Nov. 2 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2004 to its fullest. I will be able to—both of people think, and I’m looking forward to us will be able to say that we campaigned it. as hard as we possibly could. I have made Thank you all. the differences as clear as possible about why I think I am the best leader for the NOTE: The President spoke at 11:42 a.m. at country for the next 4 years. You know, the Ohio Bush-Cheney ’04 campaign head- we’ll find out tonight what the American quarters. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.

Remarks in a Victory Celebration November 3, 2004

Thank you all. Thank you all for coming. I want to thank my superb campaign We had a long night and a great night. team. I want to thank you all for your hard The voters turned out in record numbers work. I was impressed every day by how and delivered an historic victory. hard and how skillful our team was. I want Earlier today, Senator Kerry called with to thank Marc, Chairman , his congratulations. We had a really good and the campaign manager, Ken Mehlman, phone call. He was very gracious. Senator and the architect, . I want to Kerry waged a spirited campaign, and he thank for leading our party and his supporters can be proud of their so well. efforts. Laura and I wish Senator Kerry I want to thank the thousands of our and Teresa and their whole family all our supporters across our country. I want to best wishes. thank you for your hugs on the ropelines. America has spoken, and I’m humbled I want to thank you for your prayers on by the trust and the confidence of my fel- the ropelines. I want to thank you for your low citizens. With that trust comes a duty kind words on the ropelines. I want to to serve all Americans, and I will do my thank you for everything you did to make best to fulfill that duty every day as your the calls and to put up the signs, to talk President. to your neighbors, and to get out the vote. There are many people to thank, and And because you did the incredible work, my family comes first. Laura is the love we are celebrating today. of my life. [Applause] I’m glad you love There’s an old saying, ‘‘Do not pray for her too. [Laughter] I want to thank our tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers daughters, who joined their dad for his last equal to your tasks.’’ In 4 historic years, campaign. I appreciate the hard work of America has been given great tasks and my sister and my brothers. I especially want faced them with strength and courage. Our to thank my parents for their loving sup- people have restored the vigor of this econ- port. omy and shown resolve and patience in a I’m grateful to the Vice President and new kind of war. Our military has brought Lynne and their daughters, who have justice to the enemy and honor to America. worked so hard and been such a vital part Our Nation has defended itself and served of our team. The Vice President serves the freedom of all mankind. I’m proud to America with wisdom and honor, and I’m lead such an amazing country, and I’m proud to serve beside him. proud to lead it forward.

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Because we have done the hard work, Let me close with a word to the people we are entering a season of hope. We’ll of the State of Texas. We have known each continue our economic progress. We’ll re- other the longest, and you started me on form our outdated Tax Code. We’ll this journey. On the open plains of Texas, strengthen the Social Security for the next I first learned the character of our country, generation. We’ll make public schools all sturdy and honest and as hopeful as the they can be. And we will uphold our deep- break of day. I will always be grateful to est values of family and faith. the good people of my State. And whatever We will help the emerging democracies the road that lies ahead, that road will take of Iraq and Afghanistan so they can grow me home. in strength and defend their freedom. And The campaign has ended, and the United then our service men and women will come States of America goes forward with con- home with the honor they have earned. fidence and faith. I see a great day coming With good allies at our side, we will fight for our country, and I am eager for the this war on terror with every resource of work ahead. our national power so our children can live God bless you, and may God bless Amer- in freedom and in peace. ica. Reaching these goals will require the broad support of Americans. So today I want to speak to every person who voted for my opponent: To make this Nation NOTE: The President spoke at 3:08 p.m. at stronger and better, I will need your sup- the Building and Inter- port and I will work to earn it. I will do national Trade Center. In his remarks, he re- all I can do to deserve your trust. A new ferred to Marc Racicot, campaign chairman, term is a new opportunity to reach out and Ken Mehlman, campaign manager, to the whole Nation. We have one country, Bush-Cheney ’04, Inc.; and Edward W. Gil- one Constitution, and one future that binds lespie, chairman, Republican National Com- us. And when we come together and work mittee. The Office of the Press Secretary also together, there is no limit to the greatness released a Spanish language transcript of of America. these remarks.

Remarks Following a Cabinet Meeting November 4, 2004

I just met with my Cabinet. I am proud this table, and that we will all continue of every person here. They’ve done a great to do the people’s business. job for the country. I reminded them that But anyway, I want to thank them all even though our election just ended, we’ve for their hard work. I am—when I told still got work to do. I talked about an agen- the people that I put together a fantastic da that we will complete and an agenda group of men and women, I meant every that we will take forward. word of that, and I want to thank them I made it clear to them I was glad the all for their service. election was over and reminded them that Thank you. we’re here for a reason. And to a person, they understand that it’s such an honor to NOTE: The President spoke at 10:48 a.m. in serve America, it’s a privilege to sit around the Cabinet Room at the . The

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