Bush rallies 20,000 here
Appeals to conservative Democrat
By Charles Lardner
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Oct 28, 2004 9:56 AM EST
LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - President Bush rallied about 20,000 supporters Wednesday at Lancaster Airport, unveiling a retooled message designed to appeal to Democrats in one of Pennsylvania's most Republican counties.
Flanked by first lady Laura Bush and U.S. Sen. Zell Miller, a Georgia Democrat who supports Bush, the president delivered a 35-minute speech aimed, in part, at Democrats with conservative social values.
"I know the Democrats are not going to agree with me on every issue. Yet on the big issues of our country's security, victory in the war against terror, improving our public schools, respecting marriage and human life, I hope people who usually vote for the other party will take a close look at my agenda.
"If you're a Democrat, and your dreams and goals are not found in the far left wing of the Democratic Party, I'd be honored to have your vote."
Lancaster was the first stop in a day of campaigning that took Bush to Lima, Ohio; Youngstown, Ohio; and Pontiac, Mich. It was the president's 42nd trip to the Keystone State since he took office in 2000.
Bush spoke for the first time Wednesday about an Oct. 25 New York Times story that reported 380 tons of explosives are missing in Iraq. Democratic challenger Sen. John Kerry has accused Bush of failing to guard the munitions.
"Now, the senator is making wild charges about missing explosives, when his top foreign policy adviser admits, quote, 'We do not know the facts,' " Bush said. "Think about that. The senator is denigrating the action of our troops and commanders in the field without knowing the facts. Unfortunately, that's part of a pattern of saying almost anything to get elected."
Bush assured the crowd that a thorough investigation of the missing explosives is under way.
"Our military is now investigating a number of possible scenarios, including that the explosives may have been moved before our troops even arrived at the site.
"This investigation is important, and it's ongoing. And a political candidate who jumps to conclusions without knowing the facts is not a person you want as your commander in chief."
Though it had been reported since last week that Bush was going to hold a Victory 2004 rally in Lancaster County just a week after visiting Hershey, many people in the crowd seemed not to believe it until the silhouette and lights of Air Force One appeared in the sky west of the airport at 10:55 a.m.
"Oh my god, he's really coming," one woman screamed.
The crowd was already chanting "Four more years!" with alternate approving shouts of "W!" when the president's Boeing 757 pulled up the runway ramp behind the stage.
In his remarks, Bush said voters face "clear choices" in this election, particularly with regard to prosecution of the war on terror, taxes, education, health care and Social Security.
During a war, Bush said, a president needs to be resolute, though not inflexible, so America's enemies remain on the defensive.
He sharply criticized Kerry and running mate Sen. John Edwards for voting for the war in Iraq, but then voting against the $87 billion needed to provide armor and ammunition to troops in the field.
"In a war, sometimes your tactics have to change, but not your principles.
"Even when you might not agree with me, you know what I believe and where I stand and where I intend to lead our country. On good days and on bad days, whether the polls are up or the polls are down, I am determined to win this war on terror and to protect the American people."
On taxes, Bush cited his doubling of the child tax credit to $1,000, reduction of the "marriage penalty" tax and the creation of a lower tax bracket to help working families.
He also said Kerry has promised $2.2 trillion in new spending, but said his promise to tax only the rich would raise just $600 billion to $800 billion.
"There is a gap between that which he promised and that which he can deliver, and guess who usually fills that gap," Bush said.
"We do!" the crowd roared in reply.
But much of his speech was clearly aimed at wooing Pennsylvania and Midwestern Democrats.
"The Democratic Party has a great tradition of leading this country with strength and conviction in times of war and crisis.
"I think of Franklin Roosevelt's commitment to total victory. I think of Harry Truman's clear vision at the beginning of the Cold War. I think of John Kennedy's brave declaration of American ideals.
"Many Democrats look at my opponent and wonder where that great tradition of their party has gone."
He also appealed to Democrats on the issue of partial-birth abortion.
"I remember the strong conscience of the late Democratic governor from Pennsylvania Robert Casey, who once said that when we look to the unborn child, the real issue is not when life begins, but when love begins," Bush said. "I remember the moral clarity of the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Democrat of New York, who said that partial-birth abortion is 'as close to infanticide as anything I have ever come upon.'
"Many Democrats look at my opponent and see an attitude that is much more extreme. He says that life begins at conception, but denies that our caring society should prevent even partial-birth abortion."
Campaign press secretary Scott Stanzel estimated the crowd at 18,000, but estimates of those manning the gates put the crowd at 22,000.
"President Bush traveled to Pennsylvania today to reach out to Casey Democrats who share the president's values and want to make sure we protect our nation by going after the terrorists," Stanzel said.
With a recent poll showing Kerry holding a 5-point lead in Pennsylvania, Bush will continue to focus on the state with a rally tonight in Yardley, Bucks County. |
