RATIONAL THOUGHT

As the anti-war left and the media fulminate about semi-organized Iraqi resistance, let's keep in mind two things: 1) This was the same crowd that was quick to describe the march on Baghdad as getting bogged down in a desert quagmire, and 2) The alternative to victory.

That's the real context of President Bush's press conference Tuesday evening. While instant evaluations focused on the Hollywood aspects of the press conference - the president did not speak smoothly (he seldom does in such settings), and he often paused to search for words - the sum and substance of his message to the world was absolutely critical: America won't cut and run, and the troops will get everything they need to achieve victory. Slick delivery is no substitute for real leadership; Bush may lack in slickness, but he is demonstrating strong leadership to the world...

The challenge to the president's critics is simply this: Other than convening umpteen committees of the United Nations, exactly what alternative do they have to offer that would not leave Iraq a giant Petri dish of terrorism? They have none.

I added the emphasis...and it is worth remembering as CNN can't wait to talk about the President stumbling over his words, as if that indicates a weakness in the message.