 |
| July 20, 2006--The audience for President Bush's speech [transcript] was generally very respectful.. Hilary Shelton, director of the NAACP's Washington bureau, said Bush's appearance was "a sign of promise." Alice Huffman, president of the California state conference of the NAACP and a Democratic activist, said Bush "was very upbeat and certainly extended the olive branch." Huffman rated Bush a "A" on delivery, an "A" on the Voting Rights Act, and a "C" on the rest of the speech. "No Child Left Behind is not one of our favorite programs because it's underfunded," said Huffman, who was also critical of Bush's advocacy of charter schools. Attendee Lester Clemons stated afterwards that, "He's our president and a lot of us don't agree with his policies, but his still our president." Clemons also stated that Bush "said the right words," particularly on the Voting Rights Act extension. |
 |
| At one point during Bush's speech two men in the audience started yelling in an attempt to interrupt the speech. Reporters rushed to see what the fuss was about. This was an isolated incident and the two were quickly escorted out. A more reasoned critique came from the office of Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-7), who had an aide distributing a press release arguing that, "Bush Should Use Appearance Before NAACP Conference to Address Issues that Matter." |
 |
| Rev. Jesse Jackson offered his reaction to the speech. He said he was glad Bush came but wanted to engage in a "meaningful dialogue" with the president. Jackson who talked briefly with Bush, said, "There's a range of concerns." "It would be meaningful if there's a follow up meeting," he stated. |
| 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 |  |