Bush Makes Series of 'Spontaneous' Visits

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/elections/sns-ap-spontaneous-bush,1,7158937.story?coll=chi-news-hed

The strip malls, mom-and-pop restaurants and big-box stores are usually just part of the blurred landscape President Bush sees from his limousine when he sweeps into town. For three years, his motorcade blew past it all.

But this election year, Bush has taken a sudden interest in the people and places in between the airport and his speech sites.

Monday marked the fourth time in 2 1/2 weeks in which Bush and the rest of his motorcade pulled over for a "spontaneous" visit with some local citizens. The new strategy is reminiscent of his 2000 campaign, when he began dropping into diners to get more exposure to regular folks.

Monday, it was Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World, a sporting emporium where Bush schmoozed about 100 customers in the shoes, socks and fishing supplies aisles.

On Countdown last night Keith Olbermann pointed out Bush walking out of the Bass Pro Shop that had a big "Liar's Club" sign at the entrance.

[placton]

1. Does anyone have a picture?

Where is a Dem photog when you need one?!

[54anickel]

2. I'd prefer to see "Spontaneous" combustion. n/t

[BrotherBuzz]

3. You beat me to it!

and I will add: There is nothing spontaneous about these cleverly crafted Bush* events!

[devinsgram]

6. Congrats to you, that is the funniest

thing I have heard in weeks. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

[ConcernedCanuk]

4. "Which way to the worms?" the president asked. - gee - brilliant as ever

.
.

and again, the headline is a wee bit misleading, albeit they DID put "Spontaneous" in brackets

From the article:

The stops do allow Bush to mingle with ordinary citizens, but they are hardly spontaneous. The Secret Service lays the groundwork days in advance, in cooperation with White House officials. The business owners know the president is coming just ahead of his arrival, though the customers at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World were startled by the president's visit.

/snip/

They are shrouded in secrecy, omitted from his schedule. Even though the pattern has become clear, White House officials refuse to confirm they are taking place until the president is pulling into the parking lot.

Bush walks in and exchanges pleasantries with the proprietors. Then journalists are ushered in briefly to record the scene and ensure that a larger audience sees Bush mixing with ordinary people.

/snip/

He never answers substantive questions from the reporters. At recent stops, Bush has shrugged off questions about weapons of mass destruction, the Democrats who want his job, homeland security spending and other topics.

/snip/

Nor did Bush bite Monday when a journalist asked whether he was "fishing for votes" at the Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World.

"I'm here to buy some fishing gear," the president replied. He walked out with a reel, some spinner lures, fishing line and some artificial worms.

/end/

Ya, I went a wee bit over the 4 paragraph rule,

but the subscription thing is a bit of a pain to alot of DUers

forgive me ? :shrug: (and them ONE-LINE paragraghs piss me off anyhoo !!)

anyhoo, those people will NEVER see him again after the election either way -

and you can take THAT to the bank - -

[Plaid Adder]

5. But...but...what about security?

How can he possibly mix with ordinary people without 14,000 cops protecting him from the terrorists that are lurking in their midst?

Oh, wait...that was back when it was politically expedient for Bush NOT to ever see ordinary people...

C ya,

The Plaid Adder

[snippy]

7. Bush wants to be real boy, just like Pinocchio.