that America will do, and I will do, everything we can to help them achieve a peace agreement that defines a Palestinian state by the end of this year," Bush said in reference to heightening tensions in Israel.

The president's speech reached many listeners nationwide, including a handful of onlookers at the dimly lit Red Lion Cafe of the Rutgers Student Center on the College Avenue campus. Bush's speech left some viewers more hopeful than others about the state of the country.

"Bush was very stern in his conviction to defend our country. It was a positive message of strength," said University College senior Medardo Vizuete. "He had a positive demeanor. I liked the speech in general."

Rutgers College sophomore Jacky Yen offered his own opinions.

"I believe the War on Terror is one of the most important issues, yet we are using a lot of resources to fight our war," he said. "I believe Bush tries to reflect [minds of] the American people, but I don't think it's working."
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