Today President George Bush came to the Granite State to defend his economic policies and address criticism of his handling of the war in Iraq.
The President?s visit comes as new polls suggest his support is on the wane.
New Hampshire Public Radio?s Dan Gorenstein has the story.
Mr. Bush supporters easily outnumbered critics at the sold-out luncheon in Manchester.
Business and political leaders gave the president a loud standing ovation as he entered the hall.
The applause didn?t stop as the president explained his job is to keep the American entrepreneurial spirit alive and well.
Mr. Bush says he is confident the country?s future looks bright.
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10:03 to create jobs we are pursuing free trade agreements that will open up markets for NH products. Last month I signed agreements with Singapore and Chile. And we are pursuing other agreements across the globe.
To help heal the economy, the president called on Congress to support more energy production close to home, enact Class Action Tort reform, and make his tax cuts permanent.
A new Granite State poll says only 46% of adults approve of Mr. Bush?s handling of the economy.
This marks the first time the President?s economic approval ratings have dipped below 50% in New Hampshire.
The same poll found that Mr. Bush?s numbers on the War in Iraq have also fallen.
Despite shrinking popularity, Mr. Bush reaffirmed his commitment to rebuild the country.
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13:05 our work in Iraq has been long and hard and it is not finished. We will stay the course. We will complete the task. Beyond Iraq the war on terror continues...if we persevere, victory is certain.
Business and Industry President John Crozier says he is relieved to hear something other than Democratic rhetoric Iraq.
Crozier says the nation must balance economic concerns with safety.
4:49 you can not walk away from our responsibility for stopping terrorism before it hits our shores again. And if that costs money and means a short-term deficit that is a price we are going to have to pay.
Democratic State Representative Ray Buckley described the President?s speech as flat.
Buckley says he wanted to hear something new.
2:33 all he did was reiterate the same rhetoric he has stated for the past year, and it?s not working. People?s lives are being lost. He needs to either send more troops and resolve the situation, or do something.
Sfx: chanting
Outside the event, several hundred people chanted and waved signs.
Some held fast in their support of Mr. Bush.
But many in the crowd wore signs of one of the nine Democratic candidates for President.
And Democratic campaigns may be encouraged that Mr. Bush?s popularity has declined.
For NHPR News, I?m DG.
