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CNN Live Event/Special

Bush Speaks About Terror at West Virginia Airport

Aired January 22, 2002 - 11:38   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to leave the Pentagon briefing now and check in with President Bush who is speaking in West Virginia and making comments on the war on terrorism.

Let's listen to the president.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

GEORGE BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It's either allow terror to spread its wings and terrorize others or to stand tough, and this nation has made the decision to stand tough, and I'm proud of her.

A fellow came the other day to the office and said, "Well, are you worried about Mr. bin Laden?" I said, "No, I'm not too worried about him. He's the guy that needs to be worried."

But I want to assure you that the objective is not bin Laden. Oh, we'll get bin Laden.

There's only so many caves he can hide in, if he's still hiding in caves. My attitude was, once we get him running, it's just a matter of time before we bring him to justice.

But the mission is broader than just one person. The mission is to make sure that terror, wherever it tries to settle in, is rooted out. The mission is to say to the governments that think that we're not watching, "We're watching and if you try to harbor a terrorist, feed a terrorist, you're just as guilty as those who would commit murder on innocent citizens."

So I want to reiterate what I said to those who are making the sacrifice by wearing the uniform and particularly their families, I want to thank you. I grieve and mourn and pray when we lose a life, and we will when it comes to the war on terror.

But I told the families that I've spoken to, by word and written letter, that this nation is doing the right thing, that we're seizing history, that we refuse to be shaped by terror, that we will win the war on terror and the cause of sacrifice is noble and it is just.

What a great nation we have!

KAGAN: We've been listening in to President Bush as he speaks at the airport at Charleston, West Virginia.

He'll be giving a major economic policy speech later from West Virginia. You'll see that live here on CNN.

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