Right, who does he think he is, being the PRESIDENT and carrying out the duties of a PRESIDENT when he had a media event that evening?
It's not a g-damned media event. It's a central part of the campaign, and a president whose job hangs by a thread, as Bush's does, has an obligation to his supporters and to the country to put on the best campaign possible. With the MSM solidly against him, Bush must understand how crucial debates are. The American people have a right to see how a president stands up under real questioning and opposition.
And do you really think long visits with hurricane victims are part of a president's duties?
Conservatives have failed to gain real political power in this country because they have failed to communicate effectively to the dopes in the middle of the spectrum -- the "undecideds." Last night, despite superior substance and some good lines by Bush, was another missed opportunity.