Former President Bush, Twins Stump for 'W' (Saw 41 in Denver Thurs. at old Lowry AFB)

Former President George H.W. Bush recalled his own time in office today as he accused Democrat John Kerry of refusing to back the first Gulf War even though the United States sought international support.

"You can't say you want to do something and then, when you're faced with a vote to get something done that's as clear as that, refusing to stand up," Bush said during his first Colorado appearance on behalf of his son during the 2004 campaign.

The Democratic presidential candidate has criticized President Bush for not creating a partnership with the United Nations and a larger coalition of other nations before going to war in Iraq.

The former president and granddaughters Jenna and Barbara Bush traveled to Denver to encourage volunteers at a Republican National Committee rally. It was the twins' third trip to the state this month.

Also campaigning were Republican Rep. Bob Beauprez, who is running for re-election in Colorado's 7th District against Democrat Dave Thomas, and Peter Coors, who is running for the state's open Senate seat against Democratic Attorney General Ken Salazar.

Bush again reflected on his own presidential term when telling voters why Beauprez and Coors need to be elected.

"Control of the House, control of the Senate are absolutely vital for the president to be able to take the offensive and get sound, sensitive programs through the Congress," he said. "When I was president, for four years, all four years, I was playing defense up against a Democratic majority of the House, Democratic majority of the Senate. Believe me, it is no fun."

Bush also repeated his son's accusation that Kerry flip-flops on important issues. He said the younger Bush has succeeded because he is unafraid to take action on health care, security and education.

Kerry spokesman Steve Haro said the former president has reverted to the same, old arguments against the Democrat.

"They are so backward thinking, they have to attack actions in the past because they have no idea of how to protect America in the future," he said.

The elder Bush was lighthearted at times, and he even joked about his own role in history.

"I was the president of the United States," the 80-year-old said. "Now, I'm either the father of the president, number 41 or Barbara's husband."

Helen Barr, a 73-year-old from Centennial, said she agreed with President Bush when he told the crowd he was tired of Kerry criticizing his son.

"(Kerry's) not giving you a plan," Barr said. "He's just criticizing Bush time and time again."

Floyd Ciruli, an independent pollster in Denver, said the Bush family visit and a Denver stop Saturday by former Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore shows that Colorado still is considered up for grabs.

"Colorado's still a battleground state, but we're simply not big enough to command the candidates themselves when you're down to the last four or five days," he said. "If we weren't an important state, we wouldn't get George Bush Sr. or the twins or even old Al Gore."

I had the pleasure of seeing former President Bush Thursday at what used to be Lowry Air Force Base. 41 was accompanied by the Twins. Silver Fox aka Barbara Bush was not present.

Also, speaking briefly were national talk show host Hugh Hewitt, Colorado Governor Bill Owens (R), U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez (R), and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Peter Coors.

41 joked about his relationship with Barbara. He said that she makes him wear earphones while he is watching TV. He said he is often yelling at the TV when they are saying something negative about his son.

GHW lit into Kerry a few times. He said on the way in to the Wings over the Rockies Museum they ran over some potholes. He asked that no one tell John Kerry because he would blame that on GW too. Then he said Kerry would probably have "a plan" to fix it.

He got very emotional at the end when he recalled his son being president in "America's darkest hour".

Jenna and Barbara preceded 41. Jenna joked how their grandpa wanted to parachute into the event. Barbara introduced their granddad and got a little choked up at the end. Both girls looked very beautiful. They are even thinner than they look on TV. They did a nice, respectful job.

I got two pictures of the twins (not the best pictures in the world--my first time using the digital camera) but I'm posting them anyway. Unfortunately, my batteries died while they were speaking so NO pictures of GHW Bush!!!:(

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