Paul Clinton
BURBANK -- Pulling into town for a last-minute stop on the campaign
trail, presidential hopeful George W. Bush rallied his troops at the
Burbank Airport Hilton.
Stepping onto a stage in the hotel's largest conference room Monday
afternoon, Bush reiterated his call for moral leadership, less taxes and
a stronger military.
Following a slate of Republicans seeking other offices -- including
43rd State Assembly District candidate Craig Missakian -- Bush spoke to
an energized crowd for approximately 30 minutes before heading off to NBC
to tape his evening appearance on "The Tonight Show."
"There's going to be a lot of shocked people on Nov. 7," Bush said to
a packed house. "Starting with the pundits who don't understand what is
happening in California."
Bush's prediction of victory in an election one week away came on the
heels of a Reuters/MSNBC tracking poll that showed the Texas governor
with a three-point lead over Vice President Al Gore.
Prior to his stop in Burbank, Bush campaigned in Albuquerque, N.M.,
where he blasted Gore for spreading "falsehood and cynicism."
Gore, who will arrive at Burbank Airport in the afternoon today, is
scheduled to appear on Jay Leno's late-night show Tuesday night. On
Monday, Gore campaigned in Michigan and Wisconsin, where he talked about
his plan for targeted tax cuts, protection of the environment and
expansion of health-care benefits.
Criticism of Gore and President Clinton -- leveled by Bush and others
Monday in Burbank -- drew loud cheers, hoots and catcalls from the
blanket Republican crowd. Speakers included U.S. Sen. John McCain
(R-Arizona), U.S. Senate candidate from California Tom Campbell and
comedian Ben Stein.
"Together we can bring back the glory, the optimism we had under
Ronald Reagan," Campbell said.
More than 1,000 supporters packed the Airport Hilton conference room
to hear the speakers, with many more stranded outside after the room
filled to capacity.
Brad Arensman, an avowed Bush fan, said he drove from his Castaic home
for the event.
"It was great," Arensman said afterward. "It was inspiring."
