Bush stumbles on military draft

2004-10-17 14:42

Daytona Beach, Florida - US President George W Bush surprised his listeners at a campaign rally here on Saturday by seeming to oppose, then favour, then oppose replacing the all-volunteer US military with a draft.

Aides had alerted reporters to expect "new language" in Bush's routine rejection of Democratic rival John Kerry's warnings that the Iraqi war has so strained the US armed forces that compulsory military service may be around the corner.

"Our all-volunteer army will remain an all-volunteer army," Bush began, to cheers from supporters here in Florida, the richest prize among the dozen or so states up for grabs in the November 2 election.

"My opponent seems to be willing to say almost anything he thinks will benefit him politically," he said.

"After standing on the stage, after the debates, I made it very plain we will not have an all-volunteer army.

"And yet this week..." he continued, before suddenly realising the gaffe and shouting: "We will have an all-volunteer army."

"Let me restate that: We will not have a draft.

"No matter what my opponent tries to tell people and scare them, we will have an all-volunteer army," promised the president, who is known for frequent verbal stumbles.

"The only person talking about a draft is my opponent.

The only politicians that supported a draft are Democrats, and the best way to avoid a draft is to vote for me," he said.

- AFP