What is most pathetic about those firefighters and rescue workers cheering for Bush is that most of them will vote for the Democratic candidate in 2004 anyway.
You have to understand the mentality of many New York voters.
Bush's chances of winning New York are slim at best. The only time Republican presidential candidates win New York is when they are matched up against dopey opponents like Jimmy Carter, Walter Modale, or Mike Dukakis.
Granted, that still might happen in 2004. But in that case the election wouldn't even be close enough to make New York relevant anyway.
I'm a native New yorker. I grew up in NY. I know they NYC mnentality. Once they make a friend they back him up. I still have amny friends there. GW surprised them big time.
They will vote for him (they elected pataki and Giuliani, remember?) Now they know him personally.
NY State is a LOCK for Bush in '04. Bank on it. Maybe not a landslide, but a LOCK.