Bush's 'comma' remark spurs debate

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 5 (UPI) -- U.S President George Bush's comment in Arizona that the Iraq war would be "just a comma" in history books became more an exclamation point in lively debate.

Bush aides say he was merely restating his determination in what he's admitted will be a lengthy war when he made that comparison in a campaign stop in Scottsdale, Ariz.

But opponents saw the comment as a sign of insensitivity to the more than 2,700 U.S. troop deaths or a code to his religious supporters, The Washington Post said, referring to the line "Never put a period where God has put a comma."

Bush has used the reference on several occasions and kicked off the debate as presidential utterances often do, though more so with mid-term elections on the horizon. Aides are just as quick to deny he is discounting the deaths and other sacrifices being made.

Bush aides also are quick to try to shoot down the "hidden message" suggestion and the Post pointed out it originated with comedian Gracie Allen and no religious text.