Last Tuesday, October 8th, President Bush arrived at Tyson McGhee Airport greeted by an estimated 1000 visitors and the University of Tennessee Marching Band. After addressing the crowd Bush was off to a fund-raising luncheon for gubernatorial candidate Van Hilleary. Within hours the President was back in the air.
This was Bush’s second trip to the Knoxville area in the past month. Bush talked about the benefits of electing Van Hilleary as Governor and spoke about his speech the previous evening on Iraq, stating that, “The United States is prepared to lead a coalition “for the sake of peace” and “The enemy hates us for what we love. We love freedom.” Bush also spoke briefly about the economy and the Volunteer state.
Bush’s visit was made under tight security. Everyone was checked and put through a metal detector before being allowed into the airport hanger where the President was to speak. One spectator commented, “ It’s very exciting to be this close to the President and hear him speak. I think that crosses party lines. I wasn’t that excited about coming but now that I’m here and am hearing him speak in person it is very exciting. If the opportunity presents itself again I will be sure to bring my children along next time. It’s history in the making.”
President Bush’s motorcade then moved on (causing quiet the traffic jam on Alcoa Hwy.) and arrived at Knoxville’s Convention Center for a fundraising $1000-a-plate luncheon for the Van Hilleary campaign. While no protestors were seen at the airport there were yells from some protestors at the luncheon, which was attended by over 700 people. No doubt the publicity was good for the candidate who is in a close gubernatorial race against Democrat Phil Bredesen, a former Nashville mayor. Van Hilleary is a four-term congressman. This was President Bush’s third visit to East Tennessee since his election.

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