'A time for hope'

NEW YORK — Calling upon images of terror attacks on New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, that led the nation into war, President Bush told his fellow Republicans Thursday that America has been called by God to spread freedom throughout the world.

And it will do so, he promised.

"We have a calling from beyond the stars to stand for freedom," he told a cheering crowd of more than 20,000 who packed Madison Square Garden for the crowning moment of the four-day GOP convention — Bush's acceptance of his party's nomination for a second term and a pivotal speech that outlined his vision for the next four years.

That freedom, he said, is symbolized by the attacks on New York City.

"Here buildings fell; here a nation rose," he told the cheering hall.

Delegates, guests and party faithful, including members of Utah's 69-member delegation, greeted the hourlong address with adoration and unbridled delight, repeatedly interrupting the president with chants of "four more years" and "U.S.A."

"He struck the right balance between domestic and foreign policy, and he gave us a blueprint for the future," said Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah. "It made me feel great again to be an American."

Bishop, a student of history, said the speech was a remarkable yet concise treatise on the failed polices of the past 40 years and the need to look to the future with new ideas and approaches.

"And he actually believes what he says and lives up to his promises," Bishop added. "Those are not bad characteristics to have."

Joe Cannon, Utah's Republican Party chairman, thought the president gave "a terrific speech."

"He was following a whole line of charismatic speakers," Cannon said, "and he said, 'I am going to give the speech of a leader,' and he did. It was strong on national security and strong on his domestic agenda, which is extremely innovative."

Other Utahns were giddy with excitement at the president's speech.

"It was so big it was elephantine," said Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.

"I think the president hit a home run," said state Rep. Chad Bennion, R-Murray.

Added state Rep. Becky Lockhart, "I thought it was perfect. The president says, 'This is who I am and this is what I am about.' And that is very comforting."

Despite the jubilant mood, protesters twice disrupted the proceedings. When one protester unfurled a banner and began yelling anti-Bush slogans, only to be carried out by security personnel, the crowd drowned her out with its chants. For his part, Bush seemed unaware of the minor disturbances.

Bush focused his address both upon the present and the future — the rest of the 21st century.