Stupid is as stupid does
MILWAUKEE — The obligatory campaign-style signs were hung behind stage, the familiar hand-selected "conversation participants" seated next to him. The invitation-only audience cheered with enthusiasm. And when President Bush took the microphone, he spun out more or less the same speech he has given dozens of times before.
On the 78th day of a 60-day road show, the president's nationwide Social Security tour has the feel of a past-its-prime Broadway production that has been held over while other, newer shows steal the spotlight.
On Capitol Hill, they are talking about filibusters, on Embassy Row about the civilian massacre in Uzbekistan, at the Pentagon about the latest surge in violence in Iraq. But Bush keeps plugging on, pounding home a practiced message on Social Security that so far has not sold the country.
"I'm just beginning this debate," Bush said yesterday at the Milwaukee Art Museum, his 32nd Social Security event this year. "I'm going to spend whatever time it takes to continue traveling this country and make it absolutely clear to the people, we've got a problem."
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002281837_social20.html