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President Bush stunned the world this past week when he flew to Baghdad under the cover of dark—and secrecy.

The trip to Baghdad was a major boost to morale. The troops in Iraq got to see the Commander in Chief in person, shake hands with him and share a meal with him. The President even took a turn serving food to the troops. Even though the President has not seen combat, such events help build bonds between the man who gives orders and the people who carry them out. In addition to boosting the morale of the troops in Iraq, military personnel around the world see that the President is committed to supporting them and their mission.

What the President said to the troops drove that point home:

I bring a message on behalf of America: We thank you for your service, we're proud of you, and America stands solidly behind you. Together, you and I have taken an oath to defend our country. You're honoring that oath. The United States military is doing a fantastic job. You are defeating the terrorists here in Iraq, so that we don't have to face them in our own country. You're defeating Saddam's henchmen, so that the people of Iraq can live in peace and freedom.

The benefits from this trip are not limited to military personnel. This trip should provide a substantial boost to the President's approval rating. He could have stayed at home, had dinner with his family and not taken the risks involved with a trip into an area were a plane was hit with a missile just days beforehand. Instead he put the interests of the troops ahead of his own safety. For the people in the United States—and around the world—there can be no doubt that this President will stay the course.

There are, of course, some detractors. The anti-American crowd at home and abroad quickly searched for something negative to report. Some people criticized the "secrecy" of the trip, ignoring the fact that almost everything the President does involves some level of secrecy in terms of his schedule, route and immediate whereabouts...not to mention how stupid it would be to broadcast his intentions to people armed with anti-aircraft missiles. Another attempt to find something to complain about was leveled at the reporters: why did they "go along with" the secrecy? But since when is secrecy not a part of journalism? Journalists sometimes keep sources secret and at other times they agree to embargoes about when information can be released. Apparently critics of the President want people to think that a reporter's job is to put their life in danger (and that of the President) instead of simply being a reporter of fact. No one believes that a reporter has to be "first" with information, or that it has to be reported in real time for the information to be conveyed successfully.

In domestic political circles, the critics were a bit more reserved, apparently sensing the danger of trying to criticize a President who just a historic (and breathtaking) visit to troops in a combat zone. "I thought it was terrific," said Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry. "I'm pleased the president did that. I believe President Bush's visit to the troops was a nice thing to do. But unless this visit is followed by a change in policy that brings our allies and truly internationalizes the effort, our mission is not going to be successful."

The trip reminds all of us that it is sometimes the unexpected that brings us the greatest satisfaction, even on a day devoted to giving thanks for our good fortune. It is the unexpected kindness that brightens our day, the unforeseen discount at the store that becomes a favorite anecdote and the last-minute dinner plans that often turn out to be the best meal you've had in days. President Bush provided that kind of satisfaction to the troops waiting somewhat impatiently for their holiday meal. It will be a story they tell over and over again throughout their lives, and something to reflect on at future Thanksgiving gatherings.

The future of Iraq is still shrouded in the fog of the future, but President Bush's future, as well as those brave soldiers serving in Iraq, just got a little brighter.

...such events help build bonds between the man who gives orders and the people who carry them out.

The benefits from this trip are not limited to military personnel.

In domestic political circles, the critics were a bit more reserved....

The trip reminds all of us that it is sometimes the unexpected that brings us the greatest satisfaction....