Our coalition is strong today, but it could be stronger. I am thankful for the participation of all of those countries that have stood beside us throughout this battle and you cannot minimize their importance by putting a number on the troops they have supplied us � there�s much more to it than that. These countries provide intelligence, resources, money, and specific expertise that we need.

But our efforts to build a coalition haven�t ended. We�re looking into a UN resolution so that we can bring others on board and I think we will be successful in this endeavor. Going forward we will look to gain support from our NATO allies and others around the world.

Keep in mind though, that America must be responsible for its own security. There are times when we may not have the support of our allies or our European neighbors when we need to go forward and protect our own security without them.

In Iraq and in our War on Terror, we are lucky to be supported by our coalition and we will continue to seek more partners.

Well I don�t plan on losing my job. But, yes, protecting America from terror will have been worth it if I lose my job. My first priority as President is to ensure the security of the United States. I believe that I am acting consistently to do this and I have faith that history will agree with me.

Thank you all.

That�s what the President should have said, and it�s how should have said it � short, sweet, and as clear cut as his actions. Recently he has been shooting straight on policy and not firing at all on communication. Mr. Bush needs to put issues behind him and he needs to preempt questions about his policies. Tonight presented the perfect opportunity to put 9.11 in the past and to let America know where we stand in Iraq. This opportunity was missed, and for this writer and all of the others who want desperately for the President to come clean, that�s a disappointment.

While we are in the spirit of looking to the future, though, let�s hope that Mr. Bush is able to get back on message sometime in the next few months. Let�s hope.