MR. FLEISCHER: I could not dispute that more strongly, 
and let me cite it for you. If you take a look at what the
President said on October 7th in Cincinnati in a major
speech to the country, the President said, "Military conflict
could be difficult. An Iraqi regime faced with its own demise
may attempt cruel and desperate measures. There is
no easy or risk-free course of action." That's what the
President said some six months ago, five months ago.

And certainly in many of the statements that I've made 
from this podium, I said, even prior to any action beginning, 
I said on March 18th, "I think people have to prepare for 
the fact that it may not be short." On March 21st, even 
before the air campaign began over Baghdad, in my morning
briefing I was asked about talks for unconditional surrender,
how were the talks for the unconditional surrender. I said, I
think it's important for the American people to remember 
that this still can be a long, lengthy, and dangerous
engagement. This is, as the President said, the opening
phase. It can be a long, lengthy, dangerous engagement
because this is war.

MR. FLEISCHER: I understand. But since we don't deal with
               perceptions, I thought it was important --

Q:             You don't?  (Laughter.)

MR. FLEISCHER: No. I do my best, Bill, to bring it back to
               reality.