Posted on 07/31/2004 5:49:16 AM PDT by Former Military Chick
SPRINGFIELD — Twelve hours after John Kerry accepted the Democratic presidential nomination, President Bush cut loose Friday, offering ways he will deliver a better America while criticizing his opponent.
Bush chose politically friendly southwest Missouri to embark on what he called his “Heart and Soul of America Tour” through four key states in the wake of the Democratic convention in Boston.
Under gray skies, the president told some 10,000 supporters at a new university baseball park in Springfield that Kerry expressed good intentions but that they “do not always translate into results.”
Results matter, he repeated several times, referring to education, health care, job creation and fighting terrorism.
“I am asking for four more years to make our country safer, to make the economy stronger, to make our future better and brighter for every single citizen,” Bush said. “…We have made much progress, and there is more to do.”
He ripped into his opponent, saying Kerry had little to show for his years as a Massachusetts senator.
“After 19 years in the United States Senate, my opponent has had thousands of votes but very few signature achievements,” Bush said.
Kerry voted to cut the intelligence budget, did no significant work in reforming health care or education, favored bigger government and opposed better benefits for military personnel, Bush said.
The Kerry campaign said voters should not be impressed by the president's political catch-phrases.
“A brand new shiny speech won't cover up Bush's failure to help middle class families,” Kerry spokesman Phil Singer said. “America doesn't need more misleading campaign slogans, we need a new president.”
Bush had kept a low profile during the Democratic convention but was buoyant and hard-charging Friday morning as he addressed the crowd with a 45-minute speech at Hammons Field.
Bush took a swipe at Democratic vice presidential nominee John Edwards, comparing him unfavorably to Vice President Dick Cheney.
“I appreciate my running mate,” Bush said. “I tell you, he is not the prettiest man in the race, but he's got sound judgment and he's got great experience in national security. He's a steady man.”
As president, Bush said he has shown “a clear vision on how to win the war on terror and bring peace to world.”
The loudest applause came when Bush touted his efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan to quell terror and oppression. Bush has come under increasing fire from Democrats for attacking Iraq on shaky intelligence about nuclear weapons.
“We looked at the intelligence, we saw a threat,” Bush said. “Members of the United States Congress from both political parties, including my opponent, looked at the intelligence and they saw a threat.”
While reports that Iraq was developing weapons of mass destruction have not borne out, Bush said Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was a threat to the world. Hussein defied weapons inspectors, prompting Bush to decide to attack, he said.
“One of the lessons of September the 11th is that we must deal with threats before they fully materialize,” Bush said. “These are still dangerous times.”
Bush touted his record on education, saying his administration has “raised the bar” on student achievement and given parents and local school boards more control. In the next four years, he said, he will reform high schools so a diploma “means something.”
On health care, Bush said he has made prescription drugs cheaper for seniors but he said “we have to make quality health care available and affordable.” For example, small businesses must be allowed to join together to buy insurance, he said.
Kerry spokesman Singer said Bush had a poor record on the economy and other issues. Wages are stagnant, health care costs are rising, college tuitions are going up, and workers are at risk of losing overtime pay and unemployment insurance, Singer said.
Hundreds of protesters appeared outside the stadium before Bush's speech, and some were taken into police custody for not moving to a designated protest area across the street from where they gathered.
The protesters carried signs against the war in Iraq. One said, “No more Bush, no more lies.” Another said, “Draft dodgers shouldn't start wars.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report
To reach Kevin Murphy, call
(816) 234-4464 or send e-mail to kmurphy@kcstar.com.
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First glance
• President Bush resumes his travels on the campaign trail, making a Missouri visit his first such stop after the end of the Democratic convention.
• He criticized his opponent's record as meager and offered ways he has achieved results in his presidency.
bump
I love the theme: "Heart and Soul of America" Tour. Yeah, I like that.
Thank you for taking time to post. I have seen brief clips of the days events. Not much though. Yes, I agree, the slogan is groovy.
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