Bush also made political use of some of the most sensitive accounts to emerge after the Sept. 11, 2001, hijackings. Using the technique President Ronald Reagan pioneered for State of the Union addresses, Bush recognized relatives of victims of the attacks, including David Beamer, father of Todd Beamer, who led a passenger revolt on American Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania.
"Todd Beamer and other passengers on Flight 93 rushed those hijackers and led the first counterattack in the war on terror," Bush said, to applause. "Todd's final words captured the spirit of a nation. He said a prayer, and then he said, 'Let's roll.' " Bush recognized the father, seated behind him, then said, "In terrible sadness, this family has been a model of grace -- their own, and the grace of God."
Karl Rove, White House political strategist, dismissed suggestions Bush was exploiting tragedy for political gain. "The things that make up his experience as president are things that he can legitimately and clearly reflect on," Rove said.
In Orlando, Kerry implored, "Wake up, America, wake up . . . you have a choice," in a speech spelling out what he called the clear choice Americans face Tuesday.
Repeatedly telling voters they "can choose a fresh start," Kerry assailed the president's record on domestic issues and foreign policy, especially on Iraq. "By now it's clear that no matter who tells him, no matter how many times he hears it and no matter how bad things get, George W. Bush just does not understand the problems facing America," Kerry said.
"Our choice really could not be clearer, and the stakes could not be higher."
Bush reverted to attack mode at his later events, criticizing Kerry by name 11 times in Portsmouth, N.H., and nine times in Toledo, Ohio. Firing back for Kerry's wake-up call, Bush said: "Well, the American people are awake. Their eyes are wide open. They are seeing more clearly every day the critical choices in this election."
Bush appeared at an evening event in Columbus, Ohio, with Schwarzenegger, who received much more sustained applause than the president did.
"I'm here to pump you up to reelect President George W. Bush," the governor said. "Now is the time for you to flex your muscles for bold leadership."
Bush, recycling a riff he has used three times before when he has appeared with Schwarzenegger, said he has a lot in common with the former bodybuilder. "We both married well," he said. "We both have trouble speaking the English language. We both got big biceps. Well, two out of three ain't bad."
