President George W. Bush and challenger John Kerry began concluding their long campaigns today as they headed into the final weekend before the election, with Bush saying he is the best man to keep the country safe from terrorists and Kerry contending that Bush "just doesn't understand the problems facing America." Campaigning in New Hampshire, Bush highlighted the main points of his re-election bid, including that the invasion of Iraq was the right thing to do and that he will best protect the United States from another terrorist attack. "The president must make America's priorities absolutely clear, especially in our uncertain world," said Bush, who was joined by relatives of September 11 victims. "I've learned firsthand how hard it is to send young men and women into battle, even when the cause is right." Bush continued to portray Kerry as indecisive. "The issues vary," Bush said, "but a president's [beliefs] must be consistent and true." The president was scheduled to campaign later today in Ohio with actor-politician Arnold Schwarzenegger. Kerry described Bush as a leader who works for the rich at the expense of the American people. He said Bush is a president "who fights for those at the top while telling everyone else that this is the best economy of a lifetime." The Massachusetts senator renewed his contention that Bush has diverted attention from the real threat of al Qaida by making the war in Iraq. In the important battleground states that will decide the 2004 presidential election, polls found the race exceptionally close. New surveys suggested Kerry is leading in Ohio and Michigan, Bush is ahead in Florida, and the two candidates are tied in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Oregon.
