President Bush stopped by a packed Bank One Ballpark on Wednesday night to rally thousands of supporters before leaving today for Las Vegas.
A crowd of about 40,000 Bush supporters filed into the ballpark to see the president speak for less than five minutes after the debate.
"When I got here, Laura said 'Stand up straight, don't scowl and keep your speech short,' " Bush said.
He spoke to his supporters about his hopes of victory on Nov. 2.
"I think he seemed very collected, like he really had a grip on things," said Brent Chambleen, a Bush supporter.
Bush thanked the Diamondbacks, the ballpark staff, his colleagues and his supporters.
While he was speaking, supporters cheered, waved flags and held up signs.
"It's really nice to see a bunch of people get together that feel the same way about Bush," said Bush supporter Alesha Macheca. "[His speech] was way too short, but it was cute."
The crowd donned Bush T-shirts, signs, hats and face paint, while Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders handed out American flags.
"I think when we gather together, it's more support for him, it's more of a strength," said Bush supporter Erin Iglenki.
Half of Bank One Ballpark was open for seating and filled almost completely by Republicans who gathered for a debate-watching party at 6 p.m.
Country music singer Aaron Tippin performed several times during the event.
Various speakers appeared, including Arizona congressman John Shadegg prior to the airing of the debate.
The audience watched the debate on the ballpark's big screen.
Following the debate, Bush, U.S. senators John Kyl, R-Ariz., and John McCain, R-Ariz., arrived with their families at 8 p.m.
Bush said he would continue his campaign in Nevada on Thursday.
"We are going to travel this country with a message of hope and opportunity," he said.
Reach the reporter at katherine.ruark@asu.edu.
