From the Times (UK):
We must rise to the tasks of history, says Bush
From Tim Reid in Washington
PRESIDENT BUSH last night set out his stall for re-election, insisting that the world was a safer place because of his aggressive foreign policy. However, he also gave warning that America could expect further atrocities to rival the September 11 terror attacks.
In his State of the Union address, Mr Bush issued a bold message of resolve and a robust defence of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He urged his fellow Americans to stay the course and continue "rising to the tasks of history", while also setting out a domestic agenda focused on job creation and healthcare.
His speech, watched by ten of millions of Americans, came a day after Senator John Kerry's stunning victory in Iowa's Democratic caucuses, which suddenly presented the prospect of a heavyweight Democratic challenger in November.
A Washington Post poll yesterday gave Mr Bush a lead of just 48 per cent to 46 over an unnamed Democrat, with Americans dissatisfied with Mr Bush's domestic record and far more concerned about the economy than terrorism. But in a clear sign that Mr Bush will use national security and the War on Terror as his central campaign theme, in which he continues to enjoy a huge advantage over Democrats, he told Americans that because of his resolve the country, and the world, was safer.
In excerpts of the speech seen by The Times before its delivery last night, Mr Bush said: "Twenty eight months have passed since September 11, 2001. Over two years without an attack on American soil and it is tempting to believe that the danger is behind us. That hope is understandable, comforting and false." Claiming that he is the best man to lead America through what will be a long conflict, Mr Bush said: "We have not come all this way through tragedy, and trial, and war only to falter and leave our work unfinished." Mr Bush used last year's State of the Union speech to make the case for toppling Saddam Hussein, citing a list of alleged illegal weapons that have yet to be found. Last night he defended the Iraq war.