What I loved about Bush, as well as his father is their humanity. You sensed with both presidents that time, thought, and prayer went into any decision involving our young men and women in the armed forces. That they would take it as a personal loss if any of them did not make it. Democrat or republican, I will trust any president who gives me this feeling. GW with all of his knowledge about the middle east situation (which I suspect might convey more danger then we know) is still giving them a chance to avoid war. God Bless him.
This is a feeling I had with Jimmy Carter (a democrat) as well.
If I pick up on this, imagine the peace it gives to the military, hence the respect of not only those in the service but their families as well.