ORLANDO -- President George W. Bush said the U.S. needs to use all available tools to fight against terrorism.
In a speech to the national Veterans of Foreign Wars Conference in Orlando, Bush made a case for his approach to the war on terror, as well as his strategy in Iraq.
The president said future U.S. leaders need to keep Americans safe at home, while keeping terrorists "on the run." He added that terrorism can't be treated "primarily as a matter of law enforcement." The remark is seen as a veiled reference to an approach backed by Barack Obama.
Bush also talked about his policy in Iraq. He said his decision to increase U.S. troop levels there last year brought security to a
now-resurgent nation. Without naming detractors by name, the president slapped back at those who have called his plan flawed.
In his words, "The commander in chief must always listen to the commanders, and not the latest opinion polls."
Bush's appearance came in the same week as the presumed nominees to take over his job spoke at the same conference. Democratic Sen. Barack Obama addressed the convention Tuesday, and Republican Sen. John McCain made remarks Monday.
Obama is poised to announce his vice presidential running mate Friday.
McCain said he would announce his running mate next week.
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