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57 °F Forecast | Road Cams Saturday, October 16, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend October 15, 2004 Laura Bush and President George W. Bush greet thousands of supporters gathered at the Jackson County Expo in Central Point. Crowd estimates vary from 9,000 to 15,000. Mail Tribune / Jim Craven Bush crowd: ‘Four more years!’ Incumbent president speaks to huge rally at the Expo, asks Southern Oregonians for their votes, their help By PAUL FATTIG Mail Tribune CENTRAL POINT — President George W. Bush came right to the point Thursday evening. "I’ve come to ask for your votes," he told the huge crowd gathered at the Jackson County Expo. "And I came to ask for your help," he added. "Tell your friends and neighbors we have a duty in this country to vote. Get them to the polls — Republicans, independents and discerning Democrats." Bush was repeatedly interrupted with chants of "Four more years! Four more years!" Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., warmed up the already enthusiastic crowd before introducing Bush. Advertisement "I’ve had the opportunity of serving in the United States Senate under the leadership of this president," McCain said. "I’ve grown to appreciate the quality of decency, honesty and integrity that characterizes every action of this president." The crowd, already cheering, roared its approval. McCain, who lost the 2000 GOP primary to the incumbent, said Bush showed his leadership qualities immediately following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the United States. "He has led us with strength and clarity and brought our nation together," McCain said. Bush commended Oregon Republican leaders Sen. Gordon Smith and Rep. Greg Walden. But one of the loudest roars of approval came when Bush mentioned his wife, first lady Laura Bush. "It’s great to be in a part of the world where the boots outnumber the suits," the president said to more cheers. Many in the crowd carried signs stating "Ranchers and Farmers for Bush." Bush referred to his Wednesday night debate with Democratic opponent Sen. John Kerry several times. "These debates clarify the difference in our records, our approaches and our plans for the future," he said. "I’m proud of my record. My opponent seemed to want to avoid talking about his." Bush said his record is one of lowering taxes, reforming education, providing prescription drug coverage to seniors, improving homeland protection and waging a war against terrorism. "The senator’s record is 20 years of out-of-the-mainstream votes without many significant reforms or results," he said. "See, the senator believes in a bigger government," he continued. "I believe in more freedom and choices for the citizens of this country." Bush also continued his charge that Kerry is wishy-washy. "Sometimes it’s a little hard to tell what he believes," he said. "He tries to obscure his philosophy." As an example, he noted the Kerry on Wednesday night defended his health care insurance plan, stating it wasn’t a government plan. "I could barely contain myself when I heard that," he said, later adding, "I want to make health care more affordable and available by helping small businesses, not by saddling them with a bunch of regulations." Bush used self-depreciating humor when talking about his communication skills. "The last few years people have gotten to know me," he said. "They know my blunt way of speaking. I get that from my mom. "They know I sometimes mangle the English language," he added. "I get that from my dad." But he said he calls it like he sees it. "Americans know exactly what I’m going to do and I keep my word," he said. Bush said he pledged to reduce taxes to improve the faltering economy when he took office. "I kept my word," he said. "The results are clear. The recession was one of the shallowest in American history." He said home ownership is at an all-time high and farm and ranch incomes are up. "The unemployment rate across our country is 5.4 percent, lower than the average in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s," he said. "Here in Oregon I understand there are some areas lagging behind but we’re making progress," he added. The state has added some 40,000 jobs since January 2002, he said. "So long as somebody is looking for work and can’t find a job, means we will continue to expand the economy with pro-growth, pro-entrepreneur, pro-farmer, pro-small business policies," he added to yet another thunderous roar. But Bush, who also defended his foreign policy, reminded voters several times that the race is close. He reminded them to make sure other like-minded folks vote. "When you get them headed to the polls, tell them if they want a safer America, stronger America and a better America, put me and Dick Cheney back in office," he said. Reach reporter Paul Fattig at 776-4496 or e-mail him at [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities