{image6} President George W. Bush visited the East Side offices of OnMilwaukee.com Thursday morning as part of a trip that also includes an event with the Metro Milwaukee Association of Commerce at the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Bush and Air Force One arrived shortly after 10 a.m. to a group of supporters, including County Executive Scott Walker and Sheriff David Clarke.
The president was given a tour of the offices and greeted OnMilwaukee.com staffers.
Friendly and conversational, the president spent more than five minutes meeting and greeting the OMC staff. He asked questions about the site, talked about his love for baseball and his experience throwing out the first ball at a Brewers game three years ago. He also talked about his newfound love for mountain biking and discussed his recent trip to the former Soviet state of Georgia.
{image1}And, he spoke about Social Security.
"This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue. This is a generational issue," he said, before accepting a basket of Milwaukee goods from OMC's Grace Briscoe.
He then led a round-table discussion about his plans for overhauling Social Security in the independent Internet company's editorial office.
OnMilwaukee.com managing editor Bobby Tanzilo is traveling with the president during his stay and will provide up-to-the-minute information on the visit. So, keep refreshing this page to stay current on what President Bush is up to in Brew City today.
{image2}10:05 a.m.
Air Force One landed as rain fell at the 440th air base. After a quick greet with VIPs, including Sheriff David Clarke and County Executive Scott Walker, President Bush got into his limo, and headed for OnMilwaukee.com.
10:25 a.m.
Motorcade with the President's limo and a number of vans for staff and media is headed up Lake Parkway to the Hoan Bridge. Unfortunately, the President won't see much of the city through the fog and rain.
10:33 a.m.
So far, only two protestors have been spotted.
10:35 a.m.
He's here at OnMilwaukee.com.
{image3}
11:18 a.m.
President Bush exits the OMC offices. Says on his way out, "I had an amazing experience. I saw first-hand a business that is going to grow and blossom and bloom. But of course, I'm most interested in the sports page."
11:20 a.m.
Outside Beans & Barley restaurant on North Avenue, a smiling group of people flipped him the bird as his limo drove by. Further back on North Avenue someone was blaring Bob Dyan's "The Times They Are a-Changing."
11:24 a.m.
President arrives at the Milwaukee Art Museum, large crowds have gathered in Quadracci Pavillion, adorned with banners reading, "Strengthening Social Security for the 21st century."
11:45 a.m.
Text message from Andy Tarnoff, who is at the Art Museum: "Jeff (Sherman) and I rode in the limo with the president and his economic advisor. He said leaders must make strong decisions, be on time and not rely on polls."
{image4}
11:49 a.m.
President takes the stage; fields questions and introduces guests.
11:49 a.m.
(Excerpt from Bush's speech) "I had an amazing experience. I stopped by a business here called OnMilwaukee.com. (Applause.) A little bit of a following, things are catching on. I rode over here with Jeff Sherman and Andy Tarnoff, two young guys, Milwaukee citizens who started this company -- entrepreneurs who took risk and have put out a product people obviously want. It's a fast-growing little business. I met our participants over there to talk about what we're going to do here, but I also love to see entrepreneurs. You know, part of the role of government is to create an environment in which people are willing to take risk and -- which means low taxes, reasonable regulation. We've got to get rid of all these junk lawsuits that are threatening small businesses, the job creators. But I want to thank Andy and Jeff and their employees or associates for welcoming me there. And it was -- thanks for putting me on the front page of today's edition. (Laughter.)"
12:12 p.m.
President leaves MAM. Poses for pictures and gets back in the limo. OMC reporters drive with him back to the airport.
12:25 p.m.
A small group of anti-Bush protestors is seen along Lincoln Memorial Drive at Michigan Avenue.
12:47 p.m.
Bush waves good-bye to Milwaukee and boards Air Force One, which taxis out to a runway and takes off, post haste.
Additional photos of Bush's visit to Milwaukee and OnMilwaukee.com can be seen here.
-Bobby Tanzilo, Molly Snyder Edler and Andy Tarnoff contributed to this report.
