Bush rallies supporters at MSU campus

By Joselyn Gingrich

Daily News Editor

EAST LANSING - Despite late trains and dysfunctional microphones, the crowd in East Lansing was excited to see Republican Presidential nominee George W. Bush as he traveled across Michigan. Hundreds of his supporters gathered on the Michigan State University campus on Saturday to see Bush as he stopped for 15 minutes to address the rally.

"The good news is that the polls look good," Bush said to a cheering crowd. "But the bad news is that the elections aren't tomorrow."

Bush spoke to an enthusiastic assembly about his pledge to "to uphold the honor and integrity of the country."

The main points Bush outlined in his speech were rebuilding military power, raising the standards in education and giving the government surplus back to the American people."We will challenge the status quo," Bush said. "Mediocrity is not acceptable in America."

MSU political science professor Carol Weisert said it was a calculated move for Bush to travel through Michigan just after the Republican convention. Michigan will be a crucial state in the November election and it was smart of Bush to travel through Michigan, Weisert said. "It's symbolically important," Weisert said. "Michigan is still a toss-up. This tells people of Michigan we're important to him."

But the assembled crowd seemed to be primarily compromised of people who had already made their up their minds about their vote.

"Whatever he says is okay with me," said Maggie Galilei, a Byron resident.

Michael Uhlig, a graduate student at Western Michigan University, said he liked what Bush had to say for students."I like the idea of smaller government," Uhlig said. "As students, taxes are just too high, especially as I look forward to the next few years and moving into the work force."

Steve Vandyken, a graduate of Calvin College, said he wasn't so sure about Bush's message.

"He spoke a lot about integrity when he really didn't say what that meant," Vandyken said. "He was vague."

Not all of those present were Bush supporters. About 75 protesters chanted throughout the speeches, carrying signs that said "Grand Oil Party" and "No More Bush". The protesters were primarily members of NARAL, a national pro-choice organization.

"We're here to let women know that a Bush presidency will affect the Supreme Court and he will ban all abortions," said Ann Arbor resident MJ Finn, a NARAL volunteer. "I think many women don't realize he is so anti-choice.