Winning the War on Terror

President Bush, in an interview with NBC's Today Show, broadcast to coincide with today's start of the Republican National Convention in New York, was asked:

Can we win [the war on terror]?

Here was the president's response:

I don't think you can win it. But I think you can create conditions so that the - those who use terror as a tool are - less acceptable in parts of the world.

So, the President of the United States does not believe we can win the war on terror. That's a little disconcerting, don't you think, for a President to say a war in unwinnable?

It is also terribly confusing when you consider that National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice said to the Institute of Peace on August 19th, 2004:

The values of freedom and democracy -- as much, if not more, than economic power and military might -- won the Cold War. And those same values will lead us to victory in the war on terror.

That is why it is President Bush's strong belief, and his strategy. America will fight and win the war on terror, because freedom is worth defending. (italics my own)

Or when President Bush said at a rally in Springfield, Missouri on July 30th, 2004:

We have a clear vision on how to win the war on terror and bring peace to the world. (italics my own)

Or when President Bush said in his weekly radio address on June 1, 2002:

Earlier today, I spoke to the graduating cadets of West Point, who will provide the ultimate service to our nation as we fight and win the war on terror. (italics my own)

Or when President Bush said to a rally in Charleston, West Virginia on January 22, 2002:

But I told the families that I've spoken to, by word and written letter, that this nation is doing the right thing, that we're seeds in history; that we refuse to be shaped by terror; that we will win the war on terror; and the cause of sacrifice is noble and it is just. (italics my own)

Or when President Bush said in a prime time press conference on April 13, 2004:

I plan on telling the American people that I've got a plan to win the war on terror. (italics my own)

I could go on and on and on...(these are from a simple Google search for bush "win the war on terror" and a WhiteHouse.gov search for "war on terror".

So, I would (accurately) describe this as a massive change in position by the president...or to use the neo-conservative lingo, a FLIP-FLOP.

But no, we should instead (according to the neo-cons) focus on Kerry saying "I own a SUV"..."I don't own a SUV"..."My wife owns a SUV." Which is more important to the United States I wonder?