NYC Letter: Scenes NOT From the Clinton Adminstration

Nor for that matter an imagined Kerry administration.

BUSH THANKS U.S. TROOPS FOR EXTENDED IRAQ TOURS

WIESBADEN, Germany (Reuters) - President Bush told a roaring crowd of U.S. veterans of the Iraq war on Wednesday "America stands with you," and thanked them for serving in extended tours.

"Today, I bring you a message from back home: the American people are grateful to you. Your communities are proud of you. And as you defend the cause of freedom, America stands with you," he said.

Even Reuters cannot manage to diminish Mr. Bush's reception.

One of the telling differences between this administration and its predecessor is that this Commander-in-Chief is warmly embraced by his troops.

There was little or no love in serving under Mr. Clinton. Mr. Clinton never credibly reformed his "loathe the military" attitude and was a dispiriting military leader. Mugging lip-biting empathy may play for the editors of People Magazine, but the military wants a commander who understands the inherent hardships of the profession. When your job puts your life on the line the obvious choice is for real, if demanding, leadership. No poseurs, please.

The obligatory show-up and polite reception accorded the Clinton crew by the military becomes sorrier and paler when compared to the exhilaration and whole-hearted devotion that greets Mr. Bush and his lieutenants.

We share with the military not just a feeling of pride in Mr. Bush's command, but an abundant relief. And with relief, an abiding gratitude.