President Highlights Galveston For Social Security Fight - Bush Publicly Supports DeLay At Meeting

KPRC News 2 ^ | April 26, 2005 | Staff

[bgsugar]

GALVESTON, Texas -- President George W. Bush came to his home state Tuesday in his final push to raise support for his Social Security plan.

The president wants Americans to manage their own retirement accounts. . . . . . Bush chose Galveston because of county employees' decision 25 years ago to opt out of Social Security in favor of private retirement accounts. . . .

. . . .Going to such places allows Bush to illustrate and sell his own proposal as one that encourages more individual control and offers the prospect of better returns. . . . .

President Gives DeLay Big Show Of Support

The president also gave embattled House Majority Leader Tom DeLay a high-profile, in-person show of support in Galveston, warmly thanking the Texas Republican, who is facing allegations of ethical improprieties, for his leadership in Congress.

. . . . But the presence of the man seen by the White House as crucial to pushing Bush's plans through Congress was no accident.

DeLay was included in the event held near his congressional district -- and offered a ride back to Washington on Air Force One along with a few other Texas Republicans -- to show that "the president appreciates his leadership in the House," White House press secretary Scott McClellan said.

Bush said just that in his remarks. "I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Tom DeLay in working on important issues that matter to the country," he said.

. . . . . "The House leadership, and specifically Tom DeLay, have not changed. He is a very effective leader."

. . . . . About 5 million Americans in government jobs across the country rely on retirement plans other than Social Security. . . . .

[bgsugar]

I was there to hear the roundtable and Bush was outstanding in presenting the Social Security issue and supporting Tom DeLay (who received a warm welcome and a standing ovation with loud cheers from the audience.) Had about 50 nasty demonstrators outside but they were totally ineffectual and basically entertained the crowd as people left. Looked like a bunch of monkeys in the zoo.

[glorgau]

And just yesterday Doonesbury was saying that the president was backing away from Tom Delay.

[Young Werther]

The Dallas Morning News has moved Dunesberry from the Editorial Page back to the Comics section. I thougth Mr Pauley had grown up but I just divert my gaze.

[DrDeb]

I was able to watch most of the event at my office (streaming video) . . . impressive!

I invite you to share your experience with fellow Republicans at the DOSE http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1391578/posts?q=1&&page=1

[deport]

DeLay in tow, Bush pitches
Social Security plan in Galveston

Associated Press

President Bush and House Majority Leader Tom DeLay prepare to depart from Ellington Field today after Bush spoke at a roundtable discussion at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. The president argued for adding private investment accounts to Social Security and invited DeLay to accompany him, saying he had strong confidence in DeLay's leadership on Capitol Hill.

[bgsugar]

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