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 Preshow #1Return to index of stories... |
Gov. Craig Benson - "THIS IS THE FIRST SPEECH GIVEN NORTH OF CONCORD. I HAVE TO TELL YOU TOGETHER WITH YOU I AM PLEASED TO BREAK THE TRADITION." We're at Plymouth State University as Governor Craig Benson gives his state of the state address. |
| Preshow #2 Return to index of stories... |
Plus. Just when you thought the state's moment in the Presidential campaign spotlight was over, President Bush flies to the Granite State. |
| Preshow #3 Return to index of stories... |
And later. the first in the nation primary is a source of pride for the people of New Hampshire. We'll find out what some foreign observers think of the process. |
| Hello Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Julie Donnelly. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Intro State of State Return to index of stories... |
Governor Craig Benson left Concord behind to give his State of the State address at Plymouth State University tonight. He devoted much of his speech to education and the economy. He says private business - not state government - has helped to improve both. He began by listing the state's achievements. |
| State of State Return to index of stories... |
Gov. Craig Benson - "THIS IS THE FIRST SPEECH GIVEN, STATE OF THE STATE SPEECH GIVEN NORTH OF CONCORD. I HAVE TO TELL YOU, TOGETHER WITH YOU, A MANY AM PLEASED TO BREAK THE TRADITION. AND HAVE THIS SPEECH IN THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THIS STATE. I AM ALSO HONORED TO TELL YOU THAT THE STATE OF THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE IS UNIQUE. WE HAVE THE BEST ECONOMY IT GROWS FASTER IN GOOD TIMES AND GROWS MORE SLOWLY IN BAD TIMES. WE ARE IN THE TOP 50 OF ALL STATES IN TEST SCORES IN OUR APTITUDE TEST FOR CHILDREN. WE'RE ONE OF THE HEALTHIEST STATES IN THE COUNTRY. WE HAVE ONE OF THE LOWEST TAX BURDENS OF ALL 50 STATES. GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO ACCEPT THE MANTLE OF CHANGE. WE HAVEN'T LIVED WITHIN OUR MEANS DESPITE THE HARDSHIP ON OUR TAXPAYERS. JUST A COUPLE MONTHS AGO OUR CREDIT RATING WAS DOWNGRADED. AND IT'S NOT HARD TO UNDERSTAND WHY DURING THE FOUR YEARS PRIOR TO BECOMING GOVERNOR, WE SPENT EVERY DIME PUT ASIDE IN OUR RESERVES AND SAVINGS ACCOUNT, ALL $200 MILLION OF IT AND IN PERHAPS THE MOST PROSPEROUS TIME IN STATE HISTORY. IT'S NO WONDER WE HAVE A HARD TIME NOW. WE CAN'T SPEND OUR WAY TO PROSPERITY. OTHER STATES HAVE TRIED AND HAVE FAILED. THOSE STATES NOW LOOK AT NEW HAMPSHIRE AS THEIR ROLE MODEL. BIG, INEFFICIENT GOVERNMENT ISN'T THE SOLUTION TO OUR PROBLEMS. IT IS OUR PROBLEM. I PROMISED YOU NO NEW TAXES, NO NEW TAX INCREASES, NO WAY. AND YOUR ELECTED LEADERS TO THEM I HAVE PROPOSED A TAXPAYERS BILL OF RIGHTS. IT WILL FORCE LEAD THE OTHERS MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS WITH HOW THEY SPEND YOUR MONEY AND THAT IS WHAT WE SHOULD ALWAYS DO. I LOOK FORWARD TO PASSAGE OF IT THROUGH OUR LEGISLATIVE BODY. TONIGHT I WANT TO COMMIT TO A FIVE-YEAR ROAD MAP, WHICH WILL ELIMINATE THIS UNCERTAINTY AND ALLOW OUR CITIES AND TOWNS TO KNOW WHAT THEY'RE GETTING WELL AHEAD OF TIME SO THAT THEY CAN INVEST THAT MONEY WISELY IN OUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE AND THEIR EDUCATION. FUNDING HAS OVERSHADOWED OUR QUALITY OF EDUCATION FOR FAR TOO LONG. WE NEED TO FIND PROACTIVE AND UNIQUE SOLUTIONS TO ENHANCE OUR EDUCATION. THESE SOLUTIONS INCLUDE COMPETITION LIKE CHARTER SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL VOUCHERS. WE MUST REMOVE THE RED TAPE FROM HEALTH CARE. WE MUST REDUCE THE COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. I'M OUTRAGED THAT OUR OWN GOVERNMENT PREVENTS US FROM HAVING A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE BY BLOCKING THE SALE OF CHEAPER CANADIAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGS TO U.S. CITIZENS AND NEW HAMPSHIRE CITIZENS. WE HAVE STRUCK THE FIRST BLOW FOR FREEDOM AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO LEAD THE WAY. NEW HAMPSHIRE CONTINUES TO SUFFER FROM AN ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM. WE SHOULD NOT STAND BY AND WATCH OUR CHILDREN FALL PREY TO ADDICTION. SOON I WILL BE APPOINTING A DRUG CZAR TASK FORCE WITH THREE DRUG CZARS COORDINATING THE DRUG PROBLEM IN THIS STATE. THIS IS A FIGHT WE CANOT AFFORD TO LOSE. AND WITH THE OFFICE OF THE DRUG TSAR, WE WILL NOT LOSE. WE HAVE CREATED A THOUSAND MORE BUSINESSES THAN THE YEAR I TOOK OFFICE. UNEMPLOYMENT HAS GONE FROM 35% TO 4.1%. WE HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR LIKE NEVER BEFORE TO HELP IN MANY AREAS. THE LAPTOP PROGRAM IS ONE. THE BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION IS ANOTHER. AND TONIGHT, I WANT TO RECOGNIZE A GREAT NEW HAMPSHIRE COMPANY, B.A.SYSTEM WHO HAS REACHED OUT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE TO HELP THEM ESTABLISH A NEW PROGRAM OF STUDIES AT THAT FINE INSTITUTION. TO ALLOW US TO CREATE NEW INDUSTRIES IN THE STATE. BY EMBRACING CHANGE, NEW HAMPSHIRE WILL BE IN A POSITION TO RETAIN ITS UNIQUENESS FOR THE LONG-TERM. I'VE TRIED TO INSTILL FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, ASKED EMPLOYEES TO MAKE DECISIONS AND TAKE RISKS. AND AGAIN THINKING BACK TO PRESIDENT REAGAN'S CALL TO TEAR DOWN THIS WALL, I AM ASKING THE PEOPLE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE TO DEMAND THE WALL OF THE STATUS QUO BE TORN DOWN PERMANENTLY. NO LOCKER CAN WE ACCEPT EXCUSES OR COUNTLESS CRITICISMS ABOUT MAKING CHANGE AND TRYING TO DO THE RIGHT THING FOR THE PEOPLE OF THIS STATE. FAILURE TO PRESERVE NEW HAMPSHIRE'S UNIQUENESS IS A FAILURE TO OURSELVES, BUT MORE ESPECIALLY OUR CHILDREN IT IS TIME TO SET AN EXAMPLE AND GIVE THE CITIZENS OF THIS STATE AN EXAMPLE THEY WILL ALWAYS BE PROUD OF. TONIGHT I COMMIT TO YOU THAT TOGETHER WE WILL LEARN THE LESSONS FROM OUR FOREFATHERS AND PASS ON TO OUR CHILDREN THE GREATEST PLACE THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN, OUR UNIQUE NEW HAMPSHIRE.pGOD BLESS YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS THE GREAT STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. THANK YOU." |
| Intro Reaction Return to index of stories... |
What did some in the audience think of the Governor's address? Richard Ager found out. |
| Reaction Return to index of stories... |
Richard: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF IT BEING HELD HERE FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME OUTSIDE OF THE STATEHOUSE. THE GOVERNOR HAS HIS CHOICE. HE CAN DO IT ANY PLACE HE WANTS. IT IS A LITTLE INCONVENIENT FOR MANY PEOPLE IN THE STATE. BY THE SAME TOKEN, HE HAS THE PREROGATIVE OF DOING IT WHERE HE WANTS TO DO IT. IT'S JUST TOO BAD THAT HE LET PEOPLE KNOW WITHOUT A GREAT DEAL OF TIME TO PLAN FOR THIS. THIS WE HAD LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS TODAY. WE WERE IN SESSION. THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WAS HERE TODAY. I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT MIGHT HAVE COME DIDN'T HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO COME. THAT'S UNFORTUNATE. I THINK IT WAS A GREAT IDEA. I THINK HE IS RIGHT I.WAS THE GOVERNOR'S CHOICE, BUT HAVING THIS AT 7:00 IN THE EVENING, HAVING IT A LITTLE BIT NORTH OF CONCORD PRESENTED AN OPPORTUNITY TO PEOPLE WHO MIGHT HAVE WANTED TO BE HERE WHO COULDN'T BE HERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY AND PEOPLE WHO MIGHT HAVE WANTED TO WATCH IT ON TELEVISION. THEY COULDN'T HAVE WATCHED IT IF IT WAS NOON TIME. IT DID BREAK WITH TRADITION. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE ARE BRUISED FEELINGS. CERTAINLY I THINK THERE ARE ABOUT 100 LEGISLATORS HERE TONIGHT AND MAY, YOU KNOW, MORE MAY HAVE BEEN HERE IF IT HAD BEEN IN THE STATEHOUSE BUT I DON'T KNOW IF THERE WERE BRUISED FEELINGS. SENATOR, ONE OF THE MAJOR THINGS THE GOVERNOR TALKED ABOUT WAS THE TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS OBVIOUSLY LOOKING FOR SUPPORT FROM ALL PARTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT? I THINK A COUPLE OF THINGS ARE AN IMPERATIVE. THE GOVERNOR HAS A HABIT OF KNOCKING GOVERNMENT. THE TAXPAYERS BILL OF RIGHTS IS A WAY TO DO THAT. THE PEOPLE IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE HAVE THE LOWEST TAX BURDEN IN THE COUNTRY. WE HAVE GOOD GOVERNMENT. WE HAVE GOOD ROADS. WE'VE DONE A GREAT JOB AT REBUILDING OUR SCHOOLS. WE ARE HERE IN A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY. HE CHOSE A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY, AND TALKED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE PUBLIC UNIVERSITY. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT NEW HAMPSHIRE'S TAX DOLLARS ARE BEING SPENT VERY WISELY. I COMMEND THE LEGISLATURE FOR THAT. AFTER ALL, IT IS A REPUBLICAN-DOMINATED LEGISLATURE AND THEY DO A GOOD JOB. I HOPE THAT THEY CONTINUE TO DO THAT AND THEY'LL HAVE MY SUPPORT IN THOSE LINES. DO YOU THINK THE GOVERNOR'S BILL OF RIGHTS WILL GET ANYWHERE. I AGREE WITH THE SENATOR ON THAT ONE. I THINK THE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR AND PREVIOUS GOVERNORS HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB MAINTAINING WHAT WE HAVE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. THE LEGISLATURE IS THE CLOSEST GROUP OF PEOPLE REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. AND I THINK THAT WHEN YOU TAKE AWAY SOME OF OUR AUTHORITY AND SWITCH THAT OVER TO THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH, WE BEGIN TO HAVE PROBLEMS. WE'LL MAKE GOOD DECISIONS. AND WHEN WE DON'T, THE PEOPLE WILL FIRE US. ALONG THE SAME LINES, THE GOVERNOR DID SAY IN SUMMARIZING THE OVERALL HEALTH OF THE STATE, HEALTH CARE IS A BIG PROBLEM. THAT'S NONSENSE. WE DON'T HAVE BIG GOVERNMENT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. WE HAVE A VERY SMALL EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT. I HAVE BEEN IN GOVERNMENT FOR A LONGS TIME AND I CAN ATTEST TO THAT. I'VE SERVED IN THE HOUSE, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE SENATE ALONG WITH REPRESENTATIVE WALLY WHO IS IN THE LEADERSHIP IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. EVERYONE IN THIS COUNTRY TALKS ABOUT THE QUALITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE GOVERNMENT. OUR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DOES A FANTASTIC JOB. GO TO MASSACHUSETTS AND CHECK OUT BIG GOVERNMENT. I THINK THE GOVERNOR OUGHT TO TAKE A LOOK OVER HIS SHOULDER AND SAY HEY, WAIT A MINUTE, NEW HAMPSHIRE IS PRETTY DARN GOOD. Richard: DO YOU GET THE SENSE THIS IS RHETORIC ON THE GOVERNOR'S PART? I THINK THE GOVERNOR WAS TRYING TO EMPHASIZE WE NEED TO BE INNOVATIVE. I'M NOT SUGGESTING THAT OUR GOVERNMENT IS SMALL OR BIG. THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. I THINK THE GOVERNOR IS LOOKING FOR IMPROVEMENT. HE IS ENCOURAGING DEPARTMENT HEADS TO MAKE THE IMPROVEMENTS. NOT TO MAKE GOVERNMENT SMALLER BUT MAKE IT MORE PRODUCTIVE, MORE EFFICIENT. Richard: TWO AREAS ON DRUGS. A CALL BY THE GOVERNOR FOR CHEAPER DRUGS, SUPPORT FOR IMPORTING FROM CANADA AND THREE DRUG CZARS. TAKE THOSE IN ORDER IF YOU WOULD. THE IMPORTATION OF THE DRUGS, ANYTHING THAT PRI PROVIDES DRUGS LESS EXPENSIVELY IS VERY, VERY IMPORTANT. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER AND A PREFERRED DRUG LIST AND WE ARE GOING TO GET THE BEST DISCOUNTS ON DRUGS IN THE COUNTRY. THAT'S OUR MANDATE. AND WE ARE GOING TO DO THAT. AS A RESULT OF THAT, WE ARE GOING TO PROVIDE DRUGS AT A VERY REASONABLE COST TO THE CITIZENS OF THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. AND IT'S THE REIMPORTATION PROVES THAT THE DRUGS ARE GOOD DRUGS, I MEAN THEY LIVE UP TO EXPECTATION AS FAR AS QUALITY IS CONCERNED, WHY SHOULDN'T WE REIMPORT THEM? I THINK THAT'S A GOOD IDEA. WE ARE JUST ABOUT OUT OF TIME. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE DRUG CZARS? I HAVEN'T HEARD OF THREE DRUG CZARS BUT THEY SAY THREE'S COMPANY. THAT'S WHAT I'VE HEARD. ONE OUGHT TO DO. ON THE DRUG IMPORTATION, I THINK THAT WE ARE HEADING IN A DIRECTION WHERE GOVERNOR BENSON ALONG WITH OTHER LEADERS IN THE COUNTRY ARE SHOWING THE PEOPLE THAT WE NEED TO MAKE SOME CHANGES, AND WE NEED TO HAVE THOSE SAME BEST PRICES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE MANUFACTURERS AND TO GET THE BEST PRICES FOR THE CITIZENS. I DON'T THINK WE ARE GOING TO IMPORT DRUGS FROM CANADA BUT I THINK WE ARE GOING TO SHOW THE PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY THAT WE WOULD LIKE THE BEST DEAL WE CAN GET AND LET'S GET IT RIGHT. Richard: YOU'RE THE DEMOCRAT. YOU GET THE LAST WORD TONIGHT. I HAVE TO SAY ONE THING ABOUT EDUCATION. THE GOVERNOR TALKED ABOUT VOUCHERS AND HE TALKED ABOUT CHARTER SCHOOLS. OUR JOB IS TO MAKE OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS THE BEST PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN AMERICA. OUR S.A.T. SCORES HAVE BEEN HIGHER THAN ANY IN THE NATION. THAT'S SOMETHING WE HAVE BEEN VERY PROUD OF. THIS LEGISLATURE, REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS, DID A GREAT DEAL TO IMPROVE PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. I DON'T WANT THAT IMPROVEMENT TO END. I DON'T WANT TO SEE THAT IMPROVEMENT DISTORTED. THIS GOVERNOR IS LOOKING TO DO THAT. AND I'M OPPOSED TO THAT. Richard: WE ARE GOING TO END IT THERE BUT THAT'S NOT THE END. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. |
| Toss Richard Return to index of stories... |
Richard is just back from Plymouth and joins us now. Richard, what was the overall tone of the speech? |
| Q & A Return to index of stories... |
Richard: MY PLEASURE, JULIE. Julie: WHAT WAS THE OVERALL TONE OF THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH TONIGHT? Richard: OUR GOVERNORS ONLY HAVE TWO YOOR TERMS. WHEN A GOVERNOR DOES THE STATE OF THE STATE, IT IS ALSO A CHANCE TO LOOK AHEAD TO THEIR OWN REELECTION WHICH COMES UP IN JUST A MATTER OF MONTHS. SO CLEARLY IT WAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO REITERATE WHAT HE REGARDS AS SOME OF HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS, BRINGING A MORE PRO-BUSINESS TONE TO THE ADMINISTRATION, ALTHOUGH I DIDN'T REALLY NOTE THE LAST ONE BEING ANTI-BUSINESS. BUT HE LISTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS LIKE BRINGING LAPTOPS INTO THE SCHOOLS THROUGH PRIVATE DONATIONS AND PRAISE B.A.E.SYSTEMS FOR A PARTNERSHIP THAT IT HAS UNDERTAKEN FROM UNH. CLEARLY SETTING A TONE FOR THE BUSINESS CLIMATE AS A WAY OF SAYING THAT TAKING ACTION AND ALSO ANNOUNCED AND UNDERLINED THE FACT THAT HE IS GOING TO BE PUSHING FOR THE TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS WHICH WOULD, YOU KNOW, AS YOU KNOW, LIMIT THE RATE OF TAXATION TO THE RATE OF INFLATION AND BY A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, REQUIRE TWO-THIRDS VOTE TO INCREASE ANY TAXES IN THE FUTURE SO HE WILL BE FIGHTING FOR THAT. AS WE SAW FROM THE REACTION FROM BOTH LEGISLATORS ON BOTH SIDES, I DON'T KNOW THAT IT IS REALLY GOING TO GO THROUGH. Julie: WHAT ABOUT THAT? WHAT ABOUT OTHER CHALLENGES THAT THE GOVERNOR WILL HAVE IN THE NEXT YEAR AND WHAT DOES THE SPEECH REVEAL ABOUT THOSE? WELL, I WOULD SAY THAT IT WAS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HIM TO DISTINGUISH HIMSELF AS, YOU KNOW THE LEADER OF THE STATE. YOU KNOW, SOME OF THE CONTROVERSY ABOUT THIS WAS SIMPLY HIM TAKING IT OUT OF THE STATEHOUSE FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE STATE OF THE STATE BEGAN IN 13985. THERE WAS A LOT OF UPSET IN THE STATEHOUSE AMONG LEGISLATORS, BUT CLEARLY HE WENT AHEAD WITH THAT PLAN AND I THINK HE HAS A PERCEPTION WHICH MAY NOT BE WRONG, THAT THE PUBLIC EMPATHIZES MORE WITH GESTURES LIKE THIS THAT HE MAKES RATHER THAN THE CONCERNS OF LEGISLATORS WHO CITE TRADITION AND, YOU KNOW MORE EASE OF THEM ALL SEEING IT EN MASSE RATHER THAN, YOU KNOW, THE PUBLIC. Julie: SO YOU THINK HE MAY BE SEEN AS A REFORMER. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SLEIGHTS HE MADE TOWARD STATE GOVERNMENT? Richard: CLEARLY HE WAS CRITICIZING SOME STATE AGENCIES. I THINK THERE WAS SOME CRITICISM OF THE EDUCATION FOR, YOU KNOW, REMOVING SODAS FROM SCHOOLS ON A SMALL SCALE. Julie: HE CALLED THEM A DINOSAUR. Richard: YOU KNOW, THAT'S BEEN HIS WAY. YOU KNOW, HE IS VERY MUCH AN AGENT FOR CHANGE, AND AN AGENT FOR FAST CHANGE, AND THAT'S WHAT HE RAN ON. THAT'S PROBABLY WHAT HE IS GOING TO RUN ON AGAIN. AND CERTAINLY NOT SURPRISED TO SEE LANGUAGE LIKE THAT IN HIS SPEECH TONIGHT. Julie: IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO FIND OUT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, RICHARD. Richard: SURE. |
| Intro Bush Visit Return to index of stories... |
Just when you thought the state's moment in the Presidential campaign spotlight was over, President Bush flew to the Granite state on Thursday. He stopped briefly at Fidelity Investments in Merrimack to talk about some key campaign issues. |
| Bush Visit Return to index of stories... |
I UNDERSTAND THERE HAS BEEN SOME ACTIVITY IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE RECENTLY. SEE, I'M REALLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE. I THINK AFTER YOU HEAR THIS DISCUSSION, I THINK YOU'LL BE OPTIMISTIC. AT LEAST IF YOU PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU HEAR. BUT I'M OPTIMISTIC BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT WE'VE BEEN THROUGH AND I WANT YOU TO THINK ABOUT WHAT WE'VE BEEN THROUGH. FREE AND PEACEFUL IRAQ IN THE HEART OF THE MIDDLE EAST. OUR NATION'S LONG TERM SECURITY INTERESTS. IT WILL MEAN OUR CHILDREN CAN GROW UP IN A MORE SECURE AND PEACEFUL WORLD. AND I ALSO WANT YOU TO KNOW STRONGLY THAT I BELIEVE THAT FREEDOM IS NOT AMERICA'S GIFT TO THE WORLD. FREEDOM IS THE ALL MIGHTY'S GIFT TO EACH PERSON IN THIS WORLD. WHEN WE SEE SUFFERING AND TYRANNY AND STARVATION AND BRUTALIZATION, THIS NATION WILL ACT. I'M ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TRIES TO RUN THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, IT WILL FOUL IT UP. PEOPLE WILL GET LOUSY CARE. THE DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP WILL BE DESTROYED AND THE COST OF MEDICINE WILL GO UP. I BELIEVE. I BELIEVE IN ALLOWING SMALL BUSINESSES TO POOL RISKS ACROSS ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLANS IN ORDER TO CONTROL COSTS. I BELIEVE IN EXPANDING HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS FOR AMERICANS WHICH WILL CREATE COST SAVINGS IN THE SYSTEM. I BELIEVE WE NEED MEDICAL LIABILITY REFORM ALL ACROSS AMERICA TO GET RID OF THE JUNK LAWSUITS THAT RAISE THE COSTS. Reporter: WHAT FOLLOWED WERE TESTIMONIALS FROM FIDELITY EMPLOYEES AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS. THEY PRAISED THE PRESIDENT ON A RANGE OF ECONOMIC ISSUES. KEITH MARSHAL WORKS FOR FIDELITY INVESTMENT. HE SPOKE ABOUT THE CHILD TAX CREDIT. I WAS VERY GREATFUL, PRESIDENT BUSH, WHEN YOU PASSED GOT THE TAX CREDIT PASSED, IT HAS A MAJOR IMPACT ON OUR FAMILY. $2200 THAT WE ARE USING, WE ARE FINISHING AN UPSTAIRS BATHROOM WE V.FOR ANY OF HOW HAVE THREE CHILDREN AND A BEAUTIFUL WIFE, YOU KNOW ONE BATHROOM IS NOT ENOUGH. ONE OF THE THINGS HE MENTIONED, HE SPENT THE MONEY TO REMODEL HIS HOUSE. SOMEBODY HAD TO COME AND REMODEL THE HOUSE AND BUY THE EQUIPMENT. THE WAY THE ECONOMY WORKS, WHEN YOU PUT MONEY IN CIRCULATION, YOU INCREASE DEMAND FOR GOODS AND SERVICES. Reporter: JOE LANDER, PRESIDENT OF MODULAR HOME MANUFACTURER. I HAVE TO TELL YOU WITHOUT A DOUBT THAT THE LAST THREE YEARS OF BUSINESS HAVE BEEN THE BEST WE'VE HAD IN THE LAST 20 YEARS FOR HOUSING. IT'S THE MORTGAGE INTEREST RATE THAT WE ARE ALL CERTAINLY FOND OF THESE DAYS. THE MORTGAGE INTEREST DEDUCTION THAT CONTINUES TO HELP FAMILIES, ALONG WITH THE TAX BREAKS WE'VE ALL BEEN EXPERIENCING. WE'VE ALL COME TOGETHER TO HELP ME AND MY 135 EMPLOYEES PRODUCE 400 HOUSES LAST YEAR TO HELP HOUSE AMERICA. Reporter: THERE WERE MOMENTS OF COINCIDENCE. AEROSTAT CORPORATION WAS INSPIRED BY YOUR FATHER IN 1991. AT THAT TIME. I'LL TELL HIM. Reporter: AND MOMENTS OF HUMOR. MY FUTURE IS WITH FIDELITY, I HOPE. I HOPE TO RETIRE. IT IS NOW. THE ONLY THING THAT WOULD KEEP ME FROM THAT WOULD BE AN OFFER FROM THE WHITE HOUSE. Reporter: PRESIDENT BUSH THANKED THE PAMISTS. I STARTED OFF BY TELLING EVERYBODY I FELT OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THIS COUNTRY AND THEY MADE MY CASE. Reporter: AND THEN HE WAS OFF. |
| Intro Ambassadors Return to index of stories... |
Finally, now that the primary is over and done, there is one more story to tell. This one is a view from the other side of the ocean. Last week, a group of six foreign diplomats arrived in New Hampshire to observe the final days of campaigning. Richard Ager spent a day with the group. |
| Ambassadors Return to index of stories... |
THEY'RE POLITICAL OFFICERS PARTICULARLY FOCUSED ON POLITICS. SO I THINK YOU ARE GOING TO GET SOME VERY GOOD QUESTIONS THIS MORNING. I JUST WANT TO INTRODUCE YOU AND I'LL LET YOU TALK. WE HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS ALREADY. Richard: DAY TWO OF THE VISIT BY DIPLOMATIC OBSERVER GROUP. TIMES FOR A CRASH COURSE ON THE PRIMARY FROM A PUNDIT AND A POLITICAL SCIENTIST. THIS IS THE MOST UNUSUAL CAMPAIGN THAT WE ARE GOING THROUGH. ALTHOUGH THE PROCESS BEGAN A COUPLE WEEKS AGO IN IOWA, PEOPLE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE DON'T LIKE THE THINK THAT IT REALLY BEGAN OUT THERE. Richard: SIX DIPLOMATS CAME FROM WESTERN NATIONS INCLUDING GERMANY, FRANCE, THE NETHERLANDS AND THE NEWER NATIONS OF ANGOLA, TAJIKISTAN AND CYPRUS. ALL WERE LOOKING FOR A SENSE OF WHERE THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE IS HEADED. WE ARE GOING TO SEE IF NEW HAMPSHIRE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS WHO WERE WITH HOWARD DEAN FOR MONTHS WHETHER THEY'RE ACTUALLY GOING TO MARRY JOHN KERRY. THAT'S WHAT THE KERRY FOLKS SAID ALL ALONG LAST FALL. THEY SAID THEY'RE GOING TO DATE DEAN AND MARRY KERRY. Richard: WHAT COMES TO MIND NOW WHEN YOU THINK NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY? GRASS ROOTS. IT'S SMALL SCALE. IT'S ACCESSIBLE. IT'S A PERSON THAT WILL WANT TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES MOST POWERFUL MAN IN THE WORLD IN THE WHITE HOUSE WILL HAVE TO GO TO ALL THESE PLACES, TO ALL THESE SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, HOMES AND TO REALLY MAKE HIS CASE. IT IS REALLY INTERESTING TO SEE AS A PROCESS. IT IS A GOOD THING. Richard: OUT ON THE ROAD, THE FIRST STOP WAS THE DEAN CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS IN MANCHESTER. TO LEARN HOW A CAMPAIGN ACTUALLY HITS THE PAVEMENT. YOU TALK AND EVERYBODY JUST TALKED IN. YOU ARE A VOLUNTEER AND YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT TO ASK THEM TO DO AND HOW TO DO IT. RIGHT, RIGHT. WE HAVE THE TASK ALL SET OUT IN ADVANCE AND WE CAN SAY YESTERDAY WE HAVE A LOT OF LETTERS TO WRITE OR TODAY WE HAVE SOME PHONING TO DO. OR, YOU KNOW, ON WEEKENDS WE'VE HAD CANVASING EVERY WEEKEND WHERE PEOPLE ARE GOING OUT AND KNOCKING ON DOORS AND TALKING TO VOTERS AND FINDING DEAN SUPPORTERS AND, YOU KNOW, THEN WORKING FROM THERE WITH THE FULL STAFF. THIS IS WHAT IS KNOWN AS THE GROUND WAR DOWN HERE WHERE THE SIDES ARE BATTLING EACH OTHER. THERE ARE SIGNS, GET CARS TO BLOW THEIR HORNS. A HOMECOMING FOR ME, OKAY? I'M NOT A NEWCOMER TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. I'M A UNH GRADUATE. THAT IS MY ALMA MATER. GO WILDCATS. SO I DON'T NEED MUCH PERSUASION TO COME. Richard: BUT THE CYPRIOT AMBASSADOR HAS BEEN BEEN IN NEW HAMPSHIRE SINCE 1996. SINCE THAT TIME, HE HAS SEEN IT CHANGE. I HAVE SEEN A FRIGHTENED COUNTRY, A COUNTRY WHICH IS SHIFTING, NOT SURE WHICH WAY IT IS GOING TO GO. TODAY HE IS NOT CAMPAIGNING UNTIL AFTER SUNDOWN. HE DOES NOT CAMPAIGN FROM SUNDOWN ON FRIDAY TO SUNDOWN ON SATURDAY. THANK YOU. THANKS SO MUCH. FOREIGN DIPLOMAT IS DON'T MAKE PREDICTIONS, YOU KNOW, BUT THIS HOCKEY GAME HERE IS JUST GREAT, YOU KNOW. ORIGINAL IN AMERICA. ONLY IN AMERICA. THE DIPLOMATS MET FORMER NEW YORK MAYOR RUDY GIULIANI. IF ANYBODY LIKES FREEDOM THEY'RE GOING TO LIKE WHAT WE'RE DOING WITH GEORGE BUSH. Richard: SO FORMER AMBASSADOR TO THE U.N. AND REPUBLICAN JOE PATRONE STEPPED IN. HE GAVE A PRO-BUSH TALK TO THE OBSERVER TEAM WHICH HAD BEEN ORGANIZED BY FORMER AMBASSADOR AND DEMOCRAT GEORGE BRUNO. HERE'S THE WHOLE THING. WE ARE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE FENCE BUT WE'RE BOTH AMERICANS. I'LL TELL YOU WHAT, THE GUY THAT LOSES ISN'T SENT OFF TO DEVIL'S ISLAND. NO. THAT'S RIGHT. WE SHOW UP AT THE NEXT POLITICAL EVENT. FOUR YEARS LATER, ONCE AGAIN. Richard: THE DAY CONCLUDED AT THE DEMOCRATIC 100 DINNER WHERE ALL THE CANDIDATES EXCEPT AL SHARPTON SPOKE. I SWEAR TO GOD, THE FIGHT TO THE DEATH. TO PROTECT THE FIRST IN THE NATION STATUS OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY. THE MOST IMPORTANT PART IS TO SEE WHAT'S IMPACT WILL BE ON FOREIGN POLICY. THE SECOND BUSH ADMINISTRATION WHAT KIND OF FOREIGN POLICY MIGHT DEVELOP IF THAT'S THE DEMOCRATIC ADMINISTRATION, WHAT KIND OF FOREIGN POLICY IT MIGHT HAVE. AND ESPECIALLY IN THE TRANSATLANTIC REGION. THAT'S THE SENSE WE ARE TRYING TO GET. Richard: WHAT KIND OF IMPRESSION HAVE YOU FORM SOWED FAR FROM WHAT YOU'VE SEEN? EXPERIENCE. IT SHOWS THAT HOW THEY MEASURE IN THE COUNTRY ARE FIGHTING IN A DEMOCRATIC WAY. IT'S VERY GOOD. Richard: ARE THOSE LESSONS YOU WOULD TAKE TO YOUR OWN COUNTRY? SURE. SURE. THIS WILL BE GOOD EXPERIENCE FOR MY COUNTRY. TODAY IS PLEASANT DAY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE BECAUSE IT'S PRIMARY. IT IS GOOD FOR US TO LEARN REAL DEMOCRACY IN THE UNITED STATES. WE ARE GOING TO A DEMOCRATIC STATE AND BUILT OUR COUNTRY FOR DEMOCRATIC STATE AND FOR THIS REASON, IT WILL BE VERY GOOD EXPERIENCE TO IMPLEMENT THAT KIND OF GOOD THINGS IN OUR COUNTRY, ALSO. Richard: FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK, I'M RICHARD AGER. I CAME SPECIFICALLY UP HERE BECAUSE I THINK THIS IS WHERE YOU SEE ALL THE CANDIDATES IN ONE SPOT. THEN YOU ACTUALLY SEE THEM CAMPAIGN. YOU DON'T ONLY SEE THEM ON TV. YES. THAT'S A GOOD WAY TO GET A REAL FEEL FOR THE CAMPAIGN. AND I TRY TO GET OUT OF THE BELTWAY AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT I CAN. THAT MEANS YOU'RE A GOOD AMBASSADOR. |
| Web Pointer Return to index of stories... |
That is it for this edition of our program. For more information and links to our guests and interviews, connect with us on-line at nhptv.org. Join our online discussion and tell us what's on your mind. You can also find streaming video of all our broadcasts. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - It's our Friday Edition as journalists from around the state discuss the week's top stories. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
We'll see you next time. I'm Julie Donnelly. Thanks for watching. |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. It's our Friday Edition as journalists from around the state discuss the week's top stories. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 01/29/04 22:00 HOST: Julie Donnelly Length: 16:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, we're at Plymouth State University as Governor Craig Benson gives his state of the state address. Plus. Just when you thought the state's moment in the Presidential campaign spotlight was over, President Bush flies to the Granite State. And later. the first in the nation primary is a source of pride for the people of New Hampshire. We'll find out what some foreign observers think of the process. Governor Craig Benson left Concord behind to give his State of the State address at Plymouth State University tonight. He devoted much of his speech to education and the economy. He says private business - not state government - has helped to improve both. He began by listing the state's achievements. What did some in the audience think of the Governor's address? Richard Ager found out. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager, Jennifer Vachon NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Craig Benson\NH Governor, Rep. Michael Whalley\R - District 31, Sen. Lou D'Allesandro\D - District 20, Richard Ager\NH Outlook |
| key: National Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 01/29/04 22:00 HOST: Julie Donnelly Length: 4:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, we're at Plymouth State University as Governor Craig Benson gives his state of the state address. Plus. Just when you thought the state's moment in the Presidential campaign spotlight was over, President Bush flies to the Granite State. And later. the first in the nation primary is a source of pride for the people of New Hampshire. Just when you thought the state's moment in the Presidential campaign spotlight was over, President Bush flew to the Granite state on Thursday. He stopped briefly at Fidelity Investments in Merrimack to talk about some key campaign issues. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Phil Vaughn NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Steve Marshall\Fidelity Employee, Joe Landers \Small Business Owner, Michael Barret\Small Business Owner, Louise Hickey\Fidelity Employee, President George Bush |
| key: Economy / Business Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 01/29/04 22:00 HOST: Julie Donnelly Length: 4:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, we're at Plymouth State University as Governor Craig Benson gives his state of the state address. Plus. Just when you thought the state's moment in the Presidential campaign spotlight was over, President Bush flies to the Granite State. And later. the first in the nation primary is a source of pride for the people of New Hampshire. Just when you thought the state's moment in the Presidential campaign spotlight was over, President Bush flew to the Granite state on Thursday. He stopped briefly at Fidelity Investments in Merrimack to talk about some key campaign issues. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Phil Vaughn NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Steve Marshall\Fidelity Employee, Joe Landers \Small Business Owner, Michael Barret\Small Business Owner, Louise Hickey\Fidelity Employee, President George Bush |
| key: National Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 01/29/04 22:00 HOST: Julie Donnelly Length: 7:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, we're at Plymouth State University as Governor Craig Benson gives his state of the state address. Plus. Just when you thought the state's moment in the Presidential campaign spotlight was over, President Bush flies to the Granite State. And later. the first in the nation primary is a source of pride for the people of New Hampshire. Finally, now that the primary is over and done, there is one more story to tell. This one is a view from the other side of the ocean. Last week, a group of six foreign diplomats arrived in New Hampshire to observe the final days of campaigning. Richard Ager spent a day with the group. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Jules Witcover\Columnist, Baltimore Sun, Dante Scala\NH Institute of Politics, Caspar Veldkamp\Political Counselor, Embassy of Netherlands, Amb Euripides Evriviades\Embassy of Cyprus, Liz Buchanan\Dean Campaign, Marty Dunleavy\Lieberman Campaign Volunteer, Chris Eichhorn\Pol Counselor, Embassy Germany, Christine Grenier\Pol Counsel, Embassy of France, Amb Adao Pinto\Embassy of Angola, Amb Khamrokhon Zaripov\Embassy of Tajikistan, Christoph Eichhorn\Pol Counsel, Embassy of Germany |
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Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. . Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
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For information on our program, and links to our guests and interviews, visit our web site at nhptv.org. You can see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts. We want to know what's on your mind. Join our discussion forum and tell us what you're thinking. If you have a story idea or comment on our program, click the feedback button. Or, call us at 800-639-2721. |
| Intro Archaeology Return to index of stories... |
A pile of New Hampshire rocks could provide important clues to the state's ancient past. One archaeologist is hard at work, unearthing the remnants of stone tools. The tiny fragments point to a thriving culture, here in the Granite State, some eleven thousand years ago. Producer Barrett Lester digs deeper into this emerging story. |