Well, it was about a 1,100 mile round-trip, but I was able to see President Bush launch his "Strengthening Social Security for the 21st Century" tour in the Midwest yesterday. It was awesome! I drove up on Wednesday, picking up my ticket at the Bismarck GOP office. That night I watched the State of the Union and was really impressed with the passion of the President's message.
I got up at 6:30 Thursday morning and watched a little of the National Prayer Breakfast coverage. I arrived at the NDSU Bison Sports Arena by 8:30. The lines were long, winding around the block [click all for a larger image]:
The arena was packed...fortunately I was able to grab a seat. It was standing-room only by the time President Bush arrived around 11:30:
The crowd went crazy for when he arrived! From the AP:
Media estimated that the crowd was around 7,000 strong, but on CNN radio on the way home, they reported 11,000. Here is probably my best picture:
President Bush thanked the crowd. He discussed the success of the Iraqi elections ( a Iraqi stood up in the front row and thanked the President! Was a cool non-scripted moment). He talked about the State of the Union and how energized he was last night. He discussed the "hug" moment with excited reflection. He mentioned that freedom is in everyone's soul, that people long to be free. In my opinion, he seemed really relaxed and making a few jokes, which the audience loved (like he should of sent Laura instead of him). Then started the discussion on Social Security:
On the panel was a professor/economist from the U of Illinois. He discussed the urgency of the SS situation, and compared it to a oil light coming on: "you know you need to fix it even though you could travel down the road a while". Mary was a 60-year old North Dakotan that asked Bush about being able to pass-on SS benefits when a person passes away. Trisha was a 30-year old Army Reservist that had questions about her and her husband's future and how personal savings accounts could help them. The four person on the panel was a 4th generation farmer that "wanted something to depend on" down the road.
Bush answered these questions, noting that current or soon-to-be retirees "have nothing to worry about" (noted several times during the day...really hit that point home). He referred to a chart noting that in the 1950's the pay-in to pay-out ratio was 16-1 but down the road the ratio will be 2-1. At one point, Mary added as a side note, that Bush "brought dignity and honor back to the White House." That brought a huge standing ovation in the middle of the discussion (sweet!) Bush stated that people would be able to put away 4% or $1000/year, whichever is less (I think I noted that correctly, if not correct let me know). He also kept referring to the younger generation, pointing to a group of college kids in the front row saying "You have something to worry about...now get back to the library!" then chuckled.
Near the end of his speech, he noted that everything is on the table for SS reform. He thanked the crowd and noted at the end that it was refreshing to get out of Washington and to come out here with the people.
He went down a "string line" signing autographs, getting pictures taken and meeting people:
AP took this picture of him with a baby:
He was quickly whisked away to continue the tour of the Midwest (to Montana, Nebraska, Arkansas and Florida in the next two days). I got to see the Presidential motorcade pull out:
Within about 10 minutes...Air Force One was in the air...off to Montana:
Of course there were a few protesters outside. I had to take some pictures of them to share with SDP readers:
The guy above, when he saw me a hooded sweatshirt with this on the front, said I was "the stupidest looking Republican EVER!!". I just keep saying "4 MORE YEARS" holding up 4 fingers. They didn't like that very much. Note the "What Would Clinton Do?" and "Bush's New Plan Legalizes Sodomy on Unsuspecting Senior Citizens" signs I was shocked there were no security/police around...
It was a lot of driving, but well worth it. I want to thank the ND GOP office for landing me a ticket (and to the SDP reader for the tip!)
Other Coverage:
Jon posted the Grand Forks Herald article
Fox News
AP report at ABC News
Washington Times
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