On Iraq
Bush seen as candid, relaxed
Neighborhood was on virtual lockdown for president's fundraising visit.
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Friday, March 28, 2008
SUGARCREEK TWP., Greene County — Melissa Powell knew she was going to an Ohio Republican Party fundraiser Thursday, but what surprised her most about it was that the guest of honor, President George W. Bush, seemed like such a "real guy" and didn't make her feel like he was there just to ask for money.
"It was so surreal," Powell said of Bush's Thursday, March 27, comments at the fundraiser. "It was very nice, from the heart."
Extras
President George W. Bush gave a speech on the global war on terror Thursday March 27 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Get latest headlines via RSS feeds"It's probably one of the best things that ever happened to me in my life," said Powell, who with her husband, Judd, had a conversation and photograph taken with Bush.
The Powells allowed the national and local media to have lunch and work in their home while the couple attended the fundraiser nearby at the Willow Creek Farm home of their neighbors, Marty and Lisa Grunder.
Attendees spilled out of the Grunders' expansive house into a large tent that protected them from the rainy day.
The upscale neighborhood was on virtual lockdown during the visit, with Secret Service, sheriff's deputies, state patrol and military police blocking roads, patrolling streets and keeping watch in the development's five-acre lots.
Powell said Bush answered questions about politics and the war in Iraq, but also talked about everyday things.
Former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman said he's never seen Bush be quite so candid.
"He was just very frank on everything from policy issues to funny stories about his daughter's upcoming wedding," Portman said. "He was very relaxed, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders."
Earlier in the day, Bush gave a speech on the Iraq war at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Staff writer Jessica Wehrman contributed to this report. Contact this reporter
at (937) 225-7455 or
lhulsey@DaytonDailyNews.com.
