Bush says he understands Americans' worries

President &to=http://english.pravda.ru/mailbox/22/101/399/15427_Bush.html' target=_blank>George W. Bush said Wednesday that even though the state of the union is strong, he understands why some Americans are worried in a time of war and job cuts.

"I understand there's an anxiety about the time of war," Bush said, trying to keep the momentum of the previous night's State of the Union address with an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. "That's natural, seems like to me, even though this economy is roaring. It is strong, when you recognize we've overcome a lot."

Bush tried to pre-empt objections from &to=http://english.pravda.ru/world/20/91/368/16395_Bush.html' target=_blank>Democrats, who are looking to regain control of the House and Senate in midterm elections this year. The Democrats are looking for advantage in Bush's weak poll numbers and burgeoning scandals in Republican congressional ranks.

"Our economy is the envy of the world," Bush said. "And yet people are changing jobs a lot and there is competition from India and China, which creates some uncertainty. My worry is that people see that uncertainty and decide to adopt isolated policies, or protectionist policies."