Bush rallies in Greeley, stands tall against terrorism
Greeley – President Bush urged supporters Monday to reelect the
Bush/Cheney ticket, making it clear that fighting terrorism would
remain his top priority.
“The people of the United States will choose the leader of the
free world in the middle of a global war,” Bush said.
Bush’s campaign speech centered on terrorism and troops serving
in Iraq. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani briefly
introduced the president and sat behind him during the speech along
with first lady Laura Bush, U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Larimer
County, and additional Republican faces.
“I believe America wins war by fighting on the offensive,” Bush
said. “You cannot win a war unless you believe in fighting it.”
Many Colorado Republicans spoke in support of Bush including
U.S. Senate candidate Pete Coors, first-term Congresswoman Marilyn
Musgrave – who is up for reelection this November – and Gov. Bill
Owens.
Banners hung in the Island Grove Events Center, 501 N. 14th St.,
stated “Victory in the Rockies” and “Bush and Cheney: Farm and
Ranch Team.” Supporters waved signs and sang victory songs,
cheering and chanting phrases like “four more years” and “we want
Bush.”
This was the first time in about 70 years that a sitting U.S.
president, since Franklin Delano Roosevelt, visited Greeley, Bush
said.
“We will fight a real war with global victory,” Bush said.
Bush had counterpoints for several of the issues surrounding
Sen. John Kerry’s stance on the war in Iraq and ending
terrorism.
“(Kerry’s) been consistently and dangerously wrong,” Bush said,
referring to Kerry’s work and ideas as “Monday-morning
quarterbacking.”
A line of protestors holding anti-Bush and anti-war signs yelled
derogatory comments at passing patrons as they filed into the
building.
Chris Michalowski, a Boulder resident and protestor, held a sign
written in marker and blocked-lettering that read, “War is not a
family value.”
Michalowski said he was protesting the event because he wanted
to make it clear that not everyone in Colorado supports Bush.
“People do not see opposition in Weld County. I didn’t think
Bush should just waltz in here without opposition,” Michalowski
said.
Additional key issues were raised, including the economy, tax
cuts and employment.
After the speech, about a half-dozen supporters rebutted
opposition across the street near the event center.
Kelly Brady, one such supporter and a teacher from Aurora, was
there in support of Bush and the first lady.
“The crowd was unanimous. There is so much support for the
Bushes,” said Brady, who was once a Greeley resident and said she
can relate to farmers and teachers loving Bush.
“On Nov. 2, my fellow Americans, I ask you to stand with me,”
Bush said as he concluded his speech.
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