Buchanan tells voters to oust Bush

Republican presidential candidate Pat Buchanan told Philadelphia voters yesterday the message he wants to deliver to President Bush -- "George and Danny-boy, read our lips. No second term." Buchanan was greeted by a standing ovation from over 50 supporters, including 20 University students, before a Center City speech yesterday afternoon. His 20-minute campaign speech centered on halting foreign policy, deregulating American businesses and his determination to remain in the race until the Republican convention. "I ran this campaign to bring our party back to the principles it stands for," Buchanan said. "I believe our party has got to deregulate the economy and get the tax load reduced." He added that his campaign was about more than just gaining delegates and that he has helped Bush realize the American people are angry with the current state of the economy. Buchanan attacked Bush's globalization strategies, adding that organizations such as the developing European Community should not be allowed to continue. "Take a look in Western Europe -- countries there are surrendering their sovereignty . . .to bureaucrats in Brussels. This giant conglomerate, this giant E.C., will not be the wave of the future," Buchanan said. Buchanan told the audience that during his travels across the country, he has seen numerous people out of work because of the recession. He told a story of a town which he said was "dying" because the local government had forbidden loggers to cut down any more trees. "All timberwork in these ancient forests had to come to an end because the spotted owl is an endangered species, even though 4,000 acres are set aside [as protected territory]," Buchanan said. He added that bureaucrats do not understand how decisions on pieces of paper miles away can affect towns and communities. American Civilization Adjunct Professor Frank Luntz, who is a Buchanan pollster, brought his class to Buchanan's speech, saying that he likes to give his classes the opportunity to learn about politics first-hand. "When I first announced this to my class, they booed," he said. "They just didn't realize how beneficial this would be." Approximately one-third of Luntz's class showed up to the speech. After a short press conference, Buchanan was scheduled to talk with the students and answer their questions about his political agenda. While they waited, a Secret Service agent explained the security procedures involved while guarding a presidential candidate, including Buchanan's code name, which is "Cardinal." But Buchanan was unable to spend time with the students and briefly greeted them and autographed posters. Students had mixed reactions to Buchanan's speech but most agreed that they were pleased to have the opportunity to listen to a presidential candidate. "I thought it was a good speech," College sophomore Scott Gallin said. "I've been following the campaign since New Hampshire, and I don't think he's been as damaging to the Republican party as some people think." Gallin went with Luntz to New Hampshire to observe the nation's first presidential primary in February. And College sophomore Tamsin Newman said she would support Buchanan over Bush. "Above all, I want a Republican to win," she said. "I think Buchanan stands for true ideals, and I think Bush is too wishy-washy." But some students disagreed with Buchanan's message and said they would not support him. "He spoke very nicely considering the b.s. he was saying," College sophomore Judy Friedman said. "If his intent is to make Bush stronger, he's doing a great job." Because the Pennsylvania primary takes place next week, Buchanan said he will continue to campaign throughout the state. Although he said he had a good idea of how he would perform in New Hampshire, he told the audience that he does not have a good reading of the voters in Pennsylvania.

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