Bush women get out vote for George W.
CAMPAIGN: Barbara and Laura discount Democratic criticism of the GOP candidate.

October 19, 2000
By KAREN GULLO
The Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. -- Don't tell former first lady Barbara Bush that her son, George W., is unpopular with women. "I don't believe that, dear," the Bush family matriarch kindly told a reporter citing polls showing the Republican trailing Democrat Al Gore among women voters.

Yet Barbara Bush, Bush's wife, Laura, and other prominent GOP women, including Lynne Cheney, wife of Bush running mate Dick Cheney, hit the road Wednesday in this state where the election is close to tell voters not to believe Democratic criticisms of Bush, the Texas governor.

"I'm famously loyal to my son, and when they say things that aren't true, I'm really upset," Barbara Bush said in the library of a children's museum.

The 75-year-old wife of former President Bush said she suspected many voters know her son is the type to keep his promises.

"They know he'll keep them in real life or his mother will come get him," she joked.

In turns warm, funny and feisty, Barbara Bush was the star of the "W Stands for Women" bus tour through Michigan, accepting hugs, signing autographs and wowing many who came out to see her.

"Everybody loves Barbara Bush, she's so down to earth," said Diane Thornton, 53, a retired secretary from Conklin, Mich. "She's very comfortable with who she is."

Barbara Bush spoke with the confidence and bemusement of someone who's lived a political life. When a reporter asked why women who are independent voters would support Bush, she interrupted, "I get it. I know what independent women are."

NO NO