Despite unpopular war, Bush stumps hawkishly

President Bush launched a final drive Thursday to try to help Republicans maintain control of Congress, arguing that the United States must stay in Iraq despite the war's unpopularity.

"I think most Republicans understand that if we were to leave before the job is done, America will be less secure," Bush said Wednesday in an interview with Reuters and other news agencies.

Polls before Tuesday's congressional elections show Democrats positioned to win power in the House for the first time since 1994 and threatening Republican control of the Senate.