You say "Rotation," We Say "More Troops Going To Iraq"

Dana is second stringing it for Tony the Snow job today. Now, we know that the President is giving the Marines the authority to involuntarily put people back into Iraq. Have a look at how she likes to bend the truth. No matter what you call it, this is the exact opposite of "As they Stand up, we will stand down," now isn't it?

Q Why are we sending more troops to -- Marines and soldiers to Iraq?

MS. PERINO: I think "more" is the wrong word. I think this is a rotation.

Q What?

MS. PERINO: This is a rotation. The order was signed by the President several weeks ago. The military commanders at the Pentagon know best how to do those troop rotations. And just as he defers to his commanders on the ground in Iraq, he defers to his military leaders here. That's why he signed the order.

As I understand it, DoD held a roundtable today to discuss the order. And they'll be taking volunteers first, and then going to involuntary action, if necessary. This does reflect the fact that we're in a long and difficult struggle. The President is grateful and thankful for every soldier's sacrifice and the sacrifice made by their families, especially.

I would note, this morning, somebody asked if this was a recruiting problem. But across the military, at all branches, the military is hitting its targets for recruiting.

Q So it's not an increase?

MS. PERINO: No, as I understand it, it's a rotation.

Is it me, or is it not the responsiblity of the Press Secretary's office to speak for the President and not for themesleves?