White House Note

— -- President Bush embarked on his third campaign bus trip today, traveling to three towns in rural Pennsylvania to bring supporters his re-election message of "Safer, Stronger, Better."

In his BC04 York rally, Bush engages in the values debate that has been escalating between the two campaigns this week.

Bush:

"On issue after issue -- from funding our troops who are on the battlefield... to involving parents in important decisions of their minor daughters... to supporting faith-based and community organizations that are helping those in need -- the Senator is out of step with the mainstream values so important to our country and our families."

"My opponent now has a running mate. I wish them well and look forward to a spirited debate. Sen. Kerry is rated as the most liberal member of the Senate, and he chose a fellow lawyer who is the fourth most liberal member of the Senate. Back in Massachusetts, that's what they call balancing the ticket."

Legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno introduced Bush.

At the morning "Ask President Bush" event in Kutztown, Bush was asked by audience members about the Senate Intelligence Committee report and the constitutional amendment on gay marriage.

Senate Intelligence Committee report:

Related Stories

SCOTUS appears divided on Jan. 6 charges case

• Apr 16, 12:59 PM

Kansas women ID'd as 2 dead bodies in Oklahoma

• Apr 16, 7:46 PM

OJ Simpson dies at 76

• Apr 11, 6:32 PM

President Bush called the report "useful" and said that while he hadn't seen the report yet, "I know it's quite critical."

"I want to know the truth, I want to know the facts. I appreciate the fact finders working hard and I want to work to make it the very best system we could possibly have for the American people. This war goes on."

Gay Marriage Amendment:

Bush called the constitutional amendment banning gay marriage "a very sensitive issue that people need to take a deep breath and debate with the ultimate of respect for starters."

The President reiterated his belief in the "sanctity of marriage" and said it's an issue that the people should decide, not the courts -- "it's too important to be defined by four judges in a state say like Massachusetts."