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John Daley ReportingThe presidential visit drew strong emotions from all over the political spectrum, and it inspired many to join the public debate.
Many people turned out for rallies and protests yesterday. Others jumped on the Internet, and on KSL.com our story on the Mayor and the thousands of people who joined him to protest administration policies, drew a record response.
President George W. Bush: "I'm proud to be standing in front of some of our nation's finest patriots, our veterans and their families. Crowd: yeah."
It's democracy in action, with everybody making their case.
Rocky Anderson: "I am so proud of these thousands of people who turned out today. Crowd: yeah!"
The mayor's fiery speech, broadcast live, inspired many people to call us...
JoAnn Doezie, KSL Receptionist: "They were all con. No pros at that time and we probably had over a hundred. Easily over a hundred calls at that time. Totally flooded."
More than 1,000 viewers and readers posted comments on the KSL.com website, a record reaction.
Steve Bergen, KSL Web Master/Managing Editor: "Before the Rocky story, we were probably looking at around 500. So this more than doubled the amount of comments we've had on a story. Keeping us busy."
In fact, it easily outpaced other recent hot-button stories about Warren Jeffs or Dell Schanze.
Steve Bergen, KSL Web Master/Managing Editor: "It's a very divisive subject, so you get a lot of people bantering back and forth."
K.H.: "Rocky, the ACLU and most liberals will be the downfall of this state."
Monice B.: "Bush will go down in history as one of our best presidents."
April J.: "Bush is the worst president to ever haunt the White House."
Matt H.: "Kudos to Rocky. Nice work!!
Karenna O.: "Rocky is a moron. Go back to the ACLU."
Don G: "Rocky needs to just sit down and shut up."
J.B.: "At least we all live in a country where we are free to voice our opinions and complain."
The Mayor is getting some attention from national news outlets. In the left-wing blogosphere his speech is drawing raves from "DailyKOS" and "Huffington Post." Yesterday he was on the morning shows for MSNBC and FOX, as well as the Lars Larson radio show. Tonight he's on "Countdown with Keith Olberman" on MSNBC.
