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During the tour, Bush has generally held two kinds of events: "Ask President Bush" town hall meetings like the one planned for Prairie du Chien and traditional campaign rallies like the one at Copeland Park in La Crosse.
For a preview of the president's message, the Tribune gleaned highlights from transcripts of the president's remarks at earlier campaign events, which are available online at www.georgewbush.com.
In Dayton, Ohio, Bush took questions from a mother about tax relief, a small business owner who's planning to expand, a community college president, a single mother, a retired educator and a man who asked how Bush thinks faith will affect the outcome of the election.
"I believe in prayer, and I appreciate the prayers of people. I think the 2004 election will be determined by the American people's decision as to who best can lead the country. That's what I think will determine the 2004 election," Bush answered.
"Some people of faith will participate. Some who don't necessarily agree with faith will participate. The question of the outcome of the race is who best can describe as clearly as possible a positive and hopeful and optimistic future for every single citizen of this country, regardless of their political party, regardless of their background, regardless of their economic status."
The "Ask President Bush" events tend to be longer and more freewheeling. At the rallies, Bush's message is focused.
"The people of this state and the people of this country have an unmistakable choice in this election," Bush said at a rally in Cincinnati.
"It's a choice between keeping the tax relief that is moving this economy forward, or putting the burden of higher taxes back on the American people. It's a choice between an America that leads the world with strength and confidence, or an America that is uncertain in the face of danger.
"The other side hasn't offered much in the way of strategy to win the war, or policies to expand our economy. We're into this campaign and all we hear is old bitterness. But they're going to learn something from the American people. Anger is not an agenda for the future of this country."
Bush talks about his optimism that the economy is improving, and that America can't be isolationist when it comes to trade.
"I know there are still people in this important state who hurt," he said in Ohio. "There are still people looking for work. That's a reason to be — that's not a reason to fall into pessimistic policies. We've got to be optimistic. And there's reason to be optimistic. The entrepreneurial spirit is strong. Small businesses are vibrant. We're going through a time of transition, but things are getting better."
He went on to say, "See, we're good at things here in America. We're good at growing crops. We're good at raising cows. We're good at — we're good at high-tech. We're good at manufacturing. We've got the most productive work force in the world. Rather than walling ourselves off from the world, we need a president who will open up markets. We can compete with any — anybody, any time, anywhere, if the playing field is level."
Bush likely will address terrorism and Iraq as well.
"Our future ... also depends on America's leadership in the world," Bush said in Ohio. "The momentum of freedom in our time is strong. But we still face serious dangers. Al-Qaida is wounded, but not broken. Terrorists are testing our will in Afghanistan and Iraq. Regimes in North Korea and Iran are challenging the peace. If America shows weakness and uncertainty in this decade, the world will drift toward tragedy. This will not happen on my watch."
"We have a plan — we have a plan to make Iraq more secure. Our troops will get what they need to do their job. Our troops will receive the help. And we have a plan to turn over sovereignty to the Iraqi — to Iraqi entity. That's what we said we're going to do. When America speaks, it's got to mean what it says. Everybody is watching us."
Reid Magney can be reached at (608) 791-8211 or rmagney@lacrossetribune.com.
