Bush vows to rally US to ‘great causes’

US President George W Bush, confronting an ailing economy and the prospect of war in Iraq, declared he would “rally the American people to some great causes” in last night’s State of the Union address.

Hours before the speech to Congress and a global television audience, Mr Bush said: "Tonight I will talk about the great challenges that face our country. I have no doubt we will be able to handle those challenges because we are a great country."

Mr Bush did not mention Iraq only his "deep desire for peace" at home and in the world's trouble spots. He said his address would lay out a vision for improving health care, improving the economy and helping Americans help each other.

"It is a moment where I will rally the American people to some great causes and remind them that we will accomplish those causes together," he said after meeting with his Cabinet.

Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle challenged the White House to show "proof to the world" that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction. He and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi accused Mr Bush of creating a "credibility gap" on a raft of issues.

Washington Governor Gary Locke, who will deliver the Democratic response to Mr Bush's speech, said no economic recovery can occur until the states and cities receive help from Washington something that was omitted from Mr Bush's economic proposals.

"People are clearly worried about terrorism and Iraq but those concerns should not overshadow the pressing needs of the people here at home," he said.

Earlier, spokesman Ari Fleischer said Mr Bush would assert in his State of the Union address that Saddam Hussein poses a "serious threat" to the United States, but would stop short of declaring or justifying war.

That step would come later if Mr Bush concludes that Iraq cannot be disarmed any other way, the White House said yesterday.

A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Mr Bush would use one or two new pieces of recently unclassified intelligence to outline his case against Iraq, asserting that Saddam has weapons of mass destruction and ties to terrorist groups. Mr Bush would argue that America can't wait until the threat matures to the point that it's too late to contain Saddam. Though he wouldn't declare war, the president's intentions would be clear that his patience is limited, the aide said. Much of Mr Bush's speech would focus on domestic concerns, officials added.