32,000 New Mexicans saw the sitting president of the United States in a single day Thursday, the most ever, and George Bush did not let them down. Showing the vigor and connection that was missing from his previous NM visits, Bush brought big time Prez politics to the Land of Enchantment in a three city swing that went off like clockwork, dominated the media and showed the power of incumbency.

The seemingly asleep Bush campaign here did good. They worked the phones hard and packed the venues in Albuquerque and Farmington and did pretty well in Las Cruces too. But it was Bush, who on his last visit had trouble remembering where he was, who brought the events the star power they needed to excite his Republican base and perhaps pick up some swing voters.

The Prez had just come from some r&r in Crawford, TX and it showed. He looked rested, vibrant and fully engaged. The Republican crowds, of course, responded with a frenzy which came over well on television where the Bush visit was covered extensively and favorably. (Six minutes on 7 & 13 at 10 p.m.)

My friend, political science professor Gil St. Clair, said the Prez's visit would rally the GOP base and would not do much with other voters. But I have to part company with Gil on this one. It no doubt did that, but Bush's moderate tone, determination and buoyant manner had to have an impact on those admittedly few voters still on the fence. The polls to come will tell the tale.

BOUNCY BUSH

The Bush trip this time had an energetic flavor that had the effect of washing away, at least momentarily, the effect of all the polls showing him behind Kerry here. The chink in the armor may have been Las Cruces where he drew 12,000, a bit short of the Pan Am capacity and a city where President Clinton drew 25,000 during a memorable 1996 stop.

Dm VP contender Edwards tried to slow Bush's momentum with a campaign stop in Cruces that drew 3,000. But it didn't because Edwards is not the Prez candidate and he seemed a bit small as he appeared on the tube next to the Prez and his giant rallies.

It was a critical visit for the Bushies who need to make the turn here soon or move on. With their leader in peak form, they received some fresh ammo Thursday to take back to the battlefield in our battleground state.

Make our site, WWW.JOEMONAHAN.COM, one of your favorites and e-mail a link to interested friends. Interested in advertising to NM's large political community? E-mail me from the top right of this page, or call 505-243-4059 for details.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
Not for reproduction without permission of the author