President Bush Tours Chattanooga

This trip is not unlike most of the ones Presidential Bush makes when he leaves Washington and take his message straight to the people.

There are strong political reasons to do that...but it doesn't mean the Chief executive doesn't have a good time doing it.

Chattanooga got a look at everything that goes with a president's visit.

Air Force One arrived at 11:03m at Chattanooga Metro airport...local and state political leaders waited on the tarmac to greet him.....Including both Tennessee U.S. Senators...Congressman congressman Zach Wamp and From Nashville, Governor Phil Bredesen and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey.

Then...the president's tight schedule took over....first, he found Debbie Chadwick...who was born with Down Syndrome....but who has not let that stop her from spending 10 years helping others at Life Care Center of Missionary Ridge. She received the USA Freedom Corps greeter Award...and had a chance to fulfill goal of...getting kissed by a president.

DEBBIE CHADWICK, WINNER OF PRESIDENTIAL AWARD  "He kissed me right here...right here.....are you ever going to wash that cheek..uhuh."

The motorcade moved quickly to Erlanger medical center ....where he took a fast 20 minute tour of the trauma center for our area... And got a look at some state of the art equipment used to save stroke victims...this one breaks up blood clots...and a robot-assisted surgical system called da Vinci.

But...giving real meaning to the phrase "whirlwind tour"...the president rushed to the Trade center for a round-table discussion...the center piece of his visit. Some Chattanoogans got a quick glimpse of the chief executive on the way...and some waited patiently to show him that not everyone agrees with his ideas

The round-table discussion highlighed Mr. Bush's plans to deal with the medical insurance problem..and it took up most of an hour. It was not without lighter moments.

"You don't look a day over 34..most people say 22..but thank you...ha ha."

He even took the opportunity to go after Congressman Zach Wamp.

"And finally, the Unites States Congressman and all he talks about is Chat-town....every time I see him..and you remember Chattanooga don't you Mr. President?"

That would have made a full day but the President stopped off for Barbecue at Porker's downtown.

LAWRENCE MILLS, OWNER "The president was very down to earth, and if you wanted to know what he ate...he had the rib plate and some banana pudding afterwards, but very congenial."

The president was in no hurry to leave chattanooga...Air force one was a full hour behind schedule when he left.