George W. Bush - 2002 State of the Union Address

President George W. Bush delivers the 2002 State of the Union address, focusing on the war on terror, homeland security, and economic recovery in the wake of the September 11th attacks. Key Topics: War on Terror Axis of Evil Homeland Security Economic Recovery USA Freedom Corps American Values President Bush begins by acknowledging the ongoing war, economic recession, and global dangers, yet affirms the strength of the Union. He recounts the progress made in Afghanistan, highlighting the defeat of the Taliban, the liberation of women, and the establishment of a new alliance. Bush praises the military's success in dismantling terrorist training camps and vows to pursue terrorists globally. Bush details the discoveries in Afghanistan that exposed the enemy's deep hatred and plans for destruction, including targeting American nuclear power plants and developing chemical weapons. He asserts that the war on terror is only beginning and emphasizes the need to prevent terrorists and regimes from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Bush identifies North Korea, Iran, and Iraq as an "axis of evil," for their pursuit of these weapons and sponsorship of terror. He commits to working with allies to deny terrorists and state sponsors the means to create and deliver weapons of mass destruction, develop missile defenses, and take necessary action to ensure national security.