SHU reacts to Bush's Latrobe visit (Print-friendly)
09/24/04
By Amanda Cochran
News/Online Editor
On Wednesday September 22, 2004, President George W. Bush, Republican Party candidate, visited Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
After appearances by Lynn Swann, former Pittsburgh Steelers player, John Michael Montgomery, country music artist, and Arnold Palmer, namesake of the airport and celebrity golfer, Bush arrived from a visit with the Hurricane Ivan flood victims in Millvale. Marine One, the presidential helicopter, touched down on the airport's runway, located directly behind the stage area, with thousands of spectators looking on. Bush soon took to the podium, with chants of "four more years" rising from the crowd.
According to Bush campaigning was his primary intent in visiting Latrobe. "I am here for the vote," Bush said. "For a safer and stronger America put me and Dick Cheney back in office."
He addressed many issues, such as education grants for college students, defense spending in the continued U.S presence in Iraq, social security benefits for future generations, and the No Child Left Behind Act.
Seton Hill University (SHU) students reacted differently to Bush's presence in the area and to what he said during his visit to Latrobe.
According to Junior Theresa Kowalski, Democrat, "Everyone was so impressed, they didn't know he came."
"It's an exciting time for the president to come to such a small part of the state," said Daniel Kovacic, a sophomore Democrat.
Andrea Martin, a Republican and junior at SHU, who attended Bush's visit, said that no negatives marked her experience. "It ranks up there with skydiving," she said. "I think it is a really good experience to see the president no matter what political party you are part of."
Sophomore Mike Rubino, chairman of the SHU chapter of the National College Republicans and cartoonist for the Setonian, said, "[The experience] was amazing...When Bush arrived there, it was obvious this guy was the leader of the free world."
Stephan Puff, sophomore and Democrat, said, "I have no problem [with Bush's visit]. I don't think it is worth putting up such a fuss for someone campaigning."
Rubino responded to what the president addressed in his speech. "Bush is a man of principle and everyone knows where he stands. His optimism and strength is what America needs right now."
"I think he's really trying to make a difference when it comes to this country's education," said Rubino, "[Bush] is doing all he can to get kids into college."
A Democratic Party-affiliated club is currently not sponsored on the SHU campus.
The presidential election will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2004.
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