What do you say when the president comes to visit? More important, what does he say?

George W. Bush is making a campaign swing through Ohio today, speaking to people in Toledo, Dayton, at Lebanon's historic Golden Lamb Inn, and at a rally at the Cincinnati Gardens arena in Bond Hill.

Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, a close ally of the president, said the major theme of Bush's visit will be the economy and jobs. "He'll be upbeat and positive about some of the new numbers that have come out for the country and also for Ohio. And he will talk about the need to continue to pursue policies that are pro-growth, including not allowing taxes to be increased."

The president also is expected to talk about the war on terrorism and the fighting in Iraq. While he should curb any impulses to claim "mission accomplished," he can rightfully be proud of toppling Saddam Hussein and giving Iraq a chance at freedom. Bush's aggressive stance in this area also has prompted Libya and Iran to scale back their weapons programs, and in the case of Libya, open itself to outside inspection.

We expect that the president will be warmly welcomed. Greater Cincinnati is traditionally Republican territory, and Hamilton County went for Bush in 2000. Even inside Democrat-heavy Cincinnati, the president is a popular figure. His appearance at the Gardens will put him in the same neighborhood as Huntington Meadows, an urban renewal project spearheaded by a group of local churches. That's the kind of faith-based initiative for community improvement that the president likes to see.

But what does Bush have to say to the people of Greater Cincinnati? And will he be able to take the issues of the day, and the very personal concerns of the people in his audiences, beyond campaign rhetoric?

War is top issue

For many people, as shown in the comments below, the war in Iraq is the issue they want to hear the president address. Whether they support the president's policies or not, this is the subject that seems to be overshadowing all others at this point in the campaign.

Locally, the war is an issue with a very human face. Pfc. Keith "Matt" Maupin is a prisoner of insurgents in Iraq. A year ago, this 19-year-old from Batavia was a recent high school grad who joined the Army Reserves to help finance his college education. Now he is locked away somewhere while every tree in town seems to bear a yellow ribbon. "Confronting Iraq is crucial to winning the war on terror," the president said during his October 2002 speech at Cincinnati's Union Terminal. "While there are many dangers in the world, the threat from Iraq stands alone because it gathers the most serious dangers of our age in one place .... We did not ask for the present challenge," Mr. Bush said. "But we accept it."

America responded to that challenge and has supported the president's moves in Iraq. Despite the increasing casualties and festering insurgencies, those efforts must continue. America must keep its commitment to turn control of Iraq over to a government of free Iraqis.

But like several of the readers below, we would like to hear the president offer some more specifics on how that mission will be accomplished, how many more troops may be needed and how long he thinks it may take.

The recent revelations that Americans may have been mistreating Iraqi prisoners also are disturbing. The conduct of the guards responsible for this outrage shames every American. The president was right to condemn it and reassure the world that the matter will be fully investigated and that those responsible will be punished.

Jobs and the economy

There is no way around this issue in a state that has lost almost 300,000 jobs in the past three years. The president should address it directly. Tax cuts, outsourcing, plant closings and rising fuel costs have a direct impact on every working American. These people want to hear how the president's economic plan will spur the economy and result in new jobs.

It is difficult to think in the long term when you are out of work, but successful and responsible economic policy is a long-term strategy. The president must assure those who are suffering economically that he sympathizes with their plights and that his plan will bring relief over time.

Gasoline prices may hit an all-time high this summer. American consumers want relief from the nation's dependency on foreign oil, as indicated in some of the comments below.

Finally, there are the issues of Social Security, health care, prescription drugs, highway construction and a host of other concerns.

Welcome to Cincinnati, Mr. President. We are all ears.