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:

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."

Bush's radio address tomorrow morning will focus on same-sex marriage.

Stop the Bus:

The President's bus, painted with the campaign's "Yes America Can" logo, led the bus-capade through the small towns in Pennsylvania, where residents lined the streets with flags, homemade posters and official "Bush-Cheney '04" red, white and blue signs -- and a good number of John Kerry signs as well.

First Daughter Jenna is making her debut on the campaign trail, traveling with her father on Air Force One and on the campaign bus. Bush has introduced her at both events as his "newly graduated" daughter, but so far Jenna has not appeared on stage with her father.

The bus-capade made two unannounced stops along the road trip today. Bush stopped at the Home Town Diner in Breinigsville where he shook hands, greeted the morning breakfast crowd, and asked "Can a guy get a cup of coffee around here?"

Bush also pulled over in Pottstown, where he was met by a large crowd of people -- some of whom ran from a block away to get close the President and his bus. He told the crowd: "I'm here to ask for your vote."

Jenna Bush joined her father in Pottstown, shaking hands with EMTs.