Mission Still Accomplished

From CNN Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer:

BLITZER: Was it a mistake when the president appeared on the USS Abraham Lincoln May 1st, declared major combat operations over, and there was a huge banner, as you remember, saying "Mission Accomplished"? Looking back on the White House role, you're the chief of the staff for the White House, was it a mistake for the White House to be involved in putting that banner up on the Abraham Lincoln?

ANDREW CARD [White House Chief of Staff]: Well, it was a spectacular visit by the president to the troops on that ship that had accomplished an important mission for their country. And the president was there to celebrate the successes of those particular sailors and Marines and the great work that they did. They were on an unusually long deployment.

And they were the ones who requested that slogan; their mission had been accomplished. And yes, the White House did produce the banner, but it was produced at the recommendation of the request of the sailors and the Marines that were on the ship.

SAILORS: "President Bush, can we have a 'Mission Accomplished' banner behind you on the ship?"
BUSH: "No, it wouldn't be right. The military action was the easy part. We still have a long way to go."
SAILORS: "Come on, Mr. Bush. Please?"
BUSH: "I'm sorry, but it would be premature at this point."
SAILORS: "Weeee-neeeer….weeee-neeeer."
BUSH: "My draft board called me worse."
HARVARD MAN: "That's right, guys. Don't try to convince him. He's a Yalie. The spirit of those foppers are as weak as their crew team."
BUSH: "You crimson bastard! How dare you sully my alma matter? [slaps Harvard Man with fencing glove] Put it up! Put the banner up!"
SAILORS: "YEAH! Bulldog! Bulldog! Bow, wow, wow! Our team can never fail!"