Americans React to State of Union Speech
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: More now on the speech last night. And talking to the folks around the country, you've heard a lot of people talk about support for the president's speech, especially the parts and the areas where he summoned a sense of patriotic fervor. Leon Harris standing by with some workers at a place where patriotism is literally manufactured. He's in St. Charles, Illinois, at a flag factory there. Hey, Leon, red white and blue everywhere, huh?</s>LEON HARRIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You got it, Bill. That is a great way of putting it, patriotism being manufactured right here. As you can see, J.C. Schultz Flag Source Company here. They are the nation's No. 5 flag maker. And as you can see, they are hard at work here. They have got a back order -- their backlog goes back six months now from now you're going to have to wait to get a flag from this company. And we have been here talking throughout the morning with different folks here on the floor about their reactions to the speech last night. And now I want to -- we talked a bit about the economy and about the war earlier, but, you know, there were a couple of other items that also came out of that speech last night. And Ben and Beth are back here on the floor to share some more thoughts with us. First of all, what did you all think about the idea that President Bush introduced last night, about a call to service for all Americans, get to donate some 4,000 hours or two years of their time. Do you think that is the kind of call people will answer?</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think it is. I think it was a very critical issue that he addressed. And I think that since 9/11, Americans have been coming forward. They have been giving of their time. And I think that is going to continue. I really feel that we are going to continue to develop and I for one know that I want, you know, to do more than even what I am doing now. And I think that America is going to respond.</s>HARRIS: Yes, do you even have time to give two years of your time? Beth, I know you are very busy.</s>UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, but I think it is something that, as an American, that we need to do, whether, you know -- look the people in New York that helped out after 9/11. I mean, they found time, you know, to give.</s>HARRIS: All right. Do you think people can find the patience needed? President Bush last night did not say this war is going to be over any time soon, and we know the economy is still, right now, in first gear. Do you think people are going to have the patience to wait both of those situations out?</s>UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think we are going to have to be reminded that we need the patience. From the very beginning, he said this was going to be a, you know, a two to three or four month war and we have to be continually reminded that the terrorists -- you know, the war on terrorism is a long project. And we just have to be patient and know that he is going to do the right thing for the country.</s>HARRIS: All right. And how about for the economy?</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think it has got a good effect on the economy. I think we can -- I think it's going to be slow moving, but the primary objective right now is the homeland defense and really concentrate on that. And I think that is what we need to stay strong and stay focused on and I think the economy will come back once that is the main effort.</s>HARRIS: All right. Thanks, Dan. Thanks, Beth. You know, Bill, that kind of confidence is the thing that we have been hearing over and over again. As much concern as there is right now about the economy, more folks are concerned about homeland security, and everyone is thinking that if you do not take care of that, the economy doesn't need anything. So, there you go. We have lots of support for President Bush here, but lots of folks are waiting to see what is going to happen next. Back to you, Bill.</s>HEMMER: All right, Leon, thanks. And a great point too. Leon Harris there watching the red, white and blue in Charles (sic), Illinois. Leon, thank you.