Not all spectators watched President Bush speak in Indianapolis behind a television screen on Tuesday. One Ball State student shook his hand after sitting only a few feet behind him on the stage.
"I was thrilled since it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially for a president I respect so much," senior Brooke Burtnett said.
Burtnett called her brother-in-law's fraternity brother, Craig Kunkle, when she heard that Bush would be speaking in Indianapolis on Tuesday. Kunkle works with the Republican Party, Burtnett said.
Kunkle quickly asked how many tickets she wanted and asked for their Social Security numbers, Burtnett said. Burtnett attended with her mom, sister, brother-in-law and one of her mother's students.
Burtnett left her home in Noblesville about 5:45 a.m. and arrived at the Pepsi Coliseum around 7:15 a.m. Organizers granted 8,400 tickets to the event, but the coliseum's capacity was 7,000 for this event. Traffic to the event was highly congested. Burtnett said she walked about six blocks to the coliseum.
"It was a really long line, but the crowd was really excited," Burtnett said. "Everyone was in a good mood and it was a beautiful morning."
While waiting in line, Cecilia Burtnett, Brooke's mother, said one woman made her way up the line by blending in with the people. She also said that a family with a 99-year-old woman asked their group if they could cut, because the older woman was adamant about seeing Bush. The Burtnett's agreed.
In addition to traffic and a long line, the group had to go through strict security searches upon entering. Brooke said security thoroughly checked purses and clothing with the help of metal detectors.
"I thought they were going to check the color of my lipstick," Cecilia said.
She said she found it strange that there were concessions being sold during the speech.
Brooke said her initial reaction to the speech was positive.
"I really think the economy will be helped by the tax plan," Brooke said. "It's a crucial aspect for our nation right now."
Brooke said she thought that if anyone was skeptical about the tax plan, his or her mind would have been made up in favor of Bush after hearing his speech.
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