Fox: "Not Everyone Admitted to Bush Camp Events"

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,129179,00.html

BEAVERTON, Ore. — President Bush's team exerts close control over admission to his campaign events. Dissenters and would-be hecklers are turned away, campaign officials say. On several occasions in recent weeks, Democrats who have gotten in have been ejected because they wore pro-Kerry T-shirts. The Bush campaign billed his visit to Beaverton as a chance for ordinary citizens to pose questions to the president.

But first, his audience at "Ask President Bush" heard a 21-minute speech from Bush. Then there were 22 minutes of testimonials on his domestic policies from four supporters. After that, Bush moved into a second speech lasting 24 minutes on terrorism and Iraq, along with a few comments about his meetings with world leaders.

His audience did not mind waiting more than an hour for the question-and-answer session. This was no town hall appearance before a cross-section of citizens. Bush-Cheney re-election headquarters had instructed Oregon campaign officials to distribute tickets, so the school gymnasium was filled last Friday with 2,000 passionate Bush backers.

When the time came to "Ask President Bush" Friday, none of his 16 questioners challenged him on his policies. Several did not ask questions at all, but simply voiced their support. "If it wasn't for your tax cuts and your stimulus and your steady hand since 9/11, my job would never happen," one man said. "Could you take a moment to pray for Oregon, for us, right now?" asked one questioner. (Bush declined.) "Mr. President, as a child, how can I help you get votes?" another audience member inquired. "Thank you for serving!" "My husband and my twins and I pray for you daily, as do many home schoolers. Thank you for recognizing home schoolers."

[silverlib]

1. Read some kind of "twist" this am

about him not having open attendance because he was more restricted by security than Kerry, a mere Senator.

It was twisted to sound like he didn't have the opportunity to have the crowds that Kerry has generated.

Darn, I'm getting so forgetful. Can't remember where I saw it.

But, any way, it was a bunch of bull corn, I'm sure.

[grytpype]

3. I saw Bill Clinton speak during his re-elect campaign...

... in front of a huge crowd of tens of thousands. No loyalty oath necessary.

[beaconess]

14. One word: Magnetometers

[ewagner]

2. This is from Fox??????

I never thought they'd print ANYTHING even mildly critical of Bush*

[Julien Sorel]

4. Fox has been Outfoxed.

At least for a short time. When the hubub has died down they'll be right back at it.

[Warpy]

5. The story of the restricted and orchestrated Bush rallies

has been all over the other networks and reported in the print press. This thing is huge because it's unprecedented for any politician to so blatantly indicate he's only interested in some of the people. Pox News really didn't have much of a choice on ignoring this story, so they tried to put as attractive a face on it as possible.

[calico1]

6. It is BS about Bush not being able to get

closer to voters. Yes, its true that being President he requires higher security but that doesn't mean he can't get closer to voters and it certainly doesn't mean he has to have people take oaths in order to hear him. When did we ever know of any President up for reelection doing that? Clinton got very close to voters and did not restrict anyone. This is bs and I hope most people realize that.

[myrna minx]

7. In 1996 President Clinton

spoke at the Target Center in downtown Mpls to a huge and roaring crowd. It was OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. No loyalty oaths. No screeners. Sheesh. You are correct. This is BS.

[LynneSin]

11. I saw Clinton at the Garden State Parkway

Other than going through security everyone was admited including some hecklars.

[snippy]

8. They have to know that Bush can't pick up votes campaigning like this.

Makes me wonder whether they are confident they can steal the election or whether they are just resigned to the fact that if Bush appeared in public and did not receive unctuous worship and adoration his head would explode.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

9. It's about getting a 20 second clip on the evening news

It's about getting a 20 second clip on the evening news. A secondary goal is to make Bushista volunteers feel warm and fuzzy.

On the other hand, Kerry's large crowds and lack of loyalty oaths is starting to get good notice in the press.

[napi21]

10. I think it's more than that! It's about keeping his followers!

I think they realize there are Pub deserters, and they're scared! I do believe there are very few "undecided's" and the Pubs also realize they probably aren't going to get any of them. They're dead in the water if they lose ANY of their current supporters, so they have to play to the choir and do anything they can NOT TO LOSE anybody.

I heard on the news this morning that there are 11 weeks left until the election. That doesn't sound as far away as when somebody says November. It should be an interesting ride.

[LynneSin]

12. I don't even think we could get in even if we wore Bush2004 shirts

As I was reading this article, I thought "Geez, why not make a 'pro-bush' tee-shirt" and use that to get into where he is speaking and possible be allowed to ask him a question.

But from what I gather with these campaign events, even that wouldn't get me into a Bush rally. From what I've read, the Bush Team will send out invites to the known Bush supporters and invite them.

It's just disgusting. Bill Clinton never campaigned for re-election in this manner!

[PopSixSquish]

13. Speaking of Bill Clinton....

Does everybody remember the rope-line stop 1996 where a young woman confronted President Clinton about abortion? He stopped and talked to her for several minutes. She was very upset and crying and he gave her a big hug.

A reporter interviewed her afterward and she said something like he was very nice and conforting in listening to her. She felt like Clinton had really heard what she had to say.

CNN must have showed that clip about a dozen times. You could see the Secret Service agents standing a few feet behind Clinton, but nobody bothered them and the agents were still alert and on the job.

Security concerns? Yeah, right :crazy:

[Mad_Dem_X]

15. Exactly - Clinton went out among the people

He faced hecklers head-on. He wasn't afraid to speak with people who disagreed with him. That's one of the many reasons he was such a great president. Damn it, I wish could elect him again!!

[SunDrop23]

16. YES! That would be the ideal world!

Bill Clinton in 2004!