Article published May 05, 2004
OHIO BUS TRIP
President upbeat on economy, Iraq
Bush presses case for re-election
By FRITZ WENZEL
BLADE POLITICAL WRITER
CINCINNATI - President Bush remains confident that the economic recovery now under way across certain sectors of the economy will spread in the coming months, and that the coalition fighting with America in Iraq will eventually establish a free nation that will become a democratic beacon to the rest of the Middle East, he said in an interview yesterday.
Speaking with six Ohio reporters traveling on his campaign bus in southwestern Ohio, the President appeared comfortable and confident discussing the pressing issues of his re-election campaign, and said he was eager to get out onto the campaign trail to fight for his re-election.
"I look forward to making the case that the world is better off as a result of my presidency, and will be better off if I have four more years. I look forward to the campaign," he said. "When I get on a bus and start moving around your state, it should be an indication that the same guy you saw four years ago who wanted to win then, wants to win now.
"That's an important question for the people of Ohio," he said. "Does he have the energy and the drive and vision to get out there and compete for their vote? The answer is 'absolutely.'●" He said the economy and the war on terror are likely to be the dominant issues through November.
"Disposable income is up. Home ownership rates are up. Minority homeowner rates are not only up, they are the highest ever," he said. "There are a lot of statistics that make my case that the people of Ohio are better off."
Mr. Bush's opponent, Democrat John Kerry, toured Ohio last week on a "jobs tour," touting troubles in the Rust Belt and promising economic improvements.The President was resolute in his determination to see through the war on terror.
"Iraq, there's no question, it's tough right now," Mr. Bush said. "I will continue to make the case about the historic nature of what we're doing. We have a chance to literally change the world as a result of the actions we're taking. Look what's happening. Afghanistan is free. Libya is now disarmed. Iraq is becoming a free country in the heart of the Middle East.
"Remember, the policy up to this point in time was 'Let us contain,' you know, 'stability.' And there was no policy of freedom, and look where it got us," he said. "I believe that their children will be living in a free world."
Asked whether he believed the recent mistreatment of prisoners by American soldiers in Iraq and the atrocities committed 25 years ago by American soldiers in Vietnam reflect an institutional problem in the armed forces, Mr. Bush said he is looking forward to the results of an investigation into the mistreatment of prisoners.
"The thing that I am particularly pleased to hear from the secretary is that there is an investigation beyond this particular case as to whether there are systemic problems. We need to know that. The country needs to know that," he said.
A special report,``Buried Secrets, Brutal Truths,'' published by The Blade last year, outlined Vietnam War atrocities. The report won a Pulitzer Prize.
Contact Fritz Wenzel at:
fwenzel@theblade.com
or 419-724-6134.
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