He was very warmly received by the audience which in normal times might not have happened. After all, Chicago is a very solid Democrat stronghold and those airline employees are solid union members. However, Bush was speaking to show support for their industry (and jobs) and to outline his plan to increase airline security. Overall, it was a good speech and well delivered.

Text of Bush's Speech

I do disagree with the idea of installing a remote control system in planes so control could be taken over from the ground. As a former electronics technician, I know all systems can fail. If that system malfunctions and disables the cockpit controls, you're going to kill a lot of people. We need to keep in mind that efforts to increase safety in one regard can actually reduce safety in other circumstances. Armored cockpit doors and even armed pilots are good ideas, but that remote control idea just isn't a good idea. For one thing, thousands of airliners don't have automatic landing systems, so developing and implementing those systems would cost a fortune. There are better uses for the limited funds available to update safety.