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Reading the transcript of President Bush's press conference yesterday, which was heavily focused on promoting staying in Iraq, even while acknowledging the strain to the American psyche of the task, it's interesting who he does not once mention. He mentions General Abizaid, he mentions Secretary Rice, he mentions commanders on the ground, he mentions Prime Minister Maliki. He mentions strategy and tactics, liberty and freedom, reformers in the region, terrorists, the UN, the French, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Hezbollah, the Democrats, the Patriot Act, searsucker and Connecticut. But he does not once mention Rumsfeld or refer to him. Is that a random omission, or notable, that he doesn't once mention the cabinet secretary charged with running the war when talking about the war?
Update: Check out the President's Saturday radio address as well: Sec. Rice and Amb. Bolton get praise; the defense secretary isn't mentioned. On August 14, Bush and his national security team met at the Pentagon. Here's what Bush had to say: "Mr. Secretary, thanks for having me. The National Security Team from the White House was anxious to come over and get a briefing from you. We've got a lot to discuss. It's very important for the American people to know that we're constantly thinking about how to secure the homeland, protect our interests and use all assets available to do our jobs. I appreciate very much you and your team providing the very important briefing. We live in troubled times, but I'm confident in our capacity to not only protect the homeland, but I'm confident in our capacity to leave behind a better world. And one reason I feel so confident is because we've got a fantastic military. It's been an honor to travel the country, to meet those who wear the uniform. We're a blessed nation to have men and women who are willing to volunteer during these difficult times. And so Mr. Secretary, thanks for the briefing; I'm looking forward to it. And thank you all for giving us your insights and -- thank you."