Bush: Americans wonder whether the future's as good as they want it to be

In a wide-ranging interview with Florida reporters Wednesday, Bush also discussed oil drilling, Iran's nuclear ambitions and the history books he has been reading. He reflected on his low approval ratings, returning to the topic several times to say that he believes the American people have "battle fatigue" about the Iraq war and are concerned about Iran and high gasoline prices.

Those problems "have caused Americans to really take a look at the future and wonder whether or not it's as good as they want it to be."

He said he supports more oil and gas exploration in the eastern Gulf of Mexico but reiterated his desire to keep drilling at least 100 miles from Florida's coastline. Yet he did not endorse a plan by the state's congressional delegation to extend the line to 150 miles.

"I've told the people of Florida I don't support drilling (within) 100 miles. And it's a pledge I've kept," Bush said. "They're having all kinds of discussions (in Congress), but my line is, not within 100 miles of the Florida coast."

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/05/11/State/President_endorses_Je.shtml

:grr: