Bush said hope 23 times and he wasn't saying "hope is on the way".
By my fairly quick count (using find "hope" or "hoping" on the Washington Post transcript), Bush used the word "hope" and it's variations 23 times. Some examples...
And so, the answer to your question is: When our general is on the ground and Ambassador Negroponte tells me that Iraq is ready to defend herself from these terrorists, that elections will have been held by then, that their stability and that they're on their way to, you know, a nation that's free; that's when.
And I hope it's as soon as possible.
and
I was hopeful diplomacy would work in Iraq. It was falling apart.
and
So we use diplomacy every chance we get, believe me. And I would hope to never have to use force.
and
LEHRER: New question, Mr. President. Do you believe that diplomacy and sanctions can resolve the nuclear problems with North Korea and Iran? Take them in any order you would like.
BUSH: North Korea, first, I do. Let me say -- I certainly hope so.
and there are others, of course. The message is clear. John Kerry has plans, Bush has hopes.