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Gene Kennedy and Jed Boal ReportingSecretary of State Condoleeza Rice is in Utah. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arrives later this morning.
Both will speak to the nation's largest veteran's organization and undoubtedly will defend the White House and its policies.
Call it "image management." Political analysts have said this is a smart visit for the White House.
When it comes to politics, Utah is scarlet red, and it is one of the last states where the President and his key cabinet members have solid support. They don't have as much support as they had during the President's first term, but for the most part, veterans in Utah are an ideal audience at this time.
As Secretary Rice's motorcade took her from the airport to the Grand America Hotel last night, Utahns weighed in with strong support of the job she's doing.
In an exclusive Survey USA Poll for KSL-TV, nearly 70 percent say they approve of her work.
With the same question asked about President Bush, 57 percent say they approve of the job he is doing.
Utah Republicans will rally at the City-County Building Wednesday evening.
James Evans/Salt Lake County Republican Party: "In support of President Bush and the troops, and to make sure that we get our message out that we support the President, that we're hospitable people and welcome all visitors."
Dueling rallies are planned earlier Wednesday, as they were a year ago. Both camps affirm they support the troops. One gathering will protest the war and the President's policies in Iraq. The other aims to show non-partisan support for the troops.
Paul Holton/Iraq War Veteran and Freedom Rally Organizer: "They can have their beliefs and political affiliations, and they can be against certain issues. But this is one point where we can be united in this cause of supporting the troops."
Utahns are more divided in support for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld: 49 percent approve, 43 percent disapprove.
Schedule
Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld will address the American Legion convention Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the Salt Palace.
Secretary of State Rice will speak at 1:15 p.m.
You can watch both speeches live on KSL 5.
The president will arrive on Air Force One around 9 p.m. Wednesday night. In anticipation of his visit, thousands of people will gather at several rallies and protests around Salt Lake earlier that day.
On Thursday, the president will attend a lunch fundraiser for Senator Hatch. The President will then visit the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President Bush is scheduled to deliver the headline address to the American Legion around 10:00 a.m. KSL will also carry that speech live.
