Bush went to Manchester, New Hampshire, on Thursday morning to give a speech, which according to his aides was to be "about the character of the nation and the leadership it needs." As it turned out, New Hampshirites got a better-than-expected glimpse of the President's character.

The event got off to a rocky start. Aides had been promising that ace pitcher Curt Schilling of the Boston Red Sox was going to introduce Bush, but Schilling backed off at the last minute.

Bush's speech was "devoted almost entirely to 9/11 and the war in Iraq." Fortunately, NPR was there—

Suddenly there was a terrifying explosion in the arena. It turned out to be only a confetti cannon prematurely fired. President Bush initially flinched, and half a minute later he seemed rattled when he resumed speaking—

My determination has not faded since that day. My determination is wrong—strong! I will never relent in defending America, whatever it takes!

Bush's voice is shaking. No report yet on the Presidential undergarment.

Link: Bush Recaps Campaign Themes in New Hampshire [audio, 2 minutes in]