President George W. Bush, in one of only three prime-time press conferences he has given since taking office three years ago, addressed the nation Tuesday night about the continuing conflict in Iraq and mounting casualties.

Ron Slavenas, father of Brian Slavenas, a Genoa man who was killed in Iraq in a Chinook helicopter accident in November 2003, agreed with what Bush said in his speech. He said the United States “can’t be intimidated by rats and roaches” in Iraq and the conflict must be brought to a conclusion. He said he would like to see more countries involved in ending the conflict.

Opening the news conference in the East Room of the White House, Bush spent 17 minutes speaking about recent violence and maintaining a presence in Iraq.

“We will finish the war of the fallen,” Bush said. “American armed forces are performing brilliantly.”

April has been the deadliest month for the United States since Baghdad fell last year. This month, at least 82 U.S. forces have died, and more than 560 soldiers have been wounded, The Associated Press reported.

“This government will do all that is necessary to ensure the success of their mission,” Bush said.

NIU psychology professor Brad Sagarin said he thinks the country is polarized on its feelings toward Bush after the speech. He said he thought supporters would favor the speech, and critics of Bush would remain critical.

Bush said there still are 135,000 troops in Iraq – up from the typical 115,000.

The president opened the conference up to the press and answered their questions, some previously submitted in writing and other last-minute questions.

A question that Bush did not answer directly concerned his and Vice President Dick Cheney’s upcoming testimony in front of the Sept. 11 panel, Sagarin said. The panel had asked the pair to testify separately, but Bush said they would appear together.

He said Bush seemed to avoid the question, even when the question was restated by the original poser. The president seemed less comfortable when he had to answer questions that were unprepared.

Despite Bush’s reluctance to answer the single question, his strongest point was his conviction in expressing his feeling that he is doing the right thing, Sagarin said.