Posted on 01/18/2005 11:28:21 PM PST by SmithL
WASHINGTON -- President Bush is calling for national healing after last year's bitterly divisive election, while devoting parts of his inauguration week to core Republican supporters -- the big donors who helped finance the festivities.
Bush said Tuesday his second inauguration should serve as inspiration to fledgling democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"The inauguration of a president is a great moment in the life of our country," Bush said in a speech to thousands of military personnel and supporters at a sports arena.
"With an election behind us, the American people come together in unity to celebrate our freedom," Bush said. "A presidential inauguration is a testament to the power of democracy, a symbol of our confidence in the popular will and a sign of hope for freedom-loving people everywhere."
As he did the day before, Bush on Wednesday was shuttling between private events for supporters and big, semipublic celebrations marking his inauguration.
The president and first lady Laura Bush were beginning the day with a tour of the National Archives. White House press secretary Scott McClellan said the Bushes would be viewing important historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and George Washington's first inaugural address.
"A Celebration of Freedom," complete with musical performances and fireworks, was scheduled for dusk on the Ellipse south of the White House. Bush's schedule was ending late Wednesday night with the first of the week's inaugural galas, the Texas State Society's Black Tie and Boots Ball.
In between those two events, Bush was making a dash through three "candlelight dinners" with the heaviest donors to the inauguration. All were closed to journalists.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
no bias here
"schmoozing"?
Really ... isn't it odd? He's writing in the present, remembering what happened in the past that has yet to happen?? You know those, libs .. just make stuff up to meet your deadline so you can goof off the next day.
Indeed!
Shmoozing with donors is a far far far better thing than shmoozing with 22 year old interns!!!!!
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.