He flew under the shroud of secrecy to Baghdad to reassure about 600 service men and women gathered in an airport hangar that Americans support them.

It truly is unfortunate that after hearing about Bush’s trip, some Americans started questioning his motives. Why in the world would the president campaign for re-election among soldiers? What in the world was he trying to prove? Why would he grandstand in such a dangerous way? Wasn’t this just a little over the top? And, by the way, just how much did that little airplane ride cost American taxpayers?

It truly is unfortunate that some Democrats — and, yes, some Republicans — are so disillusioned with politics and politicians that they don’t believe President Bush traveled without any ulterior motives safely packed aboard Air Force One.

Bush was doomed before he sneaked away from his Crawford, Tex., ranch Wednesday evening in an unmarked vehicle.

The antics of numerous public officials — both Republicans and Democrats ranging from city council members to presidents of the United States — have soured our nation. Many Americans no longer can look at a trip such as the president’s Thanksgiving odyssey without an overwhelming sense of skepticism.

How many times have elected officials purported to undertake altruistic measures and how many times have Americans been duped?

Far too many.

And so, while it would be nice to believe that George Bush’s decision to take a dangerous trip to visit with troops half a world away was simply a kind gesture, some Americans never will believe that.

And that’s too bad.