US Representative Richard Gephardt of Missouri, who is seeking his party's 2004 presidential nomination, said Bush should stop with the "phony, macho rhetoric."

"He's president -- you don't taunt the enemy," Gephard said during a campaign appearance in New Hampshire. "You try to keep our troops safe, you try to help them in what they're doing ... This phony, macho business is not getting us where we need to be."

Bush delivered the controversial colloquial taunt to Iraqi militants who attacked US troops Wednesday, saying "bring'em on" and asserting that the forces in Iraq are "plenty tough" to deal with the threat.

"There are some who feel like the conditions are such that they can attack us there. My answer is: Bring'em on," Bush told reporters during an appearance in the White House.

The colorful challenge by Bush provoked indignation from some Democrats, who said the president's bravado was inviting attacks on US soldiers.

Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, another White House hopeful, called Bush's remark "unwise (and) unworthy of the office."

"The deteriorating situation in Iraq requires less swagger and more thoughtfulness and statesmanship," he said in a written statement.

Howard Dean, former Vermont governor who is also running for the 2004 presidency, attacked Bush's remark, saying that Bush "showed tremendous insensitivity to the dangers" the US forces face even when they are risking their lives every day.

Bush's remark came as he continued to face questions about the chaotic postwar scene in Iraq. At least 64 Americans have been killed -- 26 from hostile fire -- since Bush declared the bulk of fighting was over two months ago.

White House press secretary Ari Fleischer defended Bush's comment, saying the president was expressing his faith in the strength and capability of US forces.

(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2003)