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Conservative Radio Hosts Check Out Bush

This story was written by Matt Purple, CNSNews.com Correspondent.

Ten conservative talk radio hosts met last week with President Bush, a man they have frequently admired yet also recently criticized.

To shore-up support among his conservative base, President Bush invited Glenn Beck, Bill Bennett, Neal Boortz, Scott Hennon, Laura Ingraham, Lars Larson, Mark Levin, Michael Medved, Janet Parshall, and Hugh Hewitt to the White House for a discussion, most of which focused on his Iraq policy. Sean Hannity was rumored to be there, although he reportedly arrived later than the other hosts.

The meeting was "off the record," meaning the guests could not quote the president. But they could give their general impressions of the conversation and paraphrase what was said. Their reactions seemed generally positive.

"I am confident about the course of the war and about the momentum in Iraq, as well as the president's absolute commitment to doing right by the troops and his concern for every for every lost and wounded soldier and their families," wrote Hugh Hewitt on his blog after the meeting. "President Bush's command of the details and his broad view of the conflict is [sic] reassuring."

Hewitt said he recommended to the president that he engage in longer and more substantive interviews to improve his image with the American people and demonstrate his commitment to the war in Iraq.

Glenn Beck called the conversation with Bush "shockingly frank," adding that the president had performed completely differently than he usually does on television or when behind a podium.

"The power of this man is incredible, the clarity shocking," he said. "The frankness that he spoke to us with was refreshing. The true love that he has for every member of the military is overwhelming. They're like family to him. It is overwhelming what he does that you will never know about.

"He's not the guy you see on TV. ... He's amazing," said Beck. "The only time I'd seen him like that was when he was with the bullhorn on the fire truck [on 9/11]."

Beck had particular praise for Bush over his respect for the military.

Conservative Radio Hosts Check Out Bush (http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/8/6/92804.shtml?s=ic)

This President has had more to deal with during his time in office than any other man. I admire his grace under fire and strength of character.

Hello Dreamweaver,

Brother Bob, I also admire President Bush greatly, even though I don't agree with some of the things he has done, especially in the area of illegal immigration.

However, I do respect and admire him, and I couldn't say that about Clinton. Regardless, I have prayed for both of them every day.

I really do wish that President Bush would get blunt with the American people and hold back only information necessary for national security. What does he have to lose? Nothing, unless something might hurt an ally or endanger some of our folks on the front lines. I'm not talking about doing anything like that. Just drop the political correctness and tell it like it is. I also wouldn't be concerned with politicians being damaged because they've already damaged themselves more than anything President Bush could do to them.

Regardless of some of my disagreements with President Bush, I consider him to be a brave and honorable President. I would love to hear him tell the blunt TRUTH while he's still in office. I think it would be shocking, a shocking that we might enjoy and appreciate.