Bush Echos LBJ: We Will 'Stay the Course' In Iraq

President Bush told reporters that the American people should expect more violence in Iraq in coming weeks as the insurgents attempt to disrupt voting on the nation's proposed constitution. He also said the America must stay the course in Iraq.

Bush spoke as anti-war activists planned demonstrations for Saturday in Washington DC. Cindy Sheehan, the grieving mom who had camped out outside Bush's Crawford, Texas, ranch in August will be leading one rally.

The president spoke to reporters flanked by Vice President Cheney and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Once again, Bush made an improper connection between the war in Iraq and the September 11 attacks in attempt to justify his position.

'Some Americans want us to withdraw our troops so that we can escape the violence. I recognize their good intentions, but their position is wrong.' he claimed. 'Withdrawing our troops would make the world more dangerous and make America less safe. To leave Iraq now would be to repeat the costly mistakes of the past that led to the attacks of September the 11, 2001.'

The president asserted that 'the battle lines are drawn and there is no middle ground. Either we defeat the terrorists and help the Iraqis build a working democracy, or the terrorists will impose their dark ideology on the Iraqi people and make that country a source of terror and instability to come for decades.'

The American death toll in Iraq has now passed 1,900 and there are no signs that the insurgency is weakening.

Despite the ongoing problems, Bush's statements remain the same. 'Now the terrorists are testing our will and resolve in Iraq,' Bush said. 'If we fail that test, the consequences for the safety and security of the American people would be enormous. Our withdrawal from Iraq would allow the terrorists to claim an historic victory over the United States.'

Bush said that U.S.-backed Iraqi security forces are 'now in control of more parts of Iraq than at any time in the past two years.' He expressed hope that the Iraqi government may soon be able to do more for itself.