.President Bush, making a rare appearance before a group that represents black Americans, said Monday the U.S. economy is showing fresh signs of improvement. He urged Congress to approve languishing legislation to help low-income Americans and those having a hard time finding work.
"Greater opportunity and hope begins with a growing economy," Bush told a conference of the National Urban League. His appearance was part of an effort to build ties to a demographic group that overwhelmingly voted against him in 2000.
"A lot of economists are beginning to forecast a better tomorrow," he said. "I'm optimistic about the future."
Marc H. Morial, league president and chief executive officer..."The unemployment rate in the African American community is up. The equality gap between black and whites is still there. There's a great interest in economic issues and issues relating to education and skills training and also a great continuing interest in affirmative action and civil rights," Morial said.
NAACP President Kweisi Mfume said he requested meetings with Bush in 2001 and 2002. "I was told politely, in writing, that he'd love to meet, but his schedule just didn't allow it," he said.
"That may be the difference between Bush and his father," Mfume added. "While we certainly did not agree on many issues, you can never accuse George H.W. Bush of not taking time to reach out and to listen. He wasn't aloof like this president."