January 10, 2005

Several army officials said they want that same deal

George Bush visited the 16-year-old Florida boy who created national news with his trip to Iraq.

Bush recognized that the boy, Farris Hassan of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. told faced daily dangers during his journalistic quest in Iraq, but “managed to finally get out after 48 hours,” said Bush. “I hope my brother Jeb gets to meet him too.”

"I came close on several occasions to being kidnapped and dying," he said in the interview aired Monday. "God must have been with me the entire way."

The high school junior bought a ticket to the Middle East with his own money Dec. 11. He spent 10 days with family friends in Beirut then flew into Baghdad where he said he witnessed 22 explosions on his first day.

"I spent Christmas night with the soldiers down at my hotel, guarding the hotel," he said. "I heard a helicopter crash. The whole ground shook and vibrating, it was a big explosion.”

“Then you just left?,” said Bush. “That’s all we have to do huh? Just leave.”

"It would be easier for you because you have Air Force One," said the boy.

Hundreds of civilians said they would like to sign up for that same plan. “Two days and leave. I’m down with that.”