By SCOTT LINDLAW, Associated Press Writer
BEAVERTON, Ore. — 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.
The Bush campaign billed his visit to Beaverton as a chance for ordinary
citizens to pose questions to the president.
But first, his audience at "Ask President Bush" heard a 21-minute speech from
Bush. Then there were 22 minutes of testimonials on his domestic policies from
four supporters. After that, Bush moved into a second speech lasting 24 minutes
on terrorism and Iraq, along with a few comments about his meetings with world
leaders.
His audience did not mind waiting more than an hour for the question-and-answer
session. 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.
Kerry's more open approach carries political risks. Sometimes protesters show up
and try to disrupt his appearances. To get across their point that Kerry is a
flip-flopper, they often clap flip-flop sandals over their heads, and chant,
"Four more years!"
Such dissent is never a problem for Bush.
When the time came to "Ask President Bush" Friday, none of his 16 questioners
challenged him on his policies. Several did not ask questions at all, but
simply voiced their support.
"If it wasn't for your tax cuts and your stimulus and your steady hand since
9/11, my job would never happen," one man said.
"Could you take a moment to pray for Oregon, for us, right now?" asked one
questioner. (Bush declined.)
"Mr. President, as a child, how can I help you get votes?" another audience
member inquired.
"Thank you for serving!"
"My husband and my twins and I pray for you daily, as do many home schoolers.
Thank you for recognizing home schoolers."
Bush campaign spokesman Scott Stanzel said the Bush team strives to draw some
undecided voters to each event, though he could not estimate how many typically
attend. There appear to be few fence-sitters at Bush's events, where audiences
frequently interrupt the president to cheer.
The president's events are not designed to convert Kerry backers, but rather
energize Bush's base, aides say.
"The thousands of people at these events are the messengers for the campaign,"
Stanzel said. "They go out and spread the message, whether it's at their place
of business or their VFW or sportsman's club or just in their neighborhood."
Bush's camp has taken other measures to keep non-supporters out of Bush's
events.
Last month, some Democrats who signed up to hear Vice President ***** Cheney
speak near Albuquerque, N.M., were refused tickets unless they signed a pledge
to endorse Bush. The Bush campaign described the measure as a security step
designed to avoid a disruption it contended had been planned.
Campaign spokesman Dan Foley said people calling for tickets from an anti-Bush
group's telephone line underwent screening. Those seeking to attend the speech
but giving false names were denied tickets, he said.
Bush's admission policy can leave the impression that the president has strong
support wherever he goes.
Labor unions traditionally align with Democrats and have not been particularly
friendly to Bush. So when Bush spoke at a Las Vegas union hall Thursday, the
campaign used its usual ticket distribution policy to pack the hall with
backers.
The crowd roared its approval throughout the speech. Some tickets were also
given to union members. A few of them sat silently in the back rows.
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