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We thank the underwriters, the sponsors, his family, his friends, and his country. We and the organizing committee. We thank respect and honor the example he has set the honorary chairman, Dan Quayle. Dan’s in service to our Nation, as a fighter pilot, not only a good friend; he’s one of our a Representative, a diplomat, and a Presi- three favorite Vice Presidents—you know, dent. We take comfort in knowing that he Dick, Dan, and Dad. [Laughter] was the same caring, decent man before, Most of you are here because over the during, and after his time in the arena. years you have come to know and love our We like to do things with him. He is dad—as well as his rather shy and retiring a fun guy. We like to fish, throw a shoe, wife. [Laughter] He has touched you be- play peggity, or play golf with him. We cause of his decency and warmth, his hu- like to talk and laugh with him. We still mility and humor. You know what we know, get a kick out of his dirty shirt joke or that we are all fortunate to have George ‘‘show him a clean one’’ line. We under- Bush as a part of our lives. stand his gentle tease and have learned the Some of you are here to pay tribute to art of the effective needle from him. We a man who has made your life’s calling appreciate those times when he gives us a little easier. Because of our honoree’s ample material with his weird taste in sense of duty and service, millions have clothes. [Laughter] been raised to heal hurt and disease as We are awed by his energy, his zest for well as educate our young. Some are here life. If ever there was a guy who could to see the 80-year-old dude who tomorrow say his dance card was completely full, it will strap on a helmet, zip up a suit, and is our dad. We love the fact that he loves launch forth from a perfectly safe aerospace Mother. And we are amazed and deeply vehicle, arms sprayed, back arched, yelling touched by his unconditional love for us. at Father Time, ‘‘Take this, you old man.’’ So here’s to you, young fella. May God One or two of you thought the Astros were grant you health, joy, and many years of at home. [Laughter] happiness. God bless. Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are here with our families because of our deep and pure love for our dad. We love his enthu- NOTE: The President spoke at 9:30 p.m. at siasm for life and his dedication to his faith, Minute Maid Park.

Remarks on the Unveiling of the Official Portraits of President William J. Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton June 14, 2004

Good morning. Thank you, Henry. Laura take their place in a line that began with and I appreciate you all coming. President George and Martha Washington. Clinton and Senator Clinton, welcome Laura and I are pleased to welcome home. All who live here are temporary resi- members of the Clinton and Rodham fam- dents. The portraits that are presented ily. Thank you all for coming. It’s great today will be held permanently in the to see Chelsea. The fact that you survived White House collection for all the ages. your teenage years in the White House— And so beginning today, the likenesses of [laughter]—speaks to the fact that you had President William Jefferson Clinton and a great mom and dad. We are pleased that First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton will Mrs. Dorothy Rodham is here. Welcome.

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We’re glad you’re here and those two boys ‘‘Oh, nothing much. But let me tell you, you’re still trying to raise. [Laughter] Hugh this boy knows the answer to every ques- and Tony, thank you for coming. We’re tion, and he just leaps to his feet before glad you’re here. anyone else can.’’ [Laughter] She went on, It’s good to see so many who served our you know, ‘‘I know he’ll not tolerate this Nation so ably in the Clinton administra- C, but it’ll be good for him. And I promise tion. Thank you all for coming back. you, if he wants to be, he will be President Thanks for your service to the country, and someday.’’ welcome back to the White House. We’re People in ’s life have always really glad you’re here, and I know the expected him to succeed, and more than President is as well. that, they wanted him to succeed. And As you might know, my father and I meeting those expectations took more than have decided to call each other by num- charm and intellect. It took hard work and bers. [Laughter] He’s 41; I’m 43. It’s a drive and determination and optimism. And great honor to—it’s a great pleasure to after all, you’ve got to be optimistic to give honor number 42. We’re glad you’re here, 6 months of your life running the McGov- 42. ern campaign in Texas. [Laughter] The years have done a lot to clarify the He won his first statewide office at age strengths of this man. As a candidate for 30, sworn in as Governor at 32. He was any office, whether it be the State attorney a five-time Governor of Arkansas, the first general or the President, Bill Clinton man from that State to become the Presi- showed incredible energy and great per- dent. He’s also the first man in his party sonal appeal. As Chief Executive, he since Franklin Roosevelt to win a second showed a deep and far-ranging knowledge term in the White House. And I could of public policy, a great compassion for tell you more of the story, but it’s coming people in need, and the forward-looking out in fine bookstores all over America. spirit that Americans like in a President. [Laughter] Bill Clinton could always see a better day At every stage in the extraordinary rise ahead, and Americans knew he was working of Bill Clinton, from the little ranch house hard to bring that day closer. on Scully Street to 1600 Ave- Over 8 years, it was clear that Bill Clin- nue, he and Roger had a wonderful, loving ton loved the job of the Presidency. He mother, and I am certain that Virginia filled this house with energy and joy. He’s Kelley would be filled with incredible pride a man of enthusiasm and warmth, who this morning. could make a compelling case and effec- And so would , Senior. tively advance the causes that drew him Mr. Rodham did have the joy of seeing to public service. his only daughter become America’s First People saw those gifts very early in Bill Lady. And I know he would not be sur- Clinton. He is remembered in Hope, Ar- prised to see her as she is today, an elected kansas, and other places along the way as United States Senator and a woman greatly an eager, good-hearted boy who seemed admired in our country. destined for big things. I was particularly From the earliest days of her youth in struck by the story of a nun at St. John’s Park Ridge, , Hillary Rodham im- School in Hot Springs who decided that pressed her family and friends as a person Billy Clinton should get a C in deportment. of great ability and serious purpose. At That was a rare grade for the future Maine Township High School South, at Rhodes scholar and President. [Laughter] Wellesley College, and at Yale Law School, So Bill’s mother gave the nun a call to classmates saw her not just as an achiever see what was wrong. The sister replied, but as a role model and as a leader. She

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inspires respect and loyalty from those who More than 40 years have passed since know her. And it was a good day in both a boy of 16 came here to the White House their lives when they met at the library with a group from the American Legion at Yale Law School. [Laughter] Boys Nation. On that day in the summer Hillary’s commitment to public service of 1963, Bill Clinton of Arkansas looked continued when she left this house. Listen, into the face of John F. Kennedy and left politics is a serious business— the Rose Garden feeling very proud that [laughter]—it’s rough business. It takes an he had shaken the hand of a President. extraordinary person to campaign and win Today he can be even prouder of decades the . She has proven of service and effort and perseverance that herself more equal to the challenge, and brought him back to this place as the 42d she takes an interesting spot on American President of the United States. history today, for she is the only sitting My congratulations to you both, and now Senator whose portrait hangs in the White will you join me on the stage for the pres- House. entation. The paintings of the Clintons are the work of a fine American artist, Simmie Knox. Mr. Knox has rendered portraits of a Supreme Court Justice, a Cabinet min- NOTE: The President spoke at 10:35 a.m. in ister, a mayor, and Members of Congress. the East Room at the White House. In his And today we thank him for putting his remarks, he referred to Henry A. Dudley, skilled hand to the portraits that are about Jr., chairman, White House Historical Asso- to be unveiled. ciation.

Exchange With Reporters in Liberty, Missouri June 14, 2004

Medicare Drug Discount Card The President. Yes, brand new. When did Q. How much did she save, Mr. Presi- you get it? dent? Ms. Blackmore. I got this Saturday, and The President. Seventeen dollars. Her this is the second time I’ve used it. total cost is $1.90. The President. What’s that going to do Q. Not bad. for you? The President. So, like, if you add $17 Ms. Blackmore. Keep my blood flowing. to $1.90—[laughter]—here, Wanda, come The President. Keep your blood flowing. over here. Give us your card. [Laughter] One of the reasons we’re here is we want people to understand the benefits of this NOTE: The exchange began at 3:11 p.m. at card so more people use it. the Hy-Vee pharmacy. A tape was not avail- Wanda Blackmore. This is my Medicare able for verification of the content of this ex- card. change.

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