Air Force One Gaggle: Bush’s Final 5 Days On the Campaign
EmailABC News’ Karen Travers Reports: Some notes on White House Deputy Press Secretary Tony Fratto’s off-camara gaggle on Air Force One about the President’s schedule until Election Day.
In 2002, President Bush went to 17 cities in the final five days before Election Day. This year we know of ELEVEN events so far (SIX ON THE RECORD) – all in red states.
Asked why Bush is going to these districts, Fratto said he’s going to places where he knows he can make a difference. "These are all very contested races. Each one of them we consider necessary for our strategy of keeping the Senate and the House in Republican hands. They’re all very tough, very difficult, contested races, and that’s where — that’s where we’re going to go, wherever they are."
Fratto would not engage on questions of whether the Bush travel strategy is a sign of Republican vulnerability. "We have more money, we have a better ground game, we have outstanding (candidates, and we’re being very strategic in where we go. And we think you’re going to see those results on Tuesday."
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They may have more money, a better ground game,and outstanding candidates, but they are on the wrong side of history…Iraq is the anchor around their neck from which they can’t escape. The last minute rushing around, as well as their false enthusiasm, smells more of fear than anything else. The wave is coming and all the advantages will prove as tenuous as sandcastles before the rising tide.
Posted by: Dirik Lolkus | November 2, 2006, 4:17 pm 4:17 pm
As A Taxpayer could you tell me how the President justifies flying around the country on Air Force One to all of these Republican Campaign stops at taxpayer expense? How is that classified as part of the Presidents duties to the American people.
Posted by: Bill Guzewicz | November 2, 2006, 6:55 pm 6:55 pm
Dirik,
We’ll see. But I hope you’re wearing padding, because it could be quite a fall. But finally the Democrats might be able snap out of it and come to grips with the nature of the caricature–of the electorate, of the Republicans, and yes even of Iraq–that the media and the ivory types have painted, and thus become a party based in reality again. But we will see. Gonna be interesting. But my moneys on that wave you talk about crashing down on your head. And I’m a Democrat–hoping the experience will finally wake us all up and get rid of the bums who’ve taken over our party. We could’ve regained the WH in 2004 with a give George a gold watch and pat on the back retirement campaign. Instead, Kerry and Moore and childishness. Idiots. Same idiots today.
Posted by: bob lance | November 2, 2006, 8:09 pm 8:09 pm
But
Until
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Hurt,
I
Surmise
A
Little
Old
Soupcan
Emits
Radiowaves
Posted by: Bender | November 2, 2006, 11:28 pm 11:28 pm
jeeezz… Dirik needs to put down the remote.
Posted by: robert lackey | November 3, 2006, 1:35 am 1:35 am
They will have to pry the remote from my cold, dead hand! But seriously, I am mainly interested in a return to a government with checks and balances. I was indifferent during the Clinton years, but 6 years of Bush/Cheney & a Republican congress makes me nostalgic for Monica Lewinsky! The damage done to our government regulatory system (from the environment to civil rights to the FDA to FEMA to corporate greed) is a combination of arrogance, greed, and incompetence which can only be minimized by a return to checks & balances. Of course, as a holder of undergraduate and graduate degress in political science, I also like a nice game of “inside baseball”. When it is all said & done, if the Democrats gain Congress and don’t use that gain to attempt to undo some of the damage of recent history, I will certainly be open to a new party (just don’t make me vote Green as I don’t look good in Birkenstoks and too much fiber gives me gas).
Posted by: Dirik Lolkus | November 3, 2006, 11:14 am 11:14 am
Just who does pay for the Bush to travel? Who pays for Air Force One? I object if its MY tax dollar. If the RNC pays for it fine. But EVERY taxpayer should not pay.
Posted by: Bonnie | November 7, 2006, 4:41 pm 4:41 pm