Bush news conferences show ability to command attention [View All]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Relaxing at his Texas ranch, President Bush stayed out of sight while Iraq grew bloodier and Washington swirled with questions about his pre-Sept. 11 actions. Democrats began to ask where was the president at such a crucial moment. Even Republicans started to worry about Bush's absence.

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For Bush, it has taken many forms:

_"Official" events scheduled more often than not in important electoral states, where his visit is sure to draw heavy local coverage. Bush will make his 27th trip to up-for-grabs Pennsylvania on Monday. On Thursday, Bush was in Iowa, which he narrowly lost four years ago, to spend Tax Day arguing the resuscitative effects on the economy of his tax cuts.

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_The ability to direct government policy in ways that targeted voter blocs might like. Hoping to please Hispanics, Bush in January announced a proposal to give temporary visas to illegal immigrants with jobs. In 2002, he imposed steep foreign steel tariffs, aimed at currying favor in the steel-producing battleground states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio.

_Photo opportunities such as Bush's surprise Thanksgiving visit to American troops in Baghdad and his dramatic, flight-suited landing on an aircraft carrier to announce the end to major combat in Iraq.

_The benefit of having taxpayers cover much of the expense of travel and appearances, even when the stated purpose of the trip is for the campaign.

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more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-04-17-incumbent-edge_x.htm

Our taxes at work. :eyes: