Bush ribs reporters in Roswell
( 2004-01-26 09:24) (Agencies)
U.S. President George W.
Bush, under fire for an economy which is not producing many new jobs, tried to
encourage consumer spending on Thursday from behind the counter at the Nothin'
Fancy Cafe.
Bush's motorcade stopped at the Roswell, New Mexico eatery for lunch and Bush
stepped behind the counter, threw his arm over the shoulder of the owner and
said: "I need some ribs.''
When reporters began hitting him with questions, he declined to co-operate
and challenged them to buy something since "you've got plenty of money in your
pocket.''
"This is my chance to help this lady put some money in her pocket,'' Bush
said. "Let me explain how the economy works. When you spend money to buy food,
it helps this lady's business. It makes it more likely somebody is going to find
work.''
The stop was evidence that Bush is moving into campaign mode ahead of the
November presidential election.
He bought a US$42.95 takeout order of ribs, fried okra, cornbread and
buttermilk pie for the Air Force One flight back to Washington.
Democrats have accused Bush of leading a jobless recovery, because the
economy is growing at a strong pace but not producing a high number of
jobs.
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