First lady visits local university for campaign

MARIA D’ALESSANDRO STAFF WRITER MAD724@CABRINI EDU

First lady Laura Bush entered as the chant of “Four more years” echoed through the gymnasium of Holy Family University on Oct. 7.

After a rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” by an 11-year-old boy who aspires to be a talk show host, Bush welcomed her cheering crowd.

Bush’s speech to local students and Republican supporters lasted for less than a half hour, but the topic of education had listeners interrupting her with chants frequently.

Bush said her husband has plans for the next four years to have more high school students enrolled in community colleges for some classes and to continue increasing jobs in America.

“America has 1.7 million more jobs since August 2003,” Bush said. “I’m proud to say that many of them will go to work for a woman boss.”

After another eruption of applause, Bush said that her husband, the President, appreciates the “service and sacrifice” of the “men and women in uniform and their families.”

She concluded her speech at the Victory ’04 Rally by saying, “These are times of change for our nation, but they’re also years of promise.”

Cabrini sophomore and College Republican president, Julia Knudsen, attended the event along with five other Cabrini students.

Knudsen said that Bush’s presence is needed in our area. “[Laura] has a very graceful appearance. The event was short, but she really reached out to the crowd,” Knudsen said.