By JOSHUA FIGUEIRA
Republican sponsors called Vice President Dick Cheney a man of integrity and honor and praised him for campaigning on a higher plain after he spoke at a fund-raiser for 2nd District Congressional candidate John Swallow.
“It’s the old adage that actions speak louder than words,” said Shawn Mikkelson of Sierra Jewelers, one of Swallow’s corporate sponsors. “It’s a lot more honorable, they’re getting to the issues.”
Cheney focused his address on the Bush campaign’s objectives, the war against terrorism and what he called the “important differences” between the Bush and Kerry campaigns. His issue-oriented approach elicited frequent applause from the 32 tables of dignitaries and sponsors who attended the luncheon at the Little America Hotel.
Cheney’s style received praise from Sen. Bob Bennett, who was among the myriad of present and former Utah politicians who turned out for the Vice President’s speech. Bennett said issues are what make or break a campaign, and Utahns want to see more of them and less mudslinging.
“There are great issues and great diversions,” Bennett said. “This election is an election about the great issues.”
Even before the Vice President arrived, Fred Lampropoulos, who emceed the event, told the waiting crowd America needs men of commitment and ideals, such as Cheney and Swallow.
“We’re here as Republicans today for one reason and that is to elect … worthy people who have a desire to serve,” Lampropoulos said.
Amidst the lauding and commendations, Cheney himself praised the character of President Bush, calling the Commander in Chief a man of great character with a clear vision for America’s future.
“He made hard choices and kept his word,” Cheney said.
Cheney also said the President’s leadership abilities are a far cry from that of Democratic candidate John Kerry. He called Kerry’s mentality “the failed thinking of the past.”
Cheney contrasted Bush’s history of strong action with Kerry’s voting record, especially regarding the war in Iraq.
“It’s wrong to vote to commit troops to combat and then refuse to give them the support they need,” Cheney said.
While Cheney’s speech didn’t feature any of the blistering uppercuts of his democratic counterparts in Boston, he did land his fair share of jabs on the Kerry camp. Both Cheney and Lampropoulos took shots at the Democratic challenger.
“Like you, I want to have a president who can throw the pitch all the way to home plate,” said Lampropoulos.
Cheney’s strongest quip came when Swallow presented him with a Jazz uniform with his name emblazoned on the back.
“I’m not sure if I want to put it on,” said Cheney. “I might look like John Kerry did in that suit down at Cape Canaveral.”
