Bush terms Kerry a weak leader

Published November 1, 2004

ORLANDO, Oct 31: US President George W. Bush assailed Democrat John Kerry as weak against terrorism on Saturday and consulted top aides to weigh possible responses to Osama bin Laden's latest videotaped threats.

Three days before the election, Bush sought to energize core supporters during a final-stretch sprint that took him through the key up- for-grabs states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Florida.

After months of accusing Kerry of being an unreliable opportunist, Bush told thousands of supporters in Wisconsin: "In less than 72 hours, the American people will be voting, and the decision comes down to: Who do you trust?"

Kerry "has chosen a position of weakness and inaction," said Bush. "I offer leadership and results, in a time of threat and a time of challenge."

Bush, who devotes much of his regular campaign speech attacking Kerry, also accused the Democrat of being overly negative, saying: "Anger is not an agenda, and a litany of complaints is not a plan."-AFP