community-based, non-corporate, participatory media
For Supporters (Or Not) of George W. Bush
by or not
Saturday, Feb. 07, 2004 at 7:09 PM
GeorgeWBush.com is the official site of Bush/Cheney04 campaign. Join in the live chat on Monday, February 9th by asking your questions.
Thursday, January 29, 2004, 7:30pm - 8:30pm EST The President's Positive Agenda Marc Racicot Governor Racicot will discuss President Bush's incredible record of accomplishment and his positive agenda.
Marc Racicot
Chairman, Bush-Cheney '04 wrote:
Good evening. I'm delighted to have the opportunity to chat with all of my fellow citizens following the Bush-Cheney campaign. Without delay, let's start out electronic conversation.
Aaron Marks from Pittsburgh PA wrote:
What are, in your mind, the top three accomplishments of the Bush Administration?
Marc Racicot answered:
I hope you'll pardon me including four rather than three. The President's courageous action to protect the homeland and promote freedom around the world, the historic tax relief, the historic education reform, and historic Medicare reform top an otherwise lengthy list of accomplishments.
Nikhil Verma from McLean VA wrote:
What's the most memorable moment, if you will, of the campaign so far
Marc Racicot answered:
It's a moment repeated over and over again all across the country. I've been to more than 25 states and some more than once in the last 120 days, and everywhere I am inspired by how my fellow citizens are inspired by the bold and strong leadership of George W. Bush. To see the affection and admiration that Americans have for the President has created for me the most memorable moment of the campaign.
Carolyn Weyforth from Overland Park KS wrote:
I and many other Americans are concerned with the Government being good stewards of the people's money. What are some steps we are planning to take in regards to curbing spending and trimming the fat off the Federal waistline?
Marc Racicot answered:
The President from the moment he assumed office has been concerned about government spending. At the same time, our country has faced unprecedented challenges. To protect the homeland has required the investment of our public resources. To invigorate the economy required tax relief designed to benefit families and small businesses. That has required choices to be made in terms of establishing priorities as to which challenges we must address first. The President has said that the deficit must and will be addressed. He has held spending, other than for our national security, to minimum levels and has put forward a plan to eliminate the deficit over the next 5 years. But he had to choose which imperatives to address first. He chose homeland security and the economy and now moves to address the deficit.
Chris Brashear from Galltin TN wrote:
What does the BushCheney '04 campaign plan to attract college age and young American voters to vote for Bush?
Marc Racicot answered:
Interestingly, the polling numbers across the country consistently indicate strong support for the President among younger Americans. I've had the chance to speak with many of them and have asked why they support the President. Almost universally, they mention the quality and character of his leaderhsip, the strength of his convictions, the clarity of his vision and the compassion of his heart. We have engaged younger Americans in our campaign at every opportunity. If you had the chance to visit the campaign headquarters, you would find that it is literally dominated by the presence of bright young men and women leading this campaign. On college campuses, we are organizing College Republicans. They will be and have been essential to our efforts and our success.
Kimberly Garner from Pine Bluff AR wrote:
How committed is President Bush to a positive campaign and will he be able to resist temptation when a democrat nominee starts slinging mud?
Marc Racicot answered:
Think for a moment about all of the mud that has been thrown in the direction of the President and Vice President. Think also about his campaign of 2000 and throughout the entire term of his Presidency. Can you recall one instance where the President has even come close to responding with negative comments? He has always set about to elevate our political discourse. He does so by example, and he expects that all who work on his behalf will proceed in the same way. Briefly stated, the President's pledge and his record reveal an immutable commitment to a positive campaign.
mike fick from daytona beach shores FL wrote:
why didnt president bush fight harder against the democratic fillibuster in the senate for such good judges
Marc Racicot answered:
I know personally that the President has exhausted every means of securing the approval of good judges. He has exorted the Senate to act fairly and expeditiously on repeated occasions and has appealed to the people of America to communicate their expectations in that regard to their elected representatives. Unfortunately, he cannot regulate the conduct of Congress nor can he dictate the coverage given to his actions by the media. But I can assure you he has and will continue to do all that is possible to secure the appointment of good judges.
Justin1 Witwicki from Danvers MA wrote:
What is the most rewarding part of working for the President?
Marc Racicot answered:
He attracts wonderful men and women to his cause and having the opportunity to work with all of them in support of a good man and a profound mission is the most rewarding part of our work.
Joe Kildea from Royal Oak MD wrote:
What are some of the major issues facing elementary education and educators
Marc Racicot answered:
The No Child Left Behind Act is perhaps the most sweeping reformation of our education system in history. It is most certainly the most sweeping change in the last quarter century. It has called us to create different expectations and to do business in a different way. Our teachers and school administrators are on the front lines of that change. It is a new law being applied in a variety of different situations and circumstances across the country, and that's why the President has so strongly supported historic increases in funding with money specifically dedicated to teacher training and has indicated that as we gain experience, we will need to rely upon our educational professionals to shed further light on the path of educational reform.
tony augustine from olmsted falls OH wrote:
which states do you think the democrats are most likely not to keep? they only won 19 states last election. i hear that New York might be in play and do you think califorina has a shot to be a Bush gain?
Marc Racicot answered:
We are proceeding with the belief that we can compete successfully in every state. We believe the President appeals to a great majority of our fellow citizens regardless of culture, creed, religion, gender or race. So we set about every day to work with those who are Republicans and those who we believe are willing to support the President. We have been and will continue to work very hard in California and New York. We believe, that although it will require a great deal of hard work, we can be successful.
Oliver Ditch from Woodbridge VA wrote:
Does the Campaign accept senior volunteers, or just young people?
Marc Racicot answered:
We are grateful for every volunteer. I am officially, by age and appearance, a senior citizen volunteering on behalf of the President's campaign. The energy and insight brought to the campaign by younger Americans is important and valued, but so too is the wisdom and steady hands of older Americans. You can become a part of the campaign by going to the campaign website and becoming a Team Leader and reviewing the opportunities for volunteers to become involved. Sign up today. We'd love to have you.
Ruby Maggio from San Antonio TX wrote:
How does the President deal with stress? He has the toughest job in the USA.
Marc Racicot answered:
First of all, he has a clear heart. By that I mean, he has a clear set of values that guide and direct his life and decisions. He listens carefully, he studies hard and then sets about to do the right thing. There is a certain peace in performing your duties in that way. The President also has a very rich spiritual life. In addition, he has the support and love of the First Lady who I'm certain gives him strength and support. And finally, he is unequivocally dedicated to a regimen of physical training and nutrition, all of which he relies upon to relieve stress.
Kris Burke from Oshkosh WI wrote:
How does the president plan to appeal to moderate republican populists like myself? They must make up a big part of the American population.
Marc Racicot answered:
His policies reflect a connection to every Republican. For instance, his tax relief package, generally conservative, but focused upon families and small businesses. That's not a traditional Republican approach. Embracing a bold education initiative, which respects state's rights but keeps every child in mind is another example of why compassionate conservatism is not a slogan to the President, it's a governing principle. His efforts to reform Medicare, his investments in education, his support of volunteerism and more, reveal that his agenda is designed with every Republican in mind.
tracy espinosa from El Paso TX wrote:
What is the best way for me to get involved with the campaign?
Marc Racicot answered:
Become a Team Leader. We need you. Go to the website and get active today!
Carolyn Weyforth from Overland Park KS wrote:
I have two young children, how do you feel that the no child left behind policy will change or better their education as they progress in school?
Marc Racicot answered:
I have 5 children and almost 4 grandchildren and my hopes for your children are the same as my hopes for my children and grandchildren. I believe, as the President has said, that we cannot leave any child to be victimized by low expectations, so to me, the No Child Left Behind Act will call for higher levels of performance with higher levels of funding and more possibilities to learn in more settings thereby more fully preparing our children for success in life and citizenship in this country.
Christopher Cosentino from Runnemede NJ wrote:
It seems apparent that the main stream media is not going to go out of its way to show the positive impact President Bush' policies have had on America, especially during the campaign. How are you planning on making sure the American people are aware of all the good this President has done for our country?
Marc Racicot answered:
First of all, I always remember how bright and intuitive the American people are. The President is absolutely convinced of their capacity to discern and decide what's right for the country. So, even though some in the media do not in our judgement present a fair and balanced picture of the President's accomplishments, the American people know and understand the quality and character of his leadership. To help them, however, we will use the resources that almost 500,000 Americans have entrusted to us to get the President and Vice President to as many parts of the country as possible. We will tell the American people through paid advertisements all that he has done. And it is our goal to have the largest, most dedicated network of volunteers everywhere in America acting in support of the President's reelection.
Marc Racicot
Chairman, Bush-Cheney '04 wrote:
Running out of time. I'll take a couple more and then we'll have to say goodnight.
Anthony Robles from Buffalo NY wrote:
What is the President's plan for the environment?
Marc Racicot answered:
It's unfortunate that the President's environmental agenda has not received as much national discussion as it deserves. It is a very positive and very pervasive record of accomplishment dedicated to protecting the environment. First of all, you know as all Americans do how the President loves to spend time on the land and to care for all of God's creatures. Secondly, his policies reveal a willingness to tackle any issue, to seek innovation, to bring about new technology and to provide incentives along with regulatory control in order to maintain a clean and healthful environment. His Healthy Forest Initiative is just one example. It's an effort focused upon healthy forests, diverse wildlife habitat, clean water and clear skies. No other President has set about to be so aggressive to protect our nation's forests. There is a litany of other very important and very substantial environmental initiatives too lengthy to catalog here but that we will discuss extensively and proudly throughout the campaign.
Kevin Remhof from Dayton OH wrote:
What do you see as our biggest challenging in re electing our President and how can we overcome that challenge?
Marc Racicot answered:
We referred to it earlier in the evening. It is to make certain that the President's actions, policies, and words are correctly and accurately shared with the American people. For that, we must rely upon our fellow citizens to carry the message to every neighborhood, every city, every county and every state. Creating that network and steering it in the right direction will be our biggest challenge but also our greatest opportunity for success.
Marc Racicot
Chairman, Bush-Cheney '04 wrote:
Thank you all for this wonderful opportunity to share my thoughts with all of you. Good night and God Bless.
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The next "chat" with GWB is scheduled for Monday, February 9, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
My first question was refused:<<<Would you please explain why you chose to read a book about goats and pose for photographs with 7-year-olds for nearly half-an-hour after Andy Card informed you of the 2nd WTC crash, instead of consulting with advisers or engaging in some other official duty to address the attack on the nation in your capacity as commander-in-chief on the morning of September 11, 2001?>>>
All accepted:
Would you please explain your plans for extending peace and democracy throughout the world?
Would you please explain your activities on the morning of September 11, 2001?
Would you please explain how NORAD defended U.S. airspace on September 22, 2001?
Would you please explain why Americans are not entitled to see the public papers of the administrations of your father, Ronald Reagan, and yourself?
Would you please explain your family's long business relationships with the bin Ladin and Hinckley families?
Would you please explain the constitutional reasoning behind your new authority to unilaterally name any American citizen as an enemy of the state?
Refused: Would you please compare and contrast the terms "weapons of mass destruction" and "weapons of mass destruction-related program activities"?
Refused: Would you please discuss your father's statements in the early 1990s regarding the establishment of a "new world order"?
report
by beabt
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004 at 6:00 PM
Sorry to report that not one of my questions was answered in the latest "chat."
People, we are being ball-slapped, and liking it. Are you okay with that?
http://georgewbush.com/Chat/transcript.aspx?ID=3
Monday, February 09, 2004, 5:30pm - 6:30pm EST
A Tough Election Ahead
Ken Mehlman
Campaign Manager Ken Mehlman will answer your questions about the 2004 election and the clear choice that voters will have.
Ken Mehlman
Campaign Manager, Bush-Cheney '04 wrote:
Welcome to our online chat. Let the questioning begin
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Elizabeth Lord from Joplin MO wrote:
What are President Bush's issues for his campaign? What are his key points that he is going after?
Ken Mehlman answered:
The campaign will focus on a clear choice for the American people: how do we keep America safe, prosperous and a land of opportunity in changing world? President Bush will keep Americans safe by taking the war to terrorists and through common sense law enforcement at home. He will keep the recovery going by cutting taxes, controlling spending, reducing unnecessary lawsuits, and reducing health care costs. And he will expand opportunity by reforming education and modernizing Medicare
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Ed Brucker from St. Louis MO wrote:
With doctors leaving the practice of medicine at an alarming rate, due to the high malpractice premiums, when is the President going to start tying the issue of tort reform to health care? After all, it doesn't matter what the drugs cost, if you don't have a doctor to prescribe them.
Ken Mehlman answered:
Excellent question. Out of control lawsuits make health care more expensive and drive doctors out of medicine. The President supports common sense lawsuit reform-- people who have been injured need justice, and will get it. But excessive lawsuits need to be curbed. Some on the other side have stood with trial lawyers instead of physicians and patients. For instance, Senator Kerry voted to block medical liability reform 11 times in the past decade. President Bush stands with doctors and patients.
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Jimmie Evans from Monroe City MO wrote:
What is President Bush doing about creating new jobs that pay a good wage?
Ken Mehlman answered:
First, the President has cut taxes and will make those tax cuts permanent. When families can keep more of their own money, they spend it on goods and services, which helps the economy and spurs new job growth. Second, the President is working to improve the education and training of our workers. He proposed $500 million for a series of measures called Jobs for the 21st century, including more community college training. Third, he is making health care more affordable so that businesses can have more to employ workers. We're pleased that a recession is now a recovery but we're still working hard for more good jobs and good wages.
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Dean McGregor from Wilsonville OR wrote:
How does President Bush's immigration and amnesty plan make our borders more secure and discourage future illegal immigration?
Ken Mehlman answered:
Today there are 8-10 million illegal immigrants in the US. The President's proposal helps identify many of these workers. It encourages undocumented workers to sign up for a temporary work program. The Department of Homeland Security will run this program so we can be sure that these workers are not a threat to our national security. Temporary workers are also checked to be sure they're not taking work away from an American who wants it.
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Rhonda Girgis from Cleveland OH wrote:
Isn't it a mistake on the part of the democrats to base this election on what they percieve as distain or hatred for our President by the democratic voters?
Ken Mehlman answered:
I think it is a mistake. Anger and hatred do not solve problems. And we should be able to disagree without making personal attacks. For instance, we honor Senator Kerry's patriotic service during the Vietnam war. Yet we question the judgments of his votes to consistently cut defense and intelligence funding, his vote against the first Gulf War, and his recently stated belief that the war on terror is primarily about law enforcement and intelligence. Unfortunately, instead of debating those issues, some on the other side have attacked the President personally, comparing his service in the National Guard to those Americans who dodged the draft. This is wrong. We need to debate issues without personal attacks.
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Judi Lundh from Laconia NH wrote:
How do I, as a middle school teacher, fight against the backlash of administrators and majority of teachers, because I am a Republican and defender of NCLB?? In my school, it is very obvious and disturbing!
Ken Mehlman answered:
You should respond with the truth: NCLB provides more resources and requires schools to reform. It holds schools accountable by measuring outputs (how students are doing), not just inputs (how much we're spending). Remind your colleagues that the President's budget this year increases education funding for 61% over five years. Ask them to visit http://www.nclb.gov for more information. No Child Left Behind, like the issue of taxes, the war on terror, and prescription drugs for seniors, provides a clear choice between the President's plan to go move America forward versus our opponent's plan to take our nation backwards.
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Delores Jean Overpeck from Avon IN wrote:
What is the single most important thing that we could do to influnce undecided voters?
Ken Mehlman answered:
good question. You should remind them of the clear choice between a strong and steady leader who will take America forward and a politician who will take us backwards. Think about the challenges we've faced over the past 3 years-- a recession, corporate scandals, too many children not being educated, and of course terrorist attacks. President Bush responded to each of these challenges with new thinking and a steady hand. A recession is now a recovery because of tax relief. Corporate scandals have replaced with market confidence because the President insisted on reform. The No Child Left Behind Act provided accountability and high standards. And Americans are safer because we've taken the war to terrorists, strengthened our homeland and removed a dangerous tyrant. Our opponents would take us back-- higher taxes just when the recovery is creating new jobs, lower standards in schools when learning is more important than ever, and weakness and vacillation in response to real threats to our nation. Remind undecided voters we've come too far and been through too much to go back.
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Preston Walrath from Coto de Caza CA wrote:
Have you always been a Republican?
Ken Mehlman answered:
Yes. My first campaign was 1980 when, at the age of 14, I handed out literature for Ronald Reagan. President Reagan's moral clarity in leading America and all free nations against Communism attracted me to the GOP.
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David Ammons from Olympia WA wrote:
Democrats in WA state are encouraged by high turnout for their caucuses on Saturday. Does the campaign expect to compete in WA and why?
Ken Mehlman answered:
We do. First, Washington had a caucus yesterday so there's not lots of precedent in terms of previous turnout. Second, we're working had to build a strong organization in Washington, like in other states. We've already trained more than 500 grassroots activists in the state, including an excellent training meeting just this past weekend. Also, we've heard a lot about supposedly higher turnout in the Democrat primaries. But this higher turnout is actually lower from an historical perspective than GOP turnout just 4 years ago. For instance, Democrat turnout in New Hampshire this year was 219,000, less than the 239,000 that turned out in the 2000 GOP primary. In Arizona, Democrat turnout was 224,000, less than the 290,000 turnout in the GOP primary in 2000. In Missouri, Democrat turnout in 2004 was 416,000, less than the 475,000 turnout from 2000.
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Jennifer Turner from Litchfield Park AZ wrote:
I am a former Democrat, having changed sides after President Bush was in office for about a year. What can we do to get more people to understand that our President has done an amazing job reforming our country. It seems as if the war is overshadowing all of the good that he has done for the medical and education ends of our system. I agree with the war, but there are those that disagree no matter what war it is. I am worried this is going to really cause a lot of pressure on the votes for the Presidents reelection.
Ken Mehlman answered:
You can talk with friends and neighbors about your beliefs and party change. You're hardly alone. Recent surveys by Gallup, Pew and ABC News all confirmed historic growth in the number of Republicans and declines in the number of Democrats. Mark Penn, Joe Lieberman's pollster, found that fewer Americans call themselves Democrats than at any time ever. President Bush's leadership is not only transforming our nation and world. It's transforming our politics.
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Hope Dammon from Waco TX wrote:
I am a college student with no money but I would like to help. What can I do to contribute?
Ken Mehlman answered:
We'd love your help as a volunteer. Go to georgewbush.com and volunteer to become a Bush Team Leader. Call into talk radio. Send a letter to the editor. Help us register and ID voters.
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Scott Smith from Reed City MI wrote:
Will the president beging to address the problems with Social Security in his second term, and if so, what plans does the president have for meaningful reform to Social Security?
Ken Mehlman answered:
The President is committed to making sure that Social Security is protected for today's seniors and also for younger Americans. With the coming retirement of baby boomers, there will be more retirees and fewer workers. To make sure Social Security is protected when this occurs, the President appointed a commission to examine options. The commission recommended the following: no changes for today's seniors and those nearing retirement. Allow younger workers the choice of investing a small portion of their payroll tax in safe investments the same way federal employees can make investments. This will preserve Social Security when baby boomers retire without a cut in benefits and raising of retirement age. The President will work for these reforms.
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Ken Mehlman
Campaign Manager, Bush-Cheney '04 wrote:
Sorry I didn't get to answer more questions but I hope to chat again soon.
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