President Bush remained firm in his decision to continue the war in Iraq at a news conference Tuesday night, saying "we have an obligation to work toward a more free world."

During the conference — Bush's first primetime news conference since the war began March 19, 2003 — the president said he plans to keep U.S. troops in Iraq past June 30 until the new government is settled. The June 30 deadline is when control of the country will be returned to its citizens.

"On July 1 and beyond … our military commitment will continue," Bush said, referring to a commitment to protect the government from external and internal resistance.

He also emphasized, however, that the 100,000-plus troops currently stationed in Iraq would only stay "as long as necessary, and not one day more."

"I know we've been there a long time, but we're making progress," he said.

Bush continues to support the Iraq war, he said, because "25 million Iraqis have as much right to live in freedom as we do," and "I'm afraid (terrorists) want to hurt us again."

"Enemies of the civilized world are testing the will of the civilized world," Bush said.

At this point, pulling out of Iraq would result in more violence, he said. "Any concession or retreat on our part will only embolden our enemy" to further violence and terrorist action.

The United States also must "prove that (its) word can be relied upon," Bush said. "The credibility of the United States is incredibly important for keeping world peace and freedom."

However, a reporter at the conference cited a public opinion poll that shows less support for the war in Iraq and for Bush, who was unfazed by the information.

"If I tried to fine-tune my messages based on polls, I think I'd be pretty ineffective," he said.

Senior Megan Toal-Rossi, president of Students for Kerry, said Bush's attitude "shows very poor leadership" and was the "most maddening thing."

When asked why his claims about Iraq — including that the country contained weapons of mass destruction — turned out to be inaccurate, Bush responded that his actions were still justified.

"When this nation sees a threat … we've got to deal with it," he said. "Saddam Hussein was a threat.

"I went to the U.N. … and said, either you take care of him, or we will."

Bush admitted, though, that the Iraqis "are not happy they're occupied," though they are appreciative of the security the U.S. troops provide, and "they're really pleased we got rid of Saddam Hussein."

And despite finding no evidence yet of weapons of mass destruction, Bush seemed confident "we'll find out the truth on the weapons.

"They could still be there" hidden from authorities, he said, such as the 50 tons of mustard gas found recently at a turkey farm.

In a year when Bush's incumbency will be at stake, the president is confident he will not lose voter support.

"I don't plan on losing my job," he said. "I believe (the American people) will stay with me."

Bush's challenger, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, criticized Bush's talk, saying in a statement Bush "offered no specific plan whatsoever" for how to stabilize the Iraq situation.

"The president made it clear that he intends to stubbornly cling to the same policy that has led to a greater risk to American troops and a steadily higher cost to the American taxpayer," Kerry said.

Professor of Political Science Janet Boles said Bush's idea that America is responsible for spreading civilization and democracy is "simplistic" and "an embarrassment to any American.

"He's basically wrapped himself in the flag of world civilization," Boles said.

Students for Bush President Daniel Suhr, however, was supportive of Bush's speech and responses.

"The president was being entirely honest," said Suhr, a sophomore. Tuesday "was just an opportunity for Bush to reiterate what he's been saying all along.

"This is about freedom, peace and American national security."

Suhr reiterated Bush's insistence that "we have to finish the job … we're going to stay to make Iraq a free and peaceful place."