President George W. Bush on Tuesday painted anti-war protestors seeking a speedy US withdrawal from Iraq as urging a full retreat from the Middle East and said that would weaken the United States.
Speaking to reporters after touring this mountain resort, the president also seemed to rule out a second meeting with the mother of a US soldier in Iraq, Cindy Sheehan, who besieged him at his Texas ranch.
The president, noting that he had already met with her last year after her son Casey was killed in Iraq, said: "I appreciate her right to protest. I understand her anguish."
"She expressed her opinion. I disagree with it. I think immediate withdrawal from Iraq would be a mistake. I think those who advocate immediate withdrawal from not only Iraq, but the Middle East, are advocating a policy that would weaken the United States," said Bush.
The president noted that he had sent Deputy White House Chief of Staff Joe Hagin and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley to meet with her shortly after she began her high-profile vigil near his Prairie Chapel ranch.
"I've met with a lot of families. She doesn't represent the view of a lot of families I have met with. And I'll continue to meet with families," said Bush.
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