[MalcolmS]

Helicopters in general are much more expensive to operate on a per hour basis than fixed wing aircraft of the same weight. And, if you haven't noticed, Marine 1 is BIG,.

The trip by jet may have saved money.

I would suspect that Marine 1 and Air Force 1 have costs within the same order of magnitude. Perhaps aeronautical FReepers could chime in.

[maxwellp]

I don't mind at all that my tax dollars went to pay for President Bush landing on the USS Abraham Lincoln. I'd even donate more tax dollars to see him do it again. I'd even make a donation. It was a GREAT moment in American history. And in my household we were brimming over with pride.

The Democrats are really digging their own grave, big time. Even every-day, ordinary Democrats are noticing something screwy with this party. Democratic friends of ours are saying they were thrilled with President Bush landing on the Abraham Lincoln and were dismayed with Byrd's remarks. I don't say much in reply - I figure it's better to let them figure it out for themselves.