Another thing to consider is that the military by and large tend to be Replublicans. Plus, Bush was in Iraq for that rousing welcome. Hell, they'd have cheered ME had I gone over there. Those soldiers were hungry for home, news of home, any touch of home and pleased that the President had come to the war zone to visit them. Also, Bush always had that "bring it on!" attitude which fits in with military mind-set to a large degree.

There is also a psychological aspect in that Bush could play the benevolent father-figure to the troops which is sad considering that he and Rummy betrayed the troops by not giving them what they needed to fight the war they were shoved into. Flak vests? Armor for vehicles? Rummy couldn't be bothered to supply what could have kept a lot of the men and women alive who died needlessly for lack of them. No, it was left to military families to try to purchase for their sons and daughters what they could. Nor did they provide sufficient medical care at the VA for wounded soldiers. I call it criminally negligent behaviour and wish with all my heart we could send both Bush and Rumsfeld to jail for their sins both of commission and omission.

Have you ever noted how an abused child craves the attention/approval of the abusive parent?