[Visalia, CA] Moviegoers swayed by 'Fahrenheit 9/11'

Could the weekend premiere of the movie "Fahrenheit 9/11" influence the outcome of November's presidential elections?
It appears to be so for several moviegoers who attended screenings on Friday of controversial documentary director Michael Moore's latest film.
Moore's film, rated R for profanity and disturbing images, is a biting critique of the Bush administration's reaction to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Visalia resident Mike Lo-rah went to a 2 p.m. screening. Lorah, 28, said he considers himself a conservative Republican but the film has convinced him not to vote for President Bush.
"I'd have to say that I agree with the message that was made in the film, even with me being a Republican," Lorah said. "This would probably be the first time I don't vote for a Republican, but I don't think John Kerry's any better.". . .
"I think every responsible adult should watch this movie so they can make up their own mind about what's going on in this country," Visalia resident Buddy Jones said.
"It was excellent, Paul Garcia of Visalia said. "It told the truth about why we went to war."
Ed Bergtholdt of Springville called the film "compulsory viewing."
"It's a crime how we got involved in this immoral war," he said.
Nancy Dowd of Visalia said she was originally concerned the movie would be too violent.
"But it's not a violent movie," she said. "It makes you think about what's going on and realize that the war is harming a lot of people."
Melinda Lumpkin, Dowd's daughter, said she was shocked to learn in the film that President Bush's family had done business in the past with Osama bin Laden and his family. She also said she's no longer supportive of the president or any of his family.
"I have a brother-in-law who's a Marine," she said. "It's scary. There is no reason for this. No reason."
Three Rivers resident Bruce Keller said his wife cried during the film.
"It was a very sad movie," he said. "It was a great piece of art about the horrors of war."