http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/bushspeaks_1863.mp3
About three thousand people braved the January wind yesterday to see the president at the Springfield- Branson Regional Airport. After waiting in long lines at metal detectors, the crowd packed into an open hanger for the president's speech.
A small scrape was visible on the president's left cheek as he joked about choking on a pretzel the night before. President Bush took time to praise the nation's troops in Afghanistan and commended the America's support of the war on terror. The president also commended Congress on working together to pass his recent education bill. He encouraged Missourians to continue supporting bipartisan efforts in Congress to move bills on free trade.
The president also renewed his commitment to cutting taxes. The president spoke at the airport for about fifteen minutes. Then he left for Aurora, Missouri, where he toured and spoke at the MFA feed plant. From the Springfield- Branson Regional Airport, I'm Jenny Fillmer for KSMU News.