Bush sets re-election tone in State of Union address

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, January 22, 2004

Bush sets re-election tone in State of Union address

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Amid a crescendo of drum beats from the Democrats bent on drowning him out, US President George W.Bush attempted to gain political momentum on Tuesday night in a wide-ranging State of the Union address.

As one of only a few presidential speeches delivered live on prime time TV across the country, the address came just a week before the New Hampshire primary and one night after the Democrats' Iowa caucus. So it was important for Bush to seize the chance togear up for the battle.

Before a joint session of the US Congress, Bush went straight to the pressing issue of security at the very beginning of his speech, pledging to continue the fight against terrorism."Our greatest responsibility is the active defense of the American people", he said.

He praised the US military, law enforcement personnel and intelligence officers amongst others for their commitment to protecting the nation from terrorist threats, saying they are making America more secure.

As for the economy, a sticking point despite evidence of recovery, Bush insisted his economic policy is sound."The Americaneconomy is growing stronger. The tax relief you passed is working."

He said the economic growth rate in the third quarter of 2003, the latest figures available, was the fastest in nearly 20 years.

"New home construction: the highest in almost 20 years. Home ownership rates: the highest ever. Manufacturing activity is increasing. Inflation is low. Interest rates are low. Exports are growing. Productivity is high. And jobs are on the rise," Bush said.

Bush also pressed for permanent tax cuts saying "what the Congress has given, the Congress should not take away. For the sake of job growth, the tax cuts you passed should be permanent."

Health care also featured as a key issue in the speech. Rising medical costs are becoming an unbearable economic burden for many Americans.

Bush stressed the benefits brought about by the Prescription Drugs Bill signed by him for American seniors. He also pledged to preserve the system of private medicine which, he claimed, makes America's health care system the best in the world.

Apart from defending himself on the Democrat's key issues of concern, Bush also covered the rebuilding Iraq, promoting democracy, reforming education, introducing new immigration laws and promoting marriage.

Shortly after Bush's speech, US Democrats criticized the State of the Union address, saying the reality of the Union was declining employment, increasing deficits and mounting casualties in Iraq.

Source: Xinhua

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