corrente

Bush seems curiously unwilling to show himself before anyone but supporters. Supporters who've signed a loyalty oath. The press seems to be noticing, at l-o-o-o-o-o-n-g last. The Associated Press, I mean. Not Poor L'il Jodie, of course....

President Bush's team exerts close control over admission to his campaign events. Dissenters and would-be hecklers are turned away, campaign officials say. On several occasions in recent weeks, Democrats who have gotten in have been ejected because they wore pro-Kerry T-shirts.

[In Oregon, this] was no town hall appearance before a cross-section of citizens. Bush-Cheney re-election headquarters had instructed Oregon campaign officials to distribute tickets, so the school gymnasium was filled last Friday with 2,000 passionate Bush backers.

By contrast, most of Kerry's events are open to the public, though there have been some town hall events that are invitation-only. For certain appearances, the Kerry campaign has distributed tickets to the local party, unions and other supporters.

But Kerry spokesman David Wade said that any member of the public can get a ticket from a local campaign office or from the affiliated groups on a first-come, first-served basis. Many people are admitted without any ticket.

"I think America deserves a president who is willing to talk to anybody, I don't care if you are Democrat, Republican or independent," Kerry said Friday.

Bush's admission policy can leave the impression that the president has strong support wherever he goes.
(via AP)

Shirtsleeve Boy sure does look good on TV though!

I wonder why Bush won't show himself to all Americans? Cowardice? Only supporters would be willing to sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement on the Earpiece? Readers?