Bush flaunts scripted humour in Ohio stop

‘‘I’ve asked some citizens to come and help me make my points,’’ Bush said, before introducing several guests at the ‘‘Ask President Bush’’ appearance in Columbus. Bush, who can sound exceptionally animated when he talks about combating terrorism or deposing Saddam Hussein, could barely bring himself to mention the domestic issue — flexible hours for workers — that was supposed to dominate the town-hall-style event, as a counter to criticism from Senator John F. Kerry that he lacks a second-term agenda for the economy.

When he did mention the flex-time proposal, Bush did so by putting words in the mouth of an invited guest, Phil Derrow, CEO of Ohio Transmission Corp.

‘‘He’s got another interesting idea that I think is very important for the country to adopt — flex time,’’ Bush said as he wandered back and forth across the stage, microphone in hand. ‘‘I’m glad you told me what my interesting idea was,’’ Derrow replied.

‘‘I’m not a lawyer, but it looks like I’m leading the witness,’’ Bush cracked, breaking into a smile as he acknowledged he had been caught reading from the script.

Later, Bush asked Derrow to describe his company, which runs air compressor stations. ‘‘And then we sell air to our customers,’’ Derrow said. ‘‘You and I are in the same business,’’ Bush retorted. ‘‘Is it hot air, by any chance?’’

But for all his impromptu humour, Bush had difficulty getting through practised text at the White House earlier in the day, as he tried to pump up confidence that the government is preparing for any form of attack. He said: ‘‘Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.’’ —NYT