President Bush discussed his plans for the country, the flaws of his opponent and his position on the war in Iraq to more than 8,000 supporters at a rally in Saginaw on Thursday.

A series of guest speakers at The Dow Event Center warmed up the attendees, including U.S. Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland, and Betsy DeVoss, chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party, who mocked Sen. John Kerry's campaign as a "Hollywood-choreographed goose hunt."

Saginaw Spirit hockey team owner Dick Garber roused the crowd when he said, "Hopefully, it'll be another 86 years until we have a flip-flopping, waffling senator like John Kerry in office," referring to Kerry's hometown Boston Red Sox's World Series win after an 86-year drought.

Masses of 'W'-shaped cardboard signs and banners reading "Saginaw Votes Bush" and "Michigan Votes George W" waved furiously in the hands of the crowd.

Affirming that he's a decisive leader who knows where he stands, Bush said the most important job for an American leader is to protect the people.

"I will never relent in defending America - whatever it takes," he said. "The American president must make decisions on principle, core convictions from which you must not waver."

Bush discussed his plans for the future, including increased funding for higher education, increased health care for seniors and veterans, a simplified tax code and a stronger Social Security system for future generations.

The president made frequent criticisms about Kerry throughout the speech, saying "John Kerry is the wrong man, for the wrong job, at the wrong time."

Bush claimed Kerry's plan to tax the rich would produce a tax gap that generations of taxpayers would inherit.

He also made clear that he did not agree with Kerry's proposal to ask the United Nations for help in Iraq.

"I will never turn the security of our nation to other countries," Bush said, inciting the crowd to cheer "four more years."

Attendees were met outside by about 50 protesters who screamed anti-Bush sentiments. About 30 Bush supporters ran across the street to confront the group.

"I haven't seen such a division between Americans in a very long time," said Bush protester Wesley Rupert, a security sales representative from Auburn Hills.