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Okay, as long as you say, "Bring it on," here it is:

Air Force One and the President of the United States flew into Western New York early this morning. President Bush was here to lead off his campaign to keep the Patriot Act from expiring.

Let me give you the local background. Democrats outnumber Republicans in NY State by two million. The local area supports Kerry by 56 to 38. Protesters at the airport and at Kleinhans Music Hall where the President would speak were the usual motley crew of anti-war idiots; no blood for oil creeps, and the unions who blame Bush for outsourcing. Still someone had a very large sign saying, “BUFFALO FOR BUSH.” Our local radio announcer said that the pro-Bush people equaled the protesters.

People could not line the route of the presidential motorcade to Kleinhans Music Hall since the route was kept secret. Every bridge on every possible route had police cars to prevent sniping at the motorcade. Still, once the motorcade started, people realized which route the motorcade was taking, and rushed to any spot on the route where they could greet the President. THANK YOU BUFFALO.

But, I’m ahead of myself. Back to President Bush’s arrival at the airport as seen on TV. Air Force One was due to arrive at the Buffalo International Airport at 9:06 a.m. It arrived precisely at 9/06 a.m. (I’m told that Air Force One is ALWAYS on time.

Air Force One glided to a stop and a crew rushed to put up the steps. (I couldn’t wait to see how he looked after the last two weeks of liberal hell) The door opened and President Bush stepped out and SMILED confidently at the people waiting to greet him. HE LOOKED GREAT, relaxed and healthy. He was greeted with cheers.

The President was at the top of his stride in meeting, greeting and exchanging jokes with the assembled guests. He was hugely enjoying it.

Oh, the MOST important news item: LOL! President Bush’s hair is NOT colored. It was obvious on TV that there is still some very light grey in places where the light hit it.

The motorcade then left for Kleinhans Music Hall’s Mary Seton Room at Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY. where he met with about 500 or 600 invited guests. Among the guests were NY State Gov. Pataki, members of the FBI, local First Responders, etc.

The entire hour or so was beautifully done. Dubya talked to the people there and to the people at home as though it was a one-to-one conversation. He was charming. He was likable. He was presidential. He was everything you ever wanted him to be.

He told why we needed the Patriot Act and then encouraged his six guests on the stage (all of whom are experts in some area of the Patriot Act) to give their stories about what it was like not to be able to exchange information on terrorists BEFORE the Patriot Act. It was eye-opening to learn how many terrorists got away just because information on the terrorists could not be shared.

The President also thanked the First Responders and also the local law enforcement for the high quality of protection he was receiving on his visit here. He said that if he had to encourage one improvement among the local pols, it was, “FIX THE POTHOLES.” Instant loud laughter. We all know about the potholes which are part of winter in the north, and we loved hearing our President joke about it.

I must mention that our premier local radio station’s announcer was furious with the outsourcing protesters, and mentioned that NAFTA was responsible for the outsourcing and that was under Clinton’s Realm of Terror. So he wondered first of all why did the unions promote Clinton, and secondly why do they blame outsourcing on Bush.

Our leading radio station, WBEN, covered the event totally, and local Channel 2 covered the President’s speech in its entirety. That was followed (after Rush’s show) by the 3 to 6 p.m. call-in show where WBEN’s host raved about President Bush, and denigrated the protesters. (He also made mincemeat of some lib callers. LOL)

One thing I noticed especially today when watching President Bush for an hour on TV in a more relaxed situation than usual, was that his smile seems to come from way down deep inside him. It lights up his face with joy in a way that cannot be duplicated by the would-be pretenders to the presidency. And I was surprised at how much better looking he is than in still pictures.

Oh, I also forgot that one of the men who had been on the stage with him was interviewed later on radio. Sorry, I was driving and watching for my turn and missed the man’s name. But, he was asked what the President was like when out of the public spotlight. His reply was that he was every inch PRESIDENTIAL. Also, that when he met briefly beforehand with those who were to be on the stage, he put them all at ease and made them feel relaxed. What a gift.

Excellent report kitkat. You took us there. He is better looking in person isn't he? His genuineness comes through.

...his smile seems to come from way down deep inside him. It lights up his face with joy in a way that cannot be duplicated by the would-be pretenders to the presidency.

Thanks for your great report, and you're right - he has a super smile!

WOW! What a GREAT report, kitkat!

THANK you!!

I'm glad you agree that he is much better looking in person than in photos.......and that's saying something!

But mostly, I loved the way you described the goodness and joy welling up inside of him.

Wonderful report!

good report kitkat.

The man was Judge Michael Battle..

Nice report kitkat. We are having severe weather in my area so I'm lurking mostly and may have to turn computer off. But I'm glad you posted it.

Prairie

Oh, the MOST important news item: LOL! President Bush’s hair is NOT colored. It was obvious on TV that there is still some very light grey in places where the light hit it.

Because of the way light reflects off of them, some colors don't photograph well, or "reflect" misleading results. (Barney is black and photographs well usually, but the President and Laura's cat Indigo doesn't.)

Grays can disappear like some shades of blonde. When I was in grade school I had almost white hair. I cried when I saw the picture of our Girl Scout troop that appeared in the newspaper. I looked bald! ;)

What an excellent report! Thanks.