Despite increasing opposition, President Bush vowed last night to escalate the war in Iraq and proceed with his plan to send 21,000 more troops to Iraq. He urged Congress to give his new Iraq strategy “a chance to work.” [includes rush transcript]

Despite increasing opposition, President Bush vowed last night to escalate the war in Iraq and proceed with his plan to send 21,000 more troops to Iraq. He urged Congress to give his new Iraq strategy “a chance to work.” Speaking about the so-called war on terror, President Bush said the United States would remain at war until the evil that inspired 9/11 no longer exists. The president mentioned Iran five times and accused it of funding Shiite militants in Iraq as well as Hezbollah in Lebanon.

As for Iraq - the president warned that the United States would face a nightmare scenario if the military’s mission in Iraq failed.

• President Bush.

After President Bush gave his State of the Union address, newly elected Senator Jim Webb of Virginia gave the Democrats’ official response.

• Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA).