TIME: The Candidates on the Issues: George W. Bush

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GEORGE W. BUSH
Foreign Policy & Defense
Bush's war on terrorism is the biggest plank in his reelection platform; he believes a firm policy is the only way to deter America's enemies. The President has passionately defended his campaign to topple Saddam Hussein, arguing that Iraq is a crucial theater in the war on terror. Now he insists America must stay the course there, fighting militants and providing security as Iraqis make the transition to democracy. He wants to improve intelligence sharing with other nations to help catch terrorists. Bush also proposes using strong diplomacy to negotiate with North Korea and Iran and end their nuclear weapons programs. He wants to dramatically increase Pentagon spending, putting money behind research for a missile defense shield and a new generation of conventional weapons.

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John Kerry