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Bush visits Wisconsin, speaks about economy
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Also by Abby Peterson:
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by Abby Peterson
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
APPLETON, Wis. — Defending free-trade policies and his tax cuts as driving forces behind the growing economy, President Bush gave a speech in Appleton, trumpeting his administration’s polices at home and abroad as necessary for economic growth.
Addressing members of the city’s chamber of commerce during his ninth trip to Wisconsin, the president praised the state’s economic health, saying, “Wisconsin is helping lead the growth of this country.”
Bush cited a buoyant “entrepreneurial spirit of America” and the country’s deep resolve and character as reasons why Americans overcame major challenges in the past years, from an economic recession to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Bush argued his tax cuts brought the country out of the “shallowest” of recessions by giving all Americans tax relief needed to invigorate small businesses and promote job growth.
“The best way to deal with economic problems is to let people keep more of their own money,” Bush said, adding that all Americans, both the poor and the rich, should get tax cuts. “Government is not in the business of picking winners and losers in tax relief.”
The president also addressed the issue of free trade, saying that building “walls around America” would economically isolate the country and lock small businesses out of opportunities to increase jobs at home and exports overseas.
Bush argued Americans must have confidence that America can compete in the world economy; he cited rising Wisconsin trade abroad and growing foreign capital invested in the state.
“I believe this country can compete anywhere, anytime, any place so long as the rules are fair,” Bush said.
Bush acknowledged the problem of outsourcing jobs, saying economic policy must lead to growth that includes expanding opportunities for work. Wisconsin has lost more than 80,000 manufacturing jobs over the past three years as companies relocate overseas.
The war in Iraq surfaced as a major theme throughout the speech, as Bush argued that ensuring American security was necessary to protect the U.S. economy, which took a tumble after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Bush defended the administration’s decision to oust Saddam Hussein, saying his administration, Congress and the United Nations all saw the Iraqi regime as a clear “threat.”
“I had a choice to make,” Bush said. “Do I trust the word of a madman, or do I make a choice to defend our country? Given that choice, I will defend our country every time.”
Although White House officials identified the president’s address as purely policy-oriented and not part of Bush’s re-election campaign, many political experts argue Bush has targeted trips to Wisconsin to boost his popularity in the state.
Bush lost Wisconsin by fewer than 6,000 votes in the 2000 election and is expected to compete fiercely for the traditionally swing state during the presidential election this fall. As the president delivered his speech, a number of protesters, toting signs condemning Bush’s policies and signaling their support for Democratic nominee John Kerry, circled outside.
Yelling chants labeling Bush a “liar,” the group held signs condemning the president’s stance on everything from the Iraq war to his proposal to pass a federal constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
“We are against everything he is,” said protester Dan Winters, a 17-year-old high school student from Appleton. “We are going to get him out of office.”
