There have been various stories over
recent months of people being ejected from Bush rallies for wearing
anti-Bush t-shirts and stuff of that sort, with the rationale often
being a rather improbable concern for security. But this Dick Cheney
speech in New Mexico seems to be the first instance where would-be
attendees were compelled to pledge personal fealty to President Bush in
order to get in the front door. According to this Associated Press
story , certain members of the public were required to sign a pledge to
endorse President Bush in order to get tickets. The plan was to limit
the tickets "to people with a record of supporting the GOP-- or to
others willing to sign a statement saying they support President Bush's
re-election." [more]