Give my plan a try, Bush saysOn Inland visit, president focuses on drug benefits and immigration
12:01 AM PDT on Tuesday, August 30, 2005
By MICHAEL FISHER, CLAIRE VITUCCI and DUANE W. GANG / The Press-Enterprise
As his supporters clashed with protesters outside, President Bush on Monday encouraged an invited audience inside a Rancho Cucamonga senior center to learn about the new Medicare prescription-drug plan, even if they do not enroll in it.
"The purpose of coming here today ... was to inform as many folks as we can, obviously, in person and on TV, that Medicare has been strengthened and Medicare has been modernized," Bush told nearly 300 people packed into the James L. Brulte Senior Center. "If you're really interested in helping a senior, or a senior helping yourself, look into this plan, look into what's available."
During his 32-minute speech, the president also praised Iraqi officials for drafting a constitution, acknowledged California's struggles with illegal immigration and offered prayers for those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
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| Stan Lim / The Press-Enterprise |
| Myrtle Jones, 80, of Rancho Cucamonga, laughs as President Bush shares a moment with her during his talk about his Medicare plan. |
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Bush, who has seen his approval rating dip to 40 percent nationally last week, a record low for his administration, spent Monday trying to drum up interest in the Medicare program during a morning appearance in El Mirage, Ariz., and, hours later, at the stop in Rancho Cucamonga.
Minutes after Bush left the center, the skirmishes escalated among some of the hundreds of flag-waving supporters and anti-Bush protesters who had lined Milliken Avenue across from the senior center. Placards on both sides were destroyed. One person was arrested and police cited several people for obstructing traffic as motorcycle officers set off their sirens in an effort to disperse the crowd....
President Bush supporters, Tom Burke, right, and David Frisk, hold signs during a rally near the James L. Brulte Senior Center in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. where Bush made a speech on Medicare on Monday, Aug. 29, 2005. (AP Photo/Francis Specker)
AP - Aug 29 5:52 PMAnit-war protestors, left, and President Bush supporters clash during a demonstration near the James L. Brulte Senior Center in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. where Bush made a speech on Medicare on Monday Aug. 29, 2005. ( AP Photo/Francis Specker)
AP - Aug 29 5:38 PMAnit-war protestors, right, are splashed with water by President Bush supporters during a clash at a demonstration near the James L. Brulte Senior Center in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. where Bush made a speech on Medicare on Monday Aug. 29, 2005. ( AP Photo/Francis Specker)
AP - Aug 29 5:39 PMAnit-war protestors, right, and President Bush supporters clash during a demonstration near the James L. Brulte Senior Center in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. where Bush made a speech on Medicare on Monday Aug. 29, 2005. ( AP Photo/Francis Specker)
AP - Aug 29 5:34 PMWar protester Lorraine Gerry, center, is surrounded by President Bush supporters during a demonstration near the James L. Brulte Senior Center in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Monday, Aug. 29, 2005, where Bush was to participate in conversation on Medicare. Bush, focusing on a domestic issue amid rising criticism about the Iraq war, urged a skeptical public Monday to at least learn about the new prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
AP - Aug 29 4:32 PM