Biden to Bush: You Deserve 'a Lot of Credit' for Supporting Troops

Vice President Joe Biden says former President George W. Bush deserves a "lot of credit" for the milestone marked in Iraq by the departure of U.S. combat troops.

Biden, in an appearance Wednesday night on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report," looked directly into the camera, as if speaking to Bush, and said: "I've never known a time when you didn't care about what happened. We disagreed on policy. You deserve a lot of credit, Mr. President."

He made the remark in answer to a teasing question from host Stephen Colbert, who said many conservatives were annoyed that Bush's role has not been acknowledged. Both Biden and President Obama, as senators, opposed Bush's "surge" strategy that sent more U.S. troops into Iraq and led to improved security in the country. "Mr. President, thank you," Biden said. "You've honored these guys. You've honored these women. You've honored these troops."

While somewhat vague, Biden's nod to Bush went further than President Obama's measured statement last week. Obama, in announcing the end of direct combat operations in Iraq, thanked his predecessor but did not mention the 2007 surge. "We've not said we've won it," Biden said of the situation in Iraq, only that a "significant milestone" has been achieved.

When the show opened, only Biden's back could be seen as he served hog dogs to uniformed troops in Colbert's studio audience.

"Hey, hot dog guy!" Colbert yelled to Biden, who was in his shirtsleeves and was wearing a baseball cap. Only his back could be seen. Turning to face the camera, Biden answered: "Hey, man, to you. It's Mr. Vice President hot dog guy." Biden, whose son served in Iraq, said he has two constitutional duties: breaking tie votes in the U.S. Senate and "giving hot dogs to returning warriors."