SIOUX CITY, United States (AFP) - President George W. Bush famously dislikes press conferences but has embraced "Ask President Bush" sessions packed with supporters at least as eager to pay tribute to him as get an answer.
"Mr President, I don't have a question. I've got three 'thank-yous'," one man told him at such an event in Ohio.
Billed as informal question-and-answer opportunities for curious voters to quiz the most powerful man in the world, the carefully choreographed campaign events usually recycle the central points from his stump speech.
"We're going to call on some of your citizens to help me make some points," he said at the Ohio event.
Bush's well-honed address includes a vow to appoint conservative judges, a defense of his tax cuts as promoting growth, and an emotional argument that going to war with Iraq was the right decision.
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While he has yet to face a hostile questioner, angry attacks on Democratic White House hopeful John Kerry abound.
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But would-be Bush hecklers face daunting obstacles: Loyalists handle giving out tickets to the event; home-made signs and banners are often forbidden; and in some cases access hinges on signing a loyalty oath.
This is America, and thankfully, John Kerry hasn't forgotten what it means to be an American.
Thanks, Casper