Greensboro, N.C. – President Bush took a day off from the politics of national security Wednesday and went on a Southern charm offensive that included time with children, NASCAR drivers, devoted Republicans and some sweet tea.
Bush’s return to his “compassionate conservative” roots came during a base-building trip to North Carolina, a state he won easily in both his presidential races. But even in the conservative South, many voters have grown unhappy with Bush’s leadership with Iraq under continuing violence.
Bush didn’t mention those troubles during the visit three weeks before Election Day, but focused on his education agenda and old-fashioned politicking with plenty of local flavor.
Noticeably missing on Bush’s North Carolina itinerary were campaign stops with Reps. Charles Taylor and Robin Hayes, a pair of veteran Republicans facing spirited Democratic challenges that could help tip the balance of power in the House. He didn’t go near their districts. Bush was to attend a fundraising dinner for the Republican National Committee at a private residence where no media coverage was allowed.
Bush greeted lunchtime diners at Stamey’s, chatting into a cellphone that one man thrust into his hand. Then he ate a classic North Carolina lunch of barbecue pork and chicken, cole slaw, hush puppies, sweet tea and peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream.
At the school, Bush drew excited gasps from fifth grader Ta’kyria Woodard when he entered her class, and he leaned over and whispered in her ear to calm her. Then he went to the third-grade computer lab and threw a presidential glare to silence some rambunctious boys. Turning to the cameras, Bush said, “Reminds me of my days in the class.”
