President makes 1st State of the Union speech to Democrat-run Congress
WASHINGTON - A politically weakened President Bush implored a skeptical Congress Tuesday night to embrace his unpopular plan to send more U.S. troops to Iraq, saying it represents the best hope in a war America must not lose. “Give it a chance to work,” he said.
In his hour-long speech, Bush laid out a broad agenda with bipartisan appeal that touched economic, educational and energy policies — even as he sought to combat strong opposition to sending more troops to the war in Iraq and an increase in the size of the military.
“Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq — and I ask you to give it a chance to work,” he said in his sixth State of the Union address. “And I ask you to support our troops in the field — and those on their way.”...