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Choir Sings Loudly at President Bush's Rally
By George NelsonVIENNA, Ohio -- President Bush's supporters at yesterday's rally were impressed with his address, but whether he swayed enough of his target audience -- Democrats and independents -- to make a difference in the Mahoning Valley remains to be seen."We're going to know in five days," said Youngstown Mayor George McKelvey. He described the campaign speech as the best and most passionate he's heard Bush give. "He spoke directly to Democrats. It's unique. I've never heard him do that before," McKelvey said. "He spoke to the common values that he believes he shares with those in our valley and all over America, and he made some excellent points." The Democrat, who since endorsing Bush this summer has been appearing with the president at campaign events and making the rounds on cable political shows and talk radio, served as master of ceremonies during the rally held at the Winner Aviation Hanger at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. He said he was invited to fly to Dayton today to open for Bush, and will fly to Cleveland on Air Force One, his first trip on the presidential plane. "It's my understanding they've locked up all the silverware," he quipped.Similarly impressed with the president's address was Sharon businessman James E. Winner Jr., owner of Winner Aviation and chairman of Winner International, who was seated among several other dignitaries near the podium including Ohio Gov. Bob Taft."Nothing came as a surprise," Winner said. "That's my view of the president the last four years and I think he's the leader we need for the next four."Joan DeVito of Boardman acknowledged that Bush was "speaking to the choir" at the event, and that it was important for newspapers and electronic media to report what the president said."I heard what I needed to hear," said Allison DeVito of Columbus, Joan's daughter. "I thought he really spoke to the Youngstown people and I thought that was great." She also said that Ohio's prominent role in the election -- the state is considered pivotal and is close enough to go either way -- will put pressure on more people to go out and vote. "It's definitely by far the most exciting election in my life," she said.Robert Davis of Cortland said he also was impressed by the speech and thought Bush gave Democrats something to think about and compare with what Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry is offering. Vincent Misel of Liberty said he was pleased that Bush addressed cutting taxes -- a big issue for him -- as well as the recent disclosure of the missing 380 tons of explosive in Iraq. "I think he might have changed a few minds," he speculated. "There are always some people on the fence. I know a lot of people in my neighborhood are Democrats and they're not sure about this election. They're concerned about their safety and their kids."Though they liked what they were able to hear, people who were outside the hangar on the tarmac had a difficult time catching everything Bush had to say. "I wish they would have speakers out there," said Bonnie Esposito of Boardman. She was also pleased that Bush addressed the Iraq weapons, as well as issues such as education.Contact George Nelson at [email protected]"