Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Stockman Scott's Political Debate Porch -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Jim Willie CB who wrote (21173)	6/27/2003 5:17:58 PM
From: stockman_scott	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 89467

Bush Stops in Calif. as Part of $30 Million Re-Election Drive URL:http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,90587,00.html Friday, June 27, 2003 BURLINGAME, Calif. — President Bush (search) fattened his $30 million campaign kitty during a a 10-hour stay in California on Friday. But, for the president, raising campaign cash there is a cinch compared with winning the state in 2004. Even with a 61 percent job approval rating in California and an unpopular Democratic governor facing a grass-roots recall effort, capturing the Golden State's 54 electoral votes will be a tough, if not impossible, job for the president next year. Despite the presence of several hundred protesters who gathered outside a hotel in suburban San Francisco, Bush made his appeal at a $2,000-a-plate luncheon that raised $1.6 million for his candidacy, according to campaign officials. "I will continue to earn the confidence of all Americans, regardless of their political party, by keeping this nation secure and strong and prosperous and free," Bush said in remarks that focused on two of his campaign themes: expanding freedom and peace around the world and working at home for a society of prosperity and compassion. "It is clear that the future of freedom and peace depend on the actions of America," he told the audience that dined on chilled chicken and chocolate mousse. "This nation is freedom's home and freedom's defender. ... This country will not rest. We will not tire, and we will not stop until this threat to civilization is removed." Two-thirds of the $5 million Bush was expected to pick up in the state was to come from an upscale dinner for about 1,800 at the Century Plaza Hotel (search) in Los Angeles. After dinner, Bush was flying to Texas for a weekend at his ranch. Two more fund-raisers in Florida on Monday make up the final leg of a two-week, cross-country, money-raising blitz. The Bush-Cheney campaign says the president expects to raise $27 million to $30 million during the three-month fund-raising period that ends June 30 — and Bush didn't even launch his re-election campaign until May 16. By contrast, all nine Democratic presidential hopefuls may manage to raise $30 million during the same three-month period. The Bush figure includes upcoming fund-raisers such as the $5 million California sweep, and estimates of mail and Internet donations, said Bush-Cheney campaign spokeswoman Nicolle Devenish. "He's trying to purchase the second term," said Bob Mulholland, a spokesman for the Democratic Party in California. He said state Republicans' claims that Bush might win California were pie-in-the-sky. "He's not going to have California in his column," Mulholland said. "If you really have a conversation with key Republicans — anonymously — they'll tell you California is not on the plate. It's too big, too costly and too Democratic." Bush lost to Al Gore by 12 percentage points in 2000, but a California Field Poll conducted in April shows Bush would beat a generic Democratic presidential nominee 45 percent to 40 percent. The poll showed Bush had a 61 percent job approval rating, with the war in Iraq generally boosting his standing among Hispanics. Bush was not expected to address the top political issue in the state, the recall effort to oust Democratic Gov. Gray Davis (search). A coalition of labor unions, civil rights organizations, church groups and some business leaders wanted Bush to tell Republicans to give up the fight to get rid of Davis, but White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said the president believed it was a matter for Californians to decide. Anti-Bush forces in California planned to use Bush's fund-raising visit to voice their opposition to his administration. Five women from a group called Code Pink Women for Peace (search) got a room at the hotel so that they could protest inside. They wore pink bridesmaid-style dresses with hot pink sashes protesting the U.S. involvement in Iraq. Carol Norris, 41, a political writer from San Francisco, carried the message: "Bush lied how many died?" "We want to hold the Bush administration accountable," she said. "He lied about the weapons of mass destruction and he should be held accountable." Outside, protesters carried signs that read: "Where is Osama" and "Air head of evil." A few, dressed like space aliens, carried a sign that said: "Iraq Weapons Abducted by Aliens." "I don't support Bush. I don't support his foreign policy or his policy at home," Rosemary Carpendale of Berkeley, Calif. "I'm here for my own conscience. It's important we show him that there are people against his policies."

To: Jim Willie CB who wrote (21173)	6/27/2003 5:24:01 PM
From: stockman_scott	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 89467

<<...we could see an extremely nasty divisive combative primary season this re-election season next February could get ugly...>> I agree...Pitt is a straight shooter (a teacher from Boston who really cares about this country)...The CIA veteran he talked to has worked for 7 presidents and understands the system...He also pointed out some things most of the mainstream media outlets have failed to examine. I expect the Dems to play hardball in the next year...until a nominee is selected it will be very interesting though...I would be surprised if the GOP allows any serious investigations of 9/11 or the intelligence and the case for war with Iraq -- too much potential for a blow-up if they had really comprehensive and open hearings...Why would we want our government to set a good example and operate with integrity and transparency.??...We've got Enron-style leadership coming from the top down. -s2