July 20, 2006--NAACP president and CEO Bruce S. Gordon introduced President
George W. Bush as he made his first presidential appearance before the
group. Bush prompted laughter and applause when he opened his speech
stating that, "Bruce is a polite guy -- I thought what he was going to
say, it's about time you showed up."
Bush's tone was conciliatory. "For too long my party wrote off the African American vote, and many African Americans wrote off the Republican Party," he stated. "I want to change the relationship. The America we seek should be bigger than politics. And today I'm going to talk about some areas where I believe we can work together to reduce the obstacles for opportunity for all our citizens." Specifically Bush focused on education, ownership, the faith based initiative, and HIV/AIDS. Of particular concern for the audience was Bush's support for reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. "I look forward to the Senate passing this bill promptly without amendment -- so I can sign it into law," he stated to applause. [transcript] (reactions) |
Photos
Panel with Senators. Kennedy, Clinton and Obama. NAACP president and CEO Bruce Gordon, and chairman of the board Julian Bond. Off to lobby on Capitol Hill. Marching on Capitol Hill. President Bush addresses the NAACP. |
Links
NAACP H.R. 9 - Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 |
Copyright © 2006 Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in Action |