Bush Schmoozes Dems, but Analysts Expect Battles

Feb. 3, 2007 — -- President Bush today addressed the House Democratic Caucus in humble and conciliatory tones, but without concessions on his most controversial policies.

Setting a cooperative tone from the start, the president apologized for mangling the party's name in his State of the Union address.

"I referred to something as the Democrat Party," said Bush. He drew guffaws when he added, "Now look, my diction isn't all that good. I have been accused of occasionally mangling the English language. And so I appreciate you inviting the head of the Republic Party."

Bush, who has been referring to the "Democrat Party" for years, did not make that mistake again. He referred to the "Democratic" Party three times in his brief address in historic Williamsburg, Va.

"I'm looking forward to working with you," Bush said. "I know you probably heard that, and you doubt whether it's true. It's true."

In a closed-door session, according to one Democrat in the room, the president said if a pollster asked him if he approved of the conduct of the war, "They'd have to put me down as a 'no.'"

Yet Democrats said while the president is talking a new talk, he's walking the same old walk. He stuck to his controversial proposal to offer tax breaks for health care. The plan funds the added benefit by taxing the most expensive plans, such as those costing more than $15,000 for a family.

"I ask you to carefully consider the idea that we have put out," Bush said. "I've already heard from some members who thought it was a lousy idea. I understand that.  But please look at it in depth as a way to address an issue that concerns us all, and that is, not enough people having health insurance."

He also stood by his plan to boost troop numbers in Iraq by 21,500.

"I put out a plan that has caused a lot of debate on Iraq," Bush said. "I took a lot of time thinking about how best to achieve an objective of a country governing and sustaining and defending itself, a country that will be an ally in this war on terror.  I listened to many members here.  I listened to members of my own party.