Donning a Badger hat, a scruffy beard and the uncanny ability to rouse emotion in a crowd, filmmaker Michael Moore worked Madison students into a political fervor Saturday night.
Best known for his collection of liberal books and movies that attack right-wing politicians and the state of the American political scene, Moore spoke on the Union Terrace amidst protesting Republicans who obviously did not agree with his anti-Bush rhetoric.
Moore delivered a comical yet serious oratory that ranged from attacking the current administration to criticizing the mass media for failing to question President Bush's conservative policies.
Moore blamed Bush for misleading the public and placing excessive fear in the minds of Americans regarding terrorism.
\If [al-Qaida] is going to kill us Mr. Bush, then why did you stop our special forces from going after them in Afghanistan?"" Moore said.
The exuberant Moore placed his support behind Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, calling him the better of two candidates.
""This is what I know about John Kerry ... I remember thinking, 'Here was a person of conscience, here was a person of courage ... and I feel a lot better hearing the words President Kerry than I do hearing President Bush,'"" Moore said.
Although most of Moore's anger was aimed at President Bush and his Republican supporters, candidate Ralph Nader did not escape sharp criticism.
Moore said he agreed with Nader on all the issues, but added people should place their support behind a candidate who actually has a chance of winning.
""I've voted for Nader, I'm a friend of Ralph, but I told Ralph earlier this year, 'This is not the year,'"" Moore said.
Supporters of Nader were on hand to defend their candidate from the Michael Moore onslaught.
""It was just typical stuff he says. Essentially, he was repeating things that are said in the media that aren't true,"" said UW-Madison student and Nader supporter Matt Goins.
Despite some opposition, the overwhelming majority of people on hand to listen to Moore supported Kerry and believed in Moore's message. UW-Madison sophomore Jeffrey Wright said he believed Moore's words rang true.
""I really like how he took a really strong stance against Bush. The best part of his speech was when he was talking about the soldiers in the war, the opposition they are receiving from this administration with their policies, and how word isn't getting out because of the media,"" Wright said.
