Posted on 10/12/2004 6:33:40 AM PDT by Theodore R.
Bush attempts to woo voters in New Mexico BY P. CHRISTINE SMITH AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
HOBBS, N.M. — President George W. Bush rallied for re-election before a crowd of about 15,000 people Monday morning, reiterating major campaign issues including terrorism, the war in Iraq, health care and the economy.
The first sitting president to ever visit the city, Bush got right to the point, asking for the support of people from a state he lost to Al Gore by 366 votes in 2000.
"I'm here to ask for your support. That's what I'm here to do," he said above the crowd's cheers.
Bush also pointed to several Hispanic members of his team who accompanied him on the trip.
"These folks are here to help us inspire the Hispanic vote to come our way," Bush said. "See, my message is for everybody. I'm talking about every single person when it comes to a hopeful America."
Men and women of all ages, families and volunteers braved the chilly morning air to see and hear the Republican president defend his decision to go to war with Iraq, vow to keep America safe from terrorism and promise to improve job prospects, the economy, health care and education.
Bush also used the opportunity to talk about what he called are the "clear differences" between him and his opponent, Democratic Sen. John Kerry, saying that Kerry's statements "don't pass the credibility test" and invoking the line from last week's debate, "He can run, but he can't hide."
The crowd met the president with cheers as Bush justified his decision to go to war with Iraq.
"We knew (Saddam) hated America. We knew he used weapons of mass destruction. We saw a threat," Bush said.
And he vowed to see Iraq and Afghanistan through reconstruction and stabilization.
"We'll help ... train armies, we'll help them get on the path to stability and self-government and then our troops will come home with the honor they deserve," Bush said.
Accompanied by his daughter Jenna, the president dressed casually and appeared at ease as he spoke in a conversational tone injected with humor.
"It's great to be back in a part of the world ... where cowboy hats outnumber the ties," Bush said.
'We knew (Saddam) hated America. We saw a threat.' President Bush
Bush's visit to Hobbs came on short notice, but there was still plenty of time for supporters and volunteers to kick into gear.
"We have just really enjoyed this," said Janie Moore of Hobbs, a Republican party volunteer. "(The visit announcement) shocked us. The town hasn't been the same since."
Moore and other volunteers arrived at the Lea County Event Center grounds between 3 and 4 a.m. Monday to set up for the campaign event, following a week of preparations, she said.
Volunteer Emily Laskowski of Hobbs said at the start of the event that the attendance count came in at between 15,000 and 18,000. Republicans came from as far as Oklahoma to see the incumbent candidate, Moore said.
Lubbock resident Sonia Garza and her family took the day off work and school specifically to travel to Hobbs for the event. Garza, who said she could not pass up the opportunity to see the president, supports Bush for three reasons.
"More funds ... for the No Child Left Behind Act, his views on immigration and his support of small businesses," Garza said.
A third-grade teacher at Harwell Elementary School, Garza said she thinks the No Child Left Behind Act is beginning to show positive results.
"It is working in a lot of different areas," Garza said. "But it's still not as powerful as it could be if it got the funding it needs, which is what (Bush) is trying to do. It's helping ... children not fall through the cracks."
Juandelle Lacey Roberts of Midland sported a black pullover fleece shirt with an embroidered presidential inaugural seal on the front, which she got at Bush's inauguration in January 2001, she said. She is already making plans and reservations to attend the inauguration in January, banking on the hope that he will win re-election.
"He's been at our home for dinner. He was a working man (then) in Midland, Texas. And, of course, we've known Laura (Bush). She's a hometown girl," Roberts said. "I'm a big supporter and I do feel that we not only need him in the United States as president, we need him throughout the world. There's so much going on in the world that needs his leadership."
Asked if the image Bush projects publicly meshes with the man she had known privately, Roberts promptly backed her candidate.
"It's exactly who George is," Roberts said. "His values have gotten stronger. His faith has gotten stronger. As a result, he depends entirely upon faith in God to help when he makes decisions. I know that for a fact."
Following the Hobbs visit, Bush headed to Colorado for a luncheon.
p.christine.smith@lubbockonline.com 766-8754
Bush draws large crowds.
Bill Richardson's state? The President might want to campaign in the cemetaries--that's where a lot of votes are, currently Democrat. Of course, a good case can be made that Hobbs is dead anyway, but that's another story.
Did you go?
My nephew and his wife and two boys went to the Hobbs rally. They said it was great. The little boys were thrilled to see the President, as were their mom and dad.
Back on election day 2000, there was a winter storm that hit southeastern N.M. (a Bush stronghold) that may have kept some voters at home. Pray for good weather this year on election day.
Is it true that Hobbs is the most Republican city in NM?
According to the 2000 Census, there are 28,657 people, 10,040 households, and 7,369 families residing in the city.
I don't know, but I wouldn't doubt it. I haven't been there in years, but I do know a lot of fine folks from there.
YES, YES YES, I went. We stood in line at 3:00 a.m with 25,000 others for the 9:00 A.M. visit of president Bush. I have great photos, but not sure I know how to figure out how to put them on here. I can ASSURE you all President Bush will be re-elected and he WILL win NM.
It was one of the best days of my life!
HooRay!>>I am thrilled for you...Freepmail Billie, OhioWmom or GrethchenM..They may help.The Dose posters?
God bless President Bush!..
I was in Santa Fe last week and many a Kerry sign was present...... must be the hippie factor!
Anything on the eastern side of the state is fairly conservative. Very rural, older values (I know, grew up there).
Hobbs, Ruidosa, Almagorda, I think Albuquerque and Farmington will all go for W. Call me Mrs Believer..... But I do believe what I have seen..... People are not charmed by Kerry's slick words and his fakeness.
He lies he flip he flops.
It's been a long time since I studied journalism 101, but I recall that brevity is fundamental, as long as the essence of the story isn't altered.
"Bush Woos Voters in New Mexico" would work quite nicely, thank you.
And, yes...I have an almost paranoic mistrust of the MSM.
Pretty much anything outside of Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, Taos counties should go for Bush.
I saw the exact same thing.
I Hope your right. I thin the ole hippies in Santa Fe who are for Kerry are just old hippies who smoke way too much hoochie.
When does absentee voting start in NM?
I am not sure.. Here in Texas it starts Oct 18th-29th.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.