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Samantha Hayes ReportingPresident Bush's visit made it clear, politically in Utah, who supports his policies and who does not. One case, got downright personal.
In his speech yesterday, Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson criticized local republicans and the county republican chair specifically, James Evans. Evans was instrumental in organizing last night's public reception for President Bush at the airport, something he feels was important to do in contrast to rallies of Bush opponents.
When President Bush arrived in Salt Lake City, he saw a crowd of supporters from Air Force One. According to county republican chairman James Evans, it made quite an impression.
James Evans, Chairman, Salt Lake County Republican Party: "What I was told is that the president looked out the window and couldn't believe how many people were out to greet him."
But this was not the only image of Salt Lake City on national news Wednesday. Opponents also rallied, the most prominent being Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson who criticized the President, his policies and local republicans, including James Evans.
Rocky Anderson, Salt Lake City Mayor: "So to James Evans and these folks who financed this massive radio campaign these last few days, let them understand that blind faith in bad leaders is not patriotism."
Evans says it was Anderson's next comment that offends him personally.
Rocky Anderson: "To show slavish, blind obedience and deference to a dishonest, war mongering, human rights violating president."
James Evans: "His slave reference to me was unacceptable."
Anderson responded through email, saying:
Rocky Anderson: "His claim is, characteristically, absurd. In the past, James Evans has gone to great lengths to attack me in the most partisan manner, but never did I think he could stoop so low and get it so wrong. I recommend that all residents read or listen to my speech and determine for themselves whether there is any basis for James's twisted interpretation. I didn't even refer to James or the Republicans who financed the recent radio campaign against dissent in my written speech, but was moved while delivering the speech to make reference to them because of their partisan support of this disastrous presidency."
James Evans: "For Mayor Anderson, who is an expert with words, I find that difficult to believe. It's hard to make a slave reverence when referring to a black man and it not be intentional."
