Think we could have gone to Mars?
How much Mars would $185 billion have purchased? (How much Iraqi democracy has it purchased?)
In reality, you are correct. Bush should and will get "clobbered" for this PR gambit. It's no coincidence, and Bush wants to do or say anything which will get minds off the current events.
Including talking about a space program for which he is aware no significant amount of money can be found. Because it's all in tax cuts and buying democracy and freedom for Iraq.
But, he can sound good for a little while.
Arf