President ‘Crank(s) This Sucker Up’

ABC News’ Ann Compton Reports: In a classic moment designed to show the President at the helm of a robust economy, President Bush clamored aboard a giant Caterpillar tractor and issued a warning the press clustered around him, "I would suggest moving back.  I’m about to crank this sucker up."

Indeed, the President steered the heavy machinery across the factory floor, threw it into reverse and executed a smart turn.  What he hasn’t done is gotten credit for piloting an economy that he says has powered its way from recession, through the Sept 11th attacks, the impact of Hurricane Katrina and distress over the war in Iraq.  His day at the Caterpillar headquarters in Illinois was designed as a memorable illustration that would play in Peoria, and nationwide.