Posted on 10/25/2002 6:49:11 AM PDT by dittomom
W's one-man show an Arizona sellout
By Richard Ruelas
Republic columnist
Oct. 25, 2002
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He doesn't sing. He doesn't dance. He might get off a few snappy one-liners, but mainly the show is an extended spoken-word performance.
Still, it sells.
President George W. Bush brings his one-man show to the Dodge Theater on Sunday, where he will use it to rally support for Rick Renzi, who is running for Congress, and Matt Salmon, who is running for governor.
Bush is expected to pack the place, even though it has been less than a month since Bush's last trip to Phoenix.
The Valley hasn't seen a headliner return with this frequency since the head-banging shows of Ronnie James Dio in the mid-'80s.
Like Dio, the president has been seemingly touring non-stop, stumping for Republicans nationwide.
Call it the "No Opposition" tour.
Since January, according to the Washington Post, Bush has headlined at 67 receptions, grossing more than $144 million.
Not only does that figure dwarf the estimated $105 million raised by Bill Clinton in 2000 - a presidential election year - it bests any touring act on the road.
Bush's tour, so far, beats out the entire 2001 grosses of Elton John, Billy Joel, the Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync.
Bush even beats the top-grossing act of 2001, U2, whose "Elevation" tour netted only $109 million. And U2 played a dozen more shows than Bush.
Only Paul McCartney is within striking distance of Bush's monstrous money total. For the first six months of the year, McCartney brought in $53 million for 27 concerts - an average just under $2 million per show.
Good. But W does better, averaging $2.1 million every time he steps on stage.
Bush has raised so much money, he's now performing for free. The Republican Party is handing out tickets to the faithful.
Almost makes you feel sorry for the poor stiffs who paid $700 a ticket a few weeks ago.
But now, the Salmon campaign doesn't need cash. It needs a show.
It needs Bush to rally voters and get Salmon some good press. Maybe a front-page photo of him grinning and holding his hands in the air next to the Fund-raiser-in-Chief.
This show, like all concerts, can provide a distraction.
It might make voters believe Salmon's line about how he will provide "honest change."
And ignore the fact that Arizona has been under GOP control for a decade, especially the Legislature, which has been dominated by Salmon's brand of conservative politics.
Under that leadership, the state gave tax exemptions worth hundreds of millions of dollars to various businesses that cozied up to lawmakers, and now finds itself facing a deficit of ridiculous proportions.
That deficit is requiring state agencies to undergo deep cuts. So much so that agency heads are telling Gov. Jane Hull they will be hamstrung in their abilities to provide some essential government services.
Republican responsibility for this mess won't come up during the Bush show. It will be all about improving education while cutting taxes. About staying tough and united during this time of crisis and war.
Maybe someone will hold up a lighter, like at most concerts. Maybe even yell for "Freebird." There will no doubt be lots of cheering and clapping. Like at most concerts, it will be so loud, no one will be able to think.
Which is the basic idea.
Reach Ruelas at richard.ruelas@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-8473.
Which is the basic idea.
Hey, Richard!!! How about THIS ... On the night of November 5th, may the victorious cheering and clapping from the multitudes of Salmon supporters across the Grand Canyon State, give you one such a headache at your keyboard that YOU won't be able to think!!
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