OK, Back to Bashing the AP

Did AP's reporter go to the same event covered by the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post and New York Times?
1. NYT: Bush Speaks and Base Is Subdued

By SHERYL GAY STOLBERGFORT BENNING, Ga., Jan. 11 — President Bush came to this Georgia military base looking for a friendly audience to sell his new Iraq strategy. But his lunchtime talk received a restrained response from soldiers who clapped politely but showed little of the wild enthusiasm that they ordinarily shower on the commander in chief.


2. WashPost: A Fort Benning, a Quiet Response to a Presidential Visit

Soldiers being soldiers, those who met the commander in chief Thursday saluted smartly and applauded politely. But it was hardly the boisterous, rock-star reception Bush typically gets at military bases. During his lunchtime speech, the soldiers were attentive but quiet. Not counting the introduction of dignitaries, Bush was interrupted by applause just three times in 30 minutes -- once when he talked about a previous Medal of Honor winner from Fort Benning, again when he pledged to win in Iraq and finally when he repeated his intention to expand the Army.

3. LAT: Bush pitches Iraq plan to Ft. Benning soldiers

Bush spoke to about 300 soldiers and family members at Ft. Benning. His audience was friendly, but his sober address received a less enthusiastic reception than has been the case on his past visits to military bases to promote his Iraq policy.

White House and Army officials prohibited reporters from interviewing soldiers before Bush spoke or immediately after his remarks.

For most of his five hours at the post, Bush was surrounded by troops in pale green camouflage uniforms — first at a lunch, then watching a demonstration of paratrooper training, then shaking the hands of hundreds of young soldiers before Air Force One departed.

4. Bush cheered at Fort Benning
By DEB RIECHMANN
Associated Press Writer

FORT BENNING, Ga. - President Bush, surrounded on Thursday by cheering soldiers in camouflage, defended his decision to send 21,500 more U.S. troops to Iraq and cautioned that the buildup will not produce quick results. "It's going to take awhile," he said.