Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, November 8, 2004 Volume 40—Number 45 Pages 2689–2806

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Addresses and Remarks Addresses and Remarks—Continued Al Jazeera videotape of Usama bin Laden— Remarks in Dallas—2778 2695 Victory celebration—2783 Cabinet meeting—2784 Wisconsin Florida Remarks in Ashwaubenon—2708 Remarks in Gainesville—2737 Remarks in —2758 Remarks in Miami—2727 Remarks in Orlando—2721 Bill Signings Remarks in Tampa—2732 Iowa Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Remarks in Des Moines—2763 Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005, Remarks in Sioux City—2768 statement—2695 Michigan, remarks in Grand Rapids—2701 Minnesota, remarks in Minneapolis—2715 Communications to Congress , remarks in Albuquerque—2773 Ohio Sudan, letter on continuation of the national Campaign volunteers in Columbus—2782 emergency—2773 Departure from Toledo—2695 U.S. Combat-Equipped Armed Forces, letter Remarks in Cincinnati—2742 reporting on global deployments—2800 Remarks in Columbus—2695 Weapons of mass destruction, letter on Remarks in Toledo—2689 continuation of emergency—2799 Remarks in Wilmington—2747 Pennsylvania Interviews With the News Media Arrival in Pittsburgh—2752 Remarks in Burgettstown—2752 Exchanges with reporters Radio address—2707 Columbus, OH—2782 Texas Crawford, TX—2781 Election day in Crawford—2781 News conference, November 4—2784

(Continued on the inside of the back cover.)

Editor’s Note: The President was at Camp David, MD, on November 5, the closing date of this issue. Releases and announcements issued by the Office of the Press Secretary but not received in time for inclusion in this issue will be printed next week.

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be furnished by mail to domestic subscribers for $80.00 per year Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Reg- ($137.00 for mailing first class) and to foreign subscribers for ister, National Archives and Records Administration, Washing- $93.75 per year, payable to the Superintendent of Documents, ton, DC 20408, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The ments contains statements, messages, and other Presidential charge for a single copy is $3.00 ($3.75 for foreign mailing). materials released by the during the preceding The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is also week. available on the Internet on the GPO Access service at http:// The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- www.gpo.gov/nara/nara003.html. lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under There are no restrictions on the republication of material regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607; ments. 1 CFR Part 10).

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Notices Statements by the President Continuation of Emergency Regarding See also Bill Signings Weapons of Mass Destruction—2799 Afghanistan, congratulating President Karzai Continuation of the National Emergency With on his election—2794 Respect to Sudan—2773 United Arab Emirates, death of Shaykh Zayid Proclamations bin Sultan Al Nahayyan—2794 National Adoption Month—2795 Supplementary Materials National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month—2795 Acts approved by the President—2804 National American Indian Heritage Month— Checklist of White House press releases— 2796 2804 National Diabetes Month—2797 Digest of other White House National Family Caregivers Month—2797 announcements—2802 National Hospice Month—2798 Nominations submitted to the Senate—2804

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Remarks in Toledo, Ohio I want to thank the Wil Gravatt Band. I October 29, 2004 want to thank the Anthony Wayne High Marching Generals for being here. I will try The President. Laura and I are so hon- to keep my speech short so you can get home ored so many came out to say hello. We ap- and do your homework. preciate it very much. I’m honored—we Audience members. Boo-o-o! thank you for taking time out of your day. The President. I want to thank the grass- I’ve got something to tell you. I’m traveling roots activists. I want to thank my friend Ber- Ohio a lot. I’m asking for the vote, and I’m asking for your help. We have a duty in this nadette Noe and Tom Noe for their leader- country to vote. You may have heard, the ship in Lucas County. I remember our break- election is right around the corner. [Laugh- fast. She had me flipping pancakes. [Laugh- ter] And I’m asking you, get your friends and ter] neighbors to go to the polls. Make sure our I want to thank those of you who are put- fellow Republicans vote. Make sure inde- ting up the signs and making the phone calls. pendents vote. Find some discerning Demo- I want to thank those of you who are working crats, and there’s a lot across the State of long hours. We’re almost there. Election Day Ohio. And get them headed to the polls and is almost here. I urge you to continue work- remind them, if they want a safer America, ing to turn out that vote. With your help, a stronger America, and a better America, we’ll win Ohio again and win a great victory. to put me and back in office. We’ve just got 4 days to go, and the voters One of the most important reasons why have a clear choice between two very dif- I think you ought to put me back into office ferent candidates and different approaches is so that Laura is the First Lady for 4 more and different records. You know where I years. stand, and sometimes, you even know where Audience members. Laura! Laura! Laura! The President. I don’t want to offend any- my opponent stands. [Laughter] We both body who is follically challenged, but I admit have records. I’m proudly running on mine. my great Vice President doesn’t have the My opponent has an interesting idea of how waviest hair in the race. [Laughter] The peo- to win friends. During this campaign, he’s ple of Toledo will be proud to know that I insulted our allies and he questioned the didn’t pick him because of his hairdo. good work of our troops in combat. [Laughter] I picked him because of his judg- Audience members. Boo-o-o! ment, his experience. He’s getting the job The President. Earlier today, my oppo- done for the American people. nent even insulted the American people, say- I want to thank Senator Mike DeWine for ing you need to, quote, ‘‘wake up.’’ joining us today. I’m proud to call him friend. Audience members. You’re proud to call him Senator. I urge you Boo-o-o! to put George Voinovich back in the United The President. Well, the American peo- States Senate. I want to thank your Governor ple are awake. Their eyes are wide open. for joining us. I want to thank Paul Gillmor, They are seeing more clearly every day the Congressman Paul Gillmor, for being here critical choices in this election: The Senator’s today. I want to thank Betty Montgomery for failed, out-of-the-mainstream policies or my joining us. And I want to thank the next Con- commitment to defend our country, to build gressman from the Ninth Congressional Dis- our economy, and to uphold our bedrock val- trict, Larry Kaczala, for joining us. ues. 2689

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This election comes down to some clear baric vision of the Taliban. Because we acted choices, five clear choices for America’s fam- in our self-interest, because we acted to up- ily. The first clear choice is the most impor- hold the doctrine which I laid out that said, tant because it concerns the security of your ‘‘If you harbor a terrorist, you’re equally as family. All progress on every other issue de- guilty as the terrorist,’’ millions of people— pends on the safety of our citizens. This will millions of people in Afghanistan voted in a be the first Presidential election since Sep- Presidential election. The first voter was a tember the 11th, 2001. Americans will go to 19-year-old woman. the polls in a time of war and ongoing threats Free societies will be peaceful societies. unlike any we have faced before. The terror- Free societies will help us keep the peace. ists who killed thousands of innocent people Iraq is going to have elections in January. are still dangerous, and they are determined. Think how far that society has come from The outcome of this election will set the the days of mass graves and torture cham- direction of the war against terror. The most bers. Freedom is on the march. I believe ev- solemn duty of the American President is to erybody yearns to be free. I believe people protect the American people. If America long for freedom. I believe this. I understand shows uncertainty or weakness during these freedom is not America’s gift to the world; troubling times, the world will drift toward freedom is the Almighty God’s gift to each tragedy. This is not going to happen on my man and woman in this world. watch. A President must lead with consistency Since that terrible morning of September and strength. In a war, sometimes your tac- the 11th, we’ve fought the terrorists across tics change but not your principles. Ameri- the Earth, not for pride, not for power but cans have seen how I do my job. Even when because the lives of our citizens are at stake. you might not agree with me, you know what Our strategy is clear. We’re strengthening I believe. You know where I stand, and you the protections for our homeland. We’re re- know where I’m going to lead our Nation. forming our intelligence capabilities. We are On good days and on bad days, when the transforming the All-Volunteer Army. There polls are up or the polls are down, I am deter- will be no draft. We are determined. We are mined to protect the American people. relentless. We are staying on the offensive. And I’ll support our troops in harm’s way. We’re chasing the terrorists overseas so we You know, I want to thank those who wear do not have to face them here at home. our Nation’s uniform. I want to thank the Because we led, Afghanistan is a free na- military families who sacrifice on behalf of tion and an ally in the war on terror; Pakistan our Nation’s freedom. I want to thank the is capturing terrorist leaders; Saudi Arabia is veterans who have set such a great example making raids and arrests. Because we led, to those who wear the uniform. And I assure Libya is dismantling its weapons programs; you, we will keep the commitment we have the army of a free Iraq is fighting for free- made. Our troops will have what they need dom; and more than three-quarters of Al to complete their missions. Qaida’s key members and associates have That’s why I went to the Congress and been brought to justice. We have led. Many asked for $87 billion of supplemental funding have joined. And America and the world are in September of 2003. And we received great safer. bipartisan support for this necessary and crit- And part of our strategy is to spread liberty ical funding. As a matter of fact, the support and peace. I believe in the transformational was so strong that only 12 Members of the power of liberty to change societies. I want Senate voted against the fund- you to remind your sons and daughters what ing, 2 of whom were my opponent and his has taken place in a relatively quick period runningmate. of time in Afghanistan. It wasn’t all that long Audience members. Boo-o-o! ago that young girls could not go to school The President. But let me give you a or their mothers were taken into the public more startling statistic, one that I would hope square and whipped and sometimes into a you would use as you’re gathering up the sports stadium and killed because of the bar- vote: Four Members of the United States

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Senate—only four—voted to authorize the ness and inaction. With that record, he stands use of force and then voted against the fund- in opposition not just to me but to the great ing necessary to support our troops in com- tradition of the Democratic Party. The party bat. Two of those four were my opponent of Franklin Roosevelt, the party of Harry and his runningmate. Truman, the party of John Kennedy is rightly Audience members. Boo-o-o! remembered for confidence and resolve in The President. So they asked him why times of war and hours of crisis. Senator he made that vote, and you might remember Kerry has turned his back on ‘‘pay any price’’ this quote. He said, ‘‘I actually did vote for and ‘‘bear any burden,’’ and he’s replaced the 87 billion, before I voted against it.’’ those commitments with ‘‘wait and see’’ and Now, look, I haven’t spent all that much time ‘‘cut and run.’’ in Toledo, but I doubt I’m going to find many Many Democrats in this country do not people who talk that way here in Toledo, recognize their party anymore. And today, I Ohio. want to speak to every one of them: If you He has given several answers about why believe that America should lead with he made the vote. Perhaps the most revealing strength and purpose and confidence in our was when he said, ‘‘The whole matter was ideals, I would be honored to have your sup- a complicated matter.’’ My fellow Americans, port, and I’m asking for your vote. there is nothing complicated about sup- Audience members. Four more years! porting our troops in combat. Four more years! Four more years! Senator Kerry’s record on national security The President. In this campaign, there has a far deeper problem than election-year are big differences about how to protect flip-flopping. On the largest national security America’s families. One time in our debate, issues of our time, he has been consistently wrong. When was con- my opponent said America must submit to fronting the Soviet Union at the height of what he calls a ‘‘global test’’ before we com- the cold war, Senator Kerry said that Presi- mit force. dent Reagan’s policy of peace through Audience members. Boo-o-o! strength was making America less safe. The President. I’m not making that up. Audience members. Boo-o-o! [Laughter] I heard it. [Laughter] As far as The President. Well, history has shown I can tell, that means our country must get that Senator Kerry was wrong and President permission before we act in our own defense. Reagan was right. As President, I’ll always work with friends When former President Bush led a coali- and allies. I’ll always build coalitions. But I tion against Saddam Hussein in 1991 because will never turn over America’s national secu- he had invaded Kuwait, Senator Kerry voted rity decisions to leaders of other countries. against the use of force to liberate Kuwait. My opponent says that September the Audience members. Boo-o-o! 11th did not change him much at all. And The President. Well, history has shown that’s clear in his policies. He believes that that Senator Kerry was wrong and former the war on terror is primarily a law enforce- President Bush was right. ment and intelligence gathering operation. In 1994, just one year after the first bomb- September the 11th changed me. I remem- ing of the World Trade Center, Senator ber that day when I was at Ground Zero on Kerry proposed massive cuts in America’s in- September the 14th, 2001. I’ll never forget telligence budget, so massive that even his the sights. I’ll never forget the sounds. I re- colleague, Ted Kennedy, op- member the workers in hardhats yelling at posed them. [Laughter] History shows that me at the top of their lungs, ‘‘Whatever it Senator Kerry was wrong—and let’s be fair takes.’’ I remember the first-responder—I about it—Senator Kennedy was right. can’t remember if he was a firefighter or a [Laughter] policeman—who came out of the rubble, and During the last 20 years in key moments he grabbed me by the arm, and he looked of challenge and decision for America, Sen- me square in the eye, and he said, ‘‘Do not ator Kerry has chosen the position of weak- let me down.’’ Ever since that day, I’ve gotten

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up every morning thinking about how to bet- and American families by keeping the taxes ter protect our country. I will never relent low. in defending America, whatever it takes. Speaking about taxes, my opponent has got The second clear choice in this election some plans for your budget. He’s going to concerns your family budget. When I ran for take a big chunk out of it. He voted against President 4 years ago, I pledged to lower the higher child tax credit, and he voted taxes for American families. And I kept my against the marriage penalty relief. He voted word. We doubled the child credit to $1,000 against lower taxes. If he’d have had his way, per child. We want to help the moms and the average middle-class family would be dads of America do their duty. We reduced paying 2,000 more dollars a year in taxes. the marriage penalty. We believe the Tax Audience members. Boo-o-o! Code ought to encourage marriage, not pe- The President. That’s probably not a lot nalize marriage. We dropped the lowest for some of the folks in Washington. It’s a bracket to 10 percent. We reduced income lot for the folks in Toledo, Ohio. That means taxes for everybody who pays taxes. Real a lot to the people in this part of the world. after-tax income is up 10 percent since I’ve That money helps moms and dads. It helps been the President. That’s money in your our families. pocket. That’s money you can spend. You know, he’s been in the United States I want you to remind your friends and Senate for 20 years, and he’s voted to raise neighbors that the stock market was in seri- taxes 98 times. That’s five times for every ous decline 6 months prior to my arrival in year he’s been in the Senate. I would call Washington. And then we had a recession, that a predictable pattern—[laughter]—a and we had some corporate scandals. We leading indicator. [Laughter] When a Sen- passed tough laws. We have made it abun- ator does something that often, he really dantly clear we will not tolerate dishonesty must like it. [Laughter] And he’s proposed in the boardrooms of America. $2.2 trillion in new spending. That is trillion The attacks of September the 11th cost with a ‘‘T.’’ That’s a lot. That’s a lot even us nearly a million jobs in the 3 months after for a Senator from Massachusetts. [Laughter] that attack. But our economic policies are working. They have led us back to the path So they asked him how he’s going to pay of growth and recovery. Our economy is for it. He said, well, he’s going to tax the growing at rates as fast as any in nearly 20 rich. You know, by raising the top two brack- years. We’ve added 1.9 million new jobs in ets, you’re taxing small-business creators. the last 13 months. Homeownership rates are Most small businesses pay tax at the indi- at an alltime high. Minorities are owning vidual income-tax rate. Seventy percent of their home at rates greater than ever before new jobs in America are created by small in our history. Farm income is up. The entre- businesses. It makes no sense to tax the job preneurial spirit is strong in America. Small creators in America. Running up the tax is businesses are flourishing. The national un- lousy economic policy. employment rate is 5.4 percent. Let me put Let me tell you what else is wrong, and that in perspective for you: That’s lower than you need to tell this to your friends and the average rate of the 1970s, the 1980s, and neighbors. He’s proposed 2.2 trillion in new the 1990s. spending, but when you raise the top two I know people are still struggling here in brackets, you only raise between 600 and 800 Ohio. I understand that. I’ve traveled your billion. So there’s a gap. I would like to call State a lot. I’ve spoken to people. But that it a tax gap, a gap between what he’s prom- doesn’t mean we should get away from pro- ised and what he can pay. And guess who growth economic policies. Quite the con- usually fills the tax gap. trary. We need to keep your taxes low. We Audience member. We do! need to do something about lawsuits. We The President. You do. The good news need to do something about regulatory re- is, we’re not going to let him tax you; we’re form. To keep this economy going, I will em- going to carry Ohio and win on November power our small businesses, our consumers, the 2d.

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The third clear choice in this election in- too many young expectant moms who are volves the quality of life for our families. A concerned about their health care because good education and quality health care are they don’t have a doc close by. And that’s important to a successful life. As a candidate, not right for America. This is a national prob- I pledged to challenge the soft bigotry of low lem that requires a national solution. You expectations by reforming our public schools. cannot be pro-doctor, pro-patient and pro- I kept my word. We passed strong education personal-injury-trial-lawyer at the same time. reforms in Washington. We’re increasing My opponent has made his choice. He voted spending, particularly for low-income stu- against medical liability reform 10 times in dents. But in return for increased spending, the Senate, and he put a personal-injury trial we’re now asking whether or not a child can lawyer on the ticket. read or write and add and subtract. See, we Audience members. Boo-o-o! realize—or we think every child can learn, The President. I have made my choice. and we expect every school to teach. I’m standing with the doctors of Ohio. I’m You cannot solve a problem unless you di- standing with the patients of Ohio. I’m stand- agnose the problem, and we are diagnosing ing with the families of Ohio. I’m for medical and solving problems all across America. Our liability reform. test scores in reading and math are up. We My opponent has got a different point of are closing a achievement gap for minority view when it comes to health care. You might students all across America. And we’re not remember one of the debates when they going to go back to the old days of mediocrity asked him about his health care plan, and and low expectations in our Nation’s school- he said, with a straight face, ‘‘The Govern- rooms. We will continue to work to make sure ment doesn’t have anything to do with it.’’ health care is available and affordable. We’ll I could barely contain myself. [Laughter] make sure health care is available by expand- The Government has got a lot to do with ing community health centers so the poor it. Eighty percent of the people would be and the indigent can get good primary and signed up to a Government program under preventative care in places other than your his vision. When you make it easier for peo- emergency rooms. We’re going to make sure ple to sign up for Medicaid, it means the that children of low-income families are sub- small-business owners will stop writing insur- scribed to our health programs. We want to ance for their employees because the Gov- make sure people get health care in America ernment is going to. That moves people from that can’t afford it. We also want to make the private sector to the public sector. Now, sure it’s affordable. Most of the uninsured when the Government starts writing the work for small businesses. Small businesses checks when it comes to health care, they ought to be allowed to join together, to start making the rules when it comes to spread risk, so they can buy insurance at the health care. And when they start making the same discount that big companies are able rules when it comes to health care, they start to do. making the decisions for you when it comes We will expand health savings accounts, to health care and they make decisions for which will help our families and our small your doctors when it comes to health care. businesses. And to make sure health care is The wrong prescription for American fami- available and affordable in this good State, lies is to federalize health care. we will do something about the frivolous law- In all we do to improve health care for suits that are running up the cost of health our families, we’ll make sure the decisions care and running doctors out of business. are made by doctors and patients, not by offi- I was campaigning in Canton the other cials in Washington, DC. day, and I met two docs who are no longer The fourth clear choice in this election in- practicing medicine because their premiums volves your retirement. Our Nation has made got so high because of the lawsuits. I have a solemn commitment to America’s seniors met too many ob-gyns who are leaving prac- on Social Security and Medicare. When I ran tice because of the lawsuits. And I have met for President 4 years ago, I promised to keep

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that commitment and improve Medicare by The fifth clear choice in this election is adding prescription drugs. I kept my word. on the values that are so crucial to keeping We got the job done for our seniors. Medi- our families strong. I stand for the appoint- care needed to be modernized. Medicare ment of Federal judges who know the dif- would pay thousands of dollars for a heart ference between personal opinion and the surgery but not one dime for the prescription strict interpretation of the law. I stand for drugs that might prevent the heart surgery marriage and family, which are the founda- from being needed in the first place. That tions of our society. I will promote a culture didn’t make any sense to people on Medi- of life, and I proudly signed the ban on par- care. And so I brought Republicans together tial-birth abortion. and Democrats together. I signed a Medicare My opponent’s taken a different point of law. And beginning in 2006, all seniors will view. He voted against the Defense of Mar- be able to get prescription drug coverage riage Act. He voted against the ban on par- under Medicare. And we will keep our prom- tial-birth abortion. ise of Social Security for our seniors. And Audience members. Boo-o-o! we’ll strengthen Social Security for genera- The President. And at one time in this tions to come. campaign, he actually said the heart and soul Now, you might remember the 2000 cam- of America can be found in Hollywood. paign, when they were running the ads and Audience members. Boo-o-o! the fliers and the mailers that said, ‘‘If The President. Most families do not look George W. gets elected, our seniors will not to Hollywood as a source of values. The heart get their checks.’’ Well, as you gather up the and soul of America is found in caring com- vote, please remind your friends and neigh- munities like Toledo, Ohio. bors that George W. did get elected, and the seniors got their checks. And the seniors will All these choices make this one of the most continue to get their checks. And baby important elections in our history. The secu- boomers like me and a couple other people rity and prosperity of our country are at I see out there, we’ll get our checks. stake. The health and education for our fami- But we need to worry about our children lies and our children are at stake. The direc- and our grandchildren. We need to worry tion of our culture is at stake. The decision about whether the Social Security system will is in the best of hands. It’s in the hands of be there when they need it. And that’s why the American people. It’s in your hands. I believe younger workers ought to be able Our country is a strong country. It is a to take some of their own payroll taxes and great country. I see a great day coming for set up a personal savings account, a personal all Americans. One of my favorite quotes is savings account that will earn a better rate from a fellow Texan named Tom Lea. And of return, a personal savings account they call he said, ‘‘Sarah and I live on the east side their own, a personal savings account the of the mountain. It is the sunrise side, not Government cannot take away. the sunset side. It is the side to see the day My opponent’s taken a different approach that is coming, not to see the day that is on this issue. He said he’s going to protect gone.’’ In the course of this campaign, my Social Security. I want you to remind your opponent has spent much of the campaign friends and neighbors that he has voted eight talking about the day that is gone. I’m talking times for higher taxes on Social Security ben- about the day that is coming, a prosperous efits. He can run from his record, but he day, a hopeful day, a compassionate day, and cannot hide. a day when we can achieve the peace we And when it comes to the young genera- so long for for our children and our grand- tion, he’s offered nothing. The job of a Presi- children. dent is to confront problems, not pass them When I campaigned across Ohio 4 years on to future generations and future Presi- ago, I made this pledge, that if I was elected, dents. In a new term, I’ll bring people to- I would uphold the honor and the dignity gether and make sure the Social Security sys- of the office. With your help, with your hard tem is strong for generations to come. work, I will do so for 4 more years.

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Thanks for coming. God bless. Thank you armor and reinforced Humvees to keep our all. troops as safe as possible. This bill also continues the transformation NOTE: The President spoke at 4:30 p.m. at the of our military and funds the technology and SeaGate Convention Centre. In his remarks, he advanced weapons systems we need. And it referred to Gov. Bob Taft and Auditor of State Betty Montgomery of Ohio; Bernadette Restivo keeps our commitment to our troops, military Noe, chairman, Lucas County Republican Party, retirees, reservists, and their families by en- and her husband, Tom; and former President Sad- suring they get the health, housing, and other dam Hussein of Iraq. This item was not received benefits that they deserve. This bill will help in time for publication in the appropriate issue. us continue to strengthen our all-volunteer military.

Remarks on Departure From Toledo NOTE: H.R. 4200, approved October 28, was as- October 29, 2004 signed Public Law No. 108–375. This item was not received in time for publication in the appro- Al Jazeera Videotape of Usama bin Laden priate issue. Earlier today I was informed of the tape that is now being analyzed by America’s intel- Remarks in Columbus, Ohio ligence community. Let me make this very October 29, 2004 clear: Americans will not be intimidated or influenced by an enemy of our country. I’m The President. Thank you all. Thanks for sure Senator Kerry agrees with this. coming. Thank you all for being here. Thank I also want to say to the American people you all for coming. Laura and I are honored that we’re at war with these terrorists, and so many of you came out to say hello. You’ve I am confident that we will prevail. lifted our spirits. Thank you very much. Thank you. I also want to thank Governor Schwarzenegger for coming. It’s such an NOTE: The President spoke at 5:53 p.m. at Toledo Express Airport. A tape was not available for honor to have him here in Columbus and verification of the content of these remarks. This campaigning on my behalf. You know, he and item was not received in time for publication in I share some things in common. We both the appropriate issue. married well. [Laughter] We both have trou- ble speaking the English language. [Laugh- ter] We both got big biceps. [Laughter] Well, Statement on Signing the Ronald W. two out of three ain’t bad. [Laughter] Reagan National Defense It’s great to be back in Columbus. I don’t Authorization Act for Fiscal Year know if you know this or not, but my grand- 2005 father was raised here. So why don’t you send October 29, 2004 a home boy back to Washington? We love campaigning in your State. Ohio is a wonder- Protecting the American people is my ful place. I’m campaigning hard to let people most solemn responsibility, and a superior know that I’ve got an agenda for 4 more U.S. military is essential to that effort and years. to fighting and winning the global war on Perhaps the most important reason why terrorism. The Defense Authorization Act of you ought to put me back into office is so 2005 will continue to strengthen our security that Laura is the First Lady for 4 more years. and ensure that our troops are the best paid, I’m proud of my runningmate, Dick Che- best trained, and best equipped fighting ney. I readily concede that he does not have force in the world. the waviest hair in the race. You’ll be happy We have increased military pay by over 20 to hear I didn’t pick him because of his hair- percent since I came into office, and this leg- do. [Laughter] I picked him because he’s a islation includes the fourth consecutive pay man of sound judgment, excellent experi- raise for our service men and women. It ence. He’s getting the job done for the Amer- funds more protective equipment like body ican people.

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Laura and I are pleased that your Gov- duty of the American President is to protect ernor, Bob Taft, and First Lady Hope Taft the American people. If America shows un- are with us today. Thank you all for coming. certainty or weakness in this decade, the Senator Mike DeWine is with us. Senator, world will drift toward tragedy. This will not thank you for being here. You need to put happen on my watch. George Voinovich back in the United States Since that terrible morning, we have Senate. I want to thank Congressman Pat fought the terrorists across the Earth, not for Tiberi for his leadership. I want to thank pride, not for power but because the lives Congressman Dave Hobson and Carolyn for of our citizens are at stake. Our strategy is being with us today. We’re honored you are clear. We have strengthened our homeland. here. I want to thank my friend Deborah We’re reforming and strengthening our intel- Pryce in the United States Congress, who is ligence capabilities. We are transforming the here. All-Volunteer Army. There will be no draft. I want to thank the Lieutenant Governor, We are relentless. We are determined. We who is with us. The Supreme Court of Ohio are staying on the offense. We’re chasing the Chief Justice is with us. We’ve got a lot of terrorists across the globe so we do not have State and local officials here. We are honored to face them here at home. with your presence. Because we led, Afghanistan is a free Na- I want to thank all the grassroots activists tion and an ally in the war on terror; Pakistan who are here. I want to thank my friend Jo is capturing terrorist leaders; Saudi Arabia is Ann Davidson and Doug Preisse. I want to making raids and arrests. Because we led, thank you all, all of you who are making the Libya is dismantling its weapons programs; phone calls, putting up the signs, and turning the army of a free Iraq is fighting for free- out the vote. dom; and more than three-quarters of Al I’m here to not only ask for your vote; I’m Qaida’s key members and associates have here to ask for your help. I’m here to ask been brought to justice. you to get your friends and neighbors to go And we’ve got another asset at our dis- to the polls. Turn out our fellow Republicans, posal: freedom. We believe—I believe in the fine independents, and discerning Demo- power of liberty. Think about what has hap- crats. Four days to go, and we’re counting pened in a short period of time. Young girls on your help. There’s no doubt in my mind, in Afghanistan couldn’t go to school because with your help, we will carry Ohio again and the Taliban was so barbaric and backward. win a great victory on Tuesday. And if their mothers didn’t toe the line of We have a clear choice—or you have a ideological hatred, they were taken into the clear choice in this campaign, a clear choice public square and whipped and sometimes between two very different candidates, dra- executed in a sports stadium. Because we matically different approaches and different acted in our own interests, because we acted records. You know where I stand, and some- to protect ourselves, because we upheld a times, you even know where my opponent doctrine that said, ‘‘If you harbor a terrorist, stands. [Laughter] We both have records. I you’re just as guilty as the terrorist,’’ millions am proudly running on mine. of people went to the polls to vote for the This election comes down to some clear President of Afghanistan. The first voter was choices for America’s families. The first a 19-year-old woman. choice is the most important because it con- Iraq will have elections in January. Think cerns the security of your family. All progress how far that country has come from the days on every issue depends on the safety of our of torture chambers and mass graves. Free- families. Americans will go to the polls in a dom is on the march. Freedom is taking time of war and ongoing threats unlike any place around this world, and America is more we have faced before. The terrorists who secure for it. I believe everybody longs to killed thousands of innocent people are still be free. I believe deep in everybody’s soul, dangerous and determined to strike. The out- there’s a yearning to live in a free society. come of this election will set the direction I believe all these things because freedom of the war against terror. The most solemn is not America’s gift to the world; freedom

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is the Almighty God’s gift to each man and most illustrative one of them all was when woman in this world. he said, ‘‘The whole thing was a complicated A President has to lead our country with matter.’’ [Laughter] My fellow citizens, there consistency and strength. In a war, some- is nothing complicated about supporting our times your tactics change but not your prin- troops in combat. ciples. Americans have seen how I do my Unfortunately, my opponent, tonight, con- job. Even when you might not agree with tinued to say things he knows are not true, me, you know what I believe and where I accusing our military of passing up a chance stand and where I intend to lead this country. to get Usama bin Laden in Tora Bora. As On good days and on bad days, whether the the commander in charge of that operation, polls are up or the polls are down, I am deter- Tommy Franks, has said, ‘‘It’s simply not the mined to lead this Nation and win the war case.’’ It’s the worst kind of Monday morning on terror. quarterbacking. It is especially shameful in And I will always support the United the light of a new tape from America’s States military. I want to thank those who enemy. Our commander in Afghanistan, wear our Nation’s uniform. I want to thank Tommy Franks, recently said, ‘‘The Senator’s our military families who are here. I want understanding of events does not square with to thank the veterans who have set such a reality.’’ General Franks said America’s Spe- great example for our military. And I want cial Forces were actively involved in the to assure our military and their families and search for the terrorists in Tora Bora. And our veterans, we will make sure our troops intelligence reports at the time placed bin have that which they need to complete their Laden in any of several different countries. missions. As General Franks said, ‘‘If we’d ever known That’s why I went to the United States where bin Laden was, we would have gotten Congress and asked for $87 billion of supple- him.’’ mental funding, necessary funding to support Before Senator Kerry got into political dif- our troops in harm’s way. We got great bipar- ficulty and revised his views, he saw our ac- tisan support for that request. Only 12 tions in Tora Bora differently. In the fall of United States Senators voted against the 2001, on national TV, he said, quote, ‘‘I think funding for our troops, 2 of whom were my we have been doing this pretty effectively, opponent and his runningmate. and we should continue to do it that way.’’ Audience members. Boo-o-o! Senator Kerry also went on to say about Tora The President. When you’re out gath- Bora on national TV, ‘‘I think we’ve been ering the vote over the next 4 days, when smart. I think the administration leadership you’re rounding up people to go to the polls, has done it well, and we are on the right remind them of this statistic: Only four Mem- track.’’ I couldn’t have said it better myself. bers of the voted to au- Senator Kerry’s record on national security thorize the use of force and then voted has a far deeper problem than election-year against providing the funding necessary for flip-flopping. On the largest national security our troops in combat. Two of those four were issues of our time, he has been consistently my opponent and his runningmate. wrong. When Ronald Reagan was con- Audience members. Boo-o-o! fronting the Soviet Union at the height of The President. You might remember the the cold war, Senator Kerry said that Presi- most famous quote of the 2004 campaign. dent Reagan’s policy of peace through When asked about his vote on the $87 billion, strength was making America less safe. Senator Kerry said, ‘‘I actually did vote for Audience members. Boo-o-o! the 87 billion, before I voted against it.’’ The President. History has shown that Audience members. Boo-o-o! Senator Kerry was wrong and President Ron- The President. Now, I haven’t spent a lot ald Reagan was right. of time in Columbus, but I doubt we’re going When former President Bush led a coali- to find many people here who talk that way. tion against Saddam Hussein in 1991, Sen- [Laughter] He’s given several explanations ator Kerry voted against the use of force to since about his $87 billion vote. Perhaps the liberate Kuwait.

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Audience members. Boo-o-o! America’s national security decisions to lead- The President. History has shown that ers of other countries. Senator Kerry was wrong and former Presi- We have a difference of opinion as to how dent Bush was right. to protect you on this crucial issue. My oppo- In 1994, just one year after the first bomb- nent said that September the 11th did not ing of the World Trade Center, Senator change him much at all. September the 11th Kerry proposed massive cuts in America’s in- changed me a lot. I’ll never forget the day telligence budget, so massive that even his I stood in the ruins of the Twin Towers on Massachusetts colleague, Ted Kennedy, op- September the 14th, 2001. I’ll never forget posed them. the sights and sounds of that day, the workers Audience members. Boo-o-o! in hardhats who were yelling at me at the The President. History has shown that top of their lungs, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ The Senator Kerry was wrong—and we have got worker came out of the rubble—policeman to be fair—Senator Kennedy was right. or a fireman, I’m not sure which one—who [Laughter] grabbed me by the arm. He looked me square in the eye. He said, ‘‘Do not let me During the last 20 years, in key moments down.’’ From that day forward, I get up every of challenge and decision for America, Sen- morning thinking about how to better protect ator Kerry has chosen the position of weak- our families. I will never relent in defending ness and inaction. With that record, he stands America, whatever it takes. in opposition not just to me but to the great The second clear choice in this election tradition of the Democratic Party. The party concerns your family’s budget. When I ran of Franklin Roosevelt, the party of Harry for President 4 years ago, I pledged to lower Truman, the party of John Kennedy is rightly taxes for America’s families. I kept my word. remembered for confidence and resolve in We doubled the child credit to $1,000 per times of war and hours of crisis. Senator child to help moms and dads. We reduced Kerry has turned his back on ‘‘pay any price’’ the marriage penalty. We believe the Tax and ‘‘bear any burden,’’ and he’s replaced Code ought to encourage, not penalize mar- those commitments with ‘‘wait and see’’ and riage. We dropped the lowest tax bracket to ‘‘cut and run.’’ 10 percent. We reduced income taxes on ev- Audience members. Boo-o-o! erybody who pays income taxes. The President. Many Democrats in this I want you to remind your friends and country do not recognize their party any- neighbors about this fact: When I came into more, and today, I want to speak to every office, the stock market had been in serious once of them: If you believe that America decline for 6 months; and we faced a reces- should lead with strength and purpose and sion and corporate scandals; and the attacks confidence in our ideals, I would be honored of September the 11th cost us about a million to have your support, and I am asking for jobs in the 3 months after that fateful day. your vote. But our economic policies are working. We have a difference of opinion. We have Because we increased consumption and en- a difference of opinion how—as how to pro- couraged investment, our economy is grow- tect our families. My opponent said America ing at rates as fast as any in nearly 20 years. must submit to what he calls a ‘‘global test’’ We added 1.9 million new jobs in the last before we commit our troops. 13 months. The entrepreneurial spirit in Audience members. Boo-o-o! America is strong. Small businesses are flour- The President. I’m not making that up. ishing all across Ohio. Farm income is up [Laughter] He was standing about three in Ohio. The homeownership rate is at an yards away when he said it. I couldn’t believe alltime high. More minority families own a it either. As far as I tell, that means our coun- home than ever before in our Nation’s his- try must get permission before we act in our tory. The national unemployment rate is 5.4 own defense. As President, I’ll build on alli- percent. Let me put that in perspective for ances. We’ll continue to work with our you: That’s lower than the average rate of friends and allies, but I will never turn over the 1970s, the 1980s, and the 1990s.

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I fully understand there are still people forming our public schools. I kept my word. hurting in the great State of Ohio, but we’re We passed good education reforms. We be- heading in the right direction. Your unem- lieve every child can learn, and we expect ployment rate dropped from 6.3 percent to every child, every school to teach. We in- 6 percent in the month of September, and creased Federal spending. But in return for we added 5,500 new jobs. We’re headed in Federal increases, we now expect State and the right direction. local jurisdictions to measure. We under- My opponent has plans for your family stand you cannot solve a problem until you budget. He intends to take a big chunk out diagnose the problem. And we are diagnosing of it. and we are solving problems all across Amer- Audience members. Boo-o-o! ica. Test scores are up in reading and math. The President. He voted against the high- We’re closing an achievement gap for minor- er child tax credit. He voted against marriage ity students. And we will not go back to the penalty relief. He voted against lower taxes. days of low expectations and mediocrity in If he’d have had his way, the average Amer- our classrooms. ican family would be paying $2,000 more in We’ll continue to improve life for our fam- Federal taxes. ilies by making health care affordable and Audience members. Boo-o-o! accessible. We’ll make sure the poor and the The President. That may not sound like indigent get good health care in community a lot to some of them in Washington, but health centers. We’ll make sure our program it’s a lot for families right here in Columbus, for children of low-income families is fully Ohio. It helps moms and dads. It helps the subscribed. To make sure health care is af- small-business owners. You know, my oppo- fordable, we must allow small businesses to nent has been in the Senate for 20 years and join together across jurisdictional boundaries he voted to raise taxes 98 times. so they can buy insurance at the same dis- Audience members. Boo-o-o! counts big companies are able to do. We will The President. That’s five times for every expand health savings accounts to help our year in the Senate. I’d call that a predictable small businesses and our families. pattern, a leading indicator. During this cam- And to make sure health care is available paign, he’s also made a lot of promises. He’s and affordable for citizens of Ohio, we will promised $2.2 trillion in new Federal spend- do something about the frivolous lawsuits ing. That’s trillion with a ‘‘T.’’ That’s a lot that are running up the cost of health care. even for a Senator from Massachusetts. I have met too many ob-gyns who are having So they asked him, ‘‘How are you going to leave practice because of increased pre- to pay for it?’’ And he said, ‘‘Oh, we’ll just miums due to lawsuits. I have met too many tax the rich.’’ You’ve heard that before. Be expectant moms who are deeply concerned wary. See, you raise, when you run up the about getting the health care they need. This top two brackets, between 600 and 800 bil- litigation problem is a national problem. You lion dollars. That is far short of the 2.2 trillion cannot be pro-doctor, pro-patient, and pro- he’s promised. I would call that a tax gap. personal-injury-trial-lawyer at the same time. That’s the gap between what he’s promised My opponent has made his choice. He voted and what he says he can deliver. And guess against medical liability reform 10 times and who usually gets to fill the tax gap? he put a personal-injury trial lawyer on the Audience members. We do! ticket. The President. Yes, you do. The good Audience members. Boo-o-o! news is, he is not going to tax you; we’re The President. I have made my choice. going to carry Ohio and win a great victory. I’m standing with the doctors of Ohio. I’m Third—the third clear choice in this elec- standing with the families of Ohio. I’m for tion involves the quality of life for our Na- medical liability reform. tion’s families. A good education and quality Senator Kerry has got a different idea health care are important to a successful life. about health care. You might remember in As candidate for President, I pledged to end the debate when he looked square in the the soft bigotry of low expectations by re- camera and he said about his health care

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plan, ‘‘The Government didn’t have anything continue to get their checks. And baby to do with it.’’ I could barely contain myself. boomers like me and Arnold—[laughter]— [Laughter] The Government has got a lot to we’re in pretty good shape when it comes do with it. Eighty percent of the people who to Social Security. are signed up under his program end up on But we need to worry about our children a Government plan. If you make it easier for and our grandchildren. We need to worry people to be on Medicaid, it is likely small- about whether Social Security will be there business owners will drop insurance for their for them. And that is why I believe younger employees because the Government will pro- workers ought to be allowed to take some vide it. See, you’re moving people from the of their payroll taxes and set up a personal private sector to Government plans. When savings account, an account that earns a the Government writes the check, the Gov- greater rate of interest, an account you own ernment makes the rules. And when the Gov- and an account the Government can never ernment is making the rules about your take away. health care, the Government starts making My opponent takes a different approach. decisions for you and they make decisions You know, he said he’s going to protect Social for your doctors. The wrong prescription for Security. But tell your friends and neighbors American families is to federalize our health that he voted eight times for higher taxes on care. In all we do to improve our family’s Social Security benefits. health care, we will make sure the decisions Audience members. Boo-o-o! are made by doctors and patients, not by offi- The President. Like on other issues, he cials in Washington, DC. can run, but he cannot hide. The fourth clear choice involves your re- And he’s offered nothing for the next gen- tirement. Our Nation has made a solemn eration when it comes to Social Security. The commitment to America’s seniors on Social job of the President is to confront problems, Security and Medicare. When I ran for Presi- not to pass them on to future Presidents and dent 4 years ago, I promised to keep that future generations. In a new term, I will commitment and improve Medicare by add- bring people together so that we modernize ing prescription drug coverage. I kept my and strengthen Social Security for genera- word. Medicare needed to be changed. See, tions to come. we would pay thousands of dollars for a heart The final choice in this election is on the surgery but not one dime for the prescription values that are crucial to keeping our families drugs that could prevent the heart surgery strong. I believe marriage is a sacred institu- from being needed in the first place. That tion. I will promote a culture of life and didn’t make any sense to our seniors. So I proudly signed the ban on partial-birth abor- brought Republicans and Democrats to- tion. And I stand for the appointment of Fed- gether. We modernized Medicare for our eral judges who know the difference between seniors, and beginning in 2006, seniors will personal opinion and the strict interpretation get prescription drug coverage under Medi- of the law. care. All these choices make this one of the most And we’ll keep the promise of Social Secu- important elections in our history. The secu- rity for our seniors, and we will strengthen rity and prosperity of our country are at Social Security for generations to come. stake. The health of our families is at stake. Now, you might remember the 2000 cam- The education of our children is at stake. And paign when they started running those ads the direction of our culture is at stake. And and putting out the leaflets and flyers that the decision is in the best of hands. The deci- said this to our seniors: ‘‘If George W. gets sion is in the hands of the American people. elected, our seniors will not get their checks.’’ One of my favorite quotes was written by So when you’re out there rounding up the a fellow Texan named Tom Lea. He said, vote, when you’re working hard over the next ‘‘Sarah and I live on the east side of the 4 days, remind your friends and neighbors mountain. It is the sunrise side, not the sun- that George W. did get elected, and the sen- set side. It is the side to see the day that iors did get their checks. And our seniors will is coming, not to see the day that is gone.’’

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My opponent has spent much of this cam- our free society, we have an obligation, I paign talking about the day that is gone. I’m think, to go to the polls and express our opin- talking about the day that’s coming. ions. So I’m here to ask you to convince your I see a day where prosperity reaches every friends and neighbors to do their duty. Make corner of America. I see a day where every sure our fellow Republicans go to the polls. child is able to read and write and add and Make sure independents go to the polls. subtract. I see a day in which this world be- Make sure discerning Democrats go to the comes more peaceful and we’re able to polls. And when you get them headed to the achieve the peace we all dream for for our polls, remind them, if they want a safer children and our grandchildren. America and a stronger America and a better When I campaigned across your State in America, to put me and Dick Cheney back 2000, I made you this pledge, that if I got in office. elected, I would uphold the honor and the I enjoy traveling our country. I enjoy talk- integrity of the office. With your help, with ing to the people. I love to tell the people your hard work, I will do so for 4 more years. what I am going to do for the next 4 years. God bless. Thanks for coming. Thank you Perhaps the most important reason to put all. me in, though, is to make sure Laura is the First Lady for 4 more years. NOTE: The President spoke at 7:27 p.m. at the Nationwide Arena. In his remarks, he referred to Audience members. Laura! Laura! Laura! Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California; Gov. The President. I am proud of my Bob Taft of Ohio and his wife, Hope; Carolyn runningmate, Dick Cheney. I readily con- Hobson, wife of Congressman David Hobson; Lt. cede he does not have the waviest hair in Gov. Jennette B. Bradley of Ohio; Chief Justice this race. [Laughter] But I know the people Thomas J. Moyer of the Supreme Court of Ohio; of western Michigan will be pleased to hear Jo Ann Davidson, Ohio Valley regional chairman, I didn’t pick him because of his hairdo. I Bush-Cheney ’04, Inc.; Doug Preisse, chairman, Franklin County Republican Party Executive picked him because of his judgment. I picked Committee; Gen. Tommy R. Franks, USA, (Ret.), him because of his experience. He’s getting former combatant commander, U.S. Central the job done for the American people. Command; Usama bin Laden, leader of the Al I want to thank my friend Betsy DeVos Qaida terrorist organization; and former President for her leadership and her community spirit. Saddam Hussein of Iraq. This item was not re- I want to thank the DeVos family for joining ceived in time for publication in the appropriate us today. issue. I want to thank my friend Congressman Peter Hoekstra for joining us today. Pete, I’m Remarks in Grand Rapids, Michigan glad you’re here; his wife, Diane, is here; other family members are here. I look for- October 30, 2004 ward to working with the chairman of a really The President. Thank you all for coming. important committee to make sure our intel- Thanks for taking time out of your Saturday ligence gathering works, to make sure Amer- morning to come by and say hello. Laura and ica can stay secure. Appreciate your service, I are honored to be back in western Michi- Pete. I want to thank Congressman Vern gan. You’ve lifted our spirits. We’re proud Ehlers for joining us today. Congressman, to be in a home of a fine former President, we’re proud you’re here. Thank you for rep- President , and a great First resenting this district with such distinction Lady in Betty Ford. I know you honor their and honor. service to our country, as do Laura and I. I want to thank the attorney general, Mike We’re here to ask for your vote, and I’m here Cox, and Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land to ask for your help. for joining us. Audience members. Four more years! I want to thank all the local and State offi- Four more years! Four more years! cials who are here. I want to thank all the The President. We’re close to voting time. people who have thrown their hat in the ring We have a duty in our country to vote. In and are running for office.

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I want to thank the Sparta High School mangle the English language. I get that from Marching Band for joining us today, the my father. [Laughter] But Americans have Western Michigan Home School Northern learned also that even when you might not Lights Marching Band. I want to thank agree with me, you know where I stand. You Daron Norwood for singing for you today. know what I believe, and you know where He’s good, isn’t he? I’m going to lead. But most of all, I want to thank you all You cannot say that about my opponent. and the grassroots activists, the people put- Audience members. Boo-o-o! ting up the signs, the people making the The President. I think it’s fair to say, con- phone calls. I know how much work it re- sistency is not his long suit. And next Tues- quires to get a crowd this big, and I thank day, the American people will go to the polls. you for what you have done. I want to thank They will be voting for vision. They will be you for what you’re going to do. You’re going voting for consistency. They will be voting to turn out a big vote in western Michigan, for conviction. And no doubt in my mind, * and we’ll carry this State on November 2d. they’ll be voting for Bush/Cheney. This election takes place in a time of great This election comes down to five clear consequence. The person who sits in the choices for the American people. The first Oval Office for the next 4 years will set the clear choice is the most important because course of the war on terror and the direction it concerns the security of your family. All of our economy. America will need strong, progress on every other issue depends on the determined, optimistic leadership, and I’m safety of our citizens. The will—this will be ready for the work ahead. the first Presidential election since Sep- My 4 years as your President have con- tember the 11th, 2001. Americans will go to firmed some lessons and taught me some the polls in a time of war and ongoing threats new lessons. I’ve learned to expect the unex- unlike any we have faced before. The terror- pected, because war and emergency can ar- ists who killed thousands of innocent people rive on a quiet autumn morning. I’ve learned are still dangerous, and they are determined. firsthand how hard it is to send young men The outcome of this election will set the di- and women into battle, even when the cause rection of the war against terror. The most is right. I’ve been grateful for the lesson I’ve solemn duty of the American President is to learned from my parents, respect every per- protect the American people. If America son and do your best and live every day to shows any uncertainty or weakness in this its fullest. I’ve been strengthened by my faith decade, the world will drift toward tragedy. and humbled by its reminder that every life This will not happen on my watch. is a part of a larger story. I’ve learned how Since that terrible morning of September a President needs to lead, as Presidents from the 11th, 2001, we have fought the terrorists Lincoln to Roosevelt to Reagan so clearly across the Earth, not for pride, not for power demonstrated. but because the lives of our citizens are at A President must not shift in the wind. stake. Our strategy is clear. We have A President has to make tough decisions and strengthened protections for the homeland. stand by them. The role of the American We’re reforming and strengthening our intel- President is not to follow the path of the lat- ligence services. We are transforming our est polls. The role of the President is to lead military. There will be no draft. The All-Vol- based upon principle and conviction and con- unteer Army will remain an all-volunteer science. Especially in dangerous times, army. We are determined. We are steadfast. mixed signals only confuse our friends and We are staying on the offensive against the embolden our enemies. Mixed signals are the terrorists across the globe so we do not have wrong signals for the American President to to face them here at home. send. Our strategy is succeeding. As the Sep- The last 4 years, Americans have learned tember the 11th Commission pointed out, we a few things about me as well. Sometimes, are safer but not yet safe. But because we I’m a little too blunt. [Laughter] I get that from my mother. [Laughter] Sometimes I * White House correction.

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led, Afghanistan is a free nation and now an tary, and I want to thank those who wear ally in the war on terror. Because we led, our uniform for your service to our country. Pakistan is capturing terrorists; Saudi Arabia I want to thank the military families who are is making raids and arrests; Libya is disman- here, for your sacrifice and service. And I tling its weapons programs; the army of a want to thank the veterans who are here who free Iraq is fighting for freedom; and more have set such a great example for those who than three-quarters of Al Qaida’s key mem- wear the uniform. And I will assure you, in bers and associates have been brought to jus- a new term, I will keep the commitment I tice. have made to support our troops in harm’s And part of our strategy to make sure our way. children and our grandchildren grow up in I went to the Congress in September of a peaceful world is to spread freedom. I be- 2003, asking for $87 billion to support our lieve in the transformational power of liberty. troops in combat. It was very important fund- I believe liberty can transform societies. ing. We got great support—Pete might re- Think about what has happened in Af- member—overwhelming bipartisan support. ghanistan in a relatively brief period of time. Only 12 Members of the United States Sen- It wasn’t all that long ago that young girls ate voted against it, 2 of whom were my op- were not allowed to go to school and their ponent and his runningmate. I want you—— mothers were taken into the public square Audience members. Boo-o-o! and whipped because of these ideologues of The President. When you’re out gath- hate called the Taliban. Because we acted ering up the vote, remind people of this sta- in our own self-interest, because we acted tistic, this fact: Four Members of the Senate to uphold a doctrine I outlined which said, voted to authorize force and then voted ‘‘If you harbor a terrorist, you’re equally as against the funding necessary to support our guilty as the terrorist,’’ because we acted to troops in harm’s way, two of whom—two of secure the American people, millions of citi- those four—were my opponent and his zens voted in a Presidential election in Af- runningmate. ghanistan. And the first voter was a 19-year- Audience members. Boo-o-o! old woman. The President. You might remember Despite the horrific acts of the terrorists what he said when they asked him about why in Iraq, there are going to be free elections he made the vote. Senator Kerry said, ‘‘I ac- in Iraq in January. And think how far that tually did vote for the 87 billion, before I country has come from the days of torture voted against it.’’ I haven’t spent nearly as chambers and mass graves. Freedom is on much time in this part of the world as you the march. Freedom is on the move around have, but I can assure you, you’re not going the world, and that’s important. Free soci- to find many people in Grand Rapids, Michi- eties will be peaceful societies. Free societies gan, who talks that way. will join us in fighting the terrorists instead You know, he’s given several answers on of harboring the terrorists. I believe every that vote since then. Perhaps the most reveal- soul wants to be free in this world. Freedom ing of all was when he just said, ‘‘The whole is not America’s gift to the world. Freedom thing was a complicated matter.’’ My fellow is the Almighty God’s gift to each man and Americans, there’s nothing complicated woman in this world. about supporting our troops in combat. A President must lead this country with My opponent has had a propensity to consistency and strength. In a war, some- change positions in this campaign. His posi- times your tactics change but never your tions are like the weather here in western principles. Americans have seen how I do my Michigan. [Laughter] You don’t like it, wait job. On good days and on bad days, when a little bit, and it will change. the polls are up or the polls are down, I am Senator Kerry said that we’re better off determined to protect this country. And I will with Saddam Hussein out of power, except always support the men and women who when he declares that removing Saddam wear our Nation’s uniform. I am proud to Hussein made us less safe. He stated in our be the Commander in Chief of a great mili- second debate he always believed Saddam

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was a threat—except, a few questions later, Audience members. Four more years! when he said Saddam Hussein was not a Four more years! Four more years! threat. He says he was right when he voted The President. There are big differences to authorize the use of force against Saddam in this campaign when it comes to your fam- Hussein, but I was wrong to use force against ily’s security. Senator Kerry said that America Saddam Hussein. must submit to what he calls a ‘‘global test.’’ His record on national security has a far Audience members. Boo-o-o! deeper problem than election-year flip-flops. The President. I’m not making that up. One of the largest national security issues of He said it in a debate. I was surprised, like our time—on the largest national issues of you were. [Laughter] As far as I can tell, it our time, he has been consistently wrong. means our country must get permission from When Ronald Reagan was confronting the foreign capitals before we act in our own de- Soviet Union at the height of the cold war, fense. I will work with our allies. I will Senator Kerry said that President Reagan’s strengthen our alliances. I will work with our policy of peace through strength was making friends, but I will never turn over America’s America less safe. Well, history has shown national security decisions to leaders of other that Senator Kerry was wrong and President countries. Reagan was right. We have a difference of opinion. My oppo- When former President Bush led a coali- nent was quoted as saying that September tion against Saddam Hussein in 1991, Sen- the 11th did not change him much at all. ator Kerry voted against the use of force to His policies make that clear. He says the war liberate Kuwait. History has shown that Sen- on terror is primarily a law enforcement and ator Kerry was wrong and former President intelligence gathering operation. September Bush was right. the 11th changed my outlook. I remember In 1994, just one year after the first bomb- the day I went to the ruins of the Twin Tow- ing of the World Trade Center, Senator ers on September the 14th, 2001. The sights Kerry proposed massive cuts in America’s and sounds will be with me forever. I remem- budget, so massive that even his Massachu- ber the workers in hardhats yelling at me at setts colleague, Ted Kennedy, opposed them. the top of their lungs, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ History has shown that Senator Kerry was I remember looking the man square in the wrong and—let’s be fair about it—Senator eye who came out of the rubble. He grabbed Kennedy was right. me by my arm, and he said, ‘‘Do not let me During the last 20 years, in key moments down.’’ Ever since that day, I wake up every of challenge and decision, Senator Kerry has morning trying to better figure out how to chosen the path of weakness and inaction. better protect America. I will never relent With that record, he stands in opposition not in defending our country, whatever it takes. just to me but to the great tradition of the The second clear choice in this election Democratic Party. The party of Franklin concerns your family’s budget. When I ran Roosevelt, the party of Harry Truman, the for President 4 years ago, I pledged to lower party of John Kennedy is rightly remembered taxes for America’s families. I kept my word. for confidence and resolve in times of war We doubled the child credit to $1,000 per and in hours of crisis. Senator Kerry has child. We reduced the marriage penalty. We turned his back on ‘‘pay any price’’ and ‘‘bear think the Tax Code ought to encourage mar- any burden,’’ and he has replaced those com- riage, not penalize marriage. We dropped the mitments with ‘‘wait and see’’ and ‘‘cut and lowest bracket to 10 percent. We reduced run.’’ income taxes for everybody who pays taxes. Many Democrats in this country do not Our plans are working. recognize their party anymore, and today, I When you round up the vote, remind peo- want to speak to every one of them. If you ple about what this economy has been believe that America should lead with through. Six months prior to my arrival in strength and purpose and confidence in our Washington, the stock market was in serious ideals, I would be honored to have your sup- decline. Then we had a recession. Then we port, and I am asking for your vote. had corporate scandals. And then the attacks

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of September the 11th cost us a million jobs thing, you know, ‘‘We’re just going to tax the in the 3 months after those attacks. rich.’’ But our economic policies have led us back Two things wrong with that. One is, most to growth. This economy of ours is growing small businesses pay individual income taxes. at rates as fast as any in nearly 20 years. Most small businesses are sole proprietor- We’ve added 1.9 million new jobs in the last ships and Subchapter S corporations. Seventy 13 months. The national unemployment rate percent of the new jobs in America are cre- is 5.4 percent. That’s lower than the average ated by small businesses. So when you run rate of the 1970s, the 1980s, and the 1990s. up the top two brackets like he has promised Homeownership rate is at an alltime high in to do, you’re taxing the job creators, and America. More minority families own their that’s lousy economic policy. own home, and that’s better for our country. And here’s something you need to be wary Michigan farmers are making a living. The about. When you talk about top—raising the entrepreneurial spirit is strong. The small- top two brackets, you’re only raising between business sector is alive and well in America. 600 and 800 billion dollars. I say ‘‘only’’ be- People are still hurting in the State of cause he’s promised 2.2 trillion. So there’s Michigan. I know that. I’ve traveled here a a tax gap. That would be a gap between what lot. I’ve heard the stories. But the funda- he has promised and what he can deliver. mental question is, which candidate can con- And given his record, you probably can guess tinue to grow this economy? Who’s got the who is going to have to fill that tax gap. You pro-growth, pro-entrepreneur, pro-small- are. But don’t worry about it. We’re going business plan? And that’s George W. Bush. to carry Michigan, and he’s not going to be able to tax you. My opponent has very different plans for The third clear choice in this election in- your family’s budget. He intend to take a big volves the quality of life for our Nation’s fam- chunk out of it. ilies. A good education and quality health Audience members. Boo-o-o! care are important for a successful life. As The President. He voted against the high- a candidate, I pledged to challenge the soft er child tax credit. He voted against marriage bigotry of low expectations by reforming our penalty relief. He voted against reducing in- public schools. As President, I kept my word. come taxes. If he had had his way over the The No Child Left Behind Act is substan- past 3 years, the average Michigan family tial reform. In return for extra help from the would be paying $2,000 per year more to the Federal Government, we now demand ac- Federal Government. countability in our classrooms. You know Audience members. Boo-o-o! why? Because we believe every child can The President. Now, I know that doesn’t learn, and we expect every school to teach. sound like a lot to some of them in Wash- You cannot solve a problem until you diag- ington, but it’s a lot for families right here nose the problem, and we’re making diag- in Grand Rapids. It helps moms and dads. noses all across our country, and we’re solv- That money helps our small businesses cre- ing problems. Test scores are up in reading ate new jobs. My opponent has been in the and math. We’re closing achievement gaps Senate for 20 years, and he’s voted to raise for our minority students all across America. taxes 98 times. That’s about five times per And we’re not going to go back to the days year in the Senate. I’d call that a predictable of low standards and mediocrity in our class- pattern—[laughter]—a leading indicator. rooms. [Laughter] A Senator does something that We’ll continue to improve life for our fam- often, he must really like it. [Laughter] Dur- ilies by making health care more accessible ing this campaign, he’s also promised $2.2 and more affordable. We will take care of trillion in Federal spending. That’s trillion the poor and the indigent by spreading com- with a ‘‘T.’’ [Laughter] That’s a lot. Even for munity health centers. We will make sure our a Senator from Massachusetts, that’s a lot. programs for children with—from low-in- [Laughter] So they asked him, ‘‘How are you come families are fully subscribed. We want going to pay for it?’’ He said that same old to help people get health care.

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But we also understand we’ve got to make health care. And when they start writing the it more affordable, and here are three com- rules when it comes to health care, they start monsense ways to do so. Small businesses making decisions for you when it comes to ought to be allowed to join together to share your health care and they start making deci- risk, so they can buy insurance at the same sions for the doctors when it comes to health discounts that big companies are able to do. care. The wrong prescription for American We will expand health savings accounts to families when it comes to their health care help our families and our small businesses is to federalize health care. better afford insurance and plans that enable In all we do to improve health care, we you to manage your health care. And finally, will make sure the decisions are made by we will do something about the frivolous law- doctors and patients, not by officials in Wash- suits that are running good docs out of prac- ington, DC. tice and running the cost of health care up. The fourth clear choice in this election in- I have met too many ob-gyns in our coun- volves your retirement. Our Nation has made try who are having to quit the practice of a solemn commitment to America’s seniors medicine because these lawsuits have driven on Social Security and Medicare. When I ran their premiums sky-high. I’ve met too many for President 4 years ago, I promised to keep expectant moms who have told me about that commitment and improve Medicare by their concerns about getting quality health adding prescription drug coverage. I have care because their doctor is no longer in kept my word. Medicare needed to be mod- practice. We have a national problem when ernized. The Government would pay thou- it comes to medical liability reform. I don’t sands of dollars for the heart surgery under think you can be pro-patient and pro-doctor Medicare but not a dime for the prescription and pro-personal-injury-trial-lawyer at the drugs that could prevent the heart surgery same time. I think you have to make a choice. from being needed in the first place. We My opponent has made his choice. He voted brought people together. We strengthened 10 times against medical liability reform, and and modernized the system. And beginning he put a personal-injury trial lawyer on the in 2006, our seniors will be able to get pre- ticket. scription drug coverage under Medicare. Audience members. Boo-o-o! And when it comes to Social Security, we The President. I have made my choice. will keep the promise of Social Security for I’m standing with the doctors of Michigan. our seniors, and we will strengthen Social Se- I’m standing with the patients of Michigan. curity for generations to come. When you’re I am for real medical liability reform. gathering up the vote, remind your friends Senator Kerry’s got a different point of and neighbors about what took place in the view when it comes to health. You might re- 2000 campaign. They said by TV and by flier member one of the debates. And they asked and by word of mouth that, ‘‘If George W. him about his health care plan. He looked got elected, our seniors would not get their square in the camera, and he said, ‘‘The Gov- checks.’’ You might remember that aspect of ernment doesn’t have anything to do with it.’’ the 2000 campaign. Well, George W. got I could barely contain myself. [Laughter] elected, and our seniors got their checks. And The Government has got a lot to do with our seniors will continue to get their checks. it. Eighty percent of the people under his And baby boomers like me and a couple oth- plan would end up on a Government-run ers out there I see, we will get our checks. program. When you make it easier for people The Social Security system is in good shape to sign up on Medicaid, it means small busi- for the seniors and baby boomers. nesses are likely to drop coverage for their But we need to worry about our children employees because the Government will pro- and our grandchildren when it comes to So- vide the coverage. People move from the pri- cial Security. We need to worry about wheth- vate sector to the Government sector under er or not Social Security will be there when his plan. And when Government writes the they need it. And therefore, I think younger checks when it comes to health care, they workers ought to be allowed to take some start writing the rules when it comes to of their personal savings account—some of

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their payroll taxes and set up a personal sav- of this campaign, my opponent has spent ings account, an account they call their own, much of the campaign talking about the day an account the Government cannot take that is gone. I’m talking about the day that’s away. coming. My opponent has taken a different ap- I see a great day coming for our country. proach about Social Security. He told the I see a day when prosperity reaches every people he’s going to strengthen Social Secu- corner of America. I see a day where every rity, but remind your friends and neighbors, child is able to read and write. I see a day he voted to tax Social Security benefits eight in which this world becomes more peaceful. times. I see a day in which we achieve the peace Audience members. Boo-o-o! we all long for, for our children and our The President. And he hasn’t offered any- grandchildren. thing for the younger Americans when it When I campaigned across your State in comes to modernizing the system. The job 2000, I made this pledge: I said if I won, of a President is to confront problems, not I would uphold the honor and the dignity to pass them on to future Presidents and fu- of the office to which I had been elected. ture generations. In a new term, I will bring With your help, with your hard work, I will people together, and we will strengthen the do so for 4 more years. Social Security system for generations to God bless. Thank you all. come. The fifth clear choice in this election is NOTE: The President spoke at 9:55 a.m. at DeVos on the values that are crucial to keeping our Place. In his remarks, he referred to Betsy DeVos, families strong. I believe marriage and family chairman, Michigan Republican Party; country are the foundation of our society. I will pro- music entertainer Daron Norwood; and former mote a culture of life, and I proudly signed President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. He also re- the ban on partial-birth abortion. I stand for ferred to the National Commission on Terrorist the appointment of Federal judges who know Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commis- the difference between personal opinion and sion). the strict interpretation of the law. My opponent and I differ. He voted against the ban on partial-birth abortion. He The President’s Radio Address voted against the Defense of Marriage Act, October 30, 2004 and at one point in this campaign, he said that the heart and soul of America can be Good morning. In just a few days, Ameri- found in Hollywood. cans will choose who will lead our country Audience members. Boo-o-o! during a time of war and economic oppor- The President. Most families do not look tunity. And the choice on Tuesday comes to Hollywood as a source for values. The down to a few issues of great consequence. heart and soul of America is found in com- The first choice is the most important, be- munities like Grand Rapids, Michigan. cause all our progress depends on our safety. I’m optimistic about the future of our Since September the 11th, 2001, I have country. You know, when you’re running for led a relentless campaign against the terror- President, anger is not an agenda, and a lit- ists. We have strengthened homeland secu- any of complaints is not a plan. I have a hope- rity. We removed terror regimes in Afghani- ful and positive vision. The President must stan and Iraq. We are on the offensive see clearly where he intends to lead this Na- around the world, because the best way to tion. Perhaps, let me define to you how I prevent future attacks is to go after the feel by quoting a friend from Texas, Tom enemy. Lea. Unfortunately, he’s deceased recently, My opponent has a different view. Senator but here’s what he said. He said, ‘‘Sarah and Kerry says September the 11th didn’t change I live on the east side of the mountain. It him much, and his policies make that clear. is the sunrise side, not the sunset side. It He says the war on terror is primarily an in- is the side to see the day that is coming, not telligence and law enforcement operation. to see the day that is gone.’’ In the course He has proposed what he calls a ‘‘global test’’

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that would give foreign governments a veto now, he’s proposing a big-Government over American security decisions. And when health care plan that would do nothing about our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq needed rising health costs and would cause millions funding for body armor and bullets, Senator of Americans to lose their private health in- Kerry voted against it. surance and end up on Government pro- The direction of the war on terror is at grams. stake in the election of 2004. And when you Finally, this election presents a choice on go to the polls on Tuesday, remember this: the values that keep our families strong. I I will do whatever it takes to defend America believe marriage is a sacred commitment, and prevail in the war on terror, and I will and I will always defend it. I will continue always support the men and women who do to appoint judges who strictly interpret the the fighting. law. And I will keep working to move this The second choice in this election con- goodhearted nation toward a culture of life. cerns your family budget. As a candidate, I On these issues, my opponent and I are pledged to lower taxes for families, and I miles apart. Senator Kerry was part of an out- have kept my word. We doubled the child of-the-mainstream minority that voted tax credit, reduced the marriage penalty, and against the Defense of Marriage Act. He be- dropped the lowest tax bracket to 10 percent. lieves there ought to be a liberal litmus test Now working families keep more of their for judicial appointments. He voted against paychecks, and America’s economy is grow- banning the brutal practice of partial-birth ing faster than any other among major indus- abortion. I believe that reasonable people trialized nations. can find common ground on difficult issues, My opponent voted against all our tax re- and I will continue reaching out and bringing lief for working families. His votes would Americans together to protect our deepest have squeezed about $2,000 more in taxes held values. from the average middle-class family. Now All of these choices make this one of the Senator Kerry is promising to increase Fed- most important elections in our history. eral spending by more than $2.2 trillion. And These past 4 years, you have seen how I do to pay for all that new spending, he would my job. Even when you might not agree with have to raise taxes on American families. I me, you know where I stand, what I believe, will keep your taxes low because I know it’s and what I intend to do. Soon, the decision not the Government’s money; it’s your fam- will be in your hands. And however you de- ily’s money. cide, I urge you to get out and vote on Tues- The third choice in this election involves day. your quality of life. As President, I signed Thank you for listening. historic education reforms to bring high standards to the classroom and make schools accountable to parents, and our children are NOTE: The address was recorded at 7:50 a.m. on October 29 in the Cabinet Room for broadcast making progress in reading and math. We’ve at 10:06 a.m. on October 30. The transcript was strengthened Medicare, created health sav- made available by the Office of the Press Sec- ings accounts, and expanded community retary on October 29 but was embargoed for re- health centers to help more Americans get lease until the broadcast. The Office of the Press health care. I’m proposing a series of prac- Secretary also released a Spanish language tran- tical reforms to make health care more af- script of this address. fordable and accessible by expanding health savings accounts, allowing association health plans, and protecting patients and doctors Remarks in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin from junk and frivolous lawsuits. October 30, 2004 My opponent has a different approach. Senator Kerry voted for the No Child Left The President. Thank you all for coming. Behind Act, but he has pledged to weaken Thank you all. It’s good to be with all the the accountability standards. He’s voted 10 cheeseheads. It’s great to be back in Brown times against medical liability reform. And County.

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We’re here to ask for your vote and here are here, and I look forward to working on to ask for your help. It is close to voting time. a government-to-government basis in the We have a duty in our democracy to vote. next 4 years to help build a more hopeful And so I’m asking you to get your friends America for every citizen who lives in this and neighbors and remind them of that duty. country. Find our fellow Republicans, and turn them I hope you vote for Tim Michels for the out. Find independents, and turn them out. United States Senate. Laura and I have come Find discerning Democrats, and head them to know he and Barbara, and he is a fine, to the polls. And when you get them going fine man. He’ll make a great United States to the polls, remind them, if they want a safer Senator. America, a stronger America, and a better I want to thank my friend Kayne Robinson, America, to put me and Dick Cheney back who’s the president of the NRA, the National in office. Rifle Association. I want to thank Wayne Perhaps the most important reason of all LaPierre for being with us today. I’m proud to put me back in for 4 more years is to make to have the endorsement and support of so sure that Laura is the First Lady for 4 more many of the sports men and women across years. the State of Wisconsin. I appreciate Jeff I’m proud of my runningmate. I don’t want Schinkten, who’s the Whitetails Unlimited to offend anybody here who is follically chal- founder and board president, for supporting lenged—[laughter]—but I admit it, Vice my candidacy. President Cheney doesn’t have the waviest I want to thank Lee Greenwood for being hair in the race. [Laughter] People in this here, my friend. part of the world will be happy I didn’t pick But most of all, Laura and I thank you him because of his hairdo. I picked him be- all for coming. Thank you for taking time out cause of his judgment. I picked him because of your Saturday afternoon to come by and of his experience. He’s getting the job done say hello. I want to thank those of you who for the American people. are putting up the signs. I want to thank I’m proud of your former Governor, my those of you who are making the phone calls. friend and Cabinet Secretary, Tommy I want to thank you for turning out such a Thompson. He’s done a great job. You know, huge crowd today. I want to thank you for one of the jobs of a President is to surround what you have done and what you’re going himself with smart, capable people. I obvi- to do. By working hard and by turning out ously know how to do that when I picked the vote, there is no doubt in my mind we Tommy Thompson. will carry Wisconsin and win a great victory I want to thank Congressman Mark Green in November. for being such a fine Member of the United The person who sits in the Oval Office for States Congress. I want to thank his wife, the next 4 years will set the course of the Sue. I want to thank Congressman Jim Sen- war on terror and the direction of our econ- senbrenner and wife, Cheryl, for joining us omy. America will need strong, determined, today. I want to thank Congressman Tom optimistic leadership, and I am ready for the Petri for joining us today. I want to thank job. My 4 years as your President have con- Congressman for joining us today. firmed some lessons and have taught me I want to thank your State treasurer, Jack some new ones. I’ve learned to expect the Voight. I want to thank the assembly speaker unexpected because war and emergency can for being here. I want to thank Milwaukee arrive suddenly on a quiet morning. I have County Executive Scott Walker. I call him learned firsthand how hard it is to send young Scott W. I want to thank all the local officials, men and women into battle, even if the cause the mayors and the city council folks. is right. I’ve been grateful for the lessons I I want to thank Tina Danforth, the Oneida have learned from my parents: Respect every Nation chairwoman, for joining us today. I person; do your best; live life to its fullest. want to thank Bob Scheick, the Stockbridge I’ve been strengthened by my faith and hum- tribal president, for joining us today. I am bled by its reminder that every life is part honored—I’m honored these tribal leaders of a larger story.

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I know how a President must lead, as around the globe so we do not have to face Presidents from Lincoln to Roosevelt to them here at home. Reagan so clearly demonstrated. A President Because we led, Afghanistan is a free na- must not shift with the wind. A President tion and now an ally in the war on terror. has to make the tough decisions and stand Because we led, Pakistan is capturing ter- by them. In the last 4 years, Americans have rorist leaders; Saudi Arabia is making raids learned a few things about me. Sometimes and arrests. Because we led, Libya is disman- I am a little too blunt. [Laughter] I got that tling its weapons programs. Because we led, from my mother. [Laughter] Sometimes I an army of a free Iraq is fighting for freedom; mangle the English language. [Laughter] I and more than three-quarters of Al Qaida’s got that from my father. [Laughter] But all key members and associates have been the time, whether you agree with me or dis- brought to justice. agree with me, you know where I stand. You We will not only stay on the offense with know what I believe, and you know where all our assets; we will stay on the offense by I’m going to lead. spreading freedom and liberty. I believe in You can’t say that about my opponent. I the power of liberty to transform societies. think it is fair to say that consistency is not And I want the youngsters to know firsthand his long suit. [Laughter] Next Tuesday, the what I mean. Just look at what happened in citizens of this country will vote. They will Afghanistan. It wasn’t all that long ago that vote for conviction. They will vote for prin- the people of that country lived under the ciple. They will vote for somebody who brutal reign of barbarians, ideologues of hate knows how to lead this country, and with called the Taliban. Young girls were not al- lowed to go to school, and if their mothers your help, they’ll be voting for George W. did not toe the line, they were taken into Bush. the public square and whipped and some- This election comes down to five choices times executed in a sports stadium. Because for America’s families. And the first clear we acted in our own self-defense, because choice is the most important, because it con- we upheld a doctrine that I clearly laid out cerns the security of your family. All progress for the world which said, ‘‘If you harbor a on every other issue depends on the safety terrorist, you’re equally as guilty as the ter- of our citizens. The terrorists who killed rorist,’’ because we did what we said we were thousands of innocent people are still dan- going to do, millions of people in Afghanistan gerous and determined to strike. The out- voted for President of that country. And the come of this election will set the direction first voter was a 19-year-old woman. And of the war against terror. The most solemn America is better off to have freedom take duty of the American President is to protect the place of tyranny in Afghanistan. the American people. And if our country, if And there are going to be elections in Iraq America shows any uncertainty or any weak- in January. Think how far that country has ness in this decade, the world will drift to- come from the days of torture chambers and ward tragedy. This is not going to happen the brutal reign of a hater of America who on my watch. had mass graves for thousands of his citizens. Since that terrible morning of September Freedom is on the march, and America and the 11th, 2001, we fought the terrorists the world are more secure because of it. I across the Earth, not for pride, not for power believe in my heart of hearts that every per- but because the lives of our citizens are at son in the world desires to live in a free soci- stake. Our strategy is clear. We’re protecting ety. I believe this because I understand that the homeland. We’re transforming—or re- freedom is not America’s gift to the world; forming and strengthening our intelligence freedom is the Almighty God’s gift to each capabilities. We are transforming our mili- man and woman of this world. tary. The All-Volunteer Army will remain an A President must lead with consistency all-volunteer army. There will be no draft. and strength. In a war, sometimes your tac- We are relentless. We are steadfast. We are tics have to change but never your principles. determined. We will chase the terrorists Americans have seen how I do my job. On

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good days and on bad days, when the polls My opponent’s record on national security are up or the polls are down, I am deter- has a far deeper problem than election-year mined to protect the security of the Amer- flip-flopping. And it’s important for you to ican people. understand the record. On the largest na- And I will always support the men and tional security issues of our time, he has been women who wear our Nation’s uniform. I consistently wrong. When Ronald Reagan want to thank those who wear the uniform was confronting the Soviet Union at the who are here today. I want to thank the mili- height of the cold war, Senator Kerry said tary families who are here today for your sac- that President Reagan’s policy of peace rifice. And I want to thank the veterans who through strength was making America less are here today for having set such a great safe. History has shown that Senator Kerry example for the men and women of today’s was wrong and President Reagan was right. military. And we’ll make sure our troops have When former President Bush led a coali- got the full support of the Government. tion against Saddam Hussein in 1991 because That’s why I went to the Congress and re- the tyrant had invaded Kuwait and threat- quested $87 billion of funding to support our ened the peace and stability of the world, troops in combat. It was important. This hap- Senator Kerry voted against the use of force pened in September of 2003. And it was vital, to liberate Kuwait. History has shown that a vital funding request. And we got good bi- Senator Kerry was wrong and former Presi- partisan support there in Washington. Only dent Bush was right. 12 Members of the Senate voted against the In 1994, just one year after the first bomb- funding, 2 of whom are my opponent and ing of the World Trade Center, Senator his runningmate. Kerry proposed massive cuts in America’s in- Audience members. Boo-o-o! telligence budget, so massive that even his The President. But I want to tell you this colleague from Massachusetts, Ted Kennedy, fact. As you’re gathering up the vote, remind voted against them. History has shown that your friends and neighbors about this. Only Senator Kerry was wrong—and we have got 4 Members of the United States Senate— to be fair—in this case, Senator Kennedy was 4 out of 100—voted to authorize force and right. [Laughter] then voted against the funding to support the During the 20 years—during the last 20 troops they authorized, and 2 of those 4 were years, in key moments of challenge and deci- my opponent and his runningmate. They sion for America, Senator Kerry has chosen kept asking him why he made the vote he the position of weakness and inaction. With did. And he uttered perhaps the most famous that record, he stands in opposition not just quote of the 2004 campaign, when he said, to me but to the great tradition of the Demo- ‘‘I actually did vote for the $87 billion, right cratic Party. The party of Franklin Roosevelt before I voted against it.’’ [Laughter] and Harry Truman and John Kennedy is Now, I haven’t spent a lot of time in the rightly remembered for confidence and re- coffee shops here in Green Bay, but I suspect solve in times of crises and in times of war. I’m not going to find many people who talk Senator Kerry has turned his back on ‘‘pay that way. [Laughter] They kept pressing him. any price’’ and ‘‘bear any burden,’’ and he They kept asking for answers. He’s given sev- has replaced those commitments with ‘‘wait eral answers since then, but perhaps the most and see’’ and ‘‘cut and run.’’ revealing of all was that he said, ‘‘The whole Many Democrats in this country do not thing was a complicated matter.’’ [Laughter] recognize their party anymore. And today, I My fellow Americans, there is nothing com- want to speak to every one of them: If you plicated about supporting our troops in com- believe that America should lead with bat. strength and purpose and confidence in our My opponent’s positions are kind of like ideals, I would be honored to have your sup- the weather here in Green Bay—[laugh- port, and I’m asking for your vote. ter]—if you don’t like it, wait a little bit, and We have big differences about how to ap- it will change. [Laughter] proach the security of our country. You might

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remember one of our debates when my op- was in serious decline. That would be 6 ponent said that America must pass a ‘‘global months prior to my arrival in January of 2001. test’’ before we commit our troops. And then we had a recession and corporate Audience members. Boo-o-o! scandals and an attack that cost us about a The President. I’m not making that up. million jobs in the 3 months after September [Laughter] I heard it too. [Laughter] As far the 11th. as I can tell, that means we’ve got to get per- But our economic policies are working. mission from foreign capitals before we act This economy of ours is strong, and it is get- in our own defense. That’s—— ting stronger. We’ve added 1.9 million jobs Audience members. No-o-o! in the last 13 months. Homeownership rate The President. That is a dangerous policy is at an alltime high in America. More minor- in the world in which we live. I’ll work with ity families own a home than ever before in our friends. I will work with our allies. I un- our Nation’s history. Wisconsin farmers are derstand how important these alliances are, making a living. The small-business sector in but I will never turn over America’s national our country is strong. The entrepreneurial security decisions to leaders of other coun- spirit is alive, and it is well. The national un- tries. employment rate is 5.4 percent. Let me put The security of our families are—is at that in perspective for you: That’s lower than stake. We’ve got to be firm and resolved. My the average rate of the 1970s, the 1980s, and opponent was quoted about September the the 1990s. The unemployment rate in the 11th, and he said it didn’t change him much great State of Wisconsin is 5 percent. We’re at all. Well, September the 11th changed me. overcoming the obstacles. We’re strong, and It made me look at the world in a different we are getting stronger. light. I’ll never forget the day I stood in the My opponent has different plans for your ruins of the Twin Towers—that was Sep- budget. He’s going to take a big chunk out tember the 14th, 2001. I’ll never forget the of it. He voted against the child credit—rais- sights and the sounds of that moment when ing the child credit. He voted against reduc- the workers in hardhats were yelling at me ing the marriage penalty. He voted against at the top of their lungs, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ the tax relief. And had he had had his way, And one of the first-responders—I don’t the average family in Wisconsin would be know if he worked for the fire department of New York or the police department—he paying $2,000 more per year in taxes. came out of the rubble, and he grabbed me Audience members. Boo-o-o! by the arm, and he looked me right in the The President. Now, that probably eye and he said, ‘‘Do not let me down.’’ Ever doesn’t seem like a lot to some of them in since that day, I wake up every morning try- Washington, but I understand it’s a lot for ing to figure out how to better protect Amer- the families in Green Bay, Wisconsin. People ica. I will never relent in defending this coun- can use that $2,000. It can help them raise try, whatever it takes. their children, help them make a living—and The second clear choice in this election if you’re a small-business owner. concerns your family’s budget. When I ran My opponent’s been in the Senate for 20 for President 4 years ago, I pledged to lower years, and he voted to raise taxes 98 times. taxes for our families, and I kept my word. That’s five times a year. Now, I would call We raised the child credit. We lowered the that a leading indicator. [Laughter] He’s also penalty on marriage. We believe the code promised $2.2 trillion in new spending. That ought to encourage marriage, not penalize would be trillion with a ‘‘T.’’ [Laughter] And marriage. We created a 10-percent bracket. that’s a lot even for a Senator from Massa- We reduced taxes on everybody who pays chusetts. [Laughter] taxes, and we’re overcoming obstacles be- So they asked him how he’s going to pay cause of that plan. for it, and he threw out that same old, tired When you’re out gathering the vote, re- line, ‘‘Oh, we’ll pay for it by taxing the rich.’’ mind your friends and neighbors that 6 That means he’s going to raise the top two months prior to my arrival the stock market brackets. You know most small businesses are

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sole proprietorships or Subchapter S cor- nies are able to do. We will expand health porations, which means they pay tax at the savings accounts to help our families and our individual income-tax level. Seventy percent entrepreneurs. of new jobs in America are created by small And to make sure health care is available businesses. So therefore, when you run up and affordable, we will do something about the top two brackets, you’re taxing job cre- the frivolous lawsuits that are running up the ators; you’re taxing small-business owners. cost of medicine and driving too many doc- And that doesn’t make any economic sense tors out of business. I have met too many at all. ob-gyns as I’ve traveled our country who are And secondly, when you top—raise the top having trouble staying in practice because two brackets, you raise between 600 and 800 these lawsuits are running up their premiums billion dollars, which is far short of the 2.2 and running them out of practice. And I have trillion he has promised. I call that a tax gap. met too many women who are concerned [Laughter] And given his record, guess who about whether or not they and their child gets to fill the tax gap? You do. The good will get the health care they need. Too many news is, you’re not going to get taxed; we’re communities have been upset because doc- going to carry Wisconsin and win on Novem- tors can no longer practice medicine. ber the 2d. This is a national problem, I’m telling you, The third clear choice in this election in- that requires a national solution. You cannot volves the quality of life for our families. That be pro-doctor, pro-patient, and pro-personal- means good education and quality health injury-trial-lawyer at the same time. I think care. As a candidate, I pledged to challenge you have to make a choice. My opponent the soft bigotry of low expectations by re- made his choice. He has voted against med- forming our public schools. I kept my word. ical liability reform not once but 10 times We passed the No Child Left Behind Act, as a Senator. And he put a personal-injury which I proudly signed into law. In return trial lawyer on the ticket. for increased Federal spending, we’re now Audience members. Boo-o-o! expecting results because we believe every The President. I’ve made my choice. I’m child can learn and we expect every school standing with the doctors. I’m standing with to teach. You cannot solve a problem unless the patients of Wisconsin. I am for medical you diagnose the problem. And so the new liability reform—now. system enables us to diagnose and solve My opponent has got a different point of problems. The test scores are on the rise view when it comes to health care. You might across this country in reading and math. remember the debate when he said, well, We’re closing an achievement gap for minor- the—they asked him about his plan, and he ity students all across this country. And we looked in the camera and he said, ‘‘The Gov- refuse to go back to the days of low standards ernment doesn’t have anything to do with it.’’ and mediocrity in our classrooms. I could barely contain myself. [Laughter] And we will improve health care by mak- The Government has got a lot to do with ing sure it is available and affordable. To it. Eighty percent of the people that would make sure health care is available, we’ll ex- be signed up for health insurance under his pand community health centers to help the plan would go on the Government health poor and the indigent get primary and pre- care plan. If you make it easier for people ventative care. We’ll make sure our program to sign up for Medicaid, small businesses will for children of low-income families is fully drop insurance because the Government will subscribed. A compassionate society takes provide the insurance. And so you’re moving care of those who cannot help themselves. people from the private sector to the public But I also recognize that most of the unin- sector. And when the Government starts sured work for small businesses. And so to writing the check, the Government starts enable the small businesses to better afford making the rules. And when the Government insurance, we ought to allow them to join starts making the rules for your family’s together to pool risk so they can buy insur- health care, they start making the decisions ance at the same discounts that big compa- for your family’s health care and they start

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making the decisions for your doctors. Fed- personal savings account the Government eralizing health care is the wrong prescrip- cannot take away. tion for American families. My opponent takes a different approach In all we do to make sure health care is about Social Security. He’s promised he’s available and affordable, we will make sure going to protect the system, but what he the decisions are made by doctors and pa- didn’t tell you was he voted eight times for tients, not by officials in Washington, DC. higher taxes on Social Security benefits. He The fourth clear choice in this election in- can run from his record, but he cannot hide. volves your retirement. Our Nation has made We’re not going to let him hide. a solemn commitment to America’s seniors And he didn’t offer anything for the young- on Social Security and Medicare. When I ran sters when it comes to strengthening Social for President 4 years ago, I promised to keep Security. The job of a President is to confront that commitment and improve Medicare by problems, not to pass them on to future adding prescription drug coverage. I kept my Presidents and future generations. In a new word. The Medicare debate was one of those term, I will bring people together and debates in which people said a lot of stuff strengthen Social Security for generations to but nothing ever got done. I worked with come. Republicans and Democrats to make the sys- And the fifth clear choice is on the values tem work better. We would pay thousands that are crucial for our country. We stand for things. We stand for marriage and family, of dollars for a heart surgery under Medicare which are the foundations of our society. We but not one dime for the prescription drugs stand for a culture of life in which every per- that could prevent the heart surgery from son matters and every being counts. I proud- being needed in the first place. It didn’t ly signed the ban on partial-birth abortions. make any sense. The system wasn’t working. And we stand for the appointment of Federal We got the job done. And beginning in 2006, judges who know the difference between all seniors will get prescription drug coverage personal opinion and the strict interpretation under Medicare. of the law. And we’ll keep our commitment in Social My opponent has had a different point of Security as well. Let me talk about Social view. He voted against the ban on partial- Security—well, you don’t have any choice. birth abortion. He voted against the Defense I’m going to talk about Social Security. of Marriage Act. And at one point in this [Laughter] You might remember the 2000 campaign, he said that the heart and soul of campaign when they ran the ads in Wisconsin America can be found in Hollywood. that tried to scare our seniors by saying that, Audience members. Boo-o-o! ‘‘If George W. gets elected, the seniors will The President. The heart and soul of not get their checks.’’ Remind your friends America is found in communities all across and neighbors, George W. got elected, and the great State of Wisconsin. the seniors got their checks. And the seniors All these choices make this one of the most will continue to get their checks. No matter important elections in our history. And the how they try to scare Wisconsin seniors, the decision is in the best of hands. It is in the seniors will get their checks. And baby hands of the American people. In less than boomers like me and like some of the others 72 hours, the American people will be voting, I see out there—[laughter]—are in pretty and the decision comes down to who do you good shape when it comes to Social Security. trust? But we need to worry about our children Audience members. You! and our grandchildren. We need to worry The President. I offer—— about whether the Social Security trust will Audience members. Four more years! be available for them when they need it. And Four more years! Four more years! therefore, I think younger workers ought to The President. I offer leadership and re- be allowed to take some of their payroll taxes sults for a time of threat and a time of chal- and set up a personal savings account, a per- lenge. I ask for your trust. I ask for your vote. sonal saving account they call their own, a I ask for your help. I have a vision for this

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country that is clear. I know where I want ask you to ask your friends and neighbors to take us, and it’s to a more hopeful tomor- to do their duty. Get our fellow Republicans row. to the polls. Get wise independents to the One of my favorite quotes is by a fellow polls—[laughter]—discerning Democrats Texan named Tom Lea. He said, ‘‘Sarah and like Mayor Randy Kelly from St. Paul, Min- I live on the east side of the mountain. It nesota, to the polls. I appreciate you, friend. is the sunrise side, not the sunset side. It The Democrat mayor of St. Paul is not is the side to see the day that is coming, not alone. There are a lot of Democrats who, just to see the day that is gone.’’ During this cam- like you, want America to be a safer, stronger, paign, my opponent has spent much of the and better place. When you get people head- campaign talking about the day that is gone. ed to the polls, remind them, if they want I’m talking about the day that’s coming. I a safer America, a stronger America, and a see a day where prosperity reaches every cor- better America, put me and Dick Cheney ner of America. I see a day when every child back in office. can read and write. I see a day when we Perhaps the most important reason why achieve the peace that we all long for our people should reelect me is so that Laura children and our grandchildren. is the First Lady for 4 more years. When I campaigned across your State 4 I’m proud of my runningmate, Dick Che- years ago, I made this pledge, that if elected, ney. I don’t want to offend anybody who is I would uphold the honor and the dignity follically challenged, but I fully recognize of the office. With your help, with your hard that the Vice President doesn’t have the work, I will do so for 4 more years. waviest hair in the race. [Laughter] The peo- God bless. Thank you all for coming. ple of this great State will be pleased to know Thank you all. I didn’t pick him because of his hairdo. I NOTE: The President spoke at 11:50 a.m. at the picked him because of his judgment, his ex- Brown County Veterans Memorial Complex. In perience. He is getting the job done for the his remarks, he referred to John Gard, speaker, American people. Wisconsin State Assembly; Wayne LaPierre, Jr., I am proud of your Governor, Tim executive vice president and chief executive offi- Pawlenty, and so are the people of Min- cer, National Rifle Association; country music en- nesota. I want to thank my friend and your tertainer Lee Greenwood; and former President United States Senator, Norm Coleman, for Saddam Hussein of Iraq. his leadership. I want to thank the Members of Congress who are here, Congressman Remarks in Minneapolis, Minnesota John Kline, Congressman Jim Ramstad, Con- gressman Mark Kennedy, for their service. October 30, 2004 I want to thank Pat Anderson. I want to The President. Thank you all for coming. thank all the candidates running for office. We appreciate you coming. Thank you all. I want to thank my friend Rudy Boschwitz Thanks for coming. Laura and I are honored for being such a strong and loyal supporter. so many came to say hello. We, first, want I want to thank Gary Cayo, the president of to thank you for lifting our spirits. How good the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police, for does it get—Arnold yesterday, Mike Tice his support and the support of the Fraternal today. I’m proud to be introduced by a leader Order of Police all across our country. I want and somebody who’s getting results. Thanks to thank Billy Dean. for coming, Mike. Laura and I are thrilled Most of all, I want to thank you all. I want you are here. to thank the grassroots activists who are put- We are here to ask for your vote. We are ting up the signs, making the phone calls, here to ask for your help. It is close to voting doing the hard work necessary to have such time. That’s the time when people in a free a big rally as this one. I want to thank you society do their obligations and go to the for what you have done and what you are polls. We have a duty in this country to vote. going to do, which is to turn out that vote. I’m here to get your friends—I’m here to No doubt in my mind, with your help, we

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will carry Minnesota and win a great victory a time of war and ongoing threats. The ter- in November. [Applause] Thank you all. rorists who killed thousands of innocent peo- This election takes place in a time of great ple are still dangerous and determined to consequence. The person who sits in the strike. The outcome of this election will set Oval Office for the next 4 years will set the the direction of the war against the terrorists. course on the war on terror and the direction The most solemn duty of the American Presi- of our economy. America needs strong, opti- dent is to protect the American people. If mistic, determined leadership, and I’m ready America shows uncertainty or weakness dur- for the job. ing these troubled times, the world will drift My 4 years as your President have con- toward tragedy. This is not going to happen firmed some lessons and taught some new on my watch. ones. I’ve learned to expect the unexpected, Since that terrible morning of September because war and emergency can arrive sud- the 11th, 2001, we’ve fought the terrorists denly on a quiet morning. I’ve learned first- across the Earth, not for pride, not for power hand how hard it is to send young men and but because the lives of our citizens are at women into battle, even if it’s the right cause. I’ve been grateful for the lessons I’ve learned stake. Our strategy is clear—our strategy is from my parents: Respect every person; do clear. We’ve strengthened protections for the your best; live every day to its fullest. I’ve homeland. We’re reforming and strength- been strengthened by my faith and humbled ening our intelligence capabilities. We’re by its reminder that every life is part of a transforming our All-Volunteer Army. There larger story. will be no draft. We are determined. We are I know how a President needs to lead. As steadfast. We are resolute. We will stay on Presidents from Lincoln to Roosevelt to the offensive against the terrorists around the Reagan so clearly demonstrated, a President world so we do not have to face them here must not shift with the wind. A President at home. has to make the tough decisions and stand Because we led, the world is changing. Af- by them. ghanistan is a free nation and an ally in the In the last 4 years, Americans have learned war on terror. Pakistan is capturing terrorist some things about me as well. Sometimes I’m leaders. Saudi Arabia is making raids and ar- a little too blunt. I get that from my mother. rests. Libya is dismantling its weapons pro- [Laughter] Sometimes I mangle the English grams. The army of a free Iraq is fighting language. I get that from my father. [Laugh- for the freedom of its people. And more than ter] But all the time, whether you agree with three-quarters of Al Qaida’s key members me or not, you know where I stand and and associates have been brought to justice. where I intend to lead this country. So long as I’m your President, I will use Audience members. Four more years! every asset at our disposal to protect the Four more years! Four more years! American people, and perhaps the strongest The President. You cannot say that about asset we have is our belief in liberty, our be- my opponent. lief that liberty can transform societies. I Audience members. Boo-o-o! want the youngsters here to understand what The President. Consistency is not his long suit. [Laughter] The people of this country has taken place in a brief period of time. will vote next Tuesday. I am confident they It wasn’t all that long ago in Afghanistan will vote for consistency, for conviction, and that young girls couldn’t go to school because for principle. And with your help, we’ll win the country was run by the ideologues of hate in November the 2d. called the Taliban. And if their mothers This election comes down to five clear didn’t toe the line, they were taken into the choices for America’s families. The first clear public squares and whipped and sometimes choice is the most important because it con- taken to a sports stadium and executed. Be- cerns the security of your family. All progress cause this great Nation acted to defend our- on every other issue depends on the safety selves, because we upheld the doctrine that of our citizens. Americans go to the polls in said, ‘‘If you harbor a terrorist, you’re equally

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as guilty as the terrorist,’’ millions of citi- in combat. Two of those four were my oppo- zens—millions of citizens—voted in a Presi- nent and his runningmate. dential election in Afghanistan. And the first Audience members. Boo-o-o! voter was a 19-year-old woman. The President. Now, they asked him why And America is better off as freedom he made the vote he did, and you might re- spreads around the world. Iraq will have member perhaps the most famous quote of Presidential elections in January. Think how the 2004 campaign when he said, ‘‘I actually far that society has come from the days of did vote for the 87 billion, before I voted torture chambers and mass graves and the against it.’’ brutal rule of a fierce tyrant. Freedom is on Audience members. Boo-o-o! the march. The President. I haven’t spent a lot of I believe everybody longs to be free. I be- time in the coffee shops in this great State, lieve deep in everybody’s soul is the desire but I doubt I’m going to find hardly anybody to live in a free society. I believe that not who talks that way in Minnesota. because freedom is America’s gift to the He’s given several reasons why he made world; freedom is the Almighty God’s gift to that vote, but perhaps the most revealing of each man and woman in this world. all was when he said, ‘‘The whole thing is A President must lead with consistency a complicated matter.’’ [Laughter] My fellow and strength. In a war, sometimes your tac- Americans, there is nothing complicated tics change but never your principles. And about supporting our troops in combat. Americans have seen how I do my job. On The American people have been watching good days, on bad days, when the polls are this election carefully, and they noticed my up or the polls are down, I am determined opponent’s positions are kind of like the to protect the American people. weather here in Minnesota. If you don’t like And I am the Commander in Chief of a it, wait a little bit, and it will change. [Laugh- great United States military. I want to thank ter] He was for the war and against the war, those who wear our Nation’s uniform who for the war and against the war. But his have joined us today. I want to thank the record on national security has a far deeper military families who are with us today, and problem than election-year flip-flopping. On I want to thank the veterans of the United the largest national security issues of our States of America who’ve set such a great time, he has been consistently wrong. example. And I assure you and I assure our When Ronald Reagan was confronting the vets and our families and those men and Soviet Union at the height of the cold war, women in uniform that you’ll have the re- Senator Kerry said that President Reagan’s sources—the military will have the resources policy of peace through strength was making they need to complete their mission. America less safe. That’s why I went to the United States Audience members. Boo-o-o! Congress and asked for $87 billion of supple- The President. History has shown that mental funding in September of 2003. That Senator Kerry was wrong and President Ron- money was necessary. That money was im- ald Reagan was right. portant. We had troops in harm’s way, and When former President Bush led a coali- they needed the full support of the Govern- tion against Saddam Hussein in 1991 because ment. And we received good bipartisan sup- he had invaded Kuwait, Senator Kerry voted port, so strong that only 12 Senators voted against the use of force to liberate Kuwait. against the funding—— Audience members. Boo-o-o! Audience members. Boo-o-o! The President. History has shown that The President. ——2 of whom were my Senator Kerry was wrong and former Presi- opponent and his runningmate. But as you dent Bush was right. gather the vote, I want you to remind people In 1994, just one year after the first bomb- of this fact. Four Members of the Senate— ing in the World Trade Center, Senator only 4 out of 100—voted to authorize force Kerry proposed massive cuts in America’s in- and voted against the support for our troops telligence budget, so massive that even his

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Massachusetts colleague, Ted Kennedy, op- Towers on September the 14th, 2001. It’s a posed them. History has shown that Senator day that will be forever etched in my mem- Kerry was wrong and—we’ve got to be fair ory, the sights and the sounds. I can remem- about it—Senator Kennedy was right. ber those voices of the workers in hardhats During the last 20 years, in key moments yelling at me, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ I remem- of challenge and decision for America, my ber looking in the eye of a fellow who opponent has chosen the position of weak- grabbed me by the arm, and he said, ‘‘Do ness and inaction. With that record, he stands not let me down.’’ Ever since that morning— in opposition not just to me but to the great ever since that day, I wake up every morning tradition of the Democratic Party. The party trying to better figure out how to protect of Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman and America. I will never relent in defending this John Kennedy is rightly remembered for country, whatever it takes. confidence and resolve in times of war and The second clear choice in this election in hours of crisis. Senator Kerry has turned concerns your family’s budget. When I ran his back on ‘‘pay any price’’ and ‘‘bear any for President 4 years ago, I pledged to lower burden,’’ and he’s replaced those commit- taxes for America’s families, and I kept my ments with ‘‘wait and see’’ and ‘‘cut and run.’’ word. We doubled the child credit to $1,000 Many Democrats in this country do not per child to help the moms and dads in recognize their party anymore, and today I America. We reduced the marriage penalty. want to speak to every one of them: If you We believe the Tax Code ought to encourage believe that America should lead with marriage, not penalize marriage. We strength and purpose and confidence in our dropped the lowest bracket to 10 percent. ideals, I’d be honored to have your support, We reduced taxes on everybody who pays and I’m asking for your vote. taxes. And we’re growing. This economy is Audience members. Four more years! getting stronger. Four more years! Four more years! The President. We have big differences Remind your friends and neighbors as you about how to protect our country’s families. round them up to go to the polls—[laugh- I recall that moment in one of our debates ter]—what we have been through. Six when my opponent said that America must months prior to my arrival in Washington, submit to a ‘‘global test’’ before we commit the stock market was in serious decline, and troops. then we had a recession and corporate scan- Audience members. Boo-o-o! dals. And the attacks of September the 11th The President. As you can tell, that’s kind cost us about a million jobs in the 3 months of how I felt too. [Laughter] As far as I can following that fateful day. tell, that means our country must get permis- But our policies are working. We’re on the sion from foreign capitals before we act in path to growth. This economy is as strong our own defense. I’ll work with our allies, as it’s been in nearly 20 years. The home- and I’ll work with our friends. I believe in ownership rate is at an alltime high in Amer- building coalitions, and we have done just ica. More minority families own a home all that. But I will never turn over America’s across this country than anywhere at any time national security decisions to leaders of other in our history. Minnesota farmers are making countries. a living. The farm economy is strong in We have differences of opinion, clear dif- America. The entrepreneurial spirit is strong. ferences of opinion about this war on terror. Small businesses are flourishing all across Recently, my opponent said that September America. We’ve added 1.9 million new jobs the 11th didn’t change him much at all. in the last 13 months. The national unem- That’s what he said. ployment rate is 5.4 percent. And let me put Audience members. Boo-o-o! that in perspective for you: It’s lower than The President. Well, September the 11th the average rate of the 1970s, the 1980s, and changed me. It changed my view of the world the 1990s. And the unemployment rate in and how we must defend ourselves. I re- Minnesota is 4.6 percent. We are strong, and member standing in the ruins of the Twin we will get stronger.

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My opponent has different plans for your candidate, I pledged to challenge the soft budget. He’s going to take a big chunk out bigotry of low expectations by reforming our of it. public schools. And I kept my word. I proud- Audience members. Boo-o-o! ly signed the No Child Left Behind Act to The President. You know, he voted raise the standards. See, we believe every against the child tax credit. He voted against child can learn, and we expect every school marriage penalty relief. He voted against to teach. lower taxes. If he’d have had his way, the We’re spending more money at the Fed- average family in Minnesota would be paying eral level, and in return, we expect measure- $2,000 more per year in Federal taxes. ment. See, you cannot solve a problem until Audience members. Boo-o-o! you diagnose the problem. And as a result The President. Now, that probably of the law we put in place, we are now diag- doesn’t seem like a lot to some of them in nosing and solving problems. Math and read- Washington, but I understand it’s a lot for ing scores are up across America, and we are the families in this part of the world. It means closing an achievement gap for minority stu- a lot to people trying to raise their children. dents. And we will not go back to the days It means a lot to people struggling to put of low expectations and mediocrity in our food on the table and meet their expenses. schools. He’s been in the Senate 20 years; he has We will continue to improve life for our voted to raise taxes 98 times. That’s five times families by making health care available and for every year in the Senate. I would call that affordable. We will take care of the poor and a leading indicator—[laughter]—a predict- the indigent by expanding community health able pattern. [Laughter] If you put that in centers. We have a duty to help people who this context, he promised $2.2 trillion in new cannot help themselves. And that’s why we’ll Federal spending. Now, that’s trillion with make sure our program for children of low- a ‘‘T.’’ That’s a lot. Even for a Senator from Massachusetts, that’s a lot. [Laughter] And income families is fully subscribed, to make so they asked him, ‘‘How are you going to sure people get the health care and the help pay for it?’’ And he said, ‘‘Well, we’ll just they need. But I also recognize that most of tax the rich.’’ You have heard that before. the uninsured in America work for small First of all, most small businesses around businesses. And to help small businesses bet- Minnesota and around the country pay tax ter afford insurance, we must allow them to at the individual income-tax level. See, most pool risk across jurisdictional boundaries so small businesses are Subchapter S or sole they can buy insurance at the same discounts proprietorships. And by the way, 70 percent that big companies are able to do. We will of new jobs in America are created by small expand health savings accounts to help our businesses. And so when you raise the top small businesses and families. two brackets, you’re taxing job creators. It And to make sure health care is available makes no economic sense to tax the entities and affordable, we will do something about that are creating the new jobs in our country. the junk lawsuits that are running up the cost And secondly, he has promised 2.2 trillion, of medicine and running too many doctors but raising the top two brackets only raises out of practice. We have a problem in this between 600 and 800 billion. That’s what I Nation. I have met too many ob-gyns that would call a tax gap, the difference between no longer practice because the premiums are what is promised and what’s delivered. Given too high. See, they can’t afford to stay in his record, I think you understand how he’s practice. These lawsuits are driving them out going to fill that tax gap. Yes, he’s going to of practice. I met too many patients, expect- tax you. But we’re not going to let him; we ant moms who are traveling miles to find an will carry Minnesota and win next Tuesday. ob-gyn, and they are deeply concerned about The third clear choice in this election in- the quality of health care that they and their volves the quality of life for our Nation’s fam- little one will receive. This is a national prob- ilies. A good education and quality health lem, and it requires a national solution. You care are important to a successful life. As cannot be pro-doctor and pro-patient and

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pro-personal-injury-trial-lawyer at the same and I proudly signed a Medicare reform bill time. You have to choose. that will make prescription drugs available My opponent has made his choice. He for all our seniors beginning in 2006. voted 10 times against medical liability re- And we will keep the promise of Social form, and he put a personal-injury trial law- Security for our seniors, and we will strength- yer on the ticket. en Social Security for years to come. I want Audience members. Boo-o-o! you to tell your friends and neighbors about The President. I’ve made my choice. I’m what took place in the 2000 campaign. You standing with the doctors of Minnesota. I’m might remember those ads and the fliers standing with the patients of Minnesota. I’m when people said, ‘‘If George W. gets elect- standing with the families of Minnesota. I am ed, the seniors will not get their checks.’’ for medical liability reform. Well, tell them George W. did get elected, My opponent has a different view when and the seniors got their checks. And the sen- it comes to health care. In one of the debates, iors will continue to get their checks. And I remember the questioner said, ‘‘Tell me baby boomers like me and a couple others about your health care plan.’’ He looked square in the camera, and he said, ‘‘My out there I’m looking at—[laughter]—will health care plan, well, the Government get their checks. The Social Security trust is doesn’t have anything to do with it.’’ I could in good shape for us. barely contain myself. [Laughter] But we need to worry about our children The Government has got a lot to do with and our grandchildren. We need to worry it. Eighty percent of the people, according about whether or not the Social Security sys- to his plan, would be signed up by the Gov- tem will be available when they need it. And ernment. If you raise Medicaid and make it that’s why I believe younger workers ought easier for people to get on Medicaid, it pro- to be allowed to take some of their own pay- vides an incentive for small businesses to stop roll taxes and set up a personal savings ac- writing insurance because the Government count, an account that will earn a better rate will write the insurance. And when the Gov- of return, an account they own, an account ernment writes the checks, the Government the Government can never take away. makes the rules. And when the Government My opponent takes a little different point makes the rules for your health care, the of view on this. First, he said he’d protect Government makes decisions for you and Social Security, but he forgot to tell the they make decisions for your doctors. The American people he’s voted eight times to wrong prescription for American families is tax Social Security benefits. to federalize health care. Audience members. Boo-o-o! In all we do to improve health care for The President. See, he can run from his our families, we will make sure that the deci- record, but we’re not going to let him hide. sions are made by doctors and patients, not And he has offered nothing to help the by officials in Washington, DC. younger generation when it comes to The fourth clear choice in this election in- volves your retirement. Our Nation has made strengthening Social Security. See, the job a solemn commitment to America’s seniors of a President is to confront problems, not on Social Security and Medicare. When I ran to pass them on to future generations and for President 4 years ago, I promised to keep future Presidents. I’m going to bring people that commitment and improve Medicare by together, and we will work to make sure the adding prescription drug coverage. I kept my Social Security system is strong and viable word. Medicare needed to be modernized for generations to come. for our seniors. We would pay thousands of The fifth clear choice in this election in- dollars for a heart surgery under Medicare volves the values that are crucial for our Na- but not a dime for the prescription drugs that tion. We stand for things. We stand for the could prevent the heart surgery from being appointment of Federal judges who know the needed in the first place. And that wasn’t fair difference between personal opinion and the to our seniors. So I brought people together, strict interpretation of the law. We stand for

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marriage and family, which are the founda- of the office to which I had been elected. tions of our society. I’ll reach out to Ameri- With your help, with your hard work, I will cans of every belief and move this good- do so for 4 more years. hearted Nation toward a culture of life. We God bless. Thank you all for coming. believe in a culture of life. I proudly signed the ban on partial-birth abortion. NOTE: The President spoke at 2:17 p.m. at the My opponent—Senator Kerry has had a Target Center. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. different view on these issues. He voted Arnold Schwarzenegger of California; Mike Tice, against the ban on partial-birth abortion. He head coach, Minnesota Vikings, National Football voted against the Defense of Marriage Act League; Minnesota State Auditor Patricia Ander- son; former Senator Rudy Boschwitz; entertainer and, at one time in his campaign, actually Billy Dean; and former President Saddam Hus- said that the heart and soul of America can sein of Iraq. be found in Hollywood. Audience members. Boo-o-o! The President. The heart and soul of Remarks in Orlando, Florida America is found in communities all across October 30, 2004 the great State of Minnesota. All these choices make this one of the most The President. Thank you all for coming. important elections in our history. And the Laura and I really thank you for taking time decision is in the best of hands. It is in the out of your Saturday evening to come by and hands of the American people. In less than lift our spirits, and we’re grateful for your 72 hours, the American people will be voting, presence. We’re going to carry Florida with and the decision comes down to who do you your help. trust. Perhaps the most important reason to put Audience members. You! me back in office is so that Laura will be The President. I stand—I offer leadership the First Lady for 4 more years. and results for a time of threat and challenge. I’m proud of my runningmate, Dick Che- I’m asking for people’s votes. I’m asking for ney. Look, I readily concede he doesn’t have their trust. I’m asking for your help. I have the waviest hair in the race. People of Or- a view of the future that is bright. I see clear- lando will be pleased to know I didn’t pick ly where I want to lead this country, and it him up—pick him because of his hair. is to a better day. [Laughter] I picked him because of his judg- One of my favorite quotes was written by ment. I picked him because of his experi- a fellow Texan named Tom Lea. He said, ence. He’s getting the job done for the Amer- ‘‘Sarah and I live on the east side of the ican people. mountain. It is the sunrise side, not the sun- We are some kind of proud in my family set side. It is the side to see the day that of brother Jeb. We share the same campaign is coming, not to see the day that is gone.’’ consultant: Mother. [Laughter] We’re both During this campaign, my opponent has listening to her. Also proud my brother spent much of the time talking about the day Marvin Bush is with us today. Thank you for that is gone. I’m talking about the day that’s coming, big Marv. coming. I want to thank the Lieutenant Governor, I see a great day coming for America. I Toni Jennings, Attorney General Charlie see a day when prosperity reaches every cor- Crist, Congressman Ric Keller, Congressman ner of our country. I see a day where every Tom Feeney. I want to thank Rich Crotty. child can read and write and add and sub- I want to thank my friend Mel Martinez. Put tract. And I see a day in which this world him in the Senate; he’ll do a great job. I want becomes more peaceful by spreading liberty, to thank Mark Wills. I want to thank Shawn that we achieve the peace we all want for Michaels, professional wrestler. I was hoping our children and for our grandchildren. to see him backstage—if I could ask him if When I campaigned across your State 4 it was real. [Laughter] years ago, I made this pledge: If I got elected, I want to thank all the grassroots activists I would uphold the honor and the dignity who are here. I want to thank you for putting

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up the signs, making the phone calls. I know zens. Americans will go to the polls Tuesday how much work went into putting this great in a time of war and ongoing threats. The rally together. I thank you for what you have terrorists who killed thousands of innocent done, and I want to thank you for what you’re people are still dangerous, and they’re deter- going to do as we’re coming down the stretch mined to strike. The outcome of this election run. I need your help. I need your work. We will set the direction of the war against terror. will carry Florida and win a great victory on The most solemn duty of the American Presi- November the 2d. dent is to protect the American people. My 4 years as your President have con- If America shows—— firmed some lessons and taught me some Audience members. Four more years! new ones. I have learned to expect the unex- Four more years! Four more years! pected, because war and emergency can ar- The President. If America shows uncer- rive suddenly on a quiet autumn morning. tainty or weakness in these troubling times, I’ve learned firsthand how hard it is to send the world will drift toward tragedy. This is young men and women into battle, even not going to happen on my watch. when the cause is right. I’ve been grateful Our strategy is clear. We’ve strengthened for the lessons I’ve learned from our parents: the protections for the homeland. We’re re- Respect every person; do your best; live forming our intelligence capabilities. We are every day to its fullest. I have been strength- transforming our military. The All-Volunteer ened by my faith and humbled by its re- minder that every life is part of a larger story. Army will remain an all-volunteer army. I know how a President needs to lead. As There will be no draft. We are relentless. We Presidents from Lincoln to Roosevelt to are steadfast. We are determined. We will Reagan so clearly demonstrated, a President fight the terrorists across the globe so we do must not shift in the wind. A President has not have to face them here at home. to make tough decisions and stand by them. Because we led, the world is changing. Af- The American President must not follow the ghanistan is a free nation and an ally in the path of the latest polls. The role of the Presi- war on terror. Pakistan is capturing terrorist dent is to lead based on principle and convic- leaders. Saudi Arabia is making raids and ar- tion and conscience. Especially in a time of rests. Libya is dismantling its weapons pro- war, mixed signals only confuse our friends gram. The army of a free Iraq is fighting for and embolden our enemies. Mixed signals freedom. And more than three-quarters of are the wrong signals for an American Presi- Al Qaida’s key members and associates have dent to send. been brought to justice. In the last 4 years, Americans have learned We will use every asset at our disposal to a few things about me as well. Sometimes protect the American people. And one of the I’m a little too blunt. I get that from my best assets we have is freedom. I believe in mother. Sometimes I mangle the English the power of liberty to transform society. I language. I get that from my dad. [Laughter] want the younger Americans here to realize But all the time, whether you agree with me what has happened in a brief period of time. or not, you know where I stand and where Three-and-a-half years ago, young girls I’m going to lead this Nation. couldn’t go to school in Afghanistan because You can’t—you cannot say that about my the Taliban were so barbaric and backwards. opponent. I think it’s fair to say that consist- And if their mothers didn’t toe the ideolog- ency is not his long suit. Next Tuesday, the ical line of hatred, they were taken into the American people will vote for conviction and public square and whipped and sometimes consistency. And with your help, we’re going to a sports stadium and executed. Because to win this election. we acted in our own interest, because we This election comes down to five choices upheld the doctrine that said, ‘‘If you harbor for your family. The first clear choice is the a terrorist, you’re equally as guilty as the ter- most important because it concerns the secu- rorist,’’ millions of people voted in the Presi- rity of your family. All progress on every dential election in Afghanistan. And the first other issue depends on the safety of our citi- voter was a 19-year-old woman.

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Freedom is powerful. Iraq is still dan- Audience members. Flip-flop! Flip-flop! gerous, but Iraq will be having elections in Flip-flop! January. Think how far that country has The President. I have spent enough time come. It is in our interests, it is in our chil- in the great State of Florida to know not a dren’s interests that we promote liberty and people—not a lot of people talk that way freedom around the world. I believe every- here. [Laughter] He’s given several expla- body yearns to be free. Freedom is not nations since, but I think the most revealing America’s gift to the world. Freedom is the explanation of all about his vote against sup- Almighty God’s gift to each man and woman porting our troops was when he said, ‘‘The in this world. whole thing was a complicated matter.’’ A President must lead with consistency There is nothing complicated about sup- and strength. In a war, sometimes your tac- porting our troops in combat. tics change but never your principles. And Senator Kerry’s record on national security you have seen how I do my job. On good has a far deeper problem than election-year days and on bad days, when the polls are flip-flopping. On the largest national security up or the polls are down, I am determined issues of our time, he has been consistently to protect the American people. And I will wrong. When Ronald Reagan was con- always support the United States military. I fronting the Soviet Union at the height of want to thank those who wear our Nation’s the cold war, Senator Kerry said that Presi- uniform who are here today. I want to thank dent Reagan’s policy of peace through the military families who are here today. And strength was making America less safe. I want to thank the veterans who have set Audience members. Boo-o-o! such a great example for those who wear the The President. Well, history has shown uniform. that Senator Kerry was wrong and President We will support our troops in harm’s way. Ronald Reagan was right. That’s why I went to the United States Con- When former President Bush led a coali- gress in September of 2003 and asked for tion against Saddam Hussein to get him out $87 billion of supplemental funding. This was of Kuwait after he invaded Kuwait in 1991, necessary support. We had troops in Afghani- Senator Kerry voted against the use of force stan and in Iraq. We received great support to liberate Kuwait. for that piece of legislation, so strong only Audience members. Boo-o-o! 12 Members of the United States Senate op- The President. History has shown that posed the funding for our troops in harm’s Senator Kerry was wrong and former Presi- way. dent Bush was right. Audience members. Boo-o-o! In 1994, just one year after the first bomb- The President. Two of those twelve were ing of the World Trade Center, Senator my opponent and his runningmate. But I Kerry proposed massive cuts in America’s in- want to tell you another statistic. telligence budget, so massive that his col- Audience members. Boo-o-o! league from Massachusetts, Ted Kennedy, The President. Let me tell you one more voted against it. statistic. There were only four Members of Audience members. Boo-o-o! the Senate who voted to authorize force and The President. Well, history has shown then did—voted against supporting our that Senator Kerry was wrong and—we’ve troops in harm’s way—only four Members, got to be fair about it—Senator Kennedy was two of whom were my opponent and his right. runningmate. During the last 20 years, in key moments Audience members. Boo-o-o! of challenge and decision for America, Sen- The President. So they asked him several ator Kerry has chosen the position of weak- times why he made the vote he made. One ness and inaction. With that record, he stands of those answers was perhaps the most fa- in opposition not just to me but to the great mous quote of the 2004 campaign when he tradition of the Democratic Party. The party said, ‘‘I actually did vote for the 87 billion, of Franklin Roosevelt, of Harry Truman, of right before I voted against it.’’ John Kennedy is rightly remembered for

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confidence and resolve in times of crisis and taxes for the American families. I kept my in times of conflict. Senator Kerry has turned word. We doubled the child credit to $1,000 his back on ‘‘pay any price’’ and ‘‘bear any per child, and that helps moms and dads. burden.’’ He has replaced those commit- We reduced the marriage penalty. Our Tax ments with ‘‘wait and see’’ and ‘‘cut and run.’’ Code ought to encourage marriage, not pe- Many Democrats in this country do not nalize marriage. We dropped the lowest recognize their party anymore. Today I want bracket to 10 percent. We reduced income to speak to every Democrat: If you believe taxes for everybody who pays income tax. that America should lead with strength and And our economic recovery plan is working. purpose and confidence in our ideals, I Remember what we have been through. would be honored to have your support, and Six months prior to my arrival in Washington, I’m asking for your vote. the stock market was in serious decline. That Audience members. Four more years! foretold a recession. We had corporate scan- Four more years! Four more years! dals. And the attacks on America cost us The President. When you’re out rounding about a million jobs in the 3 months after up the vote, when you’re getting people to September the 11th. go to the polls like I know you’re going to But our economic policies are working. do, remind them we have big differences as Our economy is growing at rates as fast as to how to best protect our country and our any in nearly 20 years. We’ve added 1.9 mil- families. In one of our debates, my opponent lion new jobs in the last 13 months. The said that America must pass a ‘‘global test’’ homeownership rate is at an alltime high in before we commit our troops. America. More minority families own a home Audience members. Boo-o-o! than ever before in our Nation’s history. The President. I know, you’re probably Florida’s farmers and ranchers are making thinking I made that up, but I was standing a living. The entrepreneurial spirit is strong. right there pretty close to him when he said The small-business sector of our economy is it. [Laughter] I was just as startled as you thriving and doing well. The national unem- are. As far as I can tell, it means our country ployment rate is 5.4 percent, and the unem- must get permission from foreign capitals be- ployment rate in the great State of Florida fore we act. As President, I will work with is 4.5 percent. This economy is strong, and our friends. I will strengthen our alliances. it is getting stronger. But I will never turn over national security My opponent has a different plan for your decisions to leaders of other countries. budget. He plans to take a big chunk out In a recent interview, my opponent said of it. that September the 11th didn’t change him Audience members. Boo-o-o! much at all. Well, it changed me. It changed The President. He’s been in the United me a lot. It gave me—it caused me to think States Senate for 20 years, and he’s voted about how to protect America in a different to raise taxes 98 times. way from the past. I stood in the ruins of Audience members. Boo-o-o! the Twin Towers on September the 14th, The President. That’s five times for every 2001. It is a day I will never forget. I’ll never year he’s been in the Senate. I would call forget the workers in hardhats yelling at me that a predictable pattern, a leading indi- at the top of their lungs, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ cator. [Laughter] During the campaign, he’s I will never forget the fellow who grabbed made some big promises too. He’s promised me by the arm. He looked me right in the $2.2 trillion of new spending. That is trillion eye, and he said, ‘‘Do not let me down.’’ Ever with a ‘‘T.’’ That’s a lot. That’s a lot even since that day, I wake up every morning try- for a Senator from Massachusetts. ing to figure out how to best protect the Audience members. Boo-o-o! American people. I will never relent in the The President. So they asked him how security of this country, whatever it takes. he’s going to pay for it. He said, well, he’s The second clear choice in this election just going to tax the rich. We’ve heard that concerns your family’s budget. When I ran before. There’s a problem with that. If you for President 4 years ago, I pledged to lower run up the top two brackets like he says he’s

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going to do, it raises between 600 and 800 health savings accounts to help our families billion dollars. That is far short of the 2.2 and small businesses. trillion. That’s called a tax gap. Guess who And to make sure health care is available usually gets to fill the tax gap? and affordable for families all across this Audience members. We do! country, we will do something about the friv- The President. You do. But we’re not olous and junk lawsuits that are running good going to let him tax you; we’re going to carry doctors out of practice and running up the Florida and win next Tuesday. cost of your health care. We have a national The third choice in this election involves problem when it comes to litigation. I have the quality of life for our Nation’s families. met too many ob-gyns, some from the State A good education and quality health care are of Florida, that have been run out of their important to America’s families. As a can- practice because the lawsuits have caused didate, I pledged to challenge the soft bigotry their premiums to be too high. And I have of low expectations by reforming our public met too many expectant moms that are deep- schools. I kept my word. I signed the No ly concerned about the quality of health care Child Left Behind Act and proudly so. It’s they’re going to get for themselves and their a great piece of legislation. We increased child. You cannot be pro-doctor, pro-patient, Federal funding for our schools, particularly and pro-personal-injury-trial-lawyer at the for the disadvantaged and special-ed kids, same time. I think you have to make a choice. and that’s important. But also what’s impor- My opponent made his choice. He’s voted tant is to measure. We said, ‘‘In return for against medical liability reform 10 times in extra money, show us whether our children the Senate, and he put a personal-injury trial can read and write and add and subtract,’’ lawyer on the ticket. because we believe every child can read and Audience members. Boo-o-o! we believe every school must teach. The President. I have made my choice. You cannot solve a problem unless you di- I’m standing with Florida’s docs and Flor- agnose the problem. We’re now diagnosing ida’s patients and Florida’s families. I’m for and solving problems all across America, par- medical liability reform—now. ticularly in States like Florida because of your We have a difference of opinion when it good Governor. We’re closing an achieve- comes to health care. In one of those de- ment gap for minority students all across bates, they asked my opponent about his America, and we’re not going to go back to health care plan, and he said, ‘‘The Govern- the old days of low expectations and medioc- ment doesn’t have anything to do with it.’’ rity. I could barely contain myself. [Laughter] We’ll continue to work to make health care The Government has got a lot to do with more accessible and affordable. We have a it. Eighty percent of the people would end duty to take care of those who can’t help up on a Government plan. If you make it themselves. That’s why I’m such a strong be- easier for people to sign up for Medicaid, liever in community health centers, places it is likely small businesses will stop writing where the poor and the indigent can get good insurance for their employees because the primary and preventative care. I believe and Government will. And that moves people I know we must work with our Governors from the private sector to the Government and mayors to make sure that the program plans. And when the Government writes the for children from low-income families is fully checks, the Government makes the rules. subscribed so our children can get good And when the Government makes the rules health care. for your health care, the Government starts But I also understand that most of the un- making decisions for you and decisions for insured work for small businesses. And we your doctors. Federalizing health care is the ought to allow small businesses to pool risk wrong prescription for America’s families. In across jurisdictional boundaries so they can all we do to improve health care, we’ll make buy insurance at the same discounts that big sure the decisions are made by doctors and companies are able to do. We’ll expand patients, not by officials in Washington, DC.

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The fourth clear choice in this election in- The fifth clear choice in this election is volves your retirement. Our Nation has made on the values that are important for our coun- a solemn commitment to America’s seniors try. We stand for marriage and family, which on Social Security and Medicare. When I ran are the foundations of this society. We stand for President 4 years ago, I promised to keep for a culture of life in which every person that commitment and to improve Medicare matters and every being counts. I proudly by adding prescription drug coverage. I kept signed the ban on partial-birth abortion. We my word. I told the Congress Medicare need- stand for the appointment of Federal judges ed to be modernized. You know, Medicare who know the difference between personal would pay thousands of dollars for a heart— opinion and the strict interpretation of the for heart surgery, but it wouldn’t pay one law. dime for the prescription drugs that could My opponent has a different point of view. prevent the heart surgery from being needed He voted against the ban on partial-birth in the first place. That didn’t make any sense. abortion. So I brought Republicans and Democrats to- Audience members. Boo-o-o! gether. We modernized Medicare. And be- The President. He voted against the De- ginning in 2006, all seniors will be able to fense of Marriage Act. get prescription drug coverage under Medi- Audience members. Boo-o-o! care. The President. And at one time in his We’ll keep the promise of Social Security campaign, he said the heart and soul of for our seniors, and we will strengthen Social America can be found in Hollywood. Security for generations to come. Every elec- Audience members. Boo-o-o! tion, politicians try to scare our seniors and The President. Most of our families don’t say that they’re not going to get their checks look to Hollywood as a source of values. The if somebody like me gets elected. They said heart and soul of America is found in com- that in 2000. I got elected, and the seniors munities like Orlando, Florida. got their checks. The seniors will always get All these choices make this one of the most their checks. Baby boomers like me and like important elections in our history. And the some others I see out there—[laughter]— decision is in the best of hands. It is in the we’ll get our checks. hands of the American people. But we need to worry about our children I’ve got a clear view of where I want to and our grandchildren. We need to worry take this country. I clearly see a better tomor- about whether or not Social Security will be row. One of my favorite quotes is by a fellow there when they need it. And that is why Texan named Tom Lea. He said, ‘‘Sarah and I think younger workers ought to be allowed I live on the east side of the mountain. It to take some of their own payroll taxes and is the sunrise side, not the sunset side. It set up a personal savings account, an account is the side to see the day that is coming, not they call their own, an account the Govern- to see the day that is gone.’’ In the course ment cannot take away. of this campaign, my opponent has spent My opponent and I take a different ap- much of his time talking about the day that proach toward Social Security. He said he’s is gone. I’m talking about the day that’s com- going to protect Social Security, but he forgot ing. to tell the people that he’s voted eight times I see a great day coming for America. I for higher taxes on Social Security benefits. see a day where prosperity reaches every cor- Audience members. Boo-o-o! ner of our country. I see a day in which every The President. He can run, but he cannot child can read and write and add and sub- hide. And when it comes to the next genera- tract. And I see a day that after all the strug- tion, he’s offered no reform. The job of the gle, peace comes, a peace we want for our President is to confront problems, not to pass children and our grandchildren. them on to future Presidents and future gen- You know, when I campaigned across the erations. In a new term, I will bring people State of Florida 4 years ago, I made this together to strengthen Social Security for pledge, that if I got elected, I would uphold generations to come. the honor and the dignity of the office. With

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your help, with your hard work, I will do so booth to remember there’s an important for 4 more years. Senate race here in Florida. I’m going to say God bless. Thank you all for coming. it as strongly as I can, Mel Martinez is the Thank you all. right man for Florida. And we love Kitty Martinez as well. She’s a classy lady. NOTE: The President spoke at 8 p.m. at Tinker I want to thank the three Congressmen Field. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Jeb from this part of the world that are here, Bush, Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings, and State Attorney starting with the Congresswoman from this General Charlie Crist of Florida; Richard T. district, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, mi amiga. Y Crotty, Orange County chairman; Mel R. Mar- tinez, senatorial candidate in Florida; and country tambien los hermanos, Diaz-Balart, Lincoln music entertainer Mark Wills. y Mario. Thank you all for your steadfast and strong support. I appreciate Tom Gallagher being here. I Remarks in Miami, Florida want to thank , who’s here with October 31, 2004 us today. Listen, there are a lot of Democrats sup- The President. Thank you all for coming. porting my candidacy. There may be some We’re honored you’re here. Thank you all. here. You know the Democrat Party left you; Thank you for coming. Thank you for being you didn’t leave it. And I want to thank here. Thanks for taking time out of your Sun- Miami Beach Mayor David Dermer, Demo- day morning to come by and say hello. Laura crats for Bush. Mr. Mayor, we are proud and I are honored you’re here. I’m here to you’re here. Thank you, sir. I want to thank ask for your help. You need to get your all the other State and local officials. friends and neighbors to go to the polls. I know that there are some members of You’re voting today; you’re voting on Tues- the 1972 Miami Dolphins football team here. day. Tell your friends and neighbors, in a free Thank you all for coming. You guys haven’t society, we have an obligation to vote. Tell aged a bit. [Laughter] Thanks for setting such them, if they want a safer America, a stronger a great example. America, and a better America por todos, to I want to thank the grassroots activists. I vote for me and Dick Cheney. Con su apoyo, want to thank you all for putting up the signs. vamos a ganar. I want to thank you for making the phone The most important reason—perhaps the calls. No doubt in my mind, we’ll carry Flor- most important reason to put me back in is ida again and win a great victory on Tuesday. so that Laura will be the First Lady for 4 Audience members. Four more years! more years. Four more years! Four more years! Audience members. Laura! Laura! Laura! The President. This election takes place The President. Que bella. Que magnifica. in a time of great consequence. The person I want to thank my Vice President, who’s who sits in the Oval Office for the next 4 working hard. He does not have the waviest years will set the course of the war on terror hair in this race. I don’t want to offend some and the direction of our economy. America of you out there who are follically chal- will need strong, determined, optimistic lenged—you’ll be happy to hear I didn’t pick leadership. I am ready for the work ahead. him because of his hairdo. [Laughter] I My 4 years as your President has con- picked him because of his experience. I firmed some lessons, and they’ve taught me picked him because of his judgment. He’s some new ones. I’ve learned to expect the getting the job done. unexpected because horror can arrive sud- I want to thank my hermanito. What a denly on a quiet morning. I’ve learned first- great Governor he is. He loves Miami, and hand how hard it is to send young men and he loves the people of Miami. And I want women into battle, even if the cause is right. to thank First Lady Columba Bush for being I’m grateful to the lessons I’ve learned from such a gracious first lady for Florida. our parents: Respect for every person; do It’s really important that when you get in your best; live every day to its fullest. I’ve that booth and get your friends to go to the been strengthened by my faith and humbled

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by its reminder—and I’ve been humbled by decline. Then we had a recession and cor- its reminder that every life is part of a larger porate scandals, and the attacks on our coun- story. try cost us about a million jobs in the 3 The President must lead with clarity and months after the attack, after September the purpose. As Presidents from Lincoln to Roo- 11th. sevelt to Reagan so clearly demonstrated, a But we acted. I led. The tax relief is now President must not shift in the wind. A Presi- leading our economy forward. It’s working. dent has to make the tough decisions and America’s economy is strong, and it’s getting stand by them. The role of the President is stronger. We added 1.9 million jobs in the not to follow the latest polls. The role of the last 13 months. The homeownership rate in President is to lead based upon principle and America is at an alltime high. More minority conviction and conscience, and that is how families own a home than ever before in our I will continue to lead this Nation. Nation’s history. Our farmers are making a During the last 4 years, I’ve learned that living. The entrepreneurial spirit is strong in whatever your strengths are, you’re going to America. The national unemployment rate is need them. And whatever your short- 5.4 percent. That’s lower than the average comings, the people will notice them. rate of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. And the [Laughter] Sometimes I am a little too blunt. unemployment rate in the great State of I get that from my mother. [Laughter] Some- Florida is 4.5 percent. Our economic plans times I mangle the English language. are working. [Laughter] I get that from my dad. [Laugh- My opponent has got a plan. ter] But all the time, whether you agree with Audience members. Boo-o-o! me or not, you know where I stand, what The President. It involves the promises I believe. he makes and the money he intends to take. And you can’t say that about my opponent. For the Senator from Massachusetts, he’s Audience members. Boo-o-o! voted to raise taxes 98 times. The President. It is fair to say that consist- Audience members. Boo-o-o! ency is not his long suit. [Laughter] My oppo- The President. That’s five times every nent looks—I look at an issue, and I take year he’s been in the Senate. I would call a principled stand. My opponent looks at an that a predictable pattern, a leading indi- issue and tries to take every side. [Laughter] cator. [Laughter] In this campaign he’s also The people of Florida know the difference, pledged to spend 2.2 trillion new dollars. and Tuesday, Florida will vote for strong That’s a lot. That’s trillion with a ‘‘T.’’ leadership based upon conviction and con- [Laughter] That is even—that’s a lot for a sistency and support the Bush-Cheney ticket. Senator from Massachusetts. I mean, it’s— This election comes down to some clear [laughter]. choices on vital issues facing every American They asked him how he’s going to pay for family. The first clear choice concerns your it, and he said he’s just going to tax the rich. budget. When I ran for President 4 years ago, You’ve heard that before. By raising the top I pledged to lower taxes for America’s fami- two brackets, you raise between 600 and 800 lies. I kept my word. We doubled the child billion dollars. That’s far short of the 2.2 tril- credit. We reduced the marriage penalty. We lion. That’s what we call a tax gap. And guess dropped the lowest bracket to 10 percent so who gets to fill the tax gap? our working families would have more Audience members. We do! money in their pocket. The plan is working. The President. Yes, you do. We’re not Real after-tax income—that’s the money going to let him tax you; we’re going to carry you’ve got to spend—is up about 10 percent Florida and win a victory. since I took office. The second clear choice in this election Our economy has been through a lot. involves the quality of life for our Nation’s When you’re out gathering up the vote, re- families. I ran for President to challenge the mind people what the economy has been soft bigotry of low expectations by reforming through. Six months prior to my arrival in our schools. I kept my word. We passed edu- Washington, the stock market was in serious cation reforms to bring high standards to the

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classrooms, and reading and math scores are The third clear choice in this election in- now on the rise. We’re closing an achieve- volves your retirement. We made a solemn ment gap for minority students all across commitment to America’s seniors on Social America. And we’re not going to go back to Security and Medicare. When I ran for Presi- the old days of low expectations and medioc- dent 4 years ago, I promised to keep that rity. commitment and improve Medicare by add- We’ll continue to improve life for our fam- ing prescription drug coverage. I kept my ilies by making health care more affordable word. Seniors are already getting discounts and available. We’ll expand health savings ac- on medicine with drug discount cards. Low- counts so small businesses can cover their income seniors are getting direct help to pay workers and more families are able to save for prescriptions. And beginning in 2006, all tax-free with health care accounts they man- seniors will be able to get prescription drug age and call their own. We’ll create associa- coverage under Medicare. tion health plans so small businesses can join My opponent has got a record on this together and buy insurance at the same dis- issue. He voted against the Medicare bill that counts that big companies can do. We’ll help included prescription drug coverage. In this our families by expanding community health campaign, he’s promised to repeal the bill, centers and making sure every eligible child and then he promised to keep it. [Laughter] is enrolled in our low-income health insur- Audience members. Flip-flop! Flip-flop! ance programs. Flip-flop! And we will make sure health care is avail- The President. It sounds familiar, doesn’t able and affordable by getting rid of these it? He doesn’t change positions only on na- junk lawsuits that are running the docs out tional security issues. [Laughter] He also of practice. For the sake of quality health tries to scare seniors about their Social Secu- care, we need medical liability reform—now. rity. But he forgets to mention that he is the My vision is for better and more affordable one who voted eight times to raise taxes on health care where decisions are made by doc- Social Security benefits. tors and patients, not by officials in Wash- Audience members. Boo-o-o! ington, DC. The President. He can run from that My opponent has a different approach to record—— these issues. He voted for education reform, Audience members. But he cannot hide! but now he wants to weaken the account- The President. I’ve kept the promise of ability standards. Social Security for our seniors. I will always Audience members. Boo-o-o! keep the promise of Social Security for our The President. And he’s proposing a big- seniors. But we need to worry about our chil- Government health care plan. dren and our grandchildren when it comes Audience members. Boo-o-o! to Social Security. We need to worry about The President. I heard him in the de- whether the system will be there when they bates—you probably did too—when he said, need it. That’s why I believe younger workers ‘‘The Government doesn’t have anything to ought to take some of their personal payroll do with it.’’ That’s what he said about his taxes and set up a personal savings account, plan. I could barely contain myself. [Laugh- an account they call their own. ter] The Government has got everything to The fourth clear choice—— do with it. And the wrong prescription for Audience members. Four more years! American families is to federalize health care Four more years! Four more years! in America. The President. The fourth choice in this And when it comes to these lawsuits, my election is on the values that are so crucial opponent has voted against medical liability to keeping our families strong. I stand for reform not once but 10 times. And he put marriage and family, which are the founda- a personal-injury trial lawyer on the ticket. tions of our society. I stand for a culture of Audience members. Boo-o-o! life in which every person matters and every The President. He can run, but he cannot being counts. I proudly signed the ban on hide. partial-birth abortion. I stand for appointing

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judges who know the difference between My opponent has taken a different ap- personal opinion and the strict interpretation proach—except when he hadn’t. [Laughter] of the law. Here again, consistency has not been his long On these issues, my opponent and I are suit. The Commander in Chief must be con- miles apart. He voted against the ban on par- sistent in this dangerous world. Senator tial-birth abortion. He voted against the De- Kerry says that we’re better off with Saddam fense of Marriage Act. Hussein out of power—except when he says Audience members. Boo-o-o! that removing Saddam made us less safe. The President. He said there would be Audience members. Boo-o-o! a litmus test when it came to appointing The President. He said in our second de- judges. There is a mainstream in American bate that he always believed Saddam was a politics, and sits on the far left threat—except, a few questions later, when bank. [Laughter] He can—— he insisted Saddam Hussein was not a threat. [At this point, there was an interruption in Audience members. Boo-o-o! the audience.] The President. He says he was right when The President. Yes, he can run from he voted to authorize the use of force against being the most liberal Senator—— Saddam Hussein, but that I was wrong to Audience members. Viva Bush! Viva use force against Saddam Hussein. Bush! Viva Bush! Audience members. Boo-o-o! The President. The final choice in this The President. The problem with Senator election is most important of all because it Kerry’s record on national security are deep- concerns the security of your family. All er than election-year flip-flops. For 20 years, progress on every other issue depends on the on the largest national security issues of our safety of our citizens. The most solemn duty time, he has been consistently wrong. During of the American President is to protect the the cold war, Senator Kerry voted against American people. If America shows uncer- crucial weapons systems and opposed Presi- tainty or weakness during these troubled dent Ronald Reagan’s policy of peace times, the world will drift toward tragedy. through strength. History—— This is not going to happen on my watch. Audience members. Boo-o-o! Our strategy is clear. We’ve strengthened The President. History has shown that protections for the homeland. We’re reform- Senator Kerry was wrong and President Ron- ing and strengthening our intelligence capa- ald Reagan was right. bilities. We’re transforming the army. We When former President Bush assembled will have no draft; the army will remain an an international coalition to drive Saddam all-volunteer army. We are staying on the of- Hussein from Kuwait, Senator Kerry voted fensive. We’re chasing the terrorists around against the use of force. the globe. We will find them and bring them Audience members. Boo-o-o! to justice so we do not have to face them The President. History has shown that here at home. Senator Kerry was wrong and former Presi- Pakistan was—we’re making progress. Every day, we’re making progress. Afghani- dent Bush was right. stan is now an ally in the war on terror. Paki- Only a year after the first bombing of the stan and Saudi are making raids and arrests. World Trade Center, the Senator proposed Libya is dismantling its weapons programs. massive cuts in America’s intelligence budg- An army of a free Iraq is fighting for free- et, cuts so extreme that even his fellow Mas- dom. And Al Qaida no longer controls Af- sachusetts colleague, Ted Kennedy, voted ghanistan. We shut down its camps. We are against the cuts. systematically destroying the Al Qaida net- Audience members. Boo-o-o! work around the world. More than three- The President. History has shown Senator quarters of Al Qaida have been brought to Kerry was wrong—and let’s be generous justice, and the rest of them know we’re on about this—Senator Kennedy was right. their trail. [Laughter]

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Just one year ago, I went to the Congress our country. I will never relent in defending and proposed $87 billion in funding to sup- America, whatever it takes. port our troops in combat. The Commander We will use all the assets at our disposal in Chief must support our troops in harm’s to protect America. We will wage a relent- way. less, comprehensive campaign to protect you. Audience members. U.S.A.! U.S.A.! And one of the most powerful, powerful as- U.S.A.! sets we have is freedom. We believe in the The President. Prior to the vote, on na- power of liberty to transform societies. Free tional TV, Senator Kerry said it would be ir- nations do not breed resentments and export responsible to vote against the troops. terror. Free nations become allies in the war Audience member. [Inaudible] [Laugh- on terror. ter] Think about what has happened in Af- The President. And then he did the irre- ghanistan in a relatively brief period of time. sponsible thing: He voted against the troops. It wasn’t all that long ago that young girls Audience members. Boo-o-o! couldn’t go to school and their mothers were The President. And then he entered the taken into the public square and whipped be- flip-flop hall of fame—[laughter]—by saying, cause the ideologues of hate, the Taliban, ‘‘I actually did vote for the 87 billion, right had such a dim view of the world. Because before I voted against it.’’ [Laughter] He’s we acted in our self-interest, because we given several explanation since then, but the upheld the doctrine that said, ‘‘If you harbor most revealing—perhaps the most revealing a terrorist, you are equally as guilty as the is when he said, ‘‘The whole thing was a com- terrorist,’’ millions of people went to the polls plicated matter.’’ There’s nothing com- in Afghanistan to vote for their President. plicated about supporting our troops in com- The first voter was a 19-year-old woman. bat. Iraq is dangerous, but it’s moving toward Audience members. U.S.A.! U.S.A.! elections. There will be elections in January. U.S.A.! Think about how far that country has come The President. The differences on how from the days of torture chambers and mass we’ll defend our families are significant. My graves. Freedom is on the march, and Amer- opponent said in one of the debates that ica and the world are better for it. America must pass a ‘‘global test.’’ Audience members. Boo-o-o! And over the next 4 years, we will continue The President. I’m not making that up. to press hard and ensure that the gift of free- I heard him. So did you. We’ll work with dom finally reaches the men and women of our friends and allies, but I will never, ever Cuba. turn over America’s national security deci- Audience members. Viva Bush! Viva sions to leaders of other countries. Bush! Viva Bush! Recently, my opponent said September The President. We will not rest—we will the 11th ‘‘didn’t change him much at all,’’ not rest. We will keep the pressure on until end quote. Well, September the 11th the Cuban people enjoy the same freedoms changed me. My eyes are wide open to the in Havana they receive here in America. I realities of this world. I fully understand my strongly believe the people of Cuba should duty to protect the American people. A few be free from the tyrant. I believe that every- days after the attacks of September the 11th, body yearns to be free. Freedom is not I stood in the ruins of the Twin Towers. I America’s gift to the world. Freedom is the will never forget the sights and sounds of that Almighty God’s gift to each man and woman day, workers in hardhats yelling at me at the in this world. top of their lungs, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ I re- My fellow citizens, these are historic times, member the man grabbed me by the arm. and a lot is at stake in this election. The fu- He looked me square in the eye, and he said, ture safety and prosperity of America are on ‘‘Do not let me down.’’ Ever since that day— the ballot. Ultimately, this election comes from that day forward, I’ve gotten up every down to who can you trust. morning thinking about how to better protect Audience members. You!

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The President. I offer a record of leader- resentative Marco Rubio; and President Fidel ship and results in a time of challenge, and Castro of Cuba. I ask for your vote. If you believe that taxes should stay low Remarks in Tampa, Florida so families can pay the bills and small busi- nesses can expand and our economy can con- October 31, 2004 tinue to create new jobs, I ask you, come The President. Thank you all for coming. stand with me. We really appreciate you on a If you believe in high standards for our Sunday afternoon. I’m here to ask for your public schools and parents and doctors—pa- vote, and I’m here to ask for your help. Find tients and doctors should be in charge of your friends and neighbors and tell them we health care, I ask you, come stand with me. have a duty to vote, and get them going to If you believe that this Nation must honor the polls. Turn the Republicans out. Turn the commitments of Medicare and strength- the independents out. Find discerning en Social Security for the next generation, Democrats like my friend the former mayor I ask you, come stand with me. of Tampa, who is a Bush supporter, Dick If you believe that this Nation should Greco, like Senator Zell Miller from . honor family and marriage and make a place When you get them going to the polls, tell for the weak and vulnerable, I ask you, come them, if they want a safer America, a stronger stand with me. America, and a better America, to put me If you believe America should fight the and Dick Cheney back in office. war on terror with all our might and lead Perhaps the most important reason why with unwavering confidence in our ideals, I you should put me back in is so that Laura ask you, come stand with me. will be the First Lady for 4 more years. If you are a Democrat who believes your Audience members. Laura! Laura! Laura! great party has turned too far left in this year, The President. I’m proud of my I ask you, come stand with me. runningmate, Dick Cheney. I readily con- If you are a minority citizen and you be- cede he doesn’t have the waviest hair in the lieve in free enterprise and good schools and race. [Laughter] You’ll be happy to hear I the enduring values of family and faith, if didn’t pick him because of his hairdo. I you’re tired of your vote being taken for picked him because of his experience. I granted, I ask you, come stand with me. picked him because of his judgment. He’s If you are a voter who believes that the getting the job done for the American peo- President of the United States should say ple. what he means and do what he says and keep I am proud of your Governor, my brother his word, I ask you, come stand with me. . He is doing a fabulous job. We Audience members. Four more years! both share the same campaign consultant: Four more years! Four more years! Mother. [Laughter] My brother Marvin is The President. When I traveled your with us too, and I want to thank Marv for State 4 years ago, I made this pledge, that coming. He’s the good-looking one. [Laugh- if I got elected, I would uphold the honor ter] and the dignity of the office to which I had I’m proud to be introduced by General been elected. With your help—con su apoyo, Norman Schwarzkopf, a great American and I will do so for 4 more years. a great general. I want to thank his daughter, Gracias. Vamos a ganar. Thank you all. Jessica, for joining us today. I want to thank my friend Congressman Mike Bilirakis for being here today. I want to thank Congress- NOTE: The President spoke at 12:07 p.m. at the Coconut Grove Expo Center. In his remarks, he man Adam Putnam for being here today. I referred to Gov. Jeb Bush and First Lady want to thank the Lieutenant Governor and Columba Bush of Florida; Mel R. Martinez, sen- the attorney general for being with us today. atorial candidate in Florida, and his wife, Kitty; I want to urge you, when you go to the polls, Tom Gallagher, chief financial officer, Florida De- make sure you vote for Mel Martinez as the partment of Financial Services; Florida State Rep- United States Senator. And I appreciate his

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wife, Kitty, joining us. I want to thank my You can’t say that about my opponent. friend Mayor Greco for joining us. I want Audience members. Boo-o-o! to thank Mel Tillis for being here. Mel, I’m The President. It is fair to say that consist- proud you’re here. Tino Martinez—how ency is not his long suit. I look at an issue good does that get? Thanks for coming, Tino. and take a principled stand. My opponent I want to thank all the grassroots activists looks at an issue and tries to take every side. who are here, the people putting up the And the people of Florida know the dif- signs, the people making the phone calls. I ference. And Tuesday, Florida will vote for want to thank you for what you have done. strong, consistent, convicted—conviction and I want to thank you for what you’re going new—and our leadership. Florida will go to to do over the next 48 hours. You’re going the polls and make sure that Bush-Cheney to turn out the vote. We’ll win Florida again has got 4 more years. and win a great victory in November. Audience members. Four more years! This election takes place in a time of great Four more years! Four more years! consequence. The person who sits in the The President. This election comes down Oval Office for the next 4 years will set the to some clear choices on vital issues for course in the war on terror and the direction American families. The first clear choice con- of our economy. This country needs strong, cerns your family budget. When I ran for determined, optimistic leadership, and I’m President 4 years ago, I pledged to lower ready for the job. taxes for American families. I kept my word. My 4 years as your President have con- We doubled the child credit. We reduced firmed some lessons and taught me some the marriage penalty. We dropped the lowest new ones. I have learned to expect the unex- bracket to 10 percent so working families can pected because horror can arrive quietly— have more money to spend. As a result of quickly on a quiet morning. I’ve learned first- these policies, real after-tax income—that hand how hard it is to send young men and would be money in your pocket—is up by women into battle, even when the cause is about 10 percent since I took office. right. I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned We’ve been through a lot. When you’re from my parents: Respect every person; do out rounding up the vote, remind people that your best; live every day to its fullest. And the stock market was in serious decline 6 I’ve been strengthened by my faith and hum- months prior to my arrival. Then we had a bled by its reminder that every life is part recession and corporate scandals and the at- of a larger story. tack on our country that cost us a million The American President must lead with jobs in 3 months. clarity and purpose. As Presidents from Lin- But we acted. And because we acted, our coln to Roosevelt to Reagan so clearly dem- economy is growing again. We’re creating onstrated, a President must not shift with the new jobs. Our economy is growing at rates wind. The President has to make tough deci- as fast as any in nearly 20 years. We added sions and stand by them. The role of a Presi- 1.9 million new jobs in the last 13 months. dent is not to follow the path of the latest Homeownership rate is at an alltime high. polls. The role of the President is to lead More minority families own a home than based on principle, conviction, and con- ever before in our history. The entrepre- science. neurial spirit is strong in America. Small busi- During these 4 years, I’ve learned that nesses are flourishing. The national unem- whatever your strengths are, you’re going to ployment rate is 5.4 percent. That’s lower need them. And whatever your shortcomings than the average rate of the 1970s, 1980s, are, the people will notice them. [Laughter] and 1990s. And in Florida, the unemploy- Sometimes I am a little too blunt. I get that ment rate is 4.5 percent. This economy is from my mother. Sometimes I mangle the strong, and it is getting stronger. English language. I get that from my father. My opponent has an economic plan. It in- But all the time, whether you agree with me volves the promises he makes and the money or not, you know where I stand, what I be- he intends to take from you. lieve, and where I’m going to lead. Audience members. Boo-o-o!

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The President. He’s got a record. He’s care, the decisions will be made by doctors got a record. He’s voted to increase taxes 98 and patients, not by officials in Washington, times in the 20 years he was in the Senate. DC. That’s five times every year he was in the My opponent has a different approach. He Senate. That’s a predictable pattern. That’s voted for education reform but now wants a leading indicator. He’s also promised $2.2 to weaken the accountability standards. He trillion in new Federal spending. That’s tril- has proposed a big-Government health care lion with a ‘‘T.’’ That’s a lot. That’s a lot even plan. You might remember one of our de- for a Senator from Massachusetts. bates when he looked square in the camera They asked him how he’s going to pay for and said—when they asked him about his it. He said, ‘‘Oh, don’t worry, we’ll just tax health care plan, he said, ‘‘The Government the rich.’’ You have heard that before. The doesn’t have anything to do with it.’’ I could problem is, when you raise the top two brack- barely contain myself. [Laughter] The Gov- ets, you only raise between 600 and 800 bil- ernment has got a lot to do with it. Eighty lion dollars. That is far short of the 2.2 trillion percent of the people would be signed up he has promised. That’s a tax gap. Given his to a Government program under his plan. record, guess who’s going to get to fill the Eight million Americans would lose their pri- tax gap? You are. We’re not going to let him vate health insurance and end up on a Gov- tax you; we’re going to carry Florida and win ernment program. He’s voted against med- on November the 2d. ical liability reform 10 times. He put a per- Second clear choice involves the quality of sonal-injury trial lawyer on the ticket. life for our Nation’s families. I ran for Presi- Audience members. Boo-o-o! dent to challenge the soft bigotry of low ex- The President. Federalizing health care pectations by reforming our public schools. is the wrong prescription for American fami- I have kept my word. We passed education lies. He can run, but he cannot hide. reforms to bring high standards to our class- The third clear choice in this election in- rooms. Reading and math scores are on the volves your retirement. Our Nation has made rise. We’re closing the achievement gap by a solemn commitment to America’s seniors helping our minority students. My vision for on Social Security and Medicare. When I ran a new term is to build on these reforms and for President 4 years ago, I promised to keep extend them still to our high schools so that that commitment and improve Medicare by no child is left behind in America. adding prescription drug coverage. I kept my We’ll continue to improve life for our fam- word. Seniors are already getting discounts ilies by making health care more affordable on medicine with drug discount cards. Low- and available. We will expand health savings income seniors are getting direct help to pay accounts so more small businesses can cover for prescription drugs. And beginning in their workers and more families are able to 2006, all seniors will be able to get prescrip- save tax-free for health care accounts they tion drug coverage under Medicare. manage and call their own. We will expand My opponent has a record. He voted association health plans to help small busi- against the Medicare bill that included pre- nesses. They should be allowed to join to- scription drug coverage. Remind your friends gether to share risk so they can buy insurance and neighbors of that when they’re headed at the same discounts big companies do. We to the polls. In this campaign, he promised will expand community health centers to help to repeal the Medicare bill, and then he’s the poor and the indigent, and we’ll make promised to keep it. Sounds familiar, doesn’t sure every eligible child is enrolled in our it? low-income health insurance program. Audience members. Flip-flop! Flip-flop! And to make sure health care is available Flip-flop! and affordable, we will do something about The President. He tries to scare seniors the junk lawsuits that are running good doc- about their Social Security. But he forgot to tors out of practice and running up the cost mention he’s the one who voted to tax Social of health care. I am for medical liability re- Security benefits eight times. form—now. In all we do to reform health Audience members. Boo-o-o!

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The President. I have kept the promise Saudi Arabia are making raids and arrests. of Social Security for our seniors, and I will Libya is dismantling its weapons program. always keep the promise of Social Security The army of a free Iraq is fighting for free- for our seniors. dom. Al Qaida no longer controls territory But I also know the job of a President is like it did in Afghanistan. We have shut down to confront problems, not to pass them on its camps. We are systematically destroying to future Presidents and future generations. the Al Qaida network across the world. More That’s why in a new term, I’ll work with than three-quarters of Al Qaida’s key mem- members of both political parties to make bers and associates have been brought to jus- sure the Social Security system is strength- tice. And the rest of them know we’re on ened for a younger generation to come. their trail. The fourth clear choice in this election is My opponent has taken a different ap- on the values that are crucial to keeping our proach—except when he hadn’t. [Laughter] families strong. I stand for marriage and fam- Consistency is not his long suit, as I men- ily, which are the foundations of our society. tioned. Senator Kerry says we’re better off I stand for a culture of life in which every with Saddam out of power—except when he person matters and every being counts. And said that removing Saddam made us less safe. I proudly signed the ban on partial-birth He said in our second debate that he always abortions. I stand for the appointment of believed Saddam was a threat—except, a few Federal judges who know the difference be- questions later, when he insisted Saddam tween personal opinion and the strict inter- Hussein was not a threat. He says he was pretation of the law. right when he voted to authorize the use On these issues, my opponent and I are force against Saddam Hussein but I was miles apart. He said he would only appoint wrong to use force against Saddam Hussein. judges who pass a liberal litmus test. He was The problems with—the problem with my part of the extreme minority who voted opponent’s record on national security are against the Defense of Marriage Act. He deeper than election-year reversals. For 20 voted against the ban on partial-birth abor- years, on the largest national security issues tion. There is a mainstream in American poli- of our time, he has been consistently wrong. tics, and John Kerry sits on the far left bank. During the cold war, Senator Kerry voted He can run from that liberal record, but he against critical weapons systems and opposed cannot hide. President Reagan’s policy of peace through The final choice in this election is the most strength. History has shown that Senator important of all because it concerns the secu- Kerry was wrong and President Ronald rity of your family. All progress on every Reagan was right. other issue depends on the safety of our citi- When President—when former President zens. The most solemn duty of the American Bush assembled an international coalition led President is to protect the American people. by General Norman Schwarzkopf to drive If America shows uncertainty or weakness Saddam Hussein from Kuwait, Senator Kerry during these troubling times, the world will voted against the use of force to liberate Ku- drift toward tragedy. This is not going to hap- wait. pen on my watch. Audience members. Boo-o-o! Our strategy is clear. We’re strengthening The President. History has shown that our homeland. We’re reforming and Senator Kerry was wrong and former Presi- strengthening the intelligence capabilities. dent Bush was right. We will transform our military. There will One year after the first bombing of the be no draft. The All-Volunteer Army will re- World Trade Center, the Senator proposed main an all-volunteer army. We are steadfast. massive cuts in America’s intelligence. The We are determined. We are staying on the cuts were so extreme that even his fellow offensive so we do not have to face the terror- Massachusetts Senator, Ted Kennedy, voted ists here at home. against them. History has shown that Senator And we’re making progress. Afghanistan is Kerry was wrong and—let’s be fair—Senator an ally in the war on terror. Pakistan and Kennedy was right.

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I know there are some members of the to do to protect the American people. I re- military with us today, and I want to thank member standing in the ruins of the Twin you for your dedication. I want to thank you Towers on September the 14th, 2001. I re- for your service. I want to thank the military member the sights and sounds of that day. families who are with us today. And I want There were workers in hardhats yelling at me to thank the veterans who have joined us at the top of their lungs, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ today. I want to thank our veterans for having I remember the man who grabbed me by set such a great example to those who wear the arm. He looked me square in the eye, our Nation’s uniform. And I want to assure and he said, ‘‘Do not let me down.’’ Ever you like I’ve assured families all across our since that day, I wake up every morning try- country, we will make sure our troops have ing to better figure—figure out how to better that which they need to complete their mis- protect the American people. I will never re- sions. lent in defending our country, whatever it That is why I went to the United States takes. Congress last September—September of We will use all our assets to protect the 2003—and asked for $87 billion in funding American people. We will wage a com- to support our troops in both Afghanistan prehensive strategy to protect you. Perhaps and Iraq. On national TV, my opponent said the biggest asset we have of all is freedom. it would be irresponsible to vote against the I believe in the power of liberty to transform troops. And then he did the irresponsible nations. Free nations do not breed resent- thing and he voted against the funding for ment and export terror. Free nations become our troops. allies in the war on terror. Audience members. Boo-o-o! Think about what’s happening in Afghani- The President. And then he entered the stan in a relatively brief period of time. I want flip-flop hall of fame by saying, quote, ‘‘I ac- the youngsters to hear what life was like in tually did vote for the 87 billion, right before that country 31⁄2 years ago. Young girls I voted against it.’’ couldn’t go to school. And if their mothers Audience members. Flip-flop! Flip-flop! didn’t toe the line of the ideologues of hate, Flip-flop! they were taken into the public square and The President. He’s given several answers whipped and sometimes killed in a sports sta- since then, but perhaps the most illustrative dium. is when he said, ‘‘The whole thing is a com- Because we acted in our self-defense, be- plicated matter.’’ My fellow Americans, cause we upheld a doctrine that I clearly laid there’s nothing complicated about sup- out that said, ‘‘If you harbor a terrorist, you’re porting our troops in combat. equally as guilty as the terrorist,’’ millions of We have a difference of opinion on how citizens in Afghanistan voted in a Presidential to protect our families. You might remember election. And the first voter was a 19-year- in one of the debates, my opponent said old woman. there must be a ‘‘global test’’ before we com- Iraq is dangerous. It’s dangerous because mit troops. Iraq is heading toward a free society. There Audience members. Boo-o-o! will be Presidential elections in January. The President. I’m not making that up. Think how far that country has come from I heard him loud and clear. As far as I can the days of torture chambers and mass tell, that means America must submit to the graves. Freedom is on the march, and Amer- will of others before we defend ourselves. ica is more secure for it. I believe that every- Listen, I’ll work to build alliances. I will body yearns to be free. Freedom is not strengthen our coalitions. But I will never America’s gift to the world. Freedom is the turn over America’s national security deci- Almighty God’s gift to each man and woman sions to leaders of other countries. in this world. My opponent was—recently said that Sep- These are historic times, and there is a lot tember the 11th didn’t change him much at at stake in this election. The future and safe- all. Well, September the 11th changed me. ty—the future safety and prosperity of Amer- It changed my outlook about what we need ica are on the ballot. Ultimately, this election

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comes down to who do you trust—who do Major League Baseball; and former President you trust to lead this Nation? I offer a record Saddam Hussein of Iraq. of leadership and results at a time of threat and challenge. If you believe that taxes should stay low Remarks in Gainesville, Florida so families can pay their bills and small busi- October 31, 2004 nesses can create new jobs, I ask you, come The President. Thank you all. Thank you stand with me. all for coming. So Jeb said, ‘‘Why don’t we If you believe in high standards for our go to Gainesville? Maybe a couple hundred public schools, I ask you, come stand with will show up and say hello.’’ I said, ‘‘Well, me. I’m more than willing to go.’’ I can’t thank If you believe patients and doctors should you all enough for coming. Thanks for taking be in charge of the health care system, I ask time out of your Sunday afternoon. You’re you, come stand with me. lifting our spirits, and we appreciate it. If you believe that this Nation must honor I’m here to ask for your vote and your help. the commitments of Medicare and strength- I’m here to ask you to take your friends and en Social Security for the generations to neighbors to the polls. Remind them we have come, I ask you, come stand with me. a duty in our free country to vote. We have If you believe that this Nation should an obligation, in my judgment, to participate honor marriage and family and make a place in our democratic system. Now, when you’re for the weak and the vulnerable, I ask you lining up votes, of course look for our fellow to come stand with me. Republicans and independents, but don’t for- If you believe America should fight the get to get discerning Democrats to go to the war on terror with all our might and lead polls, people like Senator Zell Miller from with unwavering confidence in our ideals, I right north of here. And when you get them ask you to come stand with me. headed to the polls, remind them, if they If you are a Democrat who believes your want a safer America, a stronger America, party has turned too far to the left this year, and a better America, to put me and Dick I ask you to come stand with me. Cheney back in office. If you’re a minority citizen and you believe Perhaps the most important reason of all in free enterprise and good schools and the to put me back in is so that Laura is the enduring values of faith and family, if you First Lady for 4 more years. are tired of your vote being taken for granted, Audience members. Laura! Laura! Laura! I ask you to come stand with me. The President. I’m proud of my And if you are a voter who believes that runningmate, Dick Cheney. I don’t want to the American President should say what he offend anybody here who’s follically chal- means and do what he says and keep his lenged, but I readily concede my word, I ask you to come stand with me. runningmate doesn’t have the waviest hair in Four years ago, when I traveled your State, the race. [Laughter] But I suspect the people I made this pledge, that if I won the election, of north-central Florida are going to be I would uphold the honor and the dignity pleased to know I didn’t pick him because of the office to which I had been elected. of his hairdo. I picked him because of his With your help, with your hard work, I will judgment. I picked him because of his expe- do so for 4 more years. rience. He’s getting the job done for the Thanks for coming. On to victory. Thank American people. you all. I’m proud of brother Jeb. What a great Governor, and what a great brother. Jeb and NOTE: The President spoke at 2:35 p.m. at Leg- ends Field. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. I share the same campaign consultant: Moth- Jeb Bush, Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings, and State Attor- er. [Laughter] And my brother Marvin is ney General Charlie Crist of Florida; Mel R. Mar- with us too. I’m proud Marv is here. Thanks tinez, senatorial candidate in Florida, and his wife, for coming, Marvin. I love my family, and Kitty; country music entertainer Mel Tillis; Tino I’m glad that—I’m a fortunate man to have Martinez, first baseman, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, such a great family.

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Listen, I want to urge you, when you go are, people will notice them. [Laughter] to the polls, to vote for Mel Martinez for Sometimes I’m a little too blunt. I get that the next Senator of your State. I know him from my mother. Sometimes I mangle the well. He’ll make a great United States Sen- English language. I get that from my father. ator for Florida. I want to thank Congress- [Laughter] But all the time, no matter man Cliff Stearns for joining us today. He whether you agree with me or not, you know does a great job for the people of this part where I stand, what I believe, and where I’m of the world. I want to thank all the other going to lead. candidates, people running for office. I want You cannot say that about my opponent. to thank Carole Jean Jordan and all the grass- Audience members. Boo-o-o! roots activists who are here. The President. I think it is fair to say that I want to thank the Bellamy Brothers for consistency is not his strong suit. I look at being here. I’m proud to call them friend. an issue and take a principled stand. As we’ve I’m glad they are here. learned in this campaign, my opponent looks I want to thank you for what you have at an issue and tries to take every side. The done. It takes a lot of work to turn out a people of Florida know the difference. And crowd this big. I want to thank you for what on Tuesday, Florida will vote for strong lead- you’re going to do: Call your friends; call your ership and send me and Dick Cheney back neighbors; turn them out. We’ll carry Florida to Washington. again and win a great victory on Tuesday. This election comes down to clear choices This election takes place in a time of great on five vital issues, issues facing every family consequence. The person who sits in the in our country. The first clear choice con- Oval Office for the next 4 years will set the cerns your family budget. When I ran for course of the war on terror and the direction President 4 years ago, I pledged to lower of our economy. America will need strong, taxes for our families. I kept my word. We determined, optimistic leadership, and I am doubled the child credit. We reduced the ready for the work ahead. marriage penalty. We believe the code ought My 4 years as your President have con- to encourage marriage, not penalize mar- firmed some lessons and have taught me riage. We dropped the lowest bracket to 10 some new ones. I’ve learned to expect the percent. And as a result of these good poli- unexpected, because war can arrive quietly cies, real after-tax income—the money in on a quiet morning. I have learned firsthand your pocket, the money you have available how hard it is to send young men and women for spending—is up by about 10 percent into battle, even when the cause is right. I since I took office. am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned from And this economy of ours has been my parents: Respect every person; do your through a lot. The stock market was in seri- best; live every day to its fullest. I have been ous decline 6 months prior to my arrival. strengthened by my faith and humbled by Then we had a recession and corporate scan- its reminder that every life is part of a larger dals and an attack on our country that cost story. us a million jobs in 3 months after September I’ve learned how crucial it is for the Amer- the 11th. ican President to lead with clarity and pur- But we acted. And our policies are paying pose. As Presidents from Lincoln to Roo- off. Our economy is growing at rates as fast sevelt to Reagan so clearly demonstrated, a as any in nearly 20 years. We’ve added 1.9 President must not shift with the wind. A million jobs in the last 13 months. Home- President should make the tough decisions ownership rate is at an alltime high. More and stand by them. The role of a President minority families own a home than ever be- is not to follow the path of the latest polls; fore in our history. The entrepreneurial spirit the role of a President is to lead based on is strong. Our small businesses are flour- principle and conviction and conscience. ishing. Florida’s farmers and ranchers are During these 4 years, I’ve learned that making a good living. The unemployment whatever your strengths are, you’re going to rate is 5.4 percent across this country. Let need them, and whatever your shortcomings me put that in perspective for you: That’s

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lower than the average rate of the 1970s, the sure the decisions are made by doctors and 1980s, and the 1990s. The unemployment patients, not by officials in Washington, DC. rate in the great State of Florida is 4.5 per- My opponent has a different approach. He cent. This economy is strong, and it is getting voted for the education reform but now stronger. wants to weaken the accountability stand- My opponent has an economic plan too. ards. He’s proposing a big-Government He voted to increase taxes 98 times. health care plan. You might remember in the Audience members. Boo-o-o! debate, they said, ‘‘Talk about your health The President. That’s in 20 years. That’s care plan.’’ He looked straight in the camera, five times a year, nearly. I would call that and he said, ‘‘The Government doesn’t have a predictable pattern, a leading indicator. In anything to do with it.’’ I could barely contain this campaign, he’s also promised $2.2 trillion myself. [Laughter] The Government has got of new spending. That is trillion with a ‘‘T.’’ a lot to do with it. Eighty percent of the peo- That’s a lot even for a Senator from Massa- ple on his plan end up on a Government chusetts. [Laughter] plan. He’s voted against medical liability re- They asked him how he’s going to pay for form 10 times. He’s put a personal-injury it. He threw out that same old, tired line, trial lawyer on the ticket. ‘‘We’re going to tax the rich.’’ By raising the Audience members. Boo-o-o! top two brackets, you raise between 6 and The President. He can run from his 800 billion dollars. That’s far short of the 2.2 record, but he cannot hide. trillion. There is a tax gap. And given his The third clear choice in this election in- record, guess who he’s going to ask to fill volves your retirement. Our Nation has made it? You. The good news is, we’re not going a solemn commitment to America’s seniors to let him tax you; we will carry Florida and on Social Security and Medicare. When I ran win on November the 2d. for President 4 years ago, I promised to keep The second clear choice in this election that commitment and improve Medicare by involves the quality of life for our Nation’s adding prescription drug coverage. I kept my families. I ran for President to challenge and word. Seniors are getting discounts on medi- end the soft bigotry of low expectations by cine with drug discount cards. Low-income reforming our schools. I kept my word. We seniors are getting help to pay for their pre- passed education reforms to bring high scription. And beginning in 2006, all seniors standards to the classrooms of America. Math will be able to get prescription drug coverage and reading scores are up. We’re closing an through Medicare. achievement gap for minority students across My opponent has a record on this issue. this country. My vision for a new term is to He voted against the Medicare bill that in- build on these reforms and extend them to cluded prescription drug coverage. In this our high schools so that no child is left be- campaign, he said he promised to repeal the hind in America. bill, and then shortly thereafter, he promised We will continue to improve our lives for to keep it. That sounds familiar. He also tries our families by making health care more to scare our seniors about their Social Secu- available and affordable. We’ll expand health rity, but he conveniently forgets that he’s the savings accounts. We will allow small busi- one that voted eight times for higher taxes nesses to join together so they can buy insur- on Social Security benefits. He can run, but ance at the same discounts that big compa- he cannot hide. nies are able to do. We’ll help our families I’ve kept the promise of Social Security in need. We’ll help patients and doctors by for our seniors, and I will always keep the getting rid of the frivolous and junk lawsuits promise of Social Security for our seniors. that are running docs out of practice and run- But I understand we have a problem for the ning up your medicine. I’m standing with the younger generation coming up. Baby families of Florida. I’m standing with the boomers, like me and some others I see out doctors of Florida. I am for medical liability there, are in pretty good shape when it comes reform—now. In all we do to improve the to Social Security, but we need to worry health care for our families, we will make about the younger folks. That’s why I believe

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younger workers ought to be able to take army of a free Iraq is fighting for freedom, some of their own payroll taxes and set up and Al Qaida no longer controls territory like a personal savings account, a personal savings Afghanistan. They no longer have training account they call their own. In a new term, camps there. We are systematically destroy- I’ll bring people together to strengthen Social ing the Al Qaida network across the world. Security for generations to come. More than three-quarters of Al Qaida’s key The fourth clear choice in this elections members and associates have been brought are on the values that are so crucial to keep- to justice, and the rest of them know we are ing our families strong. I stand for marriage on their trail. and family, which are the foundations of our The leader must be consistent. The leader society. I stand for a culture of life in which must not send mixed signals to the world. every person counts and every being matters. My opponent has taken a different approach. I proudly signed the ban on partial-birth Senator Kerry says that we’re better off with abortion. I stand for the appointment of Fed- Saddam Hussein out of power, except when eral judges who know the difference between he says that removing Saddam made us less personal opinion and the strict interpretation of the law. safe. He said in our second debate that he On these issues, my opponent and I are always believed Saddam was a threat, except miles apart. He said he would only appoint a few questions later, when he insisted Sad- judges who pass his liberal litmus test. He dam Hussein was not a threat. He said he was part of an extreme minority that voted was right when he voted to authorize the use against the Defense of Marriage Act, and he of force against Saddam Hussein, but I was voted against the ban on partial-birth abor- wrong to use force to remove Saddam Hus- tion. sein. Audience members. Boo-o-o! Audience members. Boo-o-o! The President. There is a mainstream in The President. The problems of Senator American politics, and John Kerry sits on the Kerry’s record on national security are deep- far left bank. He can run from his liberal er than election-year reversals. For 20 years, record, but he cannot hide. on the largest national security issues of our The final choice in this election is the most time, he has been consistently wrong. During important one of all because it concerns the the cold war, Senator Kerry voted against security of your family. All progress on every critical weapons systems and opposed Ronald other issue depends on the safety of our citi- Reagan’s policy of peace through strength. zens. The most solemn duty of the American History has shown that Senator Kerry was President is to protect the American people. wrong and President Ronald Reagan was If America shows uncertainty or weakness right. during these troubled times, the world will When former President Bush assembled drift toward tragedy. This is not going to hap- an international coalition to drive Saddam pen on my watch. Hussein from Kuwait, Senator Kerry voted Our strategy is clear. We are strengthening against the use of force to liberate Kuwait. protections for the homeland. We are re- forming and strengthening our intelligence Audience members. Boo-o-o! capabilities. We are transforming the United The President. History has shown that States military. The All-Volunteer Army will Senator Kerry was wrong and former Presi- remain an all-volunteer army. There will be dent Bush was right. no draft. We are determined. We are relent- One year after the bombing—the first less. We will stay on the offensive. We are bombing of the World Trade Center, the fighting the terrorists abroad so we do not Senator proposed massive cuts in America’s have to face them here at home. intelligence, so massive that even his fellow And we’re succeeding. Afghanistan is an Massachusetts liberal, Ted Kennedy, would ally in the war on terror. Pakistan and Saudi not support them. History has shown that Arabia are making raids and arrests. Libya Senator Kerry was wrong and—let’s be fair is dismantling its weapons programs. The about it—Senator Kennedy was right.

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We will be relentless; we will be strong; Audience members. Four more years! we will be consistent in our security, in secur- Four more years! Four more years! ing this country. And we’ve got a great The President. A couple of weeks ago, United States military to help. I thank those Senator Kerry said that September the 11th who wear our Nation’s uniform who are with didn’t change him much at all. September us today. I thank the military families who the 11th changed me. It changed my outlook are here with us today. And I thank the vet- about what we need to do to protect this erans who have set such a great example for country. A few days after that attack, I stood those who wear the uniform. I assure you, in the ruins of the Twin Towers, on Sep- we’ll keep our commitment I made to the tember the 14th, 2001. It was a day I’ll never troops and their families and to our vets. We forget. I’ll never forget the sights and sounds. will make sure our troops have all the re- I will never forget the workers in hardhats sources they need to complete their missions. who were yelling at me at the top of their That is why I went to the Congress in Sep- lungs, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ I’ll never forget tember of 2003 and asked for $87 billion of the person that grabbed me by the arm, and supplemental funding. It was important he looked me in the eye, and he said, ‘‘Do funding. It was necessary funding. It was not let me down.’’ Ever since that day, I wake funding to support troops in harm’s way in up every morning trying to figure out how both Iraq and Afghanistan. And we received to better protect this country. I will never great bipartisan support for that funding, so relent in the security of America, whatever strong only 12 members of the United States it takes. Senate voted against it, 2 of whom were my During the next 4 years—— opponent and his runningmate. Audience members. Four more years! Four more years! Four more years! Audience members. Boo-o-o! The President. During the next 4 years, The President. Senator Kerry said on na- we will use every asset at our disposal to wage tional TV prior to that vote that it would be a comprehensive strategy to defend you. And irresponsible to vote against the troops. Then perhaps the strongest asset we have is free- the polls began to change. And he did the dom. I believe in the power of liberty to irresponsible thing, and he voted against the transform nations. Free nations do not breed troops. Then he entered the flip-flop hall of resentments. Free nations do not export ter- fame by saying, ‘‘I actually did vote for the ror. Free nations become allies in the war 87 billion, right before I voted against it.’’ on terror. And by spreading freedom, we’ll He’s given a lot of answers since then about achieve the peace we all want for our chil- that vote, but I think the most revealing of dren and our grandchildren. all is when he said, ‘‘The whole thing was I want the younger folks here to think a complicated matter.’’ [Laughter] My fellow about what’s happened in Afghanistan in just Americans, there’s nothing complicated 3 years. Society there was grim under the about supporting our troops in combat. reign of the Taliban. These people were We have differences on how to best pro- ideologues of hate. Young girls couldn’t go tect America’s families. During one of the to school. If their mothers didn’t toe the line, debates, my opponent said that America they’d get whipped in the public square and must pass a ‘‘global test’’ before we commit sometimes executed in a sports stadium. But troops. because we acted to defend ourselves, be- Audience members. Boo-o-o! cause we upheld a doctrine that said, ‘‘If you The President. Some of you probably harbor a terrorist, you’re equally as guilty as think I’m making that up. I heard him. He the terrorist,’’ millions of people in that coun- was standing right there. You see, to me that try went to the polls to vote for President. means that we’ve got to get permission be- And the first voter was a 19-year-old woman. fore we get troops. I’ll work with our allies. Iraq is still dangerous. It’s a dangerous I’ll continue to build alliances. But I will place because that country is headed toward never turn over America’s national security a free society. There will be elections in Janu- decisions to leaders of other countries. ary. Think how far that country has come

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from the days of torture chambers and mass dignity of the office. With your help, with graves. Freedom is on the march, and Amer- your hard work, I will do so for 4 more years. ica and the world are better for it. I believe Thanks for coming. God bless. Thank you everybody yearns to be free. Freedom is not all. America’s gift to the world; freedom is the Almighty God’s gift to each man and woman NOTE: The President spoke at 4:25 p.m. at the in this world. University Air Center. In his remarks, he referred These are historic times, and a lot is at to Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida; Carole Jean Jordan, stake in this election. The future safety and chairman, Republican Party of Florida; country prosperity of America are on the ballot. Ulti- music entertainers the Bellamy Brothers; and mately, though, this election comes down to former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. who you can trust—who you can trust to keep your families secure, who you can trust to spread prosperity. I proudly offer a record Remarks in Cincinnati, Ohio of leadership and results at a time of threat October 31, 2004 and challenge. If you believe that taxes should stay low The President. Thank you all. Thank you so families can pay the bills and small busi- all for coming. I am here to ask for your vote, nesses can create new jobs, I ask, come stand and I am here to ask for your help. We have with me. come to the great city of Cincinnati, Ohio, If you believe in high standards for our asking for you to turn your friends and neigh- public schools, I ask you, come stand with bors out to the polls on Tuesday. With your me. help, we will carry Ohio again and win a great If you believe patients and doctors should victory on Tuesday. be in charge of health care, I ask you, come Perhaps the most important reason of all stand with me. to put me back into office is so that Laura If you believe that this Nation must honor will be the First Lady for 4 more years. the commitments of Medicare and strength- I’m proud of my runningmate, Dick Che- en Social Security for generations to come, ney. I admit it, he does not have the waviest I ask, come stand with me. hair in the race. [Laughter] You all will be If you believe that this Nation should happy to know I didn’t pick him because of honor marriage and family and make a place his hairdo. I picked him because of his judg- for the weak and the vulnerable, I ask you, ment, his experience. He’s getting the job come stand with me. done for the American people. If you believe America should fight the I want to thank one of Cincinnati’s great war on terror with all our might and lead citizens, Johnny Bench, for having intro- with unwavering confidence in our ideals, I duced me today. We can judge a person by ask you to come stand with me. the company he keeps, and I’m keeping good If you are a Democrat who believes your company up here on this stage. I’m proud party has turned too far to the left this year, you’re here, Johnny. Thank you very much. I ask you to come stand with me. I’m proud to be here with some elected If you are a minority citizen and you be- officials from the great State of Ohio. Gov- lieve that free enterprise and good schools ernor Bob Taft and First Lady Hope Taft and enduring values of family and faith, and are with us. Thank you for coming. Senator if you’re tired of your vote being taken for Mike DeWine. Senator George Voinovich is granted, I ask you to come stand with me. out campaigning, but put him back into office If you are a voter who believes that the for 6 more years. President of the United States should say I’m proud to be here with Senator Jim what he means and do what he says and keep Bunning from Kentucky, and I hope the citi- his word, I ask you to come stand with me. zens of Kentucky put him back into office. Four years ago, when I traveled your State And we love Mary as well. asking for the vote, I made a pledge that if Steve Chabot, the Congressman from this elected, I would uphold the honor and the district, is with us. Congressman, thank you.

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My friend Congressman Rob Portman is with conviction and conscience. During these 4 us tonight. Thank you for being here, Rob. years, I’ve learned that whatever your The Lieutenant Governor from Ohio, strengths are, you are going to need them, Jennette Bradley, is with us. State Treasurer and whatever your shortcomings are, people Joe ‘‘Write in My Name’’ Deters is with us. will notice them. Sometimes I’m a little too I want to thank Betty Montgomery. I want blunt. I get that from my mother. [Laughter] to thank all the State and local officials. I Sometimes I mangle the English language. want to thank Mike Sodrel, who is from the I get that from my dad. [Laughter] But all Indiana Ninth Congressional District. I the time, whether you agree with me or not, strongly support Mike’s bid for the United you know where I stand, what I believe, and States Congress. And I strongly support the where I’m going to lead. bid of Geoff Davis from Kentucky’s Fourth You cannot say that about my opponent. Congressional District. Audience members. Boo-o-o! I want to thank my friend Anthony Munoz The President. I think it’s fair to say that for being here today. I’m proud to call him consistency is not his strong suit. [Laughter] friend. Marty Brennaman. I want to thank I look at an issue and take a principled stand. my friend Larry Gatlin and brother Rudy for My opponent looks at an issue and tries to joining us today. Yes. I want to thank the take every side. And the people of Ohio know Wil Gravatt Band. the difference. And that’s one of the reasons But most of all, I want to thank you all. why on Tuesday we’re going to carry your I want to thank the people who have been great State. putting up the signs and making the phone This election comes down to clear choices calls and doing all the hard work. You’re on five vital issues facing every American turning out this vote on Tuesday. family. The first clear choice concerns your This election takes place in a time of great family’s budget. When I ran for President 4 consequence. The person who sits in the years ago, I pledged to lower taxes for Amer- Oval Office for the next 4 years will set the ican families. I kept my word. We doubled course of the war on terror and the direction the child credit. We reduced the marriage of our economy. America will need strong, penalty. We believe the Tax Code ought to determined, optimistic leadership, and I am encourage, not penalize marriage. We re- ready to get the job done for 4 more years. duced taxes on everybody who pays taxes. As Audience members. Four more years! a result of these good policies, real after-tax Four more years! Four more years! income—the money in your pocket to spend The President. My 4 years as your Presi- on groceries or house payments or rent—is dent confirmed some lessons and taught up 10 percent since I took office. some new ones. I’ve learned to expect the When you’re out there convincing your unexpected. I’ve learned firsthand how hard friends and neighbors to vote, remind them it is to send young men and women into bat- what our economy has been through. Six tle. I am grateful for the lessons I have months prior to my arrival in Washington, learned from my parents: Respect every per- the stock market was in serious decline. And son; do your best; live every day to its fullest. then we faced the recession and corporate I’ve been strengthened by my faith and hum- scandals and an attack on our country that bled by its reminder that every life is part cost us a million jobs in just 3 months after of a larger story. I understand how crucial the attack. it is for the American President to lead with But we acted. Our economy is creating clarity and purpose. As Presidents from Lin- jobs and growing faster than any major econ- coln to Roosevelt to Reagan so clearly dem- omy in the world. We’ve added—home- onstrated, a President must not shift with the ownership rate is at an alltime high in Amer- wind. A President has to make tough deci- ica. More minorities own a home today than sions and stand by them. ever before in our Nation’s history. The en- The role of the President is not to follow trepreneurial spirit is strong. Small busi- the path of the latest polls. The role of a nesses are flourishing all across the State of President is to lead based on principle and Ohio. Ohio farmers are making a living. We

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added more than 1.9 million new jobs in the We’ll continue to improve life for our fam- last 13 months. The national unemployment ilies by making health care more affordable rate is 5.4 percent. That’s lower than the av- and available. We’ll expand health savings ac- erage rate of the 1970s, the 1980s, and the counts. We’ll allow small businesses to join 1990s. together and buy insurance at the same dis- I’ve traveled your State a lot. I know that counts that big companies are able to buy in certain areas of this State, people are insurance for. We’ll help our families in need struggling. But we’re making progress. Ohio by expanding community health centers. added 5,500 new jobs last month. Your un- And we will help Ohio families and pa- employment rate has gone from 6.3 to 6 per- tients and doctors by getting rid of the frivo- cent in one month. This economy is strong, lous and junk lawsuits that make health care and it is getting stronger. too expensive. In all we do to improve health My opponent has an economic plan too. care, we will make sure the medical decisions He voted to increase taxes 98 times in the are made by doctors and patients, not by offi- 20 years he’s been in the United States Sen- cials in Washington, DC. ate. As you can imagine, my opponent has a Audience members. Boo-o-o! different approach. He voted for the edu- cation reform but now wants to weaken the The President. That’s five times every accountability standards. He’s proposing a year he’s been in the Senate. I would call big-Government health care plan. I don’t that a leading indicator—[laughter]—a pre- know if you remember the debate when they dictable pattern. Couple that with the fact said, ‘‘Tell us about your health care plan.’’ that he’s promised $2.2 trillion in new Fed- And one of the things he said was, ‘‘The Gov- eral spending—that’s trillion with a ‘‘T.’’ ernment doesn’t have anything to do with it.’’ That’s a lot—[laughter]—even for a Senator I could barely contain myself. [Laughter] from Massachusetts. [Laughter] The Government has got a lot to do with They asked him how he’s going to pay for it. Eighty percent of the people would end it. He said, ‘‘Oh, we’ll just tax the rich.’’ The up on the Government plan with his vision. problem is, is that by raising the top two And that is the wrong prescription for Amer- brackets, one, you penalize the small-busi- ican families. ness sector of this country, and secondly, you Now, we got a different point of view when only raise between 600 and 800 billion dol- it comes to our docs and patients. He voted lars. That’s far short of the 2.2 trillion. That’s against medical liability reform 10 times, and what I would call a tax gap. Given his record, he put a personal-injury trial lawyer on the it’s not hard to figure out who’s going to fill ticket. that tax gap. You are. But the good news is, Audience members. Boo-o-o! we’re not going to let him tax you; we’re The President. He can run, but he cannot going to win Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. hide. Audience members. Four more years! The third clear choice in this election in- Four more years! Four more years! volves your retirement. Our Nation has made The President. The second clear choice a solemn commitment to America’s seniors in this election involves the quality of life for on Social Security and Medicare. When I ran our Nation’s families. I ran for President to for President 4 years ago, I promised to keep challenge the soft bigotry of low expectations that commitment and improve Medicare by by reforming our public schools. I kept my adding prescription drug coverage. I kept my word. We passed education reforms to bring word. Seniors are already getting discounts high standards to the classroom. Math and on medicine with drug discount cards. Low- reading scores are now on the rise. We’re income seniors are getting direct help to pay closing the achievement gap for minority for prescriptions. And beginning in 2006, all children all across this country. My vision for seniors will be able to get prescription drug a new term is to build on these reforms and coverage under Medicare. extend them to our high schools so that no My opponent has got a record on that. He child is left behind in America. voted against the Medicare bill that included

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prescription drugs. In the campaign, he’s If America shows uncertainty or weakness promised to repeal the bill, and then shortly during these troubled times, this world will thereafter, he promised to keep it. Sounds drift toward tragedy. This is not going to hap- familiar. He tries to scare seniors about their pen on my watch. Social Security. But he forgets to mention Since that terrible morning of September that he is the one who voted eight times to the 11th, 2001, we’ve fought the terrorists raise taxes on Social Security benefits. across the Earth, not for pride, not for power Audience members. Boo-o-o! but because the lives of our citizens are at The President. I have kept the promise stake. Our strategy is clear. We’ve strength- of Social Security for our seniors. And I’ll ened protections for the homeland. We’re re- always keep the promise of Social Security forming and strengthening our intelligence for our seniors. And the Social Security trust services. We’re transforming our military. is in pretty good shape for baby boomers like There will be no draft. The All-Volunteer me and a couple of other folks I see out Army will remain an all-volunteer army. We there. are fighting the terrorists abroad so we do But we need to worry about our children not have to face them here at home. We are and our grandchildren when it comes to So- determined. We are relentless. And we are cial Security. We need to worry about wheth- succeeding. er or not the Social Security system will be Afghanistan is free and is an ally in the there when they retire. And that is why I war on terror. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are believe younger workers ought to be allowed making raids and capturing terrorist leaders. to take some of their payroll taxes and put Libya is dismantling its weapons programs. it in a personal savings account, an account The army of a free Iraq is fighting for free- that earns a better interest, an account they dom. And Al Qaida no longer controls Af- call their own. ghanistan. We’ve shut down its camps. We The fourth clear choice in this election is are systematically destroying the Al Qaida on the values that are so crucial to keeping network across the world. More than three- our families strong. I stand for marriage and quarters of Al Qaida’s known leaders and as- family, which are the foundations of our soci- sociates have been brought to justice. And ety. I stand for a culture of life in which every the rest of them know we’re on their trail. person matters and every being counts. And And one of the reasons we’re protecting I proudly signed the ban on partial-birth America better than we have in the past is abortion. And I stand for the appointment because we’ve got a great United States mili- of Federal judges who know the difference tary. I’m proud to be the Commander in between personal opinion and the strict in- Chief of such a fine group of people. I want terpretation of the law. to thank the military families who have joined On these issues, my opponent and I are us today for your sacrifices. I want to thank miles apart. He said he would only appoint the veterans who are here for having set such judges who pass a liberal litmus test. He was a great example to those who wear the uni- part of an extreme minority that voted against form. And I assure you, we’ll keep our com- the Defense of Marriage Act. He voted mitment to our troops. We’ll make sure they against the ban on partial-birth abortion. have that which they need to complete their Audience members. Boo-o-o! missions. The President. There is a mainstream in That’s why I went to the United States American politics, and my opponent sits on Congress in September of 2003 and asked the far left bank. [Laughter] He can run from for $87 billion of supplemental funding. That his record, but he cannot hide. was vital funding. That was necessary fund- The final choice in this election is the most ing. That was important funding. And we re- important of all because it concerns the secu- ceived great support. As a matter of fact, only rity of your family. All progress on every 12 members of the United States Senate other issue depends on the safety of our citi- voted against that funding, 2 of whom were zens. The most solemn duty of the American my opponent and his runningmate. President is to protect the American people. Audience members. Boo-o-o!

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The President. On national TV, Senator that Senator Kerry was wrong—and we’ve Kerry said it would be irresponsible to vote got to be fair—Senator Kennedy was right. against the troops. And then when the vote [Laughter] came around, he did the irresponsible thing We have big differences about how to pro- and voted against the troops. tect you, about how to protect America’s Audience members. Boo-o-o! families. In one of the debates, Senator Kerry The President. And then he entered the said we must be subject to a ‘‘global test’’ flip-flop hall of fame by saying this—[laugh- before we commit troops. ter]—‘‘I actually did vote for the 87 billion, Audience members. Boo-o-o! right before I voted against it.’’ The President. I’m not making that up. Audience members. Flip-flop! Flip-flop! [Laughter] He wasn’t standing that far away Flip-flop! from me when he said it. [Laughter] The best The President. He’s given several expla- I can tell, my opponent’s ‘‘global test’’ means nations for that vote since, but perhaps the that America must get permission from for- most revealing of all was when he said, ‘‘The eign capitals before taking action to defend whole thing was a complicated matter.’’ My our country. fellow Americans, there is nothing com- Audience members. Boo-o-o! plicated about supporting our troops in com- The President. I’ll build on our alliances. bat. I will work with our friends and allies to pro- Senator Kerry has a pattern of switching tect ourselves and to protect freedom. But positions in this campaign. In the second de- I will never submit America’s national secu- bate, he said he always believed Saddam rity decisions to leaders of other countries. Hussein was a threat—except, a few ques- Senator Kerry the other day said that Sep- tions later, when he insisted Saddam Hussein tember the 11th didn’t change him much. was not a threat. He said he was right when September the 11th changed my outlook. I he voted to authorize the use of force against remember standing in the ruins of the Twin Saddam Hussein but that I was wrong to use Towers on September the 14th, 2001. It’s a force against Saddam Hussein. day I will never forget. There were workers Yet, the problems with Senator Kerry’s in hardhats yelling at me at the top of their record on national security are deeper than lungs, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ I remember the election-year reversals. For 20 years, on the first-responder who had just come out of the largest national security issues of our time, rubble who grabbed me by the arm, and he he has been consistently wrong. During the looked me square in the eye, and he said, cold war, Senator Kerry voted against critical ‘‘Don’t let me down.’’ Ever since that day, weapon systems and opposed President Ron- I wake up every morning trying to figure out ald Reagan’s policy of peace through how to better protect our country. I will strength. History has shown that Senator never relent in defending America, whatever Kerry was wrong and President Ronald it takes. Reagan was right. Audience members. U.S.A.! U.S.A.! When former President Bush assembled U.S.A.! an international coalition to drive Saddam The President. We will continue to use Hussein from Kuwait, Senator Kerry voted all our Nation’s assets to protect the Amer- against the use of force to liberate that coun- ican people. We will wage a comprehensive try. strategy to protect you. Perhaps the strongest Audience members. Boo-o-o! asset we have is freedom. See, I believe in The President. History has shown that the power of liberty to transform societies. Senator Kerry was wrong and former Presi- I believe free nations do not breed dent Bush was right. resentments and export terror. Free nations Only a year after the first bombing of the become allies in the war on terror. Freedom World Trade Center, the Senator proposed will help us keep the peace we all long for massive cuts in America’s intelligence, cuts for our children. so extreme that his fellow Massachusetts Think about what’s happened in the recent Senator opposed them. History has shown history of the world. It wasn’t all that long

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ago that young girls couldn’t go to school in with unwavering confidence in our ideals, I Afghanistan because that country was run by ask you to come stand with me. the barbarians called the Taliban. And if their If you are a Democrat who believes your mothers didn’t toe their line of ideological party has turned too far to the left this year, hatred, they would be whipped in the public I ask you to come stand with me. square and sometimes executed in the sports If you are a minority citizen and you be- stadium. But because we acted to defend lieve in free enterprise and good schools and ourselves, because we acted to uphold a doc- the enduring values of family and faith, and trine which said, ‘‘If you harbor a terrorist, if you’re tired of your vote being taken for you’re equally as guilty as the terrorist,’’ mil- granted, I ask you to come stand with me. lions of people went to the polls to vote for And if you are a voter who believes that a President in Afghanistan. The first voter the President of the United States should say was a 19-year-old woman. what he means and do what he says and keep Iraq is a dangerous place today because his word, I ask you to come stand with me. Iraq is moving toward freedom. There will In 2000, when I campaigned across the be elections in Iraq in January. And think State of Ohio and Indiana and Kentucky, I how far that society has come from the days made this pledge: I said if I got elected, I of torture chambers and mass graves. Free- would uphold the honor and the dignity of dom is on the march in this world, and Amer- the office to which I had been elected. With ica is more secure because of it. Much of your help, with your hard work, I will do so our foreign policy is driven by my deep belief for 4 more years. that everybody yearns to be free. See, free- God bless, and thanks for coming. Thank dom is not America’s gift to the world. Free- you all. dom is the Almighty God’s gift to each man NOTE: The President spoke at 8:07 p.m. at the and woman in this world. Great American Ball Park. In his remarks, he re- These are historic times, and a lot is at ferred to pro baseball Hall of Famer Johnny stake in this election. The future safety and Bench; Mary Bunning, wife of Senator Jim prosperity of America are on the ballot. But Bunning; Ohio State Treasurer Joseph T. Deters, ultimately, this election comes down to who write-in candidate for county prosecutor, Ham- can you trust—who can you trust to provide ilton County, OH; Ohio Auditor of State Betty security for your family? Who can you trust Montgomery; pro football Hall of Famer Anthony to make sure this economy continues to Munoz; Marty Brennaman, broadcaster, Cin- grow? cinnati Reds, Major League Baseball; country If you believe that taxes should stay low music entertainers the Gatlin Brothers and the Wil Gravatt Band; and former President Saddam so families can pay the bills and small busi- Hussein of Iraq. nesses can create jobs, I ask, come stand with me. If you believe in high standards for our Remarks in Wilmington, Ohio public schools, I ask you to come stand with November 1, 2004 me. If you believe that patients and doctors The President. Thank you all for coming should be in charge of the health care, I ask today. There’s nothing like an early morning you to come stand with me. rally in the great State of Ohio. I can’t think If you believe this Nation must honor the of a better place to kick off the last day of commitments of Medicare and strengthen this campaign than with the good folks here Social Security for generations to come, I ask in Ohio. I want to thank you for coming. you, come stand with me. Thank you for your support. With your help, If you believe this Nation should honor we will carry this great State and win tomor- marriage and family and make a place for row. the weak and the vulnerable, I ask you to I’m here to ask for your help. You get your come stand with me. friends and neighbors to go to the polls. Find If you believe that America should fight our fellow Republicans, wise independents, the war on terror with all our might and lead and discerning Democrats, and tell them, if

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they want a safer America and a stronger defend your deepest values, and I will work America and a better America, to put me and every day to make sure your families are safe. Dick Cheney back in office. And you can count on me. I’m asking for Perhaps the most important reason why your help, and there is no doubt in my mind, people ought to put me back in is so that with your help, we will win Ohio again and Laura is the First Lady for 4 more years. win a great victory tomorrow. I’m proud of my runningmate, Dick Che- The election takes place in a time of great ney. You know, he doesn’t have the waviest consequence. The person who sits in the hair in the race. [Laughter] You’ll be pleased Oval Office for the next 4 years will set the to hear I didn’t pick him because of his hair- course of the war on terror and the direction do. [Laughter] I picked him because he can of our economy. America will need strong, get the job done. I picked him because of determined, optimistic leadership, and I am his experience. I picked him because of his ready for the job ahead. judgment. The American President must lead with I’m proud to be traveling today with Curt clarity and purpose. As Presidents from Lin- Schilling. Everybody knows him as a great coln to Roosevelt to Reagan so clearly dem- pitcher. I know him as a great husband, a onstrated, a President must not shift with the great dad, and a man of great character. He’s wind. A President has to make the tough de- a champion on the field, and he’s a champion cisions and stand by them. The role of the off the field. And like me, he married well, President is not to follow the latest polls. The and I’m proud that Shonda is with us today role of the President is to lead based on prin- too. Thank you all for coming. Appreciate ciple and conviction and conscience. you being here. I’m proud to be here with Michael During these 4 years, I’ve learned that DeWine and his wife, Fran, the Senator from whatever your strengths are, you are going the great State of Ohio. I’m asking you to to need them, and whatever your short- make sure you vote for George Voinovich for comings are, the people will notice them. United States Senator. I want to thank Con- Sometimes I am a little too blunt. I get that gressman Mike Turner for being here and from my mother. [Laughter] Sometimes I his wife, Lori. mangle the English language. I get that from I want to thank your Governor, Bob Taft, my father. [Laughter] But all the time, and your Lieutenant Governor, Jennette whether you agree with me or not, you know Bradley, for coming today. Thank you all for where I stand, what I believe, and what I coming. I want to thank all the State and intend to do. local officials. This election comes down to five clear I want to thank the entertainment, the Wil choices for America’s families. The first clear Gravatt Band and the Wilmington, East Clin- choice concerns your family’s budget. When ton, Blanchester, and Clinton-Massie High I ran for President 4 years ago, I pledged School marching bands. I will try to keep my to lower taxes for America’s families. I have remarks short so you can make sure you kept my word. We’ve doubled the child cred- study before class starts. [Laughter] it. We reduced the marriage penalty. We be- I’m here with a message for the people lieve the Tax Code ought to encourage, not of Ohio. I know the economy of this State penalize marriage. We dropped the lowest has been through a lot, but we are moving tax bracket to 10 percent. We reduced taxes in the right direction. And to do so, we’ve on everybody who pays taxes. And as a result got to keep your taxes low. And I want you of these good policies, our economy is grow- to remind your friends and neighbors that ing at faster rates than any in nearly 20 years. my opponent will raise the taxes on Ohio’s Real after-tax income is up by 10 percent, families and Ohio’s small businesses. and that’s good for America’s families. Audience members. Boo-o-o! Homeownership rate in America is at an all- The President. In a new term, I will put time high. More minority families own a pro-growth—keep pro-growth, pro-small- home today than ever before in our Nation’s business, pro-farmer policies in place. I will history.

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Ohio’s farmers are making a living. The together so they can buy insurance at the entrepreneurial spirit is strong in America. same discount that big companies are able Small businesses are flourishing all across to do. your State. We’ve added 1.9 million jobs— We’ll help our families in need. And we’ll new jobs in the last 13 months. The unem- help our families and patients and doctors ployment rate across this country is 5.4 per- by getting rid of the frivolous and junk law- cent. That’s lower than the average rate of suits that run up the cost of health care. This the 1970s, the 1980s, and the 1990s. is an issue in this campaign. My opponent There have been some tough times in voted against medical liability reform not Ohio, but last month alone, we added 5,500 once, not twice, but 10 times. He put a per- jobs. The unemployment rate has dropped sonal-injury trial lawyer on the ticket. from 6.3 percent to 6 percent in this State. Audience members. Boo-o-o! This economy is strong, and it is getting The President. I’m standing with the fam- stronger. ilies of Ohio. I’m standing with the docs of My opponent has got an economic plan. Ohio. I am for medical liability reform—now. He’s been in the United States Senate for In all we do to improve health care, we will 20 years, and he’s voted to raise taxes 98 make sure the decisions are made by doctors times. That’s five times every year in the Sen- and patients, not by officials in Washington, ate. That’s what I would call a leading indi- DC. cator, a predictable pattern. Plus, he’s prom- My opponent has a different approach. He ised about $2.2 trillion in new Federal spend- voted for education reform, and now he ing. That is trillion with a ‘‘T.’’ That is a lot. wants to weaken the accountability stand- That’s a lot even for a Senator from Massa- ards. He’s proposing a big-Government chusetts. health care plan. I remember that debate So they said, ‘‘How are you going to pay when he looked square in the camera when for it?’’ He said, ‘‘Well, we’ll just tax the they asked him about his health care plan. rich.’’ But that leaves a tax gap. See, you can He said, ‘‘The Government didn’t have any- only raise between 600 and 800 billion. thing to do with it.’’ I could barely contain That’s far short of the 2.2 trillion he prom- myself. [Laughter] The Government has got ised. Given his record, guess who’s going to a lot to do with it. Eighty percent of the peo- have to fill the tax gap? You are. But the ple would end up on a Government program. good news is he’s not going to tax you be- The wrong prescription for American fami- cause we’re going to carry Ohio and win to- lies is to federalize your health care. morrow. The third clear choice in this election in- Audience members. Four more years! volves your retirement. Our Nation has made Four more years! Four more years! a solemn commitment to America’s seniors The President. The second clear choice on Social Security and Medicare. When I ran in this election involves the quality of life for for President 4 years ago, I promised to keep our Nation’s families. I ran for President to that commitment and improve Medicare by challenge the soft bigotry of low expectations adding prescription drugs for our seniors. I by reforming our public schools. I kept my have kept my word. Seniors are getting dis- word. We passed education reforms, good, counts on medicine with their drug discount solid education reforms to bring high stand- cards, and beginning in 2006, all seniors will ards to our classrooms. Math and reading be able to get prescription drug coverage scores are now up in America. We’re closing under Medicare. an achievement gap by helping our minority When you’re out gathering up the vote, children. My vision for a new term is to build remind people my opponent has got a record on these reforms, extend them to our high on this issue. He voted against the Medicare schools so no child is left behind in America. bill that included prescription drug coverage. We’ll continue to improve life for our fam- He’s trying to scare our seniors in this cam- ilies by making health care more affordable paign. That’s an old, tired practice. But as and available. We’ll expand health savings ac- he does so, I want you to tell your friends counts. We’ll allow small businesses to join and neighbors, he’s the one that voted to tax

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Social Security benefits eight times. We’ll are staying on the offensive. We will chase keep the promise of Social Security for our the terrorists overseas so we do not have to seniors. We will always keep the promise of face them here at home. Social Security for our seniors. The 9/11 Commission report said America But we need to worry about our children is safer but not yet safe. We’re making and our grandchildren when it comes to the progress. Afghanistan is an ally in the war Social Security system. Baby boomers like on terror. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are mak- me are in fine shape when it comes to the ing raids and capturing terrorist leaders. Social Security trust. I see a couple of others Lybia is dismantling its weapons programs. out there too. [Laughter] But the job of a The army of a free Iraq is fighting for free- President is to confront problems, not to pass dom. Al Qaida no longer controls Afghani- them on to future generations. And that’s stan. We’ve shut down their camps. We are why I’ll bring people together to make sure systematically destroying the Al Qaida net- we strengthen the Social Security system for work across the world. More than three- generations to come. quarters of its key leaders and associates have Fourth clear choice in this election is on been brought to justice, and the rest of them the values that are crucial for our families. know we’re on their trail. I stand for marriage and family, which are And we are making progress because we the foundations of our society. I stand for have a great United States military. I want a culture of life in which every person mat- to thank those who wear the uniform who ters and every being counts. I proudly signed are here. I want to thank the military families the ban on partial-birth abortion. I stand for who are here. And I want to thank the vet- the appointment of Federal judges who know erans who have set such a great example for the difference between personal opinion and those who wear the uniform. And I want to the strict interpretation of the law. assure you, we will keep our commitment We have a difference of opinion on these that I have made to our troops and to their issues. My opponent voted against the ban families. on partial-birth abortion. He voted against That’s why in September of 2003, I went the Defense of Marriage Act. There is a to the United States Congress and asked for mainstream in American politics, and Sen- $87 billion of important supplemental fund- ator John Kerry sits on the far left bank. ing. That’s money that went to our troops [Laughter] He can run from that liberal in combat in Iraq and in Afghanistan. It was record, but he cannot hide. important, really important. My opponent, The final choice in this election is the most on national TV, said prior to that vote, ‘‘It important of all because it concerns the secu- would be irresponsible to vote against fund- rity of your family. All progress on every ing for the troops.’’ And then he started to other issue depends on the safety of our citi- go down in the polls, and he voted against zens. The most solemn duty of the American funding for our troops. President is to protect the American people. Audience members. Boo-o-o! If this country of ours shows any uncertainty The President. And then he entered the or weakness during these troubling times, the flip-flop hall of fame by saying this: ‘‘I actu- world will drift toward tragedy. This is not ally did vote for the 87 billion, right before going to happen on my watch. I voted against it.’’ I haven’t spent a lot of Audience members. Four more years! time in the coffee shops around here, but Four more years! Four more years! I bet you a lot of people don’t talk that way. The President. Our strategy is clear. We [Laughter] have strengthened the protections for our They kept pressing him. He’s given a lot homeland. We are reforming and strength- of explanations about the 87—voting against ening our intelligence capabilities. We are the 87 billion, but I think the most revealing transforming the great United States military. of all was when he said, ‘‘The whole thing There will be no draft. We will keep the All- was a complicated matter.’’ My fellow Ameri- Volunteer Army an all-volunteer army. We cans, there is nothing complicated about sup- are relentless, and we are determined. We porting our troops in combat.

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The problem with Senator Kerry’s record families and our country. I will never relent on national security are deeper than election- in defending America, whatever it takes. year reversals. Twenty years—for 20 years, Audience members. Four more years! on the largest national security issues of the Four more years! Four more years! time, he has been consistently wrong. During The President. We will use every asset the cold war, Senator Kerry was critical, was at our disposal to protect you. We will wage against President Ronald Reagan’s policy of a comprehensive strategy to defend our peace through strength. Well, history has country. And perhaps the most powerful shown that Senator Kerry was wrong and asset we have is freedom. I believe in the President Ronald Reagan was right. power of liberty to transform societies. I When former President Bush assembled know that free nations do not breed an international coalition to drive Saddam resentments and export terror. Free nations Hussein out of Kuwait, Senator Kerry voted become allies in the war on terror. Freedom against the use of force to liberate Kuwait. will help us keep the peace we want for our History has shown that Senator Kerry was children and our grandchildren. wrong and former President Bush was right. I want the younger folks here to remember One year after the bombing of—the first and think about what has taken place in a bombing of the World Trade Center, the quick period of time. It wasn’t all that long Senator proposed massive cuts in our intel- ago in Afghanistan that young girls could not ligence budgets, so massive that his colleague go to school, and if their mothers didn’t toe from Massachusetts, Ted Kennedy, opposed the line of the ideologues of hate that ran them. Well, history has shown that Senator that country, they would be taken into the Kerry was wrong—and we’ve got to be fair public square and whipped and sometimes about it—Senator Kennedy was right. [Laughter] shot in a sports stadium. But because we During our debates, it became clear we acted in our own self-defense, because we have a different attitude about how to protect upheld a doctrine that said, ‘‘If you harbor American families. He said America must a terrorist, you’re equally as guilty as the ter- pass a ‘‘global test’’ before we commit force. rorist,’’ millions of people in Afghanistan I’m not making that up. I heard it, and so voted for a President. And the first voter was did you. As far as I can tell, a ‘‘global test’’ a 19-year-old woman. Freedom can change means that America must get permission to societies for the better. defend ourselves. I will build on our alliance. Iraq is dangerous. It is dangerous because I will strengthen our relationships overseas, that society is heading toward democracy. but I will never turn over America’s national Think how far that society has come from security decisions to leaders of other coun- the days of torture chambers and mass tries. graves. There will be Presidential elections We have a different point of view about in January. I believe every soul desires to be how to protect our families. My opponent free. Freedom is not America’s gift to the said that September the 11th didn’t change world. Freedom is the Almighty God’s gift him much at all. Well, September the 11th to each man and woman in this world. changed me. It changed my outlook. Perhaps These are historic times, and there is a lot the best way to describe to you about how at stake in this election. The future safety I feel is that experience I had at the Twin and prosperity of this country are on the bal- Towers on September the 14th, 2001, in the lot. Ultimately, though, this election comes rubble. And I remember the workers in hard- down to who do you trust—who do you trust hats yelling at me at the top of their lungs, to make the tough decisions? Who do you ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ I remember the person trust to lead this country to a better tomor- coming out of that rubble, and he grabbed row? me by arm. He looked me square in the eye, If you believe that taxes should stay low and he said, ‘‘Do not let me down.’’ Ever so families can pay your bills and small busi- since that day, I wake up every morning try- nesses create jobs, I ask you to come stand ing to figure out how to better protect our with me.

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If you believe in high standards for our Remarks to Reporters on Arrival in public schools, I ask you to come stand with Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania me. November 1, 2004 If you believe patients and doctors should be in charge of the health care, I ask you We’re coming down the stretch, and I feel to come stand with me. great. Thank you for asking. [Laughter] This If you believe this Nation must honor the is a seven-stop day, because I want to con- commitments of Medicare and strengthen tinue telling the people what I intend to do Social Security for generations to come, I ask to protect them and how I intend to put poli- you to come stand with me. cies in place to make sure America is a hope- If you believe that this Nation should ful place. I’m looking forward to the day. I honor marriage and family and make a place really am. I’m excited by the size of the for the weak and the vulnerable, I ask you crowds. I’m energized by the support that to come stand with me. I have received across this country. It’s an If you believe America should fight the opportunity to thank people who have war on terror with all our might and lead worked so hard on behalf of my candidacy with unwavering confidence in our ideals, I and to tell them how grateful I am for all ask you to come stand with me. of the sacrifices they have made on behalf If you are a Democrat who believes your of their country. It’s also a chance to remind party has turned too far to the left this year, them that when they work hard, that I’m con- I ask you to come stand with me. fident we’re going to win. If you are a minority citizen and you be- I want to thank you all for working so hard lieve in free enterprise and good schools and coming down the stretch. I know you’re the enduring values of family and faith, and tired, but look at it this way: It’s like that if you’re tired of your vote being taken for marathoner, Stretch [Richard Keil, granted, I ask you to come stand with me. Bloomberg News]; that finish line is in sight. And I just want to assure you, I’ve got the And if you’re a voter who believes that the energy, the optimism, and the enthusiasm to President of the United States should say cross the line. what he means and does what he says and But thank you all. We’ll see you during keeps his word, I ask you to come stand with the course of what’s going to be a great day. me. Thanks. Audience members. Four more years! Four more years! Four more years! NOTE: The President spoke at 9 a.m. at Pittsburgh The President. Four years ago when I International Airport. A tape was not available for traveled across Ohio, I made a pledge that verification of the content of these remarks. if I were to be elected, I would uphold the honor and the dignity of the office to which I had been elected. With your help, with your Remarks in Burgettstown, hard work, I will do so for 4 more years. Pennsylvania On to victory. Thanks for coming. Thank November 1, 2004 you all. The President. Thank you all. Thank you all for coming. Thanks for being here. I am so honored so many came out to say hello. I’m here to ask for your vote and ask for NOTE: The President spoke at 7:22 a.m. at Air- your help. It is close to voting time, and I’m borne Airpark. In his remarks, he referred to Shonda Schilling, wife of Curt Schilling, pitcher, out here to ask you to get our fellow Repub- Boston Red Sox, Major League Baseball; and licans and wise independents and discerning former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. He Democrats here in western Pennsylvania to also referred to the National Commission on Ter- do our duty and go to the polls tomorrow. rorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Com- And remind your friends and neighbors, if mission). they want a safer America and a stronger

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America and a better America, to put me and I want to thank Mark Wills and Daron Dick Cheney back into office. Norwood for being here today. Both of them Perhaps the most important reason to put are fine singers. me back in is so that Laura will be the First I want to thank the Wingmen for Bush. Lady for 4 more years. I regret that she’s They are a coalition of guys I served with. not here. We started—— I am honored they’re here. I appreciate your Audience members. Aw-w-w! friendship. Thank you all for taking time to The President. I understand. [Laughter] come. We were campaigning together yesterday. * Most of all, I want to thank the grassroots She’s off on her own for a while, which is activists for being here. I want to thank you for putting up the signs. I want to thank you wise use of her time. [Laughter] A lot of peo- for making the phone calls. I want to thank ple have come to know her like I know her. you for what you have done and what you’re She is a warm, compassionate, great First going to do over the next 24 hours. By turn- Lady. ing out the vote, by finding people who are I’m proud of my runningmate, Dick Che- concerned about the future of this country, ney. I really don’t intend to insult anybody we are going to carry Pennsylvania and win who’s follically challenged—[laughter]—but a great victory on Tuesday. I readily concede that the Vice President Tomorrow the people of this good State does not have the waviest hair in the race. and the people of our Nation will be heading [Laughter] The people of western Pennsyl- to the polls. And I’m excited about election vania will be pleased to know I didn’t pick day, and I’m optimistic about the future of him because of his hairdo. [Laughter] I this country. You know, one of my favorite picked him because of his judgment and his sayings comes from a fellow Texan who said experience. He’s getting the job done. this: He said, ‘‘Sarah and I live on the east I want to thank Curt and Shonda Schilling side of the mountain. It is the sunrise side, for taking time out of a busy life to come not the sunset side. It is the side to see the and endorse my candidacy for President. We day that is coming, not to see the day that all know him as a great baseball player. I is gone.’’ During the course of this campaign, know him as a great dad, a wonderful hus- my opponent has spent a lot of time talking band, a man of enormous character and about the day that is gone. I’m talking about value. I’m proud to have his support. And the day that’s coming. Santorum talks about Shonda the I see a great day coming for America. I Congress; she’s pretty effective about lob- see a day where prosperity reaches every cor- bying the President too. [Laughter] I want ner of this country. I see a day where every to thank them for their concern, their care, child is able to read and write and add and subtract. I see a day in which this world be- and their compassion. Thank you all for com- comes more peaceful so our children and our ing. grandchildren can grow up in the peace we I want to thank my friend the Senator from all want. I see a day that’s better for every Pennsylvania, Ricky Santorum. I wish Sen- American. And tomorrow, the American peo- ator Arlen Specter all the best. When you ple have a chance to bring that better day put me in, put him in too. I appreciate Con- by voting for Bush-Cheney. gressman Tim Murphy, his dedication and The American President must lead with service in the United States Congress. I want clarity and purpose. The role of the President to thank Congresswoman Melissa Hart for is not to follow the path of the latest polls. her service. I want to thank all the candidates The President must lead based on principle who are here, those running statewide and and conviction and conscience. those running locally. I want to thank my During these 4 years, I’ve learned that friend Lynn Swann for his friendship and whatever your strengths are, you’re going to leadership. need them, and whatever your weaknesses are, people will notice them. Sometimes I’m * White House correction. a little too blunt. I get that from my mother.

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Sometimes I mangle the English language. The President. That’s five times for every [Laughter] I get that from my dad. [Laugh- year he’s been in the Senate. I would call ter] But all the time, whether you agree with that a predictable pattern, a leading indi- me or not, you know where I stand, what cator. [Laughter] And when you couple that I believe, and where I’m going to lead. with the fact that he’s promised 2.2 trillion This election—— in new spending—— Audience members. Four more years! Audience members. Boo-o-o! Four more years! Four more years! The President. ——you begin to get a The President. This election comes down sense of his economic plan. That’s 2.2 trillion to clear choices on five vital issues facing our with a ‘‘T.’’ That is a lot even for a Senator families. And the first clear choice concerns from Massachusetts. They asked him how he your family’s budget. When I ran for Presi- was going to pay for it. He said he’ll tax the dent 4 years ago, I pledged to lower taxes rich. You have heard that before. You can’t for American families. And I kept my word. raise enough money to pay for 2.2 trillion. We doubled the child credit to help moms There is a tax gap. There is a gap between and dads. We reduced the marriage penalty. what he has promised and what he can de- We believe the Tax Code ought to encour- liver, and given his record, guess who is going age, not penalize marriage. We lowered taxes to get to fill that tax gap? on everybody who pays taxes. Audience member. We are! As a result of these policies, our economy The President. Hard-working people of is growing at rates as fast as any in nearly western Pennsylvania. We are not going to 20 years. Real after-tax income—the money let him tax you; we’re going to carry Pennsyl- in your pocket—is up by 10 percent since vania and win on November the 2d. I’ve been your President. Homeownership The second clear choice involves the qual- rate is an alltime high in America, and more ity of life for your families. I ran for President minority families own a home today than ever to challenge the soft bigotry of low expecta- before in our history. tions by reforming our public schools. And Pennsylvania’s farmers are making a living. I have kept my word. We passed education The entrepreneurial spirit is strong. Small reforms to bring high standards to our class- businesses are flourishing all across the State. rooms. Math and reading scores are now on We’ve added 1.9 million new jobs in the last the rise. We’re closing the achievement gap 13 months. The national unemployment rate by helping minority children. My vision for is 5.4 percent. Let me put that in perspective a new term is to build on these reforms and for you: That’s lower than the average rate extend them to our high schools so that no of the 1970s, the 1980s, and the 1990s. And child is left behind in America. the unemployment rate here in Pennsylvania We’ll continue to improve life for our fam- is 5.3 percent. This economy is strong, and ilies by making health care more affordable it is getting stronger. and available. We will expand health savings People in western Pennsylvania need to accounts. We will allow small businesses to hear this message. I know this State depends join together so they can buy insurance at on a healthy steel and coal economy. And the same discount that big companies are we will keep taxes low. We will insist on free able to do. and fair trade, and we will make those indus- We will help our families in need, and we tries strong so the Pennsylvania recovery will do something about these junk lawsuits keeps on creating jobs for the Pennsylvania that are making it hard to find good doctors people. in Pennsylvania. We have a difference of My opponent has an economic plan. opinion on these lawsuits. My opponent has Audience members. Boo-o-o! voted against medical liability reform not The President. Let me remind you of his once, twice, three times but 10 times as a history. He’s been in the United States Sen- Member of the United States Senate. ate 20 years. He’s voted to raise taxes 98 Audience members. Boo-o-o! times. The President. He put a personal-injury Audience members. Boo-o-o! trial lawyer on the ticket.

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Audience members. Boo-o-o! The President. I have kept the promise The President. I understand the problem of Social Security, and we will always keep you face here in Pennsylvania. I’ve talked to the promise of Social Security for our seniors. too many ob-gyns in this State that are having And baby boomers like me and some others problems staying in practice. I’ve talked to out there I see are in good shape when it too many expectant moms that are worried comes to the Social Security trust. about their health care. I’m standing with the But we need to to worry about our chil- doctors of Pennsylvania. I’m standing with dren and our grandchildren. That’s why I be- the patients of Pennsylvania. I am for med- lieve younger workers ought to be able to ical liability reform—now. In all we do to take some of their payroll taxes and set up improve health care, we will make sure the a personal savings account, an account they decisions are made by doctors and patients, call their own. In a new term, I will bring not by officials in Washington, DC. people together to strengthen Social Security My opponent takes a different approach. for generations to come. He voted for the education reforms but now The fourth clear choice in this election is wants to weaken the accountability stand- on the values that are so crucial to keeping ards. our families strong. I want the Democrats Audience members. Boo-o-o! and Republicans, independents of western The President. He’s proposed a big-Gov- Pennsylvania to understand this: I stand for ernment health care plan. I remember that marriage and family, which are the founda- debate when he looked square in the camera tion of our society. I stand for a culture of and he said the Government didn’t have any- life in which every person matters and every thing to do with it, when he was talking about being counts. I proudly signed the ban on his health care plan. I could barely contain partial-birth abortions. I stand for the ap- myself. The Government has got a lot to do pointment of Federal judges who know the with it. Eighty percent of the people end up difference between personal opinion and the on a Government-run plan. The wrong pre- strict interpretation of the law. scription for American families is to fed- On issue after—on these issues, my oppo- eralize your health care. He can run from his record, but he cannot hide. nent and I are miles apart. He voted against the ban on partial-birth abortion. The third clear choice involves your retire- ment. Our Nation has made a solemn com- Audience members. Boo-o-o! mitment to America’s seniors on Social Secu- The President. He voted against the De- rity and Medicare. When I ran for President fense of Marriage Act. 4 years ago, I promised to keep that commit- Audience members. Boo-o-o! ment and improve Medicare by adding pre- The President. There is a mainstream in scription drug coverage. I have kept my American politics, and John Kerry sits on the word. Seniors are already getting discounts far left bank. He can run from his record, on medicine with drug discount cards. And but he cannot hide. beginning in 2006, all seniors will be able The final choice—— to get prescription drug coverage under Audience members. Four more years! Medicare. Four more years! Four more years! My opponent has a record. He voted The President. The final choice in this against the Medicare bill that included pre- election is the most important of all because scription drug coverage. it concerns the security of your family. All Audience members. Boo-o-o! progress in every other issue depends on the The President. And his campaign is trying safety of our citizens. The most solemn duty to scare our seniors when it comes to Social of the American President is to protect the Security. But he forgets to mention that he American people. If this country shows un- is the one who voted to increase taxes on certainty or weakness during these troubled Social Security benefits eight times. times, the world will drift toward tragedy. Audience members. Boo-o-o! This is not going to happen on my watch.

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Our strategy is clear. We are protecting He said, ‘‘The whole thing was a complicated our homeland. Tom Ridge, the former Gov- matter.’’ [Laughter] My fellow citizens, there ernor of this great State, is doing a wonderful is nothing complicated about supporting our job. We’re reforming and strengthening our troops in combat. intelligence capabilities. We are transforming Senator Kerry’s record on national security our All-Volunteer Army. There will be no has far deeper problems than election-year draft. We are determined. We are relentless. reversals. For 20 years, on the largest na- We are steadfast. We’re staying on the offen- tional security issues, he has been consist- sive. We are fighting the terrorists abroad so ently wrong. During the cold war—I want we do not have to face them here at home. the citizens of this—of western Pennsylvania We’re succeeding. Afghanistan is free and to hear the truth here—during the cold war, an ally in the war on terror. Pakistan and Senator Kerry voted against critical weapons Saudi Arabia are making raids and capturing systems and opposed President Ronald Rea- terrorist leaders. Libya is dismantling its gan’s policy of peace through strength. weapons program. The army of a free Iraq Audience members. Boo-o-o! is fighting for freedom. Al Qaida no longer The President. History has shown that controls Afghanistan. We’ve shut down its Senator Kerry was wrong and President Ron- camps there. We are systematically destroy- ald Reagan was right. ing the Al Qaida network. When former President Bush assembled We are making progress on protecting the an international coalition to drive Saddam American people because we’ve got a great Hussein from Kuwait, Senator Kerry voted military. We will keep it a great military. And against the use of force to liberate Kuwait. I want to thank those who wear our Nation’s Audience members. Boo-o-o! uniform for your service. I want to thank the The President. History has shown that military families who are here for your sac- Senator Kerry was wrong and former Presi- rifice for our country. I want to thank the dent Bush was right. veterans who are here for having set such One year after—— a great example to those who wear the uni- [At this point, there was an interruption in form. And I assure you, we’ll make sure our the audience.] troops have that which they need to complete Audience members. Boo-o-o! their missions. The President. One year after the first That’s why, in September of 2003, I went bombing of the World Trade Center, the to the United States Congress and asked for Senator proposed massive cuts in America’s $87 billion to support our troops in combat. intelligence budget, so massive—— It was a very important funding request. My opponent said on national TV that it would [The interruption in the audience continued.] be irresponsible to vote against the funding Audience members. Boo-o-o! for our troops. And then, because the polit- The President. So massive that his col- ical polls changed, he changed his position, league Ted Kennedy opposed them. Well, and he did the irresponsible thing, and he history has shown that Senator Kerry was voted against funding for our troops. wrong—and we got to be fair—Senator Ken- Audience members. Flip-flop! Flip-flop! nedy was right. [Laughter] Flip-flop! We have a difference of opinion. And as The President. And then he entered the you gather up the vote, remind people about flip-flop hall of fame by saying this—upon this difference of opinion as to how to better his entry, here is what he said: ‘‘I actually secure our Nation’s families—— did vote for the 87 billion, right before I voted against it.’’ [The interruption in the audience continued.] Audience members. Boo-o-o! The President. My opponent suggested The President. I doubt many people in America must pass a ‘‘global test’’ before we western Pennsylvania talk that way. [Laugh- defend ourselves. ter] He’s given a lot of explanations since that Audience members. Four more years! vote, but I think the most revealing is this. Four more years! Four more years!

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The President. I will always work with our Audience members. Four more years! friends and allies, but I will never turn over Four more years! Four more years! America’s national security decisions to lead- The President. We are living in historic ers of other countries. times, and a lot is at stake in this election. Senator Kerry says September the 11th The future safety and prosperity of America didn’t change him much at all. It changed are on the ballot. The truth of the matter me. It changed my outlook about how to bet- is, this election comes down to who do you ter defend this country. I remember going trust—who do you trust to make this country to the ruins of the Twin Towers on Sep- secure? Who do you trust to offer leadership tember the 14th, 2001. It’s a day I’ll never and results in a time of challenge to America? forget. There were workers in hardhats there If you believe that taxes should stay low yelling at me at the top of their lungs, ‘‘What- so families can pay the bills and small busi- ever it takes.’’ I remember the man who nesses can expand and create jobs, I ask you came out of the rubble, and he grabbed me to come stand with me. by the arm. He looked me in the eye, and If you believe in high standards for public he said, ‘‘Do not let me down.’’ Ever since schools, I ask you to come stand with me. that day, I get up every morning trying to If you believe that patients and doctors figure out how to better protect our country. should be in charge of health care, I ask you I will never relent in defending this country, to come stand with me. whatever it takes. If you believe this Nation must honor the Over the next 4 years, we will defend this commitments of Medicare and strengthen country. We will use every asset at our dis- Social Security for generations to come, I ask posal, and one of the most powerful assets you to come stand with me. we have is freedom. I believe in the power If you believe that this Nation should of liberty to transform societies. honor marriage and family and make a place I want the youngsters here to realize what for the weak and the vulnerable, I ask you has happened in a short period of time in to come stand with me. Afghanistan. It wasn’t all that long ago that If you believe America should fight the young girls could not go to school, and their war on terror with all our might and lead mothers were taken into the public squares with unwavering confidence in our ideals, I and whipped and sometimes shot in a sports ask you to come stand with me. stadium, because the ideologues of hate, the If you are a Democrat who believes your Taliban, had such a dim view of the world. party has turned too far to the left this year, Because we acted to defend ourselves, be- I ask you to come stand with me. cause we upheld the doctrine that said, ‘‘If If you are a minority citizen and believe you harbor a terrorist, you’re equally as guilty in free enterprise and good schools and the as the terrorist,’’ millions of citizens went to enduring values of family and faith, and if the polls to vote for their President. The first you are tired of your vote being taken for voter was a 19-year-old woman. Freedom is granted, I ask you to come stand with me. on the march. And free societies help us keep And if you are a voter who believes that the peace we all want. the President of the United States should say Iraq is still dangerous. That’s because that what he means and do what he says and keep country is headed toward democracy. There his word, I ask you to come stand with me. will be elections in Iraq in January. Think When I traveled your great State 4 years how far that country has come from the days ago, I made a pledge that if elected, I would of torture chambers and mass graves. uphold the honor and the dignity of the of- I believe every person wants to live in a fice. With your help, with your hard work, free society. I believe mothers and dads want I will do so for 4 more years. to raise their children in a free and peaceful Thanks for coming. Thank you all. world. I believe this not because freedom is NOTE: The President spoke at 9:38 a.m. in the America’s gift to the world; freedom is the Post-Gazette Pavilion at Star Lake. In his remarks, Almighty God’s gift to each man and woman he referred to Curt Schilling, pitcher, Boston Red in this world. Sox, Major League Baseball, and his wife, Shonda;

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country music entertainers Mark Wills and Daron is with us. At least that’s what I call him. Norwood; Lynn C. Swann, chairman, President’s The high sheriff is with us. Sheriff Clarke, Council on Physical Fitness and Sports; and thanks for coming. former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. I’ve been most impressed during my trav- els throughout Wisconsin to have met and Remarks in Milwaukee, Wisconsin talked with a man who will make a great United States Senator, Tim Michels. I wish November 1, 2004 Jerry Boyle all the best in his run for the The President. Thank you all. Thank you Fourth Congressional District. all for coming. Thank you all for coming. I I want to thank Morgan Hamm for coming want to thank all the cheese heads who are today. I appreciate him being here. He’s here. It’s close to voting time, and I’m here been a great Olympic champ from the State to ask for your vote and your help. Get your of Wisconsin. I want to thank Keith Tozer friends and neighbors to go to the polls to- and Tom Crean, great basketball coaches morrow. Get our fellow Republicans to go here in Milwaukee. I want to thank Brooks to the polls, wise independents, and dis- and Dunn for being here. I’m so honored cerning Democrats. And when you get them they traveled. I can’t thank both of the guys headed to the polls, remind them that if they enough—and their band. I also want to thank want a safer America, a stronger America, our longtime friends the Oak Ridge Boys for and a better America, to put me and Dick being here. Thank you all. Cheney back in office. I want to thank all the people who’ve Perhaps the most important reason to put worked so hard in this State over the last me back in is so that Laura will be First Lady year to get ready for tomorrow. I understand for 4 more years. I am sorry that she’s not people have been working hours, day after here today. day. I want to thank you for making the Audience members. Aw-w-w! phone calls and putting up the signs and pre- The President. That’s generally the reac- paring these fantastic bus trips we have taken tion. [Laughter] She’s campaigning. You’ve all across your State. I want to thank you for come to know her like I know her. She’s what you have done. I want to thank you for warm. She’s compassionate. She is a strong what you’re going to do. You’re going to turn First Lady. out a big vote, and we’re going to carry Wis- I’m proud of my runningmate, Dick Che- consin. ney. I readily concede that he does not have Tomorrow the people of this good State the waviest hair in the race. [Laughter] You’ll go to the polls and vote, and I’m excited be pleased I didn’t pick him because of his about the election day. I’m optimistic about hairdo. [Laughter] I picked him because of this country and our future. I see a brighter his experience, his judgment, and he’s getting day, a more hopeful America for every cit- the job done for the American people. izen. I’m proud of my friend and your former One of my favorite sayings is by a fellow Governor, Tommy Thompson. He’s done a Texan named Tom Lea. Here is what he said. great job. He’s done a fantastic job for the He said, ‘‘Sarah and I live on the east side people. You trained him well. [Laughter] of the mountain. It is the sunrise side, not And I want to thank Sue Ann Thompson for the sunset side. It is the side to see the day her sacrifice and for letting—allowing that is coming, not to see the day that is Tommy to work so hard on behalf of the peo- gone.’’ During this campaign, my opponent ple of the United States. spent much of the time talking about the day I want to thank Congressman Paul Ryan that is gone. I’m talking about the day that’s and Janna; Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner coming. and Cheryl; and Congressman Mark Green I see a great day coming for America, a for such a great job in the United States Con- day where prosperity reaches every corner gress. I want to thank the statehouse people of our country, a day where every child is who are here. I want to thank the local gov- able to read and write and add and subtract, ernment people who are here. Old Scott W. a day in which this world of ours becomes

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more peaceful for our children and our sure the small-business sector remains vi- grandchildren. Tomorrow the people of Wis- brant, and we will make sure Wisconsin consin and America have a chance to bring farmers continue to make a good living. that better day by voting for strong, com- My opponent has got an economic plan petent, and principled leadership. I’m here as well. asking for your vote. Audience member. Tax everything! The American President must lead with [Laughter] clarity and purpose. The role of the President The President. Let me remind you of his is not to follow the path of the latest poll. record. He voted 98 times to increase taxes. The role of a President is to lead based on That’s in 20 years in the Senate. principle and conviction and conscience. Audience members. Boo-o-o! During these 4 years, I’ve learned that The President. That’s five times a year. whatever your strengths are, you are going You might say it’s a predictable pattern— to need them; whatever your shortcomings [laughter]—a leading indicator. [Laughter] are, the people will notice them. [Laughter] In this campaign, the Senator has pledged Sometimes I’m a little too blunt. I get that to raise taxes on the top two brackets. When from my mother. [Laughter] Sometimes I you hear a politician say he’s going to raise mangle the English language. I get that from taxes, that’s generally a promise they keep. my father. [Laughter] But at all times, [Laughter] He’s proposing $2.2 trillion in whether you agree with me or not, you know new Federal spending. That’s trillion with a where I stand, what I believe, and where I’m ‘‘T.’’ going to lead this country. Audience members. Boo-o-o! This election comes down to five clear The President. That is a lot. That’s a lot choices for our families. The first clear choice even for a Senator from Massachusetts. And concerns your family’s budget. When I ran yet, by raising the top two brackets, he falls for President 4 years ago, I pledged to lower short of the 2.2 trillion. As a matter of fact, taxes for America’s families. I kept my word. there is a significant tax gap. Given his We doubled the child credit to help moms record, guess who he’s going to call upon to and dads. We reduced the marriage penalty. fill the tax gap? The middle class of our coun- We believe the Tax Code ought to encour- try. We’re not going to let him tax you; we’re age, not penalize, marriage. We reduced going to carry Wisconsin tomorrow and win taxes on everybody who pays taxes. a victory on Tuesday. And the result of our good policies is clear The second clear choice in this election to all. Our economy is growing at rates as involves the quality of life for our Nation’s fast as any in nearly 20 years. We’ve added families. I believe every child can learn, and 1.9 million jobs in the last 13 months. The I expect every school to teach. When I ran farmers of Wisconsin—the farm income in for President, I promised to challenge the Wisconsin is up. The entrepreneurial spirit soft bigotry of low expectations by reforming is strong in America. The small-business sec- our schools. I kept my word. We passed edu- tor is alive and well. The homeownership rate cation reforms to bring high standards to our is at an alltime high, and more minority fami- classrooms. Math and reading scores are on lies own a home today than ever before in the rise. We’re closing the achievement gap our Nation’s history. The national unemploy- by helping minority students. My vision for ment rate is 5.4 percent. Let me put that a new term is to build on these reforms and in perspective for you: That’s lower than the extend them to our high schools so that no average rate of the 1970s, the 1980s, and the child is left behind in America. 1990s. The unemployment rate in the great We will continue to improve life for our State of Wisconsin is 5 percent. This econ- families by making health care more afford- omy of ours is strong, and it is getting strong- able and available. We’ll expand health sav- er. ings accounts. We’ll allow small businesses And I have a message for the people of to join together and buy insurance at the Wisconsin: To keep your economy growing, same discounts that big companies are able we will keep your taxes low. We will make to do. We will help our families who need

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help. But we will also do something about Audience members. Boo-o-o! the frivolous lawsuits that are running up the The President. He can run from his cost of your health care and running good record, but he cannot hide. doctors out of practice. I’ve kept the promise of Social Security We have a difference of opinion on this for our seniors, and I will always keep the big issue. My opponent has voted against promise of Social Security for our seniors. medical liability reform not 1 time, not 2 And the Social Security trust is in pretty good times, but 10 times as a Member of the shape for baby boomers like me and some United States Senate. others out there I see. [Laughter] Audience members. Boo-o-o! But we need to worry about our children The President. And he put a personal- and grandchildren when it comes to Social injury trial lawyer on the ticket. Security. The job of the President is to con- Audience members. Boo-o-o! front problems, not to pass them on to future The President. I’m standing with Wiscon- generations and future Presidents. I believe sin’s docs. I’m standing with Wisconsin’s pa- younger workers ought to be allowed to take tients. I am standing with Wisconsin’s fami- some of their payroll taxes and set it aside lies. I am for real medical liability reform— in a personal savings account, an account now. In all we do to improve health care, they call their own. we will make sure the decisions are made The fourth clear choice in this election is by doctors and patients, not by officials in on the values that are crucial to keeping our Washington, DC. families strong. I stand for marriage and fam- My opponent has got a different approach. ily, which are the foundations of our society. You might remember in one of the debates I stand for a culture of life in which every when they asked him about his health care person matters and every being counts. I plan, he looked square in the camera and proudly signed the ban on partial-birth abor- said, ‘‘The Government doesn’t have any- tion. I stand for the appointment of Federal thing to do with it.’’ [Laughter] I could barely judges who know the difference between contain myself. [Laughter] The Government personal opinion and the strict interpretation has got a lot to do with it. Eighty percent of the law. of the people will end up on a Government plan under his vision. Federalizing health On these issues my opponent and I are care for America’s families is the wrong pre- miles apart. He voted against the ban on par- scription. tial-birth abortion. The third clear choice in this election in- Audience members. Boo-o-o! volves your retirement. Our Nation has made The President. He voted against the De- a solemn commitment to America’s seniors fense of Marriage Act, even though most on Social Security and Medicare. When I ran Democrats supported it. There is a main- for President 4 years ago, I promised to keep stream in American politics, and John Kerry that commitment and improve Medicare by sits on the far left bank. He can run from adding prescription drug coverage. I worked his liberal philosophy, but he cannot hide. with Tommy Thompson. We got the job The final choice in this election is the most done, and I kept my word. Seniors are getting important one of all because it concerns the discounts on medicine with drug discount security of your family. All progress on every cards. And beginning in 2006, all seniors will other issue depends on the safety of our citi- be able to get prescription drug coverage zens. The most solemn duty of the American under Medicare. President is to protect the American people. My opponent has a record. He voted If this country shows uncertainty or weakness against the Medicare bill that included pre- during these troubling times, this world of scription drug coverage for our seniors. He’s ours will drift toward tragedy. This is not also trying to scare seniors about their Social going to happen on my watch. Security. But he forgets to mention that he Our strategy to protect America is clear. has voted eight times to raise taxes on Social We strengthened protections for the home- Security benefits. land. We are reforming and strengthening

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our intelligence capabilities. We are trans- been consistently wrong. During the cold forming the All-Volunteer Army. There will war, Senator Kerry voted against critical be no draft. We are relentless. We are deter- weapons systems and opposed President mined. We are staying on the offensive. We Ronald Reagan’s policy of peace through are fighting the terrorists abroad so we do strength. History has shown that Senator not have to face them here at home. Kerry was wrong and President Ronald We are succeeding. Afghanistan is free and Reagan was right. an ally in the war on terror. Pakistan and When former President Bush assembled Saudi Arabia are making arrests and cap- an international coalition to drive Saddam turing terrorist leaders. Libya is dismantling Hussein from Kuwait, Senator Kerry voted its weapons programs. The army of a free against the use of force to liberate Kuwait. Iraq is beginning to defend its freedom. Al History has shown that Senator Kerry was Qaida no longer controls Afghanistan. We wrong and former President Bush was right. have shut down its camps there. We are sys- Only a year after the first bombing of the tematically destroying the Al Qaida network. World Trade Center, the Senator proposed Audience members. Four more years! massive cuts in America’s intelligence, so ex- Four more years! Four more years! treme that even his colleague from Massa- The President. I am proud to be the chusetts, Ted Kennedy, opposed them. His- Commander in Chief of such a great United tory has shown that Senator Kerry was States military. And we have a great military wrong—and we must be fair—Senator Ken- because of the character of the men and nedy was right. [Laughter] women who wear our Nation’s uniform. I We have a clear difference of opinion on want to thank the military families who are how to best defend America’s families. My here for your sacrifice and your courage. I opponent has said that America must submit want to thank the veterans who are here for to a ‘‘global test’’ before we commit force. having set such a great example for those who Audience members. Boo-o-o! wear the uniform. And I want to assure our The President. I’m not making that up. troops and our families that their loved ones [Laughter] He was standing right about there will have all they need to complete their mis- when he said it. [Laughter] As far as I can sions. tell, that means that America must get per- That’s why I went to the United States mission from foreign capitals. I will work on Congress and asked for $87 billion of supple- alliances. I will continue to strengthen our mental funding. This was necessary. This was friendships around the world. But I will important funding to support our troops. My never, never turn over America’s national se- opponent said that it would be irresponsible curity decisions to leaders of other countries. to vote against funding for our troops—until Audience members. U.S.A.! U.S.A.! his poll numbers began to go down, and then U.S.A.! he voted against funding for our troops. The President. We have a difference of Audience members. Boo-o-o! opinion about the world in which we live. The President. And then he entered the The Senator said that September the 11th flip-flop hall of fame. And as he entered, he did not change him much at all. September said this famous quote: ‘‘I actually did vote the 11th changed me. It changed my outlook for the $87 billion, before I voted against it.’’ about how—what we needed to do to defend He has has a lot of explanations about that this country. September the 14th, 2001, I vote since then, but I think the most reveal- stood in the ruins of the Twin Towers. I’ll ing is this. He said, ‘‘The whole matter was never forget the sights and sounds of that a complicated matter.’’ My fellow Americans, day. I will never forget the workers in the there is nothing complicated about sup- hardhats yelling at me at the top of their porting our troops in combat. lungs, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ I remember the The problems with Senator Kerry’s record man who grabbed me by the arm, and he on national security are deeper than election- looked me in the eye, and he said, ‘‘Do not year reversals. For 20 years, on the largest let me down.’’ From that day forward, I’ve national security issues of our time, he has gotten up every morning thinking about how

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to better protect America. I will never relent If you believe in high standards for our in defending this country, whatever it takes. public schools, I ask you to come stand with Over the next 4 years, we’ll use every asset me. at our disposal to protect you. Perhaps the If you believe that patients and doctors most powerful asset we have is freedom. I should be in charge of health care, I ask you believe in the power of liberty to transform to come stand with me. societies. I know that free nations do not If you believe this Nation must honor the breed resentments and export terror. Free commitments of Medicare and strengthen nations become allies in the war on terror. Social Security for generations to come, I ask Free nations will help us keep the peace we you to come stand with me. want for our children and our grandchildren. If you believe this Nation should honor I want you all to think, particularly the marriage and family and make a place for young here, to think about what has taken the weak and the vulnerable, I ask you to place in a brief period of time. In Afghani- come stand with me. stan, young girls couldn’t go to school, and their mothers were taken to the public If you believe America should fight the squares and whipped and sometimes shot in war on terror with all our might and lead a sports stadium, because of the ideology of with unwavering confidence in our ideals, I hate of the Taliban. But because we acted ask you to come stand with me. to defend ourselves, because we acted to up- If you are a Democrat who believes your hold a doctrine, which said, ‘‘If you harbor party has turned too far to the left this year, a terrorists, you’re equally as guilty as the I ask you to come stand with me. terrorist,’’ millions of people voted in a Presi- If you are a minority citizen and you be- dential election in Afghanistan. And the first lieve in free enterprise and good schools and voter was a 19-year old woman. the enduring values of family and faith, and Freedom is powerful, and freedom can be if you’re tired of your vote being taken for threatening to the terrorists. And that’s why granted, I ask you to come stand with me. Iraq is so dangerous. But we’re headed to- And if you are a voter who believes that ward free elections there. Think how far that the President of the United States should say society has come from the days of torture what he means and do what he says and keep chambers and mass graves. See, I believe ev- his word, I ask you to come stand with me. erybody deserves and wants to be free. I be- Four years ago, when I traveled your great lieve deep in everybody’s soul is the desire State asking for the vote, I made this pledge, to live in freedom. I believe moms and dads that if elected, I would uphold the honor and across this world want to raise their children the dignity of the office. With your help, with in a free society. I believe this because I un- your hard work, I will do so for 4 more years. derstand freedom is not America’s gift to the Thanks for coming. God bless. Thank you world. I believe this because I know that all. freedom is the Almighty God’s gift to each man and woman in this world. My fellow citizens, these are historic times, NOTE: The President spoke at 11:38 a.m. at the and a lot is at stake in this election. The fu- U.S. Cellular Arena. In his remarks, he referred ture safety and prosperity of America are on to Sue Ann Thompson, wife of Health and Human the ballot. Ultimately, this election comes Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson; Mil- down to, who do you trust? Who do you trust waukee County Executive Scott K. Walker; Mil- waukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke, Jr.; Mor- to defend the country? gan Hamm, 2004 Olympic gold medalist, men’s Audience members. You! gymnastics; Keith Tozer, vice president of soccer The President. Who do you trust to ex- operations and head coach, Milwaukee Wave, tend prosperity? Major Indoor Soccer League; Tom Crean, head If you believe that taxes should stay low coach, Marquette University men’s basketball so families can pay their bills and small busi- team; country music entertainers Brooks & Dunn nesses can create new jobs, I ask you to come and the Oak Ridge Boys; and former President stand with me. Saddam Hussein of Iraq.

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Remarks in Des Moines, Iowa Lawn of the White House—got a lot of grass. November 1, 2004 [Laughter] And we love Barbara Grassley too. Chuck’s wife is a fine, fine woman. The President. Thank you all for coming. I want to thank my friend Congressman Thank you all. Senator, what I have learned Jim Nussle, the chairman of the Budget is every day is a good day to be in Iowa. Committee in the House of Representatives, And I’ve really enjoyed campaigning in your for coming today. State in 2000, now in 2004. And I’m here I want to thank the State auditor here. I one more time to ask for your vote and ask want to thank the majority leader. I want to for your help. I’m asking for you to go to thank the Urbandale mayor. I want to thank your friends and neighbors and tell them we all the State and local officials. I want to have a duty in our country to vote. Go to thank some candidates who are here. I want our fellow Republicans, wise independents, to thank Stan Thompson, who’s running for and discerning Democrats. And tell them, if the United States Congress. He’s the right they want a stronger America, a safer Amer- man for the job. ica, and a better America, to put me and Dick I want to thank all the grassroots activists Cheney back in office. who are here. I want to thank those of you Perhaps the most important reason why who have been putting up the signs and mak- people should put me back in is so that Laura ing the phone calls. I want to thank you for is the First Lady for 4 more years. I’m sorry all the work you’ve done over the past year she’s not with me right now. She’s working— to get ready for tomorrow. I want to thank [laughter]—thankfully, for me. [Laughter] Dave Roederer. I want to thank my friend She gives a lot of speeches, and when she Becky Beach. speaks, the American people see a warm, I want to thank the—John Stone is with compassionate, strong First Lady. us. Thank you for coming, John. I’m proud And I’m really proud of Barbara and you’re here. How about Cael Sanderson, gold Jenna. I want to thank them for joining up. medalist—what a great ambassador for Iowa, I can’t think of a better way to complete the a great ambassador for the United States. last day of this campaign than to be cam- I want to thank you for all you’ve done paigning with two girls I love. And guess who and what you’re going to do over the next surprised me today? My sister, Dorothy, is 24 hours. With your help, with your hard with us. Thank you, Doro. I’m a lucky man. work, by turning out this vote, there is no I’ve got a great family, and I love my family. doubt in my mind we will carry Iowa and I’m looking forward to working with them win a great victory on Tuesday. as we complete this campaign. Tomorrow the people of this good State I’ve got a great Vice President too. I’m real and the people of America go to the polls. proud of Dick Cheney. I don’t want to offend I’m excited about Election Day. I’m looking anyone here who is follically challenged, but forward to it, and I’m also optimistic about I readily concede the Vice President doesn’t the future of this country. I see a brighter have the waviest hair in the race. But I know day and a more hopeful day. One of my fa- the people of Des Moines, Iowa, will be vorite quotes was said by a fellow Texan pleased to hear that I didn’t pick him because named Tom Lea. He said, ‘‘Sarah and I live of his hairdo. I picked him because of his on the east side of the mountain. It is the judgment, and I picked him because of his sunrise side, not the sunset side. It’s the side experience. And he’s getting the job done for to see the day that is coming, not to see the the American people. day that is gone.’’ During the course of this I can’t tell you how proud I am to be able campaign, my opponent has spent much of to work with your United States Senator it talking about the day that is gone. I’m talk- Chuck Grassley. He’s an accomplished, ef- ing about the day that’s coming. fective Senator for Iowa. He is really good I see a day where prosperity reaches every at what he does. I know you’re going to put corner of this country. I see a day where him back into office. He is so good at what every child is able to read and write and add he does, I’ve got a job for him on the South and subtract. I see a day in which this world

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becomes more peaceful, where we achieve Iowa corn and other products. We’ll promote the peace we want for our children and our renewables like ethanol and biodiesel. We grandchildren. Tomorrow the people of this will keep this farm economy strong, and the country have a chance to bring that better people of Iowa can count on me to keep my day by voting for strong and principled and word. optimistic leadership by voting for Bush- My opponent has an economic plan. I want Cheney. you to remember he voted 98 times to in- The American President must lead with crease taxes, in 20 years in the Senate. That clarity and purpose. The role of the President is five times a year. is not to follow the path of the latest polls. Audience members. Boo-o-o! The role of the President is to lead based The President. That is a predictable pat- upon principle and conviction and con- tern. [Laughter] That’s a leading indicator. science. During these 4 years, I have learned [Laughter] There’s not enough to pay for all that whatever your strengths are, you’re his promises. He’s proposing $2.2 trillion, going to need them, and whatever your short- and he said he’s only going to raise the top comings are, people will notice them. two brackets. See, that raises about 600, 800 [Laughter] Sometimes I’m a little too blunt. billion, but that’s far short of the 2.2 trillion I get that from my mother. [Laughter] Some- he’s promised. There is a tax gap. And given times I mangle the English language. his past history, guess who is going to have [Laughter] I get that from my father. to fill the tax gap? [Laughter] But at all times, whether you Audience members. We are! agree with me or not, you know where I The President. The middle-income fami- stand, what I believe, and where I intend to lies of the America. The good news is, he’s lead. not going to be able to tax you; we’re going This election comes down to five clear to carry Iowa and win a great victory. choices for America’s families. The first clear The second clear choice in this election choice concerns your family’s budget. When involves the quality of life for our Nation’s I ran for President 4 years ago, I pledged families. I believe every child can learn and to lower taxes for American families. I have every school must teach. I went to Wash- kept my word. We doubled the child credit ington to challenge the soft bigotry of low to help moms and dads. We reduced the expectations and reform our public schools. marriage penalty. We believe the Tax Code I kept my word. We passed education re- ought to encourage, not penalize marriage. forms that bring high standards to the class- We reduced the taxes on everybody who pays rooms. Math and reading scores are now on taxes. the rise. We are closing the achievement gap As a result of these good policies, our by helping minority children. My vision for economy is growing at rates as fast as any a new term is to build on these reforms and in nearly 20 years. Real after-tax income is extend them to our high schools so no child up 10 percent since I’ve been the President. is left behind in America. Homeownership in America is at an alltime We’ll continue to improve life for our fam- high. More minority families own their home ilies by making health care more affordable than ever before in our Nation’s history. and available. We’ll expand health savings ac- Small businesses are flourishing. We’ve counts. We’ll allow small businesses to join added 1.9 million new jobs since September together so they can buy insurance at the of 2003. The national unemployment rate is same discounts big companies are able to do. 5.4 percent. Let me put that in perspective We’ll help families in need, and we will do for you: That’s lower than the average rate something about these junk lawsuits that are of the 1970s, the 1980s, and the 1990s. Farm running up the cost of medicine and driving income in Iowa is up, and the unemployment good docs—we’re driving good docs out of rate in this State is 4.7 percent. This economy practice. of ours is strong, and it is getting stronger. My opponent and I disagree on this med- I have a message for the people of Iowa. ical liability issue. I see it as a national prob- We’re going to open up foreign markets for lem that requires a national solution. He’s

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voted against medical liability reform 10 got to tell you is that he voted eight times times, and he put a personal-injury trial law- to raise taxes on Social Security benefits. yer on the ticket. Audience members. Boo-o-o! Audience members. Boo-o-o! The President. He can run from that The President. I’m standing with the doc- record, but he cannot hide. tors of Iowa. I’m standing with the patients I know they’re trying to scare some sen- of Iowa. I am for medical liability reform— iors, this being election time, about Social now. In all we do to improve health care, Security. But I have kept the promise of So- we’ll make sure the medical decisions are cial Security for our seniors. I will always made by doctors and patients, not by officials keep the promise of Social Security for our in Washington, DC. seniors. And the Social Security trust is in My opponent has a different approach. He pretty good shape for baby boomers like me voted for education reform but now wants and some others out there I see. [Laughter] to weaken the accountability standards. He’s But we need to worry about our children proposing a big-Government health care and our grandchildren. We need to worry plan. You might remember one of the de- about whether the Social Security system will bates, when they asked him about his health be there for them when they retire. That’s care plan, he looked in the camera and said, why I believe younger workers ought to be ‘‘The Government doesn’t have anything to allowed to take some of their payroll taxes do with it.’’ I could barely contain myself. and set up a personal savings account, an ac- [Laughter] The Government has got a lot to count that earns a better rate of return than do with it. Eighty percent of the people end the trust, an account they call their own and up on a Government health care plan under the Government cannot take away. his vision. And that is the wrong prescription The fourth clear choice in this election is for American families. on the values that are so crucial to keeping The third clear choice in this election in- our families strong. I stand for marriage and volves your retirement. Our Nation has made family, which are the foundation of our soci- a solemn commitment to America’s seniors ety. I stand for a culture of life in which every on Social Security and Medicare. When I ran person matters and every being counts. I was for President 4 years ago, I promised to keep proud to sign the bill that banned partial- that commitment and improve Medicare by birth abortions. I stand for the appointment adding prescription drug coverage. With the of Federal judges who know the difference help of Senator Grassley and with the help between personal opinion and the strict in- of Congressman Nussle, I kept my word. We terpretation of the law. have modernized Medicare for our seniors. On these issues, my opponent and I are And beginning in 2006, all seniors will be miles apart. He was part of an extreme mi- able to get prescription drug coverage under nority that voted against the Defense of Mar- Medicare. riage Act and voted against the ban on par- When you’re out rounding up the votes tial-birth abortion. here in Iowa, I want you to remember what Audience members. Boo-o-o! that Medicare did for Iowa’s rural hospitals. The President. There is a mainstream in You might remember that issue about how American politics, and John Kerry sits on the the rural hospitals in this State were not far left bank. He can run from that record, being treated fairly. Because of the law I but he cannot hide. signed, because of the hard work of this Sen- The final choice in this election is the most ator and this Congressman, Iowa’s hospitals important of all because it concerns the secu- are now being treated fairly under Medicare. rity of your family. All progress on every My opponent voted against that Medicare other issue depends on the safety of our citi- bill that helped Iowa’s hospitals and provided zens. The most solemn duty of the American prescription drug coverage for our seniors. President is to protect the American people. He’s also said that he’s going to do something If this country shows weakness or uncertainty to protect Social Security, except what he for- during these troubled times, the world will

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drift toward tragedy. This isn’t going to hap- It is important for our fellow citizens to pen on my watch. know the facts. See, the problems with Sen- Our strategy is clear. We’ve strengthened ator Kerry’s record on national security are protections for the homeland. We are re- deeper than election-year reversals. For 20 forming and strengthening our intelligence- years, on the largest national security issues, gathering capabilities. We are transforming he’s been consistently wrong. During the our military. There will be no draft. We’ll cold war, Senator Kerry voted against critical keep the All-Volunteer Army an all-volunteer weapons systems and opposed President army. We are relentless. We are determined Ronald Reagan’s policy of peace through to protect this country. We’re staying on the strength. History has shown that Senator offensive. We will fight the terrorists abroad Kerry was wrong and President Ronald so we do not have to face them here at home. Reagan was right. We’re succeeding. Afghanistan is an ally When former President Bush assembled in the war on terror. Pakistan and Saudi Ara- an international coalition to drive Saddam bia are making raids and capturing terrorist Hussein from Kuwait, Senator Kerry voted leaders. Libya is dismantling its weapons pro- against the use of force to liberate Kuwait. grams. The army of a free Iraq is defending History has shown that Senator Kerry was freedom. And Al Qaida no longer controls wrong and former President Bush was right. Afghanistan. We’ve shut down camps there, Only a year after the first bombing of the World Trade Center, the Senator proposed and we are systematically destroying the Al massive cuts in America’s intelligence, cuts Qaida network across the world. so extreme that even his fellow Senator from And we’re able to do so because we have Massachusetts, Ted Kennedy, would not sup- a great United States military, and I want port them. History has shown that Senator to thank those who wear our Nation’s uni- Kerry was wrong and—we have got to be form. I want to thank the loved ones of those fair—Senator Kennedy was right. [Laughter] who wear our Nation’s uniform, and I want We have differences of opinion as to how to thank the veterans who are here, who have to protect the American people. My oppo- set such a great example to those who wear nent believes that America must submit to our Nation’s uniform. And I want to assure what he calls a ‘‘global test.’’ you, we will keep our commitments to make Audience members. Boo-o-o! sure our troops have all they need to com- The President. I’m not making that up. plete their missions. [Laughter] I heard him say it—[laughter]— That is why I went to the Congress in Sep- in the debate. As far as I can tell, my oppo- tember of 2003, and asked for $87 billion nent’s ‘‘global test’’ means that America must in supplemental funding. It was a very impor- get permission in order to defend ourselves. tant request. At first, my opponent said, ‘‘It I will work with our allies, and I will strength- would be irresponsible to vote against the en our alliances, but I will never turn over funding for the troops.’’ Then his poll num- America’s national security decisions to lead- bers began to decline, and he voted against ers of other countries. the funding for our troops. We have a difference of opinion as to bet- Audience members. Boo-o-o! ter—how to better protect America. My op- The President. And then he entered the ponent has said September the 11th didn’t flip-flop hall of fame. [Laughter] And as he change him much at all. Well, it changed me. entered, as he entered, he said this: ‘‘I actu- I’ll never forget the day I stood in the ruins ally did vote for the 87 billion, right before of the Twin Towers, September the 14th, I voted against it.’’ [Laughter] He’s given sev- 2001. There were workers in hardhats there eral explanations on that vote since then, but yelling at me at the top of their lungs, ‘‘What- I think the most revealing is when he said, ever it takes.’’ I remember the man who ‘‘The whole thing is a complicated matter.’’ came out of the rubble, and he grabbed me [Laughter] My fellow Americans, there’s by the arm, and he looked me in the eye, nothing complicated about supporting our and he said, ‘‘Do not let me down.’’ Ever troops in combat. since that day, I’ve gotten up every morning

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thinking about how to better protect our The President. Who do you trust to country. I will never relent in defending spread prosperity? America, whatever it takes. Audience members. You! For the next 4 years, we’ll use every asset The President. If you believe that taxes at our disposal to protect the American peo- should stay low so families can pay the bills ple. The strongest asset we have is to spread and small businesses can create jobs, I ask freedom. Free nations do not breed you to come stand with me. resentments and export terror. Free nations If you believe in high standards for our become allies in the war on terror. Free na- public schools, I ask you to come stand with tions will help us keep the peace that we want me. for our children and our grandchildren. I be- If you believe patients and doctors should lieve in the power of liberty to transform so- be in charge of health care, I ask you to come ciety. stand with me. Think about what’s happened in a brief If you believe this Nation must honor the period of time in Afghanistan. It wasn’t all commitment of Medicare and strengthen So- that long ago that that country was the home cial Security for generations to come, I ask base of Al Qaida, and young girls were not you to stand with me. allowed to go to school because the Taliban If you believe that this Nation should were so backward and so dark in their vision. honor marriage and family and make a place And if their mothers did not toe the line, for the weak and the vulnerable, I ask you, they were taken in the public square and come stand with me. whipped and sometimes shot in a sports sta- If you believe America should fight the dium. But because we acted to protect our- war on terror with all our might and lead selves, because we upheld a doctrine that I with unwavering confidence in our ideals, I laid out for the world that ‘‘If you harbor ask you to come stand with me. at terrorist, you’re equally as guilty as the ter- If you are a Democrat who believes your rorist,’’ millions of people went to the polls party has turned too far to the left this year, to vote for the President of Afghanistan. And I ask you to come stand with me. the first voter was a 19-year-old woman. If you are a minority citizen and you be- Think about that. Freedom is a powerful lieve in free enterprise and good schools and force to transform society. the enduring values of family and faith, and Iraq is dangerous. It is dangerous because if you are tired of your vote being taken for democracy is advancing. But think of how granted, I ask you to come stand with me. far that country has come from the days of And if you are a voter who believes that torture chambers and mass graves and the the President of the United States should say brutal reign of a tyrant who hated America. what he means and do what he says and keep They will be having Presidential elections in his word, I ask you to come stand with me. January. Freedom is on the march, and we’re Four years ago, when I traveled your great more secure for it. I believe everybody State asking for the vote, I made this pledge, yearns to be free. that if elected, I would uphold the honor and I believe that moms and dads around the the dignity of the office. With your help, with world want to raise their children in free soci- your hard work, we will carry Iowa, and I eties. I understand freedom is not America’s will do so for next 4 years. gift to the world, but I do understand free- Thank you all for coming. God bless. dom is the Almighty God’s gift to each man and woman in this world. NOTE: The President spoke at 2 p.m. at the Iowa My fellow citizens, these are historic times, State Fairgrounds. In his remarks, he referred to and a lot is at stake in this election. The fu- Iowa State Auditor David A. Vaudt; Chuck Gipp, majority leader, Iowa House of Representatives; ture safety and prosperity are on the ballot. Mayor Brad Zaun of Urbandale, IA; Stan Thomp- Ultimately, though, this election comes down son, candidate for Congress in Iowa’s Third Con- to, who do you trust? Who do you trust to gressional District; David Roederer, Iowa State protect you? chairman, and Becky Beach, Iowa State steering Audience members. You! designee, Bush-Cheney ’04, Inc.; country music

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entertainer John Stone; Cael Sanderson, 2004 South Dakota. I want to thank Congressman Olympic gold medalist, freestyle wrestling; and Steve King from the great State of Iowa for former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. being here. I want to thank Sioux City Mayor Dave Remarks in Sioux City, Iowa Ferris for being here today. I know the mayor November 1, 2004 didn’t ask me for any advice, but I’m going to give him some. Fill the potholes. [Laugh- The President. Thank you all. Thank you ter] Mr. Mayor, thank you for your service. all for coming. We are honored to be in Sioux Mr. Mayor, I appreciate it. land. Thanks for coming. It’s good to be in I want to thank the speaker of the house, a part of the world where the cowboy hats Christopher Rants. I want to thank all the outnumber the ties. Senator Grassley is right. State and local officials. I want to thank my Laura and I feel right at home with folks friend Ricky Skaggs for being here, and his like you all, and thanks for coming out to band. But most of all, I want to thank you lift our spirits. We’re coming down the all. Thanks for coming. Thanks for what you stretch. I’m here to ask for your vote, I’m have done and thanks for what you’re going here to ask for your help. to do as we come down the stretch, putting I’d like you to get your friends and neigh- up the signs and making the phone calls and bors to go to the polls tomorrow. Turn out turning out the votes. No doubt in my mind, our fellow Republicans, wise independents, we’ll carry Iowa and win a great victory in and discerning Democrats. And when you November. get them headed to the polls, remind them, I am excited about this election, and I am if they want a safer America and a stronger optimistic about the future of our country. America and a better America, to put me and I see a brighter day and a more hopeful Dick Cheney back in office. America. One of my favorite sayings comes Perhaps the most important reason of all from a fellow Texan named Tom Lea. He that I should be reelected is so that Laura said, ‘‘Sarah and I live on the east side of is the First Lady for 4 more years. And the mountain. It is the sunrise side, not the there’s nothing better than coming down the sunset side. It is the side to see the day that stretch in a Presidential campaign with two is coming, not to see the day that is gone.’’ women I love, our daughters Barbara and During the course of this campaign, my op- Jenna. ponent has spent much of the time talking I’m proud of my runningmate, Dick Che- ney. I don’t want to offend anybody here who about the day that is gone. I’m talking about is follically challenged, but I readily concede the day that’s coming. that Vice President Cheney does not have I see a great day coming for America. I the waviest hair in the race. [Laughter] But see a day where prosperity reaches every cor- I’m confident that you’ll appreciate the fact ner of our country. I see a day where every I didn’t pick him because of his hairdo. I child is able to read and write and add and picked him because of his judgment. I picked subtract. I see a day in which this world be- him because of his experience. comes more peaceful, where we achieve the I’m proud to call Chuck Grassley friend. peace we want for our children and our I know you’re proud to call him United States grandchildren. And tomorrow, the people of Senator. He’s a really fine Senator, and we America have a chance to bring that better have done a lot of work together. I—it’s im- day by voting for strong, confident, optimistic portant that he remain the chairman of the leadership by voting for Bush-Cheney. Finance Committee, and one way to make The American President must lead with sure he remains the chairman of the Finance clarity and purpose. The role of the President Committee is for the people of South Dakota is not to follow the path of the latest polls. to elect John Thune to the United States The role of the President is to lead based Senate. I know John Thune, and there’s no upon principle, conviction, and conscience. doubt in my mind that he will make a great During the last 4 years, I’ve learned that United States Senator for the people of whatever your strengths are, you are going

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to need them, and whatever your short- The President. That is five times a year. comings are, the people are going to notice You might say that is a predictable pattern, them. [Laughter] Sometimes I’m a little too a leading indicator. In this campaign the Sen- blunt. I get that from my mother. [Laughter] ator has pledged to raise taxes on the top Sometimes I mangle the English language. two brackets. But that’s not enough to pay I get that from my father. [Laughter] But for his priorities. See, he’s promised $2.2 tril- all the time, no matter whether you agree lion in new Federal spending. That is trillion with me or not, you know where I stand, what with a ‘‘T.’’ That’s a lot even for a Senator I believe, and where I’m going to lead this from Massachusetts. country. But raising those top two brackets, that pe- This election comes down to five clear nalizes your small-business owner, and at the choices for America’s families. The first clear same time, it doesn’t even come close to pay- choice concerns your family budget. When ing for his promises. There’s a tax gap. That’s I ran for President 4 years ago, I pledged a gap between what he has promised and to lower taxes for American families, and I what he can deliver. And you know who usu- have kept my word. We doubled the child ally fills that tax gap? Middle-class families credit to help moms and dads all across do. We’re not going to let him tax you; we’re America. We reduced the marriage penalty. going to win on Tuesday. We believe the Tax Code ought to encour- The second clear choice in this election age, not penalize marriage. We reduced taxes involves the quality of life for our Nation’s on everybody who pays taxes. And as a result families. I believe every child can learn and of these good policies, our economy is grow- that every school must teach. I went to Wash- ing as fast—at rates as any—as fast in nearly ington to challenge the soft bigotry of low 20 years. Real after-tax income—that’s expectations and to reform our public money in your pocket—is up 10 percent schools. I have kept my word. We passed since I have been the President. Our farmers and ranchers are making a good living all education reforms to bring high standards to across America. the classrooms. Math and reading scores are Homeownership rate is at an alltime high. on the rise. We’re closing the achievement More minority owns—more minority fami- gap by helping minority students all across lies own a house than ever before in our Na- America. In a new term, we will build on tion’s history. The entrepreneurial spirit is these reforms, extend them to our high strong in America. Our small businesses all schools so that no child is left behind in across the Nation are doing well. We’ve America. added 1.9 million new jobs in the last 13 We’ll continue to improve life for our fam- months. The national unemployment rate is ilies by making health care more affordable 5.4 percent. That’s lower than the average and available. We will expand health savings rate of the 1970s, the 1980s, and the 1990s. accounts. We will allow small businesses to In the great State of Iowa, the unemploy- join together so they can buy insurance at ment rate is 4.7 percent. This economy is the same discounts available to big compa- strong, and it is getting stronger. nies. I’ve a message for the farmers and ranch- We will help families in need, and we will ers of Iowa and South Dakota and Nebraska. help our patients and doctors all across We will continue to open up foreign markets America by doing something about these for your products. We’ll promote renewables junk lawsuits that are running up the cost like ethanol and biodiesel. We will keep our of medicine. I have met too many ob-gyns farm economy strong, and you can count on across our country that are having to stop me to keep my word. practicing medicine because these lawsuits My opponent has an economic plan. I want are running up their premiums. And I have you to remember he has voted to increase met too many expectant moms who are des- taxes 98 times in 20 years as a United States perately concerned about their health and Senator. the health of their little one because they Audience members. Boo-o-o! have to drive miles to find a doctor. We have

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a national problem when it comes to these like me and some other ones out there that frivolous lawsuits. I’m looking at are in pretty good shape when My opponent voted 10 times against med- it comes to the Social Security trust. ical liability reform, and he put a personal- But we need to worry about our children injury trial lawyer on the ticket. and our grandchildren when it comes to So- Audience members. Boo-o-o! cial Security. We need to worry about wheth- The President. I’m standing with the doc- er or not the Social Security system will be tors of America. I’m standing with the pa- there when they need it. And that is why tients of America. I am for real medical liabil- I think younger workers ought to be allowed ity reform. In all we do to improve health to take some of their own payroll taxes and care, we will make sure that the medical deci- set up a personal savings account, an account sions are made by doctors and patients, not that earns a better rate of return, an account by officials in Washington, DC. they call their own. My opponent has got his ideas on health The fourth clear choice in this election is care. You might remember one of the de- bates when they asked him about his health on the values that are crucial to keeping our care plan. He looked right in the camera, families strong. I stand for marriage and fam- and he said, ‘‘The Government doesn’t have ily, which are the foundations of our society. anything to do with it.’’ I could barely contain I stand for a culture of life in which every myself. [Laughter] The Government has got person matters and every being counts. And a lot to do with it. Eighty percent of the peo- I proudly signed the ban on partial-birth ple end up on a Government plan under his abortion. I stand for the appointment of Fed- vision. Federalizing health care is the wrong eral judges who know the difference between prescription for American families. personal opinion and the strict interpretation The third clear choice in this campaign in- of the law. volves your retirement. Our Nation has made On these issues, my opponent and I are a solemn commitment to our seniors on So- miles apart. He was part of an extreme mi- cial Security and Medicare. When I ran for nority that voted against the Defense of Mar- President 4 years ago, I promised to keep riage Act, and he voted against the ban on that commitment and improve Medicare by partial-birth abortion. adding prescription drug coverage. I have Audience members. Boo-o-o! kept my word. The President. There is a mainstream in I remember campaigning in 2002 in Iowa American politics, and Senator John Kerry with Senator Grassley. I remember all those sits on the far left bank. He ran run from newspaper editorials saying that Iowa hos- his liberal record, but he cannot hide. pitals, rural hospitals were being treated un- The final choice in this election is the most fairly under Medicare. So I worked with the important of all because it concerns the secu- Senator. Now, Iowa’s hospitals are being rity of your family. All progress on every treated fairly under Medicare because of the work we have done. So are the rural hospitals other issue depends on the safety of our citi- in Nebraska and South Dakota. And begin- zens. The most solemn duty of the American ning in 2006, all seniors will be able to get President is to protect the American people. prescription drug coverage under Medicare. If America shows uncertainty or weakness in My opponent has a record. He voted these troubled times, the world will drift to- against the Medicare bill that included pre- ward tragedy. This will not happen on my scription drug coverage. He also tries to scare watch. seniors about Social Security. But he forgets Our strategy is clear. We have strength- to tell you that he’s the one who voted eight ened the protections for our homeland. We times to tax Social Security benefits. He can are reforming and strengthening our intel- run from his record, but he cannot hide. ligence capabilities. We are transforming our I have kept the promise for Social Security, All-Volunteer Army. There will be no draft. and I will always keep the promise for Social We are relentless. We are steadfast. We are Security for our seniors. And baby boomers determined to protect the American people.

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We’re staying on the offensive. We’re fight- plicated about supporting our troops in com- ing the terrorists abroad so we do not have bat. to face them here at home. The problem with Senator Kerry’s record We are succeeding. Afghanistan is an ally on national security are deeper than election- in the war on terror. Pakistan and Saudi Ara- year reversals. For 20 years, on the largest bia are making arrests and capturing terrorist national security issues of our time, he has leaders. Libya is dismantling its weapons pro- been consistently wrong. During the cold grams. The army of a free Iraq is defending war, Senator Kerry voted against critical freedom. Al Qaida no longer controls Af- weapons systems and opposed President ghanistan. We have shut down its camps. We Ronald Reagan’s policy of peace through are systematically destroying the Al Qaida strength. History has shown that Senator network. More than three-quarters of Al Kerry was wrong and President Ronald Qaida’s key members and associates have Reagan was right. been brought to justice, and the rest of them When former President Bush assembled know that we’re on their trail. an international coalition to drive Saddam One reason we’re succeeding is because Hussein from Kuwait, Senator Kerry voted we have a great United States military. I want against the use of force to liberate Kuwait. to thank those who are here who wear our History has shown that Senator Kerry was Nation’s uniform. I want to thank the military wrong and former President Bush was right. families who are with us today, and I want Only a year after the first bombing of the to thank all the veterans here who have set World Trade Center, the Senator proposed such a great example for our military. massive cuts in America’s intelligence, cuts so extreme that even his fellow Massachu- Audience members. U.S.A.! U.S.A.! setts Senator, Ted Kennedy, would not sup- U.S.A.! port them. History has shown that Senator The President. I have made a commit- Kerry was wrong—and we have got to be ment to our military and to the families of fair about it—Senator Kennedy was right. our military that our troops will have all that We have a difference of opinion as to how is necessary to complete their missions. That to protect America. My opponent says that is why in September of 2003, I proposed $87 America must submit to what he has called billion in funding for our troops in Iraq and a ‘‘global test’’ before we take action to de- Afghanistan. It was vital funding. Most of the fend ourselves. people in Washington supported that fund- Audience members. Boo-o-o! ing. My opponent, on national TV, initially The President. I’m not making that up. said, ‘‘It would be irresponsible to vote [Laughter] I heard it during one of the de- against the funding for the troops.’’ And then bates. As far as I can tell, my opponent’s his poll numbers went down, and he voted ‘‘global test’’ means America must get per- against the funding for our troops. mission to defend our country. I’ll work with Audience members. Boo-o-o! allies and I’ll work with our friends, but I The President. And then he entered the will never turn over America’s national secu- flip-flop hall of fame. And he entered the rity decisions to leaders of other countries. flip-flop hall of fame by saying this: ‘‘I actu- Senator Kerry said recently that Sep- ally did vote for the $87 billion, right before tember the 11th did not change him much I voted against it.’’ [Laughter] I haven’t spent at all. Well, it changed the way I look at the much time in the coffee shops around here, world. I’ll never forget going to the ruins of but I feel pretty comfortable in predicting the Twin Towers on September the 14th, that not many people talk like that in Sioux 2001. There were workers in hardhats there land. yelling at me at the top of their lungs, ‘‘What- He’s given several explanations of that vote ever it takes.’’ I remember the fellow coming since then. But perhaps the most revealing out of the rubble, and he grabbed me by of all is when he said, ‘‘The whole thing is the arm, and he looked me in the eye, and just a complicated matter.’’ [Laughter] My he said, ‘‘Do not let me down.’’ Ever since fellow Americans, there is nothing com- that day, I wake up every morning trying to

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figure out how to better protect the Amer- If you believe that taxes should stay low ican people. I will never relent in defending so families can pay the bills and small busi- America, whatever it takes. nesses can create new jobs, I ask you to come Over the next 4 years, we’ll use every asset stand with me. at our disposal to protect the American peo- If you believe in high standards for our ple. And one of the most—one of the strong- public schools, I ask you, come stand with est assets we have is freedom. Free nations me. do not breed resentments and export terror. If you believe patients and doctors should Free nations become allies in the war on ter- be in charge of health care, I ask you to come ror. By spreading freedom, it helps us to stand with me. achieve the peace we all want. I believe in If you believe that this Nation must honor the power of liberty to transform society. the commitments of Medicare and strength- Just think about what’s happened in Af- en Social Security for generations to come, ghanistan in just 3 short years. That country used to be the home base of Al Qaida and I ask you to come stand with me. its training camps. Little girls were not al- If you believe that this Nation should lowed to go to school because of the barbaric honor marriage and family and make a place vision of the Taliban. And if their mothers for the weak and the vulnerable, I ask you did not toe their line, their ideological line, to come stand with me. they were taken into the public squares and If you believe America should fight the whipped and sometimes shot in a sports sta- war on terror with all our might and lead dium. Because we acted to protect our coun- with unwavering confidence in our ideals, I try, because we upheld the doctrine that I ask you to come stand with me. laid out that said, ‘‘If you harbor a terrorist, If you are a Democrat who believes your you’re equally as guilty as the terrorist,’’ mil- party has turned too far to the left this year, lions of people went to the polls to vote for I ask you to come stand with me. a President of Afghanistan. And the first If you are a minority citizen and you be- voter was a 19-year-old woman. lieve in free enterprise and good schools and It’s an amazing story about the power of the enduring values of family and faith, and liberty to transform a society. Iraq is still very if you are tired of your vote being taken for dangerous, and the reason it is, is because granted, I ask you to come stand with me. democracy is emerging, is because the soci- And if you are a voter who believes that ety is becoming free and freedom scares the President of the United States should say these terrorists. They can’t stand the thought what he means and do what he says and keep of a free society in their midst. But think his word, I ask you to come stand with me. how far Iraq has come from the days of tor- ture chambers and mass graves and the bru- Audience members. Four more years! tal reign of a barbaric tyrant. Four more years! Four more years! I believe every soul in the world yearns The President. Four years ago, when I to be free. I believe mothers and dads want traveled throughout Sioux land asking for the to raise their children in a free world. I be- vote, I made this pledge: If elected, I would lieve all these things not because freedom uphold the honor and the dignity of the of- is America’s gift to the world; I believe it fice. With your help, with your hard work, because freedom is the Almighty God’s gift I will do so for 4 more years. to each man and woman in this world. God bless and thanks for coming. Thank My fellow citizens, these are historic times, you all. and a lot is at stake in this election. The fu- ture safety and prosperity of America are on NOTE: The President spoke at 4:41 p.m. at the the ballot. But ultimately, this election comes Tysons Event Center. In his remarks, he referred down to who can you trust—who can you to Christopher Rants, speaker, Iowa House of trust to protect your family? Who can you Representatives; entertainer Ricky Skaggs and his trust to put plans in place to make sure pros- band, Kentucky Thunder; and former President perity spreads its wings? Saddam Hussein of Iraq.

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Notice—Continuation of the is to continue in effect beyond the anniver- National Emergency With Respect sary date. Consistent with this provision, I to Sudan have sent the enclosed notice, stating that the Sudan emergency is to continue in effect November 1, 2004 beyond November 3, 2004, to the Federal On November 3, 1997, by Executive Order Register for publication. The most recent no- 13067, the President declared a national tice continuing this emergency was published emergency with respect to Sudan pursuant in the Federal Register on October 31, 2003 to the International Emergency Economic (68 FR 62211). Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701–1706) to deal The crisis between the United States and with the unusual and extraordinary threat to Sudan constituted by the actions and policies the national security and foreign policy of the of the Government of Sudan that led to the United States constituted by the actions and declaration of a national emergency on No- policies of the Government of Sudan. Be- vember 3, 1997, has not been resolved. These cause the actions and policies of the Govern- actions and policies are hostile to U.S. inter- ment of Sudan continue to pose an unusual ests and pose a continuing unusual and ex- and extraordinary threat to the national secu- traordinary threat to the national security and rity and foreign policy of the United States, foreign policy of the United States. There- the national emergency declared on Novem- fore, I have determined that it is necessary ber 3, 1997, and the measures adopted on to continue the national emergency declared that date to deal with that emergency must with respect to Sudan and maintain in force continue in effect beyond November 3, 2004. the comprehensive sanctions against Sudan Therefore, consistent with section 202(d) of to respond to this threat. the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. Sincerely, 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the na- tional emergency with respect to Sudan. George W. Bush This notice shall be published in the Fed- eral Register and transmitted to the Con- NOTE: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis gress. Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives, George W. Bush and Richard B. Cheney, President of the Senate. The White House, November 1, 2004. Remarks in Albuquerque, New Mexico [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 1:43 p.m., November 1, 2004] November 1, 2004

NOTE: This notice was published in the Federal The President. Thank you all. Thank you Register on November 2. all for coming. We’re coming down the stretch, and there’s no better place to come than Albuquerque, New Mexico. We are Letter to Congressional Leaders on honored you’ve come out tonight. Thanks for Continuation of the National being here. Laura and I are so thrilled that Emergency With Respect to Sudan so many have come out to say hello. You’re November 1, 2004 lifting our spirits. And we are here to ask for your vote and Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) to ask for your help. Tomorrow is voting day, Section 202(d) of the National Emer- and I’m asking you to get your friends and gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for neighbors to go to the polls. Turn out our the automatic termination of a national emer- fellow Republicans, wise independents, and gency unless, prior to the anniversary date discerning Democrats. And tell them, if they of its declaration, the President publishes in want a safer America and a stronger America the Federal Register and transmits to the and a better America, to put me and Dick Congress a notice stating that the emergency Cheney back in office.

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Perhaps the most important reason to put I see a great day coming for this country, me back in is so that Laura will be First Lady a day where prosperity reaches every corner for 4 more years. And there’s no better way of America, a day when every child is able to come down the stretch with two women to read and write and add and subtract, a I love, our twins, Barbara and Jenna. day in which this world becomes more free I’m proud of my runningmate, Dick Che- and so we’re able to achieve the peace we ney. I readily concede he does not have the want for our children and our grandchildren. waviest hair in the race. [Laughter] You all Tomorrow the people of America have a will be pleased I didn’t pick him because of chance to bring that better day by voting for his hairdo. [Laughter] I picked him because strong, confident, optimistic leadership, by of his experience. I picked him because of voting Bush-Cheney. his judgment. Audience members. We want Bush! We I’m really proud of your Senator, Pete want Bush! We want Bush! Domenici. What a fantastic man. He’s as The President. The American President good as they come in public service. He does must lead with clarity and purpose. The role a fabulous job for New Mexico, and like me, of a President is not to follow the path of he married well when he married Nancy. the latest polls. The role of the President is I’m also proud to know a fantastic Con- to lead based upon principle and conviction gresswoman in Heather Wilson. I want to and conscience. During these 4 years, I have thank Heather’s husband, Jay, for joining us learned that whatever your strengths are, you today. I can’t tell you how important it is are going to need them; whatever your short- to send Heather Wilson back to the United comings are, the people are going to notice States Congress. them. Sometimes, I am a little too blunt. I It is such an honor to be here with Little get that from my mother. Sometimes I Texas and Ricochet. Thank you all for play- mangle the English language. [Laughter] I ing. I want to thank my friend Bob Martinez of the New Mexico Fraternal Order of Po- get that from my dad. But all times, whether lice. I was so proud to get the endorsement you agree with me or not, you know where of the FOP across this country. Thank you I stand, what I believe. for coming, Bob. This election comes down to five vital I want to thank Allen and John and Ken issues for our families. The first clear choice and all the grassroots activists who are here. concerns your family’s budget. When I ran I want to thank you for putting up the signs. for President 4 years ago, I pledged to lower I want to thank you for making the phone taxes for America’s families. I kept my word. calls. Con su apoyo, vamos a ganar. Tomor- As a result of our good policies, our economy row we’re going to carry New Mexico. is growing at rates as fast as any in nearly Audience members. Viva Bush! Viva 20 years. We’ve added 1.9 million new jobs Bush! Viva Bush! in the last 13 months. Our farmers and our The President. Thank you. I feel so in- ranchers are making a living. The entrepre- credibly optimistic about the future of our neurial spirit is strong in America. Small busi- country. I see a brighter and more hopeful nesses are flourishing. Homeownership rates day for every American. One of my favorite are at an alltime high. More minority families sayings comes from a fellow Texan named own a home than ever before in our Nation’s Tom Lea. He was from El Paso, right across history. The national unemployment rate is the line, I might add. He said, ‘‘Sarah and 5.4 percent, which is lower than the average I live on the east side of the mountain. It rate of the 1970s, the 1980s, and the 1990s. is the sunrise side, not the sunset side. It And the unemployment rate in New Mexico is the side to see the day that is coming, not is 5.3 percent. This economy is strong, and to see the day that is gone.’’ During the it is getting stronger. course of this campaign, my opponent has My opponent has got plans for your family spent much of the time talking about the day budget, and that’s to take a big chunk out that is gone. I’m talking about the day that’s of it. coming. Audience members. Boo-o-o!

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The President. He’s been in the Senate need. See, you can’t be pro-doctor, pro-pa- for 20 years, and he’s voted to raise taxes tient, and pro-personal-injury-trial-lawyer at 98 times. the same time. My opponent veto—voted Audience members. Boo-o-o! against medical liability reform 10 times, and The President. That’s nearly five times he put a personal-injury trial lawyer on the every year he’s been in the Senate. I would ticket. call that a predictable pattern. I’d call that Audience members. Boo-o-o! a leading indicator. And when you couple The President. I am standing with the pa- that with the fact that he’s promised to raise tients of New Mexico and the doctors of New $2.2 trillion—he said he’s going to pay for Mexico. I’m standing for medical liability re- it by raising the—by taxing the rich. You can’t form—now. raise enough money by running up the top My opponent’s got an idea about health two brackets to pay for 2.2 trillion. You raise care. You might remember one of the de- about 6 to 800 billion. That’s way short of bates when he said that the Government what he has promised. I would call that a didn’t have anything to do with his plan. I tax gap. [Laughter] And given his record, could barely contain myself. [Laughter] The guess who’s going to have to fill that tax gap. Government has got a lot to do with it. Eight Audience members. We are! out of ten people end up on the Federal plan The President. You are. The good news under his vision, and that is the wrong pre- is, we’re going to carry New Mexico tomor- scription for American families. In all we do row and win. to reform health care, we will make sure the The second clear choice in this election decisions are made by doctors and patients, involves the quality of life for our families. not by officials in Washington, DC. Every school must teach, and I believe every The third clear choice in this election in- child can learn. I went to Washington to chal- volves your retirement. We have made a sol- lenge the soft bigotry of low expectations and emn commitment to America’s seniors on reform our public schools. I kept my word. Social Security and Medicare. And when I We’re raising standards. We’re raising stand- ran for President 4 years ago, I promised to ards. Math and reading scores are on the rise. keep that commitment and improve Medi- We’re closing the achievement gap by help- care by adding prescription drugs for our ing minority children. In a new term, we’ll seniors, and I kept my word. Beginning in build on these reforms and extend them to 2006, all seniors will be able to get prescrip- our high schools so that no child is left be- tion drug coverage under Medicare. hind in America. And I have kept the word on Social Secu- We will work to make sure our families rity. I remember those campaigns when they have got good health care by making health said, ‘‘If George W. gets elected, you’re not care more affordable and available. We’ll ex- going to get your checks.’’ Well, I got elected, pand health savings accounts. We’ll allow and our seniors got their checks. And they small businesses to join together so they can will continue to get their checks. buy insurance at the same discounts that big But we need to do something about the companies are able to do. We will help our youngsters. We need to do something about families in need, and we will do something Social Security—reforming Social Security about these junk lawsuits that are running for our children and our grandchildren. up the cost of health care and running good That’s why I’m for personal savings accounts. docs out of practice. I believe younger workers ought to take some We have got a national problem when it of their own payroll taxes and set up a per- comes to these lawsuits. I have met too many sonal savings account that will earn a better ob-gyns during the course of this campaign rate of return, a personal savings account who have had to quit practice because their they call their own, an account the Govern- premiums are too high as a result of lawsuits. ment cannot take away. The job of a Presi- I have met too many expectant moms who dent is to confront problems, not to pass are desperately worried about whether them on to future generations and future they’re not going to get the health care they Presidents. In a new term, I’ll bring people

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together to make sure Social Security is have been brought to justice, and the rest sound and secure for generations to come. of them know that we’re on their trails. The fourth clear choice in this election is And one reason we’re succeeding is we’ve on the values that are crucial to keeping our got a fantastic military, and I want to thank families strong. I stand for marriage and fam- those who wear our Nation’s uniform for ily, which are the foundations of our society. your service. And I thank the military fami- I stand for a culture of life in which every lies who are here tonight, and thank you for person matters and every being counts. I your service to our country. And I thank the proudly signed the ban on partial-birth abor- veterans who are here, who have set such tions. And I stand for the appointment of a great example for those who wear the uni- Federal judges who know the difference be- form. And I want to assure you all, we’ll keep tween personal opinion and the strict inter- our commitment I have made to our troops pretation of the law. and their families they will have that which My opponent has a different opinion. He is necessary to complete their missions. was part of an extreme minority that voted That’s why I went to the United States against the Defense of Marriage Act that Congress and asked for $87 billion in supple- President Clinton signed into law. He voted mental funding to support our troops in com- against the ban on partial-birth abortion. bat. It was an important piece of legislation, Audience members. Boo-o-o! and we got widespread support. As a matter The President. There is a mainstream in of fact, Senator Kerry, on national TV, at one American politics, and John Kerry sits on the time said, ‘‘It would be irresponsible to vote far left bank. He can run from his liberal against the funding for our troops.’’ And then record, but he cannot hide. his poll numbers went down, and he did the The final choice in this election is the most irresponsible thing. He voted against the important of all because it concerns the secu- funding. rity of your family. All progress on every Audience members. Boo-o-o! other issue depends on the safety of our citi- The President. And then he entered the zens. The most solemn duty of the American flip-flop hall of fame. And as he entered the President is to protect the American people. hall of fame, he said this: ‘‘I actually did vote If our country shows any uncertainty or for the 87 billion, before I voted against it.’’ weakness in this decade, the world will drift Audience members. Boo-o-o! toward tragedy. This is not going to happen The President. I have spent a lot of time on my watch. in New Mexico, and I’ve never heard a per- Our strategy is clear. We have strength- son talk that way. [Laughter] He’s given a ened protections for the homeland. We’re re- lot of reasons why he voted the way he did, forming and strengthening our intelligence but the most telling of all was when he said, capabilities. We are transforming our mili- ‘‘The whole thing was a complicated matter.’’ tary. There will be no draft. The All-Volun- [Laughter] There’s nothing complicated teer Army will remain an all-volunteer army. about supporting our troops in combat. We are resolute. We are determined. We are We have a difference of opinion when it staying on the offensive. We are fighting the comes to protecting the homeland. My oppo- terrorists abroad so we do not have to face nent believes that America must submit to them here at home. what he calls a ‘‘global test’’ before we com- And we are succeeding. Afghanistan is an mit troops. ally in the war on terror. Pakistan and Saudi Audience members. Boo-o-o! Arabia are making raids and capturing ter- The President. I’m not making that up. rorist leaders. Libya is dismantling its weap- [Laughter] He actually said that. I was stand- ons programs. The army of a free Iraq is de- ing pretty close to him when he did. [Laugh- fending freedom. Al Qaida no longer has ter] As far as I can tell, that ‘‘global test’’ training camps in Afghanistan. We are sys- means that America must get permission be- tematically destroying the Al Qaida network fore we defend ourselves. Listen, I’ll work across the world. More than three-quarters with our allies. I will strengthen our alliances. of Al Qaida’s key members and associates But I will never turn over America’s national

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security decisions to leaders of other coun- old woman. Think about that. Freedom is on tries. the march, and we’re safer because of it. Recently, my opponent said that Sep- Iraq is still dangerous. It is dangerous be- tember the 11th did not change him much cause that society is becoming more free and at all. heading toward democracy. And think about Audience members. Boo-o-o! how far that country has come since the days The President. September the 11th of a rule of a brutal tyrant who had torture changed me, and it changed my outlook on chambers and mass graves, who used weap- how to defend this country. I will never for- ons of mass destruction on his own people. get standing in the ruins of the Twin Towers Freedom is on the march, and the world is on September the 14th, 2001. There were better off for it. workers in hardhats there yelling at me at I believe that everybody yearns to be free. the top of their lungs, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ I believe that mothers and dads want to raise I remember the person that came out, had their children in a free society. I believe all been in the rubble, and he grabbed me by this not because freedom is America’s gift the arm. He looked me in the eye, and he to the world. Freedom is the Almighty God’s said, ‘‘Do not let me down.’’ Ever since that gift to each man and woman in this world. day, I wake up every morning trying to figure These are historic times, and a lot is at out how to better protect our country. I will stake in this election. The future safety and never relent in defending America, whatever prosperity of America are on the ballot. The it takes. truth of the matter is this election ultimately Audience members. U.S.A.! U.S.A.! comes down to who you can trust. Who can U.S.A.! you trust to make this country secure? Who The President. During the next 4 years, can you trust to make this society a more we’ll wage a comprehensive strategy to de- hopeful place? fend our country, and we will use every asset If you believe that taxes should stay low at our disposal. And one of the most powerful so families can pay the bills and small busi- assets we have is freedom. Free nations do nesses can continue to create jobs, I ask you not breed resentment. Free nations do not to come stand with me. If you believe in high export terror. Free nations become allies in standards for public schools, I ask you to the war against terror. By spreading freedom, come stand with me. If you believe patients we help keep the peace. I believe in the and doctors should be in charge of health power of liberty to transform societies. care, I ask you, come stand with me. If you I want the younger folks here to realize believe that this Nation must honor the com- what has taken place in a brief period of time. mitments of Medicare and strengthen Social Think about what’s taken place in the last Security for generations to come, I ask you 31⁄2 years of your life. Take Afghanistan. Af- to come stand with me. If you believe that ghanistan used to be the home base of Al this Nation should honor marriage and family Qaida, where they could train. Young girls and make a place for the weak and the vul- could not go to school in that country be- nerable, I ask you to come stand with me. cause the Taliban were so backward and bar- If you believe America should fight the war baric. And if their mothers did not toe their on terror with all our might and lead with line of ideological hatred, they were taken unwavering confidence in our ideals, I ask into the public squares and whipped and you to come stand with me. sometimes executed in a sports stadium. But If you are a Democrat who believes your because we acted to defend ourselves, be- party has turned too far to the left this year, cause we acted to uphold a doctrine that I I ask you to come stand with me. If you are declared which said, ‘‘If you harbor a ter- a minority citizen and you believe in free en- rorist, you are equally as guilty as the ter- terprise and good schools and the enduring rorist,’’ millions of people in Afghanistan— values of family and faith, and if you are tired because we upheld that doctrine, millions of of your vote being taken for granted, I ask people in Afghanistan voted in a Presidential you to come stand with me. And if you are election. And the first voter was a 19-year- a voter who believes that the President of

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the United States should say what he means ning of a new term to make America a safer and does what he says—do what he says and place, a stronger place, and a better place. keeps his word, I ask you to come stand with I’ve had a fantastic time traveling our me. country. I love to get out amongst the people. Audience members. Four more years! I love America. I love its citizens. I’ve been Four more years! Four more years! telling people what I intend to do for the The President. When I traveled your next 4 years, but the most—probably the great State 4 years ago, I made this pledge, most important reason to put me back in is that if I got elected, I would uphold the so that Laura will be the First Lady for 4 honor and the dignity of the office to which more years. She has put her SMU degree I had been elected. With your help, with your to good work. hard work, we’re going to win tomorrow, and I will carry that honor and dignity for 4 more And I want to thank Gerald Turner and years. the trustees of SMU and all the SMU stu- God bless, and thank you for coming. dents who are here today for coming out to Thank you all. say hello. I’ll try to keep my speech short so you can get back and do your homework. NOTE: The President spoke at 6:55 p.m. at the [Laughter] Make sure you vote. Make sure Journal Pavilion. In his remarks, he referred to you go to the polls. Nancy Domenici, wife of Senator Pete Domenici; One of the greatest things about this cam- Jay Hone, husband of Representative Heather Wilson; Bob Martinez, State president, New Mex- paign is I’ve had a chance to campaign with ico Fraternal Order of Police; Col. Allen Weh, Barbara and Jenna. I love them dearly. They USMC, (Ret.), chairman, New Mexico Repub- are fantastic young women. No, you can’t lican Party; John Sanchez, southwest regional have their phone number. [Laughter] chairman, Bush-Cheney ’04, Inc.; and Ken I’m proud of my nephew, George P. Bush, Zangara, New Mexico State chairman, Bush-Che- and his wife, Mandi. Thanks for coming. ney ’04, Inc., and chairman, Bernalillo County Re- publican Party. I’ve got a great runningmate in Dick Che- ney. He’s done a great job as the Vice Presi- dent. I’m looking forward to working with Remarks in Dallas, Texas him for the next 4 years. November 1, 2004 I want to thank my friend Pete Sessions for introducing Laura. It is really important The President. Thank you all. Thank you that you send Pete Sessions back to the all for coming. I really appreciate you being United States Congress. here. It’s great to be back where it all started. I see a lot of friends from the statehouse Tomorrow my fellow Texans are going to the days. I’m really proud that the Governor of polls to help us start the next 4 years. the great State of Texas is with us, Rick Perry. Ten years ago when I first ran for Gov- Thanks for coming, Governor. And the Lieu- ernor, I had my last campaign rally in Dallas, and we won. Tonight, after six other stops, tenant Governor, David Dewhurst, is with us. I’m having my last campaign rally in Dallas, Appreciate you coming. I want to thank all and we’re going to win. the other statehouse officials. I know the I appreciate all your help and all your hard speaker of the house is with us, Speaker Tom work. And I’ve got a pretty good feeling that Craddick and Nadine. They’re from our old Texas is going to be a red State tomorrow. hometown of Midland. You’re going to start a trend. I want to thank the really fine United I want to thank all our friends who are States Senator from the State of Texas, Kay here tonight. You know, we’re blessed by Bailey Hutchison, and the other Senator, having a lot of friends. I want to thank you who is also a really fine United States Sen- from the bottom of my heart for all you have ator, John Cornyn. I want to thank the Mem- done for us for so many years and what you’re bers of the Congress who are here, Ralph going to do tomorrow and for the years Hall and Jeb Hensarling, , and ahead. With your help, this will be the begin- Michael Burgess. I’m proud you all are here.

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Three candidates for the United States cine. In all we do to reform health care in Congress who are here who I proudly sup- Washington, we’ll make sure the decisions port: Kenny Marchant, running for the 24th are made by doctors and patients, not by offi- District; Louis Gohmert, running out of CD cials in Washington, DC. 1, Congressional District 1 in east Texas. I I believe the President’s job is to confront wish you all the best, Louis. And I’m looking problems, not to pass them on to future forward to having a new Congressperson rep- Presidents and future generations. We’ve got resent me in the Crawford area, and that per- a problem with Social Security. Social Secu- son is going to be Arlene Wohlgemuth. rity is fine for those who are now on Social I want to thank Toby Keith for being here. Security, and we’ll always keep the promise It means a lot that he’s here. It sounds like to our seniors. Social Security is okay for baby he ought to be running. [Laughter] I want boomers like me and like some others out to thank Tracy Byrd. I want to thank the there I see. But we need to worry about our SMU Mighty Mustang Band. Thanks for children and our grandchildren when it coming. I want to thank my friend Chuck comes to Social Security. I believe younger Norris, who’s here. workers ought to be able to take some of Most of all, thank you all for coming. It’s their own payroll taxes and set up a personal been a fantastic day traveling around our savings account, an account they call their country. There’s no better place to end it own. than right here in big ‘‘D’’—Dallas, Texas. Over the next 4 years, I’ll continue to stand I understand this about the Presidency: for the values that are important to our Na- The American President must lead with clar- tion. I stand for marriage and family, which ity and purpose. The role of the President are the foundations of our society. I stand is not to follow the path of the latest polls. for a culture of life in which every person The President must not change positions for matters and every being counts. And I stand the sake of political convenience. The Presi- for the appointment of Federal judges who dent must lead based on principle and con- know the difference between personal opin- viction and conscience. ion and the strict interpretation of the law. During these 4 years, I have learned that During the course of this campaign, after whatever your strengths are, you’re going to all the debates and all the speeches, it is clear need them, and whatever your shortcomings there are big differences between me and are, people are going to notice them. [Laugh- my opponent. He’s from Massachusetts, and ter] Sometimes I’m a little too blunt. I get I’m from Texas. He is a committed liberal, that from my mother. Sometimes I mangle and I am a compassionate conservative. He’s the English language. [Laughter] I get that voted to cut our intelligence budget and from my father. [Laughter] But all times, major weapons systems. I am for a strong whether you agree with me or not, you know national defense. He has promised to raise where I stand, what I believe, and where I’m taxes. going to lead. Audience members. Boo-o-o! I have been letting the people know what The President. And that is generally a I intend to do for the next 4 years. I’m run- promise most politicians keep. I’m for keep- ning to make sure this economy stays strong ing your taxes low. by keeping our taxes low and doing some- And we’ve got a big difference when it thing about these lawsuits that are making comes to protecting the American people. it hard on our small-business owners. I’m The most important job of the American running to make sure every child can learn President is to protect the American people. and keep the high standards in our public If America shows uncertainty or weakness schools so no child is left behind in America. during these troubling times, this world of I’m running to make sure health care is ours will drift toward tragedy. This is not available and affordable, and to reduce the going to happen on my watch. We are stead- cost of medicine and to keep good doctors fast. We are resolved. We will chase the ter- in practice, we’ve got to get rid of these junk rorists around the world so we do not have lawsuits that are running up the cost of medi- to face them here at home.

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There are big differences of opinion about Audience members. Boo-o-o! how to protect America. During one of our The President. Well, September the 11th debates, my opponent said that America changed me, and it changed my outlook must pass a ‘‘global test’’ before we commit about how to protect you, about how to do troops. my duty to protect the American people. I Audience members. Boo-o-o! will never forget the day I went to the ruins The President. I’m not making that up. of the Twin Towers. It was September the [Laughter] I heard him say it. [Laughter] He 14th, 2001. There were workers there in was standing right about there. As far as I hardhats yelling at me at the top of their can tell, that means this Nation of ours must lungs, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ I remember a go to other nations to seek permission before man grabbed me by the arm, and he looked we secure our defense. me in the eye, and he said, ‘‘Do not let me Audience members. Boo-o-o! down.’’ Ever since that day, I wake up every The President. In a new term, I will work morning trying to figure out how to better with our allies and I will strengthen our alli- protect our country. I will never relent in ances, but I will never turn over America’s our Nation’s defense, whatever it takes. national security decisions to leaders of other Audience members. U.S.A.! U.S.A.! countries. U.S.A.! Now, we have big differences. I have told The President. Fantastic way to win—way the families of our military and those who to end what has been a great campaign. wear the uniform they will have all they need. These are historic times. There’s a lot at stake The military will have all it needs to complete in this election. The future safety and pros- their missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. That’s perity of America are on the ballot. The truth why I went to the Congress and asked for of the matter is, this election comes down $87 billion for supplemental funding in Sep- to who do you trust? Who do you trust? tember of 2003. It was important funding. Audience member. You! It was necessary funding for our troops. And The President. The American people will we received great bipartisan support. As a trust the candidate who can see a better day, matter of fact, my opponent first said that who can clearly see that you can’t lead this it would be irresponsible to vote against Nation unless you know where you want to funding for the troops—until his poll num- lead it. And I know exactly where I want to bers went down. [Laughter] And then he ac- take this Nation for the next 4 years. tually did the irresponsible thing and he One of my favorite sayings comes from a voted against funding for our troops. fellow Texan, Tom Lea. He said, ‘‘Sarah and Audience members. Boo-o-o! I live on the east side of the mountain. It The President. And then he entered the is the sunrise side, not the sunset side. It flip-flop hall of fame. And as he entered that is the side to see the day that is coming, not hall of fame, he said, ‘‘I actually did vote for to see the day that is gone.’’ During much the 87 billion, before I voted against it.’’ of this campaign, my opponent has been talk- [Laughter] I have spent hours in the coffee ing about the day that is gone. I’m talking shops of Texas. I have never heard anybody about the day that’s coming. I’m talking in this great State talk that way. about a better day for every American. I see He has given a lot of explanations about a day where prosperity reaches every corner that vote since then, but I think the most of our country, a day where every child is revealing explanation was this. He said, ‘‘The able to read and write. And I see a day, be- whole thing was a complicated matter.’’ cause we spread freedom, that this world be- [Laughter] There’s nothing complicated comes more peaceful, and we achieve the about supporting our troops in combat. peace we want for our children and our [Laughter] grandchildren. We have a difference of—we have a dif- Now, I see a better day. And tomorrow ferent understanding about this war on ter- the people of America have a chance to bring ror. My opponent says September the 11th that better day to all of us by voting for didn’t change him much at all. strong, confident, optimistic leadership, by

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sending me and Dick Cheney back to Wash- good prognosticator. You’re the pundit. ington, DC. You’re the person who makes all the fore- Four years ago when I traveled our coun- casts. And we’ll see what the people say. try asking for the vote, I made a pledge that That’s where we are. Now is the time for if I was elected, I would uphold the honor the people to express their will. and the dignity of the office. Because of your Yes, Scott [Scott Lindlaw, Associated friendship, because of the hard work of many Press]. people here, because of the votes tomorrow, Q. Mr. President, any butterflies? I will continue to uphold the honor and the The President. I don’t. I know I’ve given integrity of the Presidency for 4 more years. it my all. I feel calm. I feel—I am confident Thank you for coming. God bless. On to that the people—in the judgment of the peo- victory. Thank you all. ple. I’m one of these candidates, I feed off NOTE: The President spoke at 10:57 p.m. in the the enthusiasm of the people. Yesterday was Moody Coliseum at Southern Methodist Univer- an amazing day in my political life, did seven sity. In his remarks, he referred to R. Gerald stops. The enthusiasm was contagious. I’m Turner, president, Southern Methodist Univer- so grateful for the thousands of people who sity; Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David have been working on my behalf and who Dewhurst of Texas; Tom Craddick, speaker, Texas are praying for me and Laura. It was a great House of Representatives, and his wife, Nadine; day yesterday, and the whole campaign was country music entertainers Toby Keith and Tracy a fantastic experience. I’m very comfortable Byrd; and actor Chuck Norris. The transcript re- that I got my message out. The people know leased by the Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of the First Lady, who intro- where I stand. The people know I know how duced the President. to lead. The people know I have a vision for the future of this country. And we’re going to go one stop in Ohio to tell the volunteers Remarks on Election Day and an thanks for their work, and we’ll go back and Exchange With Reporters in wait—await the outcome. Crawford, Texas Q. Mr. President, what about all the pas- November 2, 2004 sion in this country—I mean, you have gen- erated so much passion both for you and The President. It’s such a wonderful feel- against you. How do you account for that? ing to vote. This election is in the hands of The President. Well, I take that as a com- the people, and I feel very comfortable about pliment. It means I’m willing to take a stand. that. The people know where I stand. I’ve A lot of politicians take positions, but they enjoyed this campaign. It’s been a fantastic don’t take a stand. I take a stand, and I tell experience traveling our country, talking people what I believe and what I think. about what I believe and where I’m going These are very troubling times, and I believe to lead this country for 4 more years. You a President must lead by being resolute and know, there’s just something refreshing firm and strong and clear. And the people about giving it your all and then saying the know that. That’s why I’m comfortable about people will make the right decision. And I this election. I’ve given it my all, and more believe I’m going to win. importantly, I have clarified the differences Yes, Stretch [David Gregory, NBC News]. between what I believe and what my oppo- 2004 Election nent believes. Any other questions besides Stretch? He Q. Mr. President, I wonder why—why do seems to be dominating. [Laughter] Perhaps you believe this election is this close? the rest of you are somewhat groggy. [Laugh- The President. Well, first of all, it’s been ter] a lot of issues we’ve debated, big issues of war and peace and the economy. I’ve got a philosophy everybody understands. I’ve got Central Issue of 2004 Election a clear view about how to lead. But we’ll see Q. Sir, what does it really come down for how it goes tonight. You know I’m not a very voters when they walk in the booth today?

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For American voters, what is the issue, what lifted by the spirit of the—of our supporters does it come down to? and by the prayers of our supporters. The President. The issue is, who do you Anyway, thank you all very much. trust? This is a campaign of trust. Who do you trust to secure this country? Who do you NOTE: The President spoke at 7:42 a.m. at the trust to lead with firmness and steadfast reso- Crawford Fire Station. A tape was not available lution, protect the American people? Who for verification of the content of these remarks. do you trust to adhere to the values, the val- ues that most people agree with? And who Remarks to Campaign Volunteers do you trust to keep this economy growing? Q. And you trust the results will come out and an Exchange With Reporters in tonight? Columbus, Ohio The President. Absolutely. I trust the November 2, 2004 judgment of the American people. I love our democracy, and I have got great faith in the The President. Thank you all for doing wisdom of the people of this country. this. Listen, we’ve come to thank our volun- Big Stretch [Richard Keil, Bloomberg teers here in Ohio. They represent thousands News]. of people all across the country who are mak- ing the calls and turning out the vote. I have been uplifted by the fact that thousands of Closure on the 2004 Election people are working on my behalf and the fact Q. Does it feel to you like we’ll know the that thousands pray for me and Laura and results tonight? Or will it be a nail-biter like our country. it was 4 years ago? One of the best ways to help send a signal The President. Well, of course, these are about how appreciative I am is to come and the pundits—there are pundits and prognos- thank people in person. Obviously, Ohio is ticators like you all. You’re doing a fabulous an important State. It’s a State that we intend job of speculating what may happen. My to carry. I know we’ve got a lot of work to hope, of course, is that this election ends to- do. There’s a lot of people, as you can tell, night. I think it’s very important for it to end in this building, working hard in Columbus, tonight. The world watches our great democ- and they’re working hard all across the State racy function. There would be nothing better of Ohio. So this is an exciting time. The polls for our system for the election to be conclu- will be closing in 5 or 6 hours—however long sively over tonight so that—I think it’s going it is. [Laughter] And I’m confident we’ll carry to be—so I can go on and lead this country Ohio, and I’m confident we’ll carry the Na- and bring people together, set an agenda, tion. And I look forward to leading this Na- which will be to make sure America is secure, tion for 4 more years. I’m running because expand our prosperity, and move forward and I’ve got more to do, more to—more work bring Republicans and Democrats together. to be done to keep this country secure, more Listen, we’re off. I’ve enjoyed it. Thank work to be done to make sure prosperity you for your coverage. reaches every corner of the land. I want to thank all our supporters here in Senator John Kerry Ohio for their hard work. Q. Any words for Senator Kerry this morn- ing? Legal Issues The President. I wish him all the best. Q. Are you getting updates on legal wran- You know, he and I are in the exact same gling out there on the plain? position. We’ve given it our all, and I’m— The President. No, I really haven’t. Call I’m sure he is happy, like I am, that the cam- my lawyer. [Laughter] paign has come to a conclusion. All I can tell you is I know that I’ve put my full amount Turnout for the 2004 Election of energy in this campaign, and I’ve enjoyed Q. Sir, does a big turnout help both sides, it. And I am enthused, and I have been up- and should it?

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The President. Listen, I am for a turnout Remarks in a Victory Celebration as big as possible. I believe everybody should vote. We have a duty in this country to vote. November 3, 2004 I hope every citizen in Ohio and elsewhere Thank you all. Thank you all for coming. does their duty. And I think it’s—and I think We had a long night and a great night. The we’ll have a good turnout, and I will be grate- voters turned out in record numbers and de- ful if there’s a big turnout. I think it’s good livered an historic victory. for our system. Earlier today, Senator Kerry called with his congratulations. We had a really good Election Outcome phone call. He was very gracious. Senator Q. Is it going to be a divided country, no Kerry waged a spirited campaign, and he and matter what happens, if it’s a close election? his supporters can be proud of their efforts. The President. Oh, you know, I was asked Laura and I wish Senator Kerry and Teresa that question by another one of the pundits and their whole family all our best wishes. earlier, trying to guess about the outcome of America has spoken, and I’m humbled by the election. You need to talk to the experts. the trust and the confidence of my fellow citizens. With that trust comes a duty to serve I can just tell you what I’ve seen. I’ve seen all Americans, and I will do my best to fulfill enthusiasm, a willingness for people to put that duty every day as your President. in extra hours of work. And we’ll find out There are many people to thank, and my how it goes tonight. This election is in the family comes first. Laura is the love of my best of hands: It’s in the hands of the voters life. [Applause] I’m glad you love her too. of Ohio and voters all around the country. [Laughter] I want to thank our daughters, Q. Sir, you may think you’re no pundit, who joined their dad for his last campaign. but you’ve clearly paid pretty close attention. I appreciate the hard work of my sister and Give us a sense of how involved you are in my brothers. I especially want to thank my tracking the numbers and voter turnout parents for their loving support. and—— I’m grateful to the Vice President and The President. Well, David [David Greg- Lynne and their daughters, who have worked ory, NBC News], since I last talked to you, so hard and been such a vital part of our which was outside the voting booth in team. The Vice President serves America Crawford—[laughter]—which was a couple with wisdom and honor, and I’m proud to of hours ago, I’ve had a couple of cups of serve beside him. coffee. I spent some quality time with my I want to thank my superb campaign team. wife. I am going to run this race out to its I want to thank you all for your hard work. fullest. I will be able to—both of us will be I was impressed every day by how hard and able to say that we campaigned as hard as how skillful our team was. I want to thank we possibly could. I have made the dif- Marc, Chairman , and the cam- ferences as clear as possible about why I paign manager, Ken Mehlman, and the ar- think I am the best leader for the country chitect, . I want to thank Ed Gil- for the next 4 years. You know, we’ll find lespie for leading our party so well. out tonight what the American people think, I want to thank the thousands of our sup- and I’m looking forward to it. porters across our country. I want to thank Thank you all. you for your hugs on the ropelines. I want to thank you for your prayers on the ropelines. I want to thank you for your kind NOTE: The President spoke at 11:42 a.m. at the words on the ropelines. I want to thank you Ohio Bush-Cheney ’04 campaign headquarters. A for everything you did to make the calls and tape was not available for verification of the con- to put up the signs, to talk to your neighbors, tent of these remarks. and to get out the vote. And because you did the incredible work, we are celebrating today.

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There’s an old saying, ‘‘Do not pray for for our country, and I am eager for the work tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers ahead. equal to your tasks.’’ In 4 historic years, God bless you, and may God bless Amer- America has been given great tasks and faced ica. them with strength and courage. Our people have restored the vigor of this economy and NOTE: The President spoke at 3:08 p.m. at the shown resolve and patience in a new kind Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade of war. Our military has brought justice to Center. In his remarks, he referred to Marc the enemy and honor to America. Our Na- Racicot, campaign chairman, and Ken Mehlman, campaign manager, Bush-Cheney ’04, Inc.; and tion has defended itself and served the free- , chairman, Republican National dom of all mankind. I’m proud to lead such Committee. The Office of the Press Secretary also an amazing country, and I’m proud to lead released a Spanish language transcript of these re- it forward. marks. Because we have done the hard work, we are entering a season of hope. We’ll continue our economic progress. We’ll reform our out- Remarks Following a Cabinet dated Tax Code. We’ll strengthen the Social Meeting Security for the next generation. We’ll make November 4, 2004 public schools all they can be. And we will uphold our deepest values of family and faith. I just met with my Cabinet. I am proud We will help the emerging democracies of of every person here. They’ve done a great Iraq and Afghanistan so they can grow in job for the country. I reminded them that strength and defend their freedom. And then even though our election just ended, we’ve our service men and women will come home still got work to do. I talked about an agenda with the honor they have earned. With good that we will complete and an agenda that we allies at our side, we will fight this war on will take forward. terror with every resource of our national I made it clear to them I was glad the elec- power so our children can live in freedom tion was over and reminded them that we’re and in peace. here for a reason. And to a person, they un- Reaching these goals will require the derstand that it’s such an honor to serve broad support of Americans. So today I want America, it’s a privilege to sit around this to speak to every person who voted for my table, and that we will all continue to do the opponent: To make this Nation stronger and people’s business. better, I will need your support and I will But anyway, I want to thank them all for work to earn it. I will do all I can do to de- their hard work. I am—when I told the peo- serve your trust. A new term is a new oppor- ple that I put together a fantastic group of tunity to reach out to the whole Nation. We men and women, I meant every word of that, have one country, one Constitution, and one and I want to thank them all for their service. future that binds us. And when we come to- Thank you. gether and work together, there is no limit to the greatness of America. NOTE: The President spoke at 10:48 a.m. in the Let me close with a word to the people Cabinet Room at the White House. The Office of the State of Texas. We have known each of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- guage transcript of these remarks. A tape was not other the longest, and you started me on this available for verification of the content of these journey. On the open plains of Texas, I first remarks. learned the character of our country, sturdy and honest and as hopeful as the break of day. I will always be grateful to the good peo- The President’s News Conference ple of my State. And whatever the road that November 4, 2004 lies ahead, that road will take me home. The campaign has ended, and the United The President. Thank you all. Please be States of America goes forward with con- seated. Yesterday I pledged to reach out to fidence and faith. I see a great day coming the whole Nation, and today I’m proving that

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I’m willing to reach out to everybody by in- and patients. We must continue the work of cluding the White House press corps. education reform to bring high standards and [Laughter] accountability not just to our elementary and This week the voters of America set the secondary schools but to our high schools as direction of our Nation for the next 4 years. well. I’m honored by the support of my fellow citi- We must reform our complicated and out- zens, and I’m ready for the job. dated Tax Code. We need to get rid of the We are fighting a continuing war on terror, needless paperwork that makes our econ- and every American has a stake in the out- omy—that is a drag on our economy, to make come of this war. Republicans, Democrats, sure our economy is the most competitive and independents all love our country, and in the world. together we’ll protect the American people. We must show our leadership by strength- We will preserve—we will persevere until ening Social Security for our children and the enemy is defeated. We will stay strong our grandchildren. This is more than a prob- and resolute. We have a duty, a solemn duty lem to be solved. It is an opportunity to help to protect the American people, and we will. millions of our fellow citizens find security Every civilized country also has a stake in and independence that comes from owning the outcome of this war. Whatever our past something, from ownership. disagreements, we share a common enemy, In the election of 2004, large issues were and we have common duties to protect our set before our country. They were discussed peoples, to confront disease and hunger and every day on the campaign. With the cam- poverty in troubled regions of the world. I’ll paign over, Americans are expecting a bipar- continue to reach out to our friends and al- tisan effort and results. I’ll reach out to every- lies, our partners in the EU and NATO, to one who shares our goals. And I’m eager to promote development and progress, to de- start the work ahead. I’m looking forward to feat the terrorists, and to encourage freedom serving this country for 4 more years. and democracy as alternatives to tyranny and I want to thank you all for your hard work terror. in the campaign. I told you that the other I also look forward to working with the day, and you probably thought I was just present Congress and the new Congress that seeking votes. [Laughter] But now that you will arrive in January. I congratulate the men voted, I really meant it. I appreciate the hard and women who have just been elected to work of the press corps. We all put in long the House and the Senate. I will join with hours, and you’re away from your families old friends and new friends to make progress for a long period of time. But the country for all Americans. is better off when we have a vigorous and Congress will return later this month to free press covering our elections. And thanks finish this current session. I urge Members for your work. Without overpandering, I’ll to pass the appropriations bill that remain, answer a few questions. [Laughter] showing spending discipline while focusing Hunt [Terence Hunt, ]. on our Nation’s priorities. Our Government also needs the very best intelligence, espe- Middle East/Iraq cially in a time of war. So I urge the Congress Q. Mr. President, thank you. As you look to pass an effective intelligence reform bill at your second term, how much is the war that I can sign into law. in Iraq going to cost? Do you intend to send The new Congress that begins its work more troops or bring troops home? And in next year will have serious responsibilities the Middle East, more broadly, do you agree and historic opportunities. To accelerate the with Tony Blair that revitalizing the Middle momentum of this economy and to keep cre- East peace process is the single most pressing ating jobs, we must take practical measures political issue facing the world? to help our job creators, the entrepreneurs The President. Now that I’ve got the will and the small-business owners. We must con- of the people at my back, I’m going to start front the frivolous lawsuits that are driving enforcing the one-question rule. That was up the cost of health care and hurting doctors three questions. [Laughter]

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I’ll start with Tony Blair’s comments. I The second part of your two-part ques- agree with him that the Middle East peace tion? is a very important part of a peaceful world. Q. Any Democrats to your Cabinet, by any I have been working on Middle Eastern chance? peace ever since I’ve been the President. I’ve The President. I haven’t made any deci- laid down some—a very hopeful strategy sions on the Cabinet yet. on—in June of 2002, and my hope is that we will make good progress. I think it’s very Bipartisanship important for our friends the Israelis to have Q. How else will you bring people to- a peaceful Palestinian state living on their gether? border. And it’s very important for the Pales- The President. We’ll put out an agenda tinian people to have a peaceful, hopeful fu- that everybody understands and work with ture. That’s why I articulated a two-state vi- people to achieve the agenda. Democrats sion in that Rose Garden speech. I meant want a free and peaceful world, and we’ll— it when I said it, and I mean it now. and right away, right after September the What was the other part of your question? 11th we worked very closely together to se- Q. Iraq. cure our country. There is a common ground The President. Oh, Iraq, yes. Listen, we to be had when it comes to a foreign policy will work with the Allawi Government to that says the most important objective is to achieve our objective, which is elections, on protect the American people and spread the path to stability, and we’ll continue to freedom and democracy. There’s common train the troops. Our commanders will have ground when it comes to making sure the that which they need to complete their mis- intelligence services are able to provide good, sions. actionable intelligence to protect our people. And in terms of the cost, I—we’ll work It’s not a Republican issue. It’s a Republican with OMB and the Defense Department to and Democrat issue. So I’m—plenty of bring forth to Congress a realistic assessment places for us to work together. of what the cost will be. All right, Gregory [David Gregory, NBC News]. Supreme Court Nominations/The Cabinet War on Terror/Promoting Democracy Q. Thank you, Mr. President. How will Q. Thank you, Mr. President. On foreign you go about bringing people together? Will policy, more broadly, do you believe that you seek a consensus candidate for the Su- America has an image problem in the world preme Court if there’s an opening? Will you right now because of your efforts in response bring some Democrats into your Cabinet? to the 9/11 attacks? And, as you talked down The President. Again, he violated the the stretch about building alliances, talk one-question rule right off the bat. Obvi- about what you’ll do to build on those alli- ously, you didn’t listen to the will of the peo- ances and to deal with these image problems, ple. But first of all, there’s no vacancy for particularly in the Islamic world. the Supreme Court, and I will deal with a The President. I appreciate that. Listen, vacancy when there is one. And I told the I’ve made some very hard decisions, deci- people on the campaign trail that I’ll pick sions to protect ourselves, decisions to spread somebody who knows the difference be- peace and freedom. And I understand that tween personal opinion and the strict inter- in certain capitals and certain countries, pretation of the law. You might have heard those decisions were not popular. that several times. I meant what I said. And You know, you said—you asked me to put if people are interested in knowing the kind that in the context of the response on Sep- of judges I’ll pick, look at the record. I’ve tember the 11th. The first response, of sent up a lot of judges, well-qualified people course, was chasing down the terror net- who know the law, who represent a judicial works, which we will continue to do. And temperament that I agree with, and who are we’ve got great response around the world qualified to hold the bench. in order to do that. There’s over 90 nations

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involved with sharing information, finding deep skepticism, and because there is a atti- terrorists, and bringing them to justice. That tude among some that certain people may is a broad coalition, and we’ll continue to never be free—they just don’t long to be free strengthen it. or incapable of running an election, and I I laid out a doctrine, David, that said, ‘‘If disagree with that. And the Afghan people, you harbor a terrorist, you’re equally as guilty by going to the polls in the millions, proved as the terrorists,’’ and that doctrine was ig- that this administration’s faith in freedom to nored by the Taliban, and we removed the change people’s habits is worthy. And that Taliban. And I fully understand some people will be a central part of my foreign policy. didn’t agree with that decision. But I believe And I’ve got work to do to explain to people that when the American President speaks, about why that is a central part of our foreign he’d better mean what he says in order to policy. I’ve been doing that for 4 years. keep the world peaceful. And I believe we But if you do not believe people can be have a solemn duty, whether or not people free and can self-govern, then all of a sudden agree with it or not, to protect the American the two-state solution in the Middle East be- people. And the Taliban and their harboring comes a moot point, invalid. If you’re willing of Al Qaida represented a direct threat to to condemn a group of people to a system the American people. of government that hasn’t worked, then you’ll And of course, then the Iraq issue is one never be able to achieve the peace. You can- that people disagreed with. And there’s no not lead this world and our country to a bet- need to rehash my case, but I did so, I made ter tomorrow unless you see a better—unless the decision I made, in order to protect our you have a vision of a better tomorrow. And country, first and foremost. I will continue I’ve got one, based upon a great faith that to do that as the President. But as I do so, people do want to be free and live in democ- I will reach out to others and explain why racy. I make the decisions I make. John [John Roberts, CBS News], and then There is a certain attitude in the world, I’ll get to Terry [Terry Moran, ABC News]. by some, that says that it’s a waste of time No followups today, Gregory. to try to promote free societies in parts of Q. Thank you, sir. the world. I’ve heard that criticism. Remem- The President. I can see one—yes. ber, I went to London to talk about our vision of spreading freedom throughout the greater Middle East. And I fully understand that that Troop Levels in Iraq might rankle some and be viewed by some Q. Would you like it? Now that the polit- as folly. I just strongly disagree with those ical volatility is off the issue because the elec- who do not see the wisdom of trying to pro- tion is over, I’d like to ask you about troop mote free societies around the world. levels in Iraq in the next couple of months If we are interested in protecting our leading up to elections. The Pentagon al- country for the long term, the best way to ready has a plan to extend tours of duty for do so is to promote freedom and democracy. some 6,500 U.S. troops. How many more will And I simply do not agree with those who be needed to provide security in Iraq for either say overtly or believe that certain soci- elections, seeing as how the Iraqi troops that eties cannot be free. It’s just not a part of you’re trying to train up are pretty slow com- my thinking. And that’s why during the ing on line? course of the campaign, I was—I believe I The President. Yes, first of all, the—we was able to connect, at least with those who are making good progress in training the were there, in explaining my policy, when Iraqi troops. There will be 125,000 of them I talked about the free elections in Afghani- trained by election time. stan. Secondly, I have yet to—I have not sat There were—there was doubt about down with our Secretary of Defense talking whether or not those elections would go for- about troop levels. I read some reports dur- ward. I’m not suggesting any of you here ex- ing the course of the campaign where some pressed skepticism, but there was. There was were speculating in the press corps about the

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number of troops needed to protect elec- Social Security Reform tions. That has not been brought to my atten- Q. Thank you, sir. Mr. President, you tion yet. And so I would caution you that talked once again this morning about private what you have either read about or reported accounts in Social Security. During the cam- was pure speculation thus far. These elec- paign, you were accused of planning to pri- tions are important, and we will respond, vatize the entire system. It has been some- John, to requests of our commanders on the thing you’ve discussed for some time. You’ve ground. And I have yet to hear from our com- lost some of the key Democratic proponents, manders on the ground that they need more such as Pat Moynihan and Bob Kerrey, in troops. the Congress. How will you proceed now Terry. with one of the key problems, which is the transition cost—which some say is as much as $2 trillion—how will you proceed on that? Religious Values And how soon? Q. Mr. President, your victory at the polls The President. Well, first, I made Social came about in part because of strong support Security an issue. For those of you who had from people of faith, in particular, Christian to suffer through my speeches on a daily evangelicals and Pentecostals and others. basis, for those of you who actually listened And Senator Kerry drew some of his strong- to my speeches on a daily basis, you might est support from those who do not attend remember, every speech I talked about the religious services. What do you make of this duty of an American President to lead. And religious divide, it seems, becoming a polit- we have—we must lead on Social Security ical divide in this country? And what do you because the system is not going to be whole say to those who are concerned about the for our children and our grandchildren. role of a faith they do not share in public And so the answer to your second question life and in your policies? is, we’ll start on Social Security now. We’ll start bringing together those in Congress The President. Yes. My answer to people who agree with my assessment that we need is, I will be your President regardless of your to work together. We’ve got a good blueprint, faith, and I don’t expect you to agree with a good go-by. You mentioned Senator Moy- me necessarily on religion. As a matter of nihan. I had asked him prior to his passing fact, no President should ever try to impose to chair a committee of notable Americans religion on our society. A great—the great to come up with some ideas on Social Secu- tradition of America is one where people can rity, and they did so. And it’s a good place worship the way they want to worship. And for Members of Congress to start. if they choose not to worship, they’re just The President must have the will to take as patriotic as your neighbor. That is an es- on the issue not only in the campaign but sential part of why we are a great nation. And now that I’m elected. And this will—reform- I am glad people of faith voted in this elec- ing Social Security will be a priority of my tion. I’m glad—I appreciate all people who administration. Obviously, if it were easy, it voted. I don’t think you ought to read any- would have already been done. And this is thing into the politics, the moment, about going to be hard work to bring people to- whether or not this Nation will become a di- gether and to make—to convince the Con- vided nation over religion. I think the great gress to move forward, and there are going thing that unites us is the fact you can wor- to be costs. But the cost of doing nothing ship freely if you choose, and if you—you is insignificant to—is much greater than the don’t have to worship. And if you’re a Jew cost of reforming the system today. That was or a Christian or a Muslim, you’re equally the case I made on the campaign trail, and American. That is such a wonderful aspect I was earnest about getting something done. of our society. And it is strong today, and And as a matter of fact, I talked to members it will be strong tomorrow. of my staff today, as we’re beginning to plan Jim [Jim Angle, FOX News]. to—the strategy to move agendas forward, about how to do this and do it effectively.

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Q. If I could, Mr. President—— The President. Oh, in terms of feeling The President. Yes—no, no, you’re vio- free, well, I don’t think you’ll let me be too lating the followup rule. It would hurt Greg- free. There’s accountability and there are ory’s feelings. constraints on the Presidency, as there King [John King, Cable News Network]. should be in any system. I feel it is necessary It’s a new—— to move an agenda that I told the American Q. Mr. President, thank you. people I would move. There’s something re- Q. That’s always one of my concerns. freshing about coming off an election, even The President. Hurting Gregory’s feel- more refreshing since we all got some sleep ings? He is a sensitive guy, well centered, last night, but there’s—you go out and you though. [Laughter] make your case, and you tell the people, ‘‘This is what I intend to do.’’ And after hun- 2004 Election Night/1992 Election dreds of speeches and three debates and Q. I’m not going there. Mr. President, you interviews and the whole process, where you were disappointed, even angry, 12 years ago keep basically saying the same thing over and when the voters denied your father a second over again, that—when you win, there is a term. I’m interested in your thoughts and the feeling that the people have spoken and em- conversation with him yesterday as you were braced your point of view. And that’s what walking to the Oval Office, and also whether I intend to tell the Congress, that I made you feel more free to do any one thing in it clear what I intend to do as the President, a second term that perhaps you were politi- now let’s work to—and the people made it cally constrained from doing in a first. clear what they wanted—now let’s work to- The President. At 3:30 in the morning gether. on—I guess it was the day after the election, And it’s one of the wonderful—it’s like he was sitting upstairs, and I finally said, ‘‘Go earning capital. You asked, do I feel free. Let to bed.’’ He was awaiting the outcome and me put it to you this way: I earned capital was hopeful that we would go over and be in the campaign, political capital, and now able to talk to our supporters, and it just I intend to spend it. It is my style. That’s didn’t happen that way. So I asked him the next morning when what happened in the—after the 2000 elec- he got up, I said, ‘‘Come by the Oval Office tion, I earned some capital. I’ve earned cap- and visit.’’ And he came by, and we had a ital in this election, and I’m going to spend good talk. He was heading down to Houston. it for what I told the people I’d spend it on, And it was—there was some uncertainty which is—you’ve heard the agenda: Social about that morning as to when the election Security and tax reform, moving this econ- would actually end. And it wasn’t clear at that omy forward, education, fighting and win- point in time, so I never got to see him face ning the war on terror. We have an obligation to face to watch his, I guess, pride in his in this country to continue to work with na- tired eyes as his son got a second term. tions to help alleve poverty and disease. We I did talk to him, and he was relieved. I will continue to press forward on the HIV/ told him to get a nap. I was worried about AIDS initiative, the Millennium Challenge him staying up too late. But—so I haven’t Account. We will continue to do our duty had a chance to really visit and embrace. to help feed the hungry. And I’m looking for- And you’re right, ’92 was a disappoint- ward to it. I really am. ment. But he taught me a really good lesson, It’s been a fantastic experience cam- that life moves on. And it’s very important paigning the country. You’ve seen it from one for those of us in the political arena, win or perspective. I’ve seen it from another. I saw lose, to recognize that life is bigger than just you standing there at the last, final rally in politics, and that’s one of the really good les- Texas, to my right over there. I was observing sons he taught me. you observe, and you saw the energy. And there was just something uplifting about peo- Electoral Process/President’s Agenda ple showing up at 11 o’clock at night, express- Q. Do you feel more free, sir? ing their support and their prayers and their

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friendship. It’s a marvelous experience to I’ll just give you—but let me just help you campaign across the country. out with the speculation right now. I haven’t Mike [Mike Allen, Washington Post]. thought about it. I’m going to start thinking about it. I’m going to Camp David this after- The Cabinet noon with Laura, and I’ll begin the process Q. Mr. President—thank you, Mr. Presi- of thinking about the Cabinet and the White dent. Do you plan to reshape your Cabinet House staff. And we’ll let you know at the for the second term, or will any changes appropriate time when decisions have been come at the instigation of individuals? And made. And so, nice try, Mike. as part of the same question, may I ask you Yes, Ed [Ed Chen, Los Angeles Times], what you’ve learned about Cabinet govern- and then—— ment, what works, what doesn’t work? And Q. What you learned—— do you mind also addressing the same ques- The President. Learned and not learned tion about the White House staff? [Laughter] about the Cabinet? The President. The post-election eupho- Q. What works, what doesn’t. ria did not last very long here at the press The President. Yes, well, first I’ve learned conference. [Laughter] that I put together a really good Cabinet. I’m Let me talk about the people that have very proud of the people that have served worked with me. I had a Cabinet meeting this Government, and they, to a man and a today, and I thanked them for their service woman, worked their hearts out for the to the country and reminded them we’ve got American people. And I’ve learned that a job to do and I expected them to do the you’ve got to continue to surround yourself job. with good people. This is a job that requires I have made no decisions on my Cabinet crisp decisionmaking, and therefore, in order and/or White House staff. I am mindful that for me to make decisions, I’ve got to have working in the White House is really—is ex- people who bring their point of view into the hausting work. The people who you try to Oval Office and are willing to say it. get to leak to you spend hours away from I always jest to people, the Oval Office is their families, and it is—there is—the word the kind of place where people stand out- ‘‘burnout’’ is oftentimes used in the—in side—they’re getting ready to come in and Washington, and it’s used for a reason, be- tell me what for, and they walk in and get cause people do burn out. And so obviously, overwhelmed in the atmosphere, and they in terms of those who are—who want to stay say, ‘‘Man, you’re looking pretty.’’ And there- on and who I want to stay on, I’ve got to fore, you need people to walk in on those make sure that it’s right for their families and days when you’re not looking so good and that they’re comfortable, because when they saying, ‘‘You’re not looking so good, Mr. come to work here in the White House, I President.’’ And I’ve got—those are the kind expect them to work as hard as they possibly of people that served our country. can on behalf of the American people. We’ve had vigorous debates, which you all, In the Cabinet, there will be some during the last 4 years, took great delight in changes. I don’t know who they will be. It’s reporting, differences of opinion. But that’s inevitable there will be changes. That hap- what you want if you’re the Commander in pens in every administration. To a person, Chief and a decisionmaker. You want people I am proud of the work they have done. And to walk in and say, ‘‘I don’t agree with this,’’ I fully understand we’re about to head into or ‘‘I do agree with that, and here’s what my the period of intense speculation as to who’s recommendation is.’’ But the President also going to stay and who’s not going to stay, has to learn to decide. You take—you know, and I assured them that—today I warned there’s ample time for the debate to take them of the speculative period. It’s a great place and then decide and make up your Washington sport to be talking about who’s mind and lead. That’s what the job’s all going to leave and who their replacements about. may be and handicapping, you know, my way And so I have learned how important it of thinking. is to be—to have a really fine group of people

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that think through issues and that are not making a huge difference in people’s lives, intimidated by the process and who walk in in these kids’ lives. But that’s the model I’d and tell me what’s on their mind. look at, if I were you. Ed, and then Stevenson [Richard Steven- And we’ll—there’s a certain practicality to son, New York Times]. life here in Washington. And that is, when you get a bill moving, it is important to get Small-Business Agenda the votes, and if politics starts to get in the Q. Good morning. Sir, does it bother you way of getting good legislation through, you that there’s a perception out there that your know, that’s just part of life here. But I’m administration has been one that favors big also focused on results. I think of the Medi- business and the wealthy individuals? And care bill. You might remember that old, stale what can you do to overcome that, sir? debate. We finally got a bill moving. I was The President. Ed, 70 percent of the new hoping that we’d get strong bipartisan sup- jobs in America are created by small busi- port. Unfortunately, it was an election year, nesses. I understand that. And I have pro- but we got the votes necessary to get the moted during the course of the last 4 years bill passed. And so we will—I will—my goal one of the most aggressive pro-entrepreneur, is to work on the ideal and to reach out and small-business policies. Tax relief—you to continue to work and find common ground might remember—I don’t know if you know on issues. this or not, but 90 percent of the businesses On the other hand, I’ve been wisened to are sole proprietorships or Subchapter S cor- the ways of Washington. I watched what can porations. [Laughter] happen during certain parts of the cycle, Q. We’ve heard it. where politics gets in the way of good policy. The President. Tax relief helped them. And at that point in time, I’ll continue to— This is an administration that fully under- you know, I’ll try to get this done. I’ll try stands that the job creators are the entre- to get our bills passed in a way, because re- preneurs. And so in a new term, we will make sults really do matter, as far as I’m con- sure the tax relief continues to be robust for cerned. I really didn’t come here to hold the our small businesses. We’ll push legal reform office just to say, ‘‘Gosh, it was fun to serve.’’ and regulatory reform because I understand I came here to get some things done, and the engine of growth is through the small- we are doing it. business sector. Yes, Big Stretch [Bill Sammon, Wash- Stevenson. ington Times]. Model for Bipartisanship Yasser Arafat Q. Sir, given your commitment to reaching Q. Thank you, Mr. President. I know you out across party lines and to all Americans, haven’t had a chance to learn this, but it ap- I wonder if you could expand on your defini- pears that Yasser Arafat has passed away. tion of bipartisanship and whether it means The President. Really? simply picking off a few Democrats on a Q. And I was just wondering if I could case-by-case basis to pass the bills you want get your initial reaction? And also your to pass or whether you would commit to thoughts on, perhaps, working with a new working regularly with the Democratic lead- generation of Palestinian leadership? ership on solutions that can win broad sup- The President. I appreciate that. My first port across party lines? reaction is, God bless his soul. And my sec- The President. Do you remember the No ond reaction is, is that we will continue to Child Left Behind Act? I think that’s the work for a free Palestinian state that’s at model I’d look at if I were you. It is a— peace with Israel. I laid out an agenda for reforming our public Yes. schools. I worked with both Republicans and Democrats to get that bill passed. In a new Legislative Agenda term, we’ll continue to make sure we do not Q. Mr. President, as you look at your sec- weaken the accountability standards that are ond-term domestic priorities, I wonder if you

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could talk a little bit about how you see the Hill. And so the groundwork has been laid sequence of action on issues beyond Social for some legislation that I’ve been talking Security—tax reform, education. And if you about. On an issue like tax reform it’s going could expand a little bit for us on the prin- to—tax simplification—it’s going to take a lot ciples that you want to underpin your tax re- of legwork to get something ready for a legis- form proposal—do you want it to be revenue lative package. I fully understand that. And neutral? What kinds of things do you want Social Security reform will require some ad- to accomplish through that process? ditional legwork, although the Moynihan The President. I appreciate that. I was Commission has laid the groundwork for anticipating this question, that, what is the what I think is a very good place to start the first thing you’re going to do? When it comes debate. it legislation, it just doesn’t work that way, The education issue is one that could move particularly when you’ve laid out a com- pretty quickly because there has been a lot prehensive agenda. And part of that com- of discussion about education. It’s an issue prehensive agenda is tax simplification. that the Members are used to debating and The—first of all, a principle would be rev- discussing. And so I think—all issues are im- enue neutral. If I’m going to—if there was portant. And the timing of issues as they a need to raise taxes, I’d say, ‘‘Let’s have a reach it through committee and floor really tax bill that raises taxes,’’ as opposed to, depend upon whether or not some work has ‘‘Let’s simplify the Tax Code and sneak a tax already been on those issues. increase on the people.’’ It’s just not my style. A couple more questions. Bob [Bob I don’t believe we need to raise taxes. I’ve Deans, Cox Newspapers]. said that to the American people, and so the simplification would be the goal. Fallujah/Freedom in Iraq Now, secondly, that—obviously, that it re- Q. Mr. President, American forces are wards risk and doesn’t—it doesn’t have un- gearing up for what appears to be a major necessary penalties in it. But the main thing offensive in Fallujah over the next several is that it would be viewed as fair, that it would days. I’m wondering if you could tell us what be a fair system, that it wouldn’t be com- the objective is, what the stakes are there plicated, that there’s a kind of—that loop- for the United States, for the Iraqi people, holes wouldn’t be there for special interests, and the Iraqi elections coming up in January? that the code itself be viewed and deemed The President. In order for Iraq to be as a very fair way to encourage people to a free country, those who are trying to stop invest and save and achieve certain fiscal ob- the elections and stop a free society from jectives in our country as well. emerging must be defeated. And so Prime One of the interesting debates will be, of Minister Allawi and his Government, which course, in the course of simplification, will fully understands that, are working with our there be incentives in the code—charitable generals on the ground to do just that. We giving, of course, and mortgage deductions will work closely with the Government. It’s are very important. As Governor of Texas, their Government. It’s their country. We’re when I—sometime I think I was asked about there at their invitation. And—but I think simplification, I always noted how important there’s a recognition that some of these peo- it was for certain incentives to be built into ple have to—must be defeated, and so that’s the Tax Code, and that will be an interesting what they’re thinking about. That’s what part of the debate. you’re—that’s why you’re hearing discussions Certain issues come quicker than others about potential action in Fallujah. in the course of a legislative session, and that Heidi [Heidi Pryzbyla, Bloomberg]. depends upon whether or not those issues have been debated. I think of, for example, of the legal issue—the legal reform issues. Federal Deficit They have been—medical liability reform Q. Thank you, sir. Many within your own had been debated and got thwarted a couple party are unhappy over the deficit, and they of times in one body in particular on Capitol say keeping down discretional spending

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alone won’t help you reach your goal of halv- work with the legislative branch to make sure ing the deficit in 5 years. What else do you that we’re able to maintain budget discipline. plan to do to cut costs? I’ve talked to a lot of Members of Congress The President. Well, I would suggest they who are wondering whether or not we’ll have look at our budget that we’ve submitted to the will to confront entitlements, to make Congress, which does, in fact, get the deficit sure that there is entitlement reform that down—cut in half in 5 years and is a specific, helps us maintain fiscal discipline. And the line-by-line budget that we are required to answer is yes. That’s why I took on the Social submit and have done so. Security issue. I believe we have a duty to The key to making sure that the deficit do so. I want to make sure that the Medicare is reduced is for there to be, on the one hand, reforms that we’ve put in place remain ro- spending discipline, and I—as you noticed bust, to help us make sure Medicare is avail- in my opening remarks, I talked about these able for generations to come. appropriations bills that are beginning to And so there is a—I’ve got quite an active move. And I thought I was pretty clear about agenda to help work with Congress to bring the need for those bills to be fiscally respon- not only fiscal discipline, but to make sure sible, and I meant it. And I look forward to that our progrowth policies are still in place. talking to the leadership about making sure Herman [Ken Herman, Austin American- that the budget agreements we had are still Statesman]. I’m probably going to regret this. the budget agreements, that just because we [Laughter] had an election, that they shouldn’t feel com- Q. I don’t know if you had a chance to fortable changing our agreement. And I think check, but I can report you did eke out a they understand that. victory in Texas the other day. The President. Thank you, sir. Secondly, the other way to make sure that the deficit is—decreases is to grow the econ- Bipartisanship omy. As the economy grows, there will be Q. Congratulations. I’m interested in get- more revenues coming into the Treasury. ting back to Stevenson’s question about That’s what you have seen recently. If you unity. Clearly, you believe you have reached notice, there’s been some write-downs of the out and will continue to reach out. Do you budget deficit. In other words, the deficit is believe the Democrats have made a sincere less than we thought because the revenues and sufficient effort to meet you somewhere is exceeding projections. And the reason why halfway, and do you think now there’s more the revenues is—the revenues are exceeding reason for them to do that in light of the projections—‘‘Sometimes I mangle the election results? English language. I get that’’——[laughter]. The President. I think that Democrats Q. Inside joke. agree that we have an obligation to serve our The President. Yes, very inside. [Laugh- country. I believe there will be good will, ter] now that this election is over, to work to- The revenues are exceeding projections, gether. I found that to be the case when I and as a result, the projected deficit is less. first arrived here in Washington, and working But my point there is, is that with good eco- with the Democrats and fellow Republicans, nomic policy that encourages economic we got a lot done. And it is with that spirit growth, the revenue streams begin to in- that I go into this coming session, and I will crease. And as the revenue streams increase, meet with both Republican and Democrat coupled with fiscal discipline, you’ll see the leaders, and I am—they’ll see I’m genuine deficit shrinking. And we’re focused on that. about working toward some of these impor- I do believe there ought to be budgetary tant issues. reform in Washington, on the Hill, Capitol It’s going to be—it’s not easy. These—I Hill. I think it’s very important. I would like readily concede I’ve laid out some very dif- to see the President have a line-item veto ficult issues for people to deal with. Reform- again, one that passed constitutional muster. ing the Social Security system for generations I think it would help the executive branch to come is a difficult issue; otherwise, it

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would have already been done. But it is nec- Arafat of the Palestinian Authority, the reports of essary to confront it. And I would hope to Chairman Arafat’s death were inaccurate. be able to work with Democrats to get this done. I’m not sure we can get it done without Democrat participation, because it is a big issue, and I will explain to them and I will Statement on the Death of Shaykh show them Senator Moynihan’s thinking as Zayid bin Sultan Al Nahayyan of the a way to begin the process. And I will remind everybody here that we have a duty to leave United Arab Emirates behind a better America and when we see November 4, 2004 a problem, to deal with it. And I think the— I think Democrats agree with that. And so I’m optimistic. You covered me The United States mourns the passing of when I was the Governor of Texas. I told a great friend of our country, Shaykh Zayid you that I was going to do that as a Governor. bin Sultan Al Nahayyan of the United Arab There was probably skepticism in your beady Emirates. Shaykh Zayid was the founder and eyes there. [Laughter] But you might re- President of the UAE for more than 30 years, member, we did—we were able to accom- a pioneer, an elder statesman, and a close plish a lot by—and Washington is different ally. He and his fellow rulers of the seven from Austin, no question about it. Wash- Emirates built their federation into a pros- ington—one of the disappointments of being perous, tolerant, and well-governed state. I here in Washington is how bitter this town offer my condolences and those of the Amer- can become and how divisive. I’m not blam- ican people to the family of Shaykh Zayid ing one party or the other. It’s just the reality and to the Government and people of the of Washington, DC, sometimes exacerbated United Arab Emirates on their great loss. by you because it’s great sport. It’s really— it’s entertaining for some. It also makes it difficult to govern at times. But nevertheless, my commitment is Statement Congratulating President there. I fully—am now more seasoned to Hamid Karzai on His Election as Washington. I’ve cut my political eyeteeth, President of Afghanistan at least the ones I’ve recently grown here in Washington. And so I’m aware of what November 4, 2004 can happen in this town. But nevertheless, having said that, I am fully prepared to work I congratulate President Karzai on his with both Republican and Democrat leader- election victory. I commend the millions of ship to advance an agenda that I think makes a big difference for the country. Afghan men and women who voted in the first democratic election in their Nation’s his- Listen, thank you all. I look forward to tory. Through this simple act of voting, the working with you. I’ve got a question for you. Afghan people declared to the world their How many of you are going to be here for a second term? Please raise your hand. determination to move beyond a brutal leg- [Laughter] Good. Gosh, we’re going to have acy of oppression, terror, and fear to a future a lot of fun, then. Thank you all. of hope, democracy, and freedom. The large turnout by Afghan women, who made up 40 percent of all voters, confirms that there is NOTE: The President’s news conference began at a vital role for women in the politics of a 11:17 a.m. in Room 450 of the Dwight D. Eisen- nation proud of its Islamic heritage. The hower Executive Office Building. In his remarks, election also makes clear that a free Afghani- he referred to Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom; and Prime Minister Ayad Allawi stan is a partner in the war on terror, a bea- of the Iraqi Interim Government. As regards jour- con of hope in a troubled region of the world, nalist Bill Sammon’s question asking for the Presi- and an example to other countries working dent’s reaction to the death of Chairman Yasser to realize the promise of freedom.

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Proclamation 7838—National [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, Adoption Month, 2004 9:39 a.m., November 8, 2004] November 4, 2004 NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the By the President of the United States Federal Register on November 9. of America

A Proclamation Proclamation 7839—National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness By deciding to share their hearts and homes with a child, adoptive parents dem- Month, 2004 onstrate great compassion and receive many November 4, 2004 blessings in return. During National Adop- tion Month, we recognize the generosity of By the President of the United States adoptive and foster families who are pro- of America viding hope and love, and we encourage the adoption of children of all ages. In 2002, I signed the Promoting Safe and A Proclamation Stable Families legislation that supports fam- Today, it is estimated that over 4 million ilies and promotes adoption, and last Decem- Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. ber I signed the Adoption Promotion Act of A progressive, degenerative disorder of the 2003 to increase incentives to adopt older brain, Alzheimer’s robs individuals of their children. We have raised the adoption tax memory and their mental and physical func- credit to $10,000 per child and created the tions, leading to increasing dependence on AdoptUSKids website that has joined thou- others for care. Factors such as age and fam- sands of children with adoptive parents. We ily history can contribute to the risk of devel- are working hard to place more children oping this disease. While no cure exists yet, from foster care to permanent homes. This researchers are learning more about this dis- year, on November 20, communities from all ease and how to enhance the quality of life 50 States and the District of Columbia will for those with Alzheimer’s. celebrate National Adoption Day by final- President Reagan believed in the courage izing the adoption of thousands of children and capacity of the American people to over- by loving families. And each one of those come any obstacle, and my Administration families will be enriched by the addition of remains committed to funding medical re- new members. By bringing care and hope search programs to find a cure for Alz- into other lives, individuals can fill their own heimer’s disease and improving care for Alz- lives with greater purpose. heimer’s patients and increasing support for Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, their families. The National Institutes of President of the United States of America, Health plans to spend $680 million in Alz- by virtue of the authority vested in me by heimer’s research in 2004 and an estimated the Constitution and laws of the United $699 million in 2005, a 33 percent increase States, do hereby proclaim November 2004 from 2001. The National Institutes of Health, as National Adoption Month. I call on all along with the Department of Veterans Af- Americans to observe this month with appro- priate programs and activities to honor adop- fairs, is testing drugs for prevention and tive families and to participate in efforts to treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. This year, find permanent homes for waiting children. the National Institute on Aging launched the In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initia- my hand this fourth day of November, in the tive, an innovative partnership with the pri- year of our Lord two thousand four, and of vate sector that is using the latest tech- the Independence of the United States of nologies to observe changes in the brains of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. individuals who are affected by Alzheimer’s. This project is researching ways to enhance George W. Bush early diagnosis and further the development

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of treatments. In addition, the Administra- serve the rich Native American traditions and tion on Aging is working with States to im- cultures. prove home and community-based services The enduring experiences of tribal com- for people with dementia and their families. munities are a cherished part of our national As we observe National Alzheimer’s Dis- story. In September, I was proud to meet ease Awareness Month, we recognize our with tribal leaders and celebrate the opening citizens who are living with this disease and of the Smithsonian Institution’s National extend our gratitude to those who provide Museum of the American Indian on the Na- vital care and support. We also specially rec- tional Mall in Washington, D.C. This new ognize the public and private scientists, re- facility stands as a powerful symbol of the searchers, nurses, and health care providers pride and vitality of our Native Peoples. The who are dedicated to finding new and better museum showcases masterworks of great cul- ways to help patients and ultimately find a tural, historical, and spiritual significance. cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Their efforts Through exhibits documenting past and bring comfort to many and offer hope for present achievements and hopes for the fu- the future. ture, it will introduce generations of visitors Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, to the strong and living traditions of Native President of the United States of America, Americans. As a center for scholarship and by virtue of the authority vested in me by learning, the National Museum of the Amer- the Constitution and laws of the United ican Indian will also advance understanding States, do hereby proclaim November 2004 of the diversity that makes our Nation great. as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness My Administration is committed to help- Month. I call upon the people of the United ing Native Americans as they build on their States to observe this month with appropriate proud legacy. With the funding of my 2005 programs and activities. budget, we will have provided the Bureau In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set of Indian Affairs with more than $1.1 billion my hand this fourth day of November, in the for school construction and repairs during year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the past 4 years. To improve education for the Independence of the United States of American Indian and Alaska Native children, America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. I signed an executive order establishing an George W. Bush Interagency Working Group to help students meet the standards set by the No Child Left [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, Behind Act of 2001 in a manner that is con- 9:39 a.m., November 8, 2004] sistent with tribal traditions, languages, and cultures. By setting standards for academic NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on November 9. achievement and cultural learning, Ameri- cans in all communities can help their chil- dren realize a brighter future. I also signed Proclamation 7840—National an executive memorandum to all Federal American Indian Heritage Month, agencies affirming the Federal Government’s 2004 continuing commitment to recognize tribal November 4, 2004 sovereignty and self-determination. As they have in the past, tribal governments will By the President of the United States maintain jurisdiction over their lands, sys- of America tems of self-governance, and government-to- government relationships with the United A Proclamation States. As the first people to call our country Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, home, American Indians and Alaska Natives President of the United States of America, have a noble history in this land and have by virtue of the authority vested in me by long shaped our Nation. During National the Constitution and laws of the United American Indian Heritage Month, we cele- States, do hereby proclaim November 2004 brate our commitment to respect and pre- as National American Indian Heritage

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Month. I encourage all Americans to com- Americans, and Native Americans. The num- memorate this month with appropriate pro- ber of Americans with type 2 diabetes has grams and activities and to learn more about grown dramatically, and many more Ameri- the rich heritage of American Indians and cans are at high risk for developing it. Alaska Natives. My Administration is committed to fund- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set ing diabetes research. This year, the National my hand this fourth day of November, in the Institutes of Health dedicated $993 million year of our Lord two thousand four, and of for diabetes research, and I have requested the Independence of the United States of more that $1 billion for 2005, a 49 percent America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. increase since 2001. George W. Bush We are also working to raise awareness of the risk factors associated with diabetes. Ac- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, cording to clinical research, people at risk for 9:39 a.m., November 8, 2004] type 2 diabetes can reduce their risk by ap- proximately 58 percent if they lose a modest NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on November 9. amount of weight and stay physically active. Those who already live with diabetes can greatly reduce their risk for heart disease and Proclamation 7841—National stroke by controlling their blood sugar, blood Diabetes Month, 2004 pressure, and cholesterol. November 4, 2004 Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, By the President of the United States by virtue of the authority vested in me by of America the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2004 A Proclamation as National Diabetes Month. I call upon all More than 18 million Americans are esti- Americans to observe this month with appro- mated to have diabetes. Diabetes is the lead- priate programs and activities. ing cause of new blindness, end-stage kidney In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set disease, and nontraumatic amputations. It my hand this fourth day of November, in the can also double a person’s risk of heart attack year of our Lord two thousand four, and of and stroke and can cause nervous system the Independence of the United States of damage and premature death. During Na- America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. tional Diabetes Month, we seek to raise George W. Bush awareness of the impact of diabetes on our citizens, and we recognize those committed [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, to improving the treatment and prevention 9:39 a.m., November 8, 2004] of this chronic disease. NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the Approximately one million Americans have Federal Register on November 9. been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes. It develops from autoimmune, genetic, and environmental in- Proclamation 7842—National Family fluences, most often striking children, adoles- Caregivers Month, 2004 cents, and young adults. By developing the November 4, 2004 disease so young, people with type 1 diabetes have a greater risk for serious complications. By the President of the United States Type 2 diabetes affects approximately 17 mil- of America lion Americans, and is most common in peo- ple over 40 who are overweight, inactive, or A Proclamation have a family history of this disease. While Every day, family caregivers across our Na- people of all backgrounds are affected, type tion are caring for loved ones who are aging, 2 diabetes disproportionately strikes African chronically ill, or disabled. Through their Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian selfless actions, they bring comfort to those

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in need, enrich their own lives, and reflect Proclamation 7843—National the true spirit of America. Hospice Month, 2004 America is a country of hope and promise November 4, 2004 that honors the dignity of all its citizens. Our family caregivers sometimes sacrifice their By the President of the United States own emotional and physical needs to dedi- of America cate their time and energy to serving their loved ones. By taking on this enormous re- A Proclamation sponsibility, they are helping honor life in all its seasons. Hospice programs are a vital part of our My Administration remains committed to Nation’s health care system. They provide comfort, peace, and dignity for individuals in supporting the important contributions of the final stage of life and their families. Dur- family caregivers. My fiscal year 2005 budget ing National Hospice Month, we recognize includes tax relief for Americans who need the dedicated professionals and volunteers long-term care and individuals who care for who provide hospice care, and we emphasize these family members in their homes. We the importance of respecting and honoring will also continue to work with employers, life in all of its seasons. faith-based and community organizations, For many terminally ill patients, hospice universities, and national aging organizations care is a compassionate alternative to tradi- to bring critical services such as individual tional care at a hospital or nursing home. counseling, educational activities, respite Hospice physicians, nurses, counselors, and care, and family leave policies to more Amer- volunteers focus on making patients as com- icans. fortable as possible, while allowing patients By bringing loving support to their loved to remain at home and close to their families. ones, our Nation’s family caregivers make our With comprehensive assistance, these care- country a better place. During National Fam- givers help control pain and other symptoms ily Caregivers Month, we honor their gen- and provide emotional and spiritual support erosity and dedication, and we recognize the to both patient and family. In 2002, accord- vital role of family in the lives of our citizens. ing to the National Hospice and Palliative Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, Care Organization, an estimated 885,000 in- President of the United States of America, dividuals were admitted to one of the over by virtue of the authority vested in me by 3,000 hospice programs in the United States. the Constitution and laws of the United My Administration has acted to strengthen States, do hereby proclaim November 2004 and modernize Medicare for our seniors, and as National Family Caregivers Month. I en- we remain committed to providing a health courage all Americans to honor and support care system that meets the needs of every the family members, friends, and neighbors patient. Hospice services are covered by who provide care to their loved ones in need. Medicare, and many States offer hospice care In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set under their Medicaid programs. The Medi- my hand this fourth day of November, in the care legislation that I signed into law last De- year of our Lord two thousand four, and of cember provides that Medicare will, for the the Independence of the United States of first time, cover hospice consultation services so that terminally ill patients and their fami- America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. lies will better understand end-of-life issues and care options. The legislation also makes George W. Bush the program more flexible and responsive to the needs of patients, allows patients to des- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, ignate a nurse practitioner to coordinate their 9:39 a.m., November 8, 2004] hospice care, and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to explore ways NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the to make hospice care more widely available Federal Register on November 9. to beneficiaries who live in rural areas.

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Americans believe in the worth and dignity policy, and economy of the United States, of every person, and we are promoting a cul- the national emergency first declared on No- ture of life in our Nation. By caring for life vember 14, 1994, must continue in effect be- at every stage, we can create a more compas- yond November 14, 2004. In accordance sionate and merciful world. with section 202(d) of the National Emer- Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am con- President of the United States of America, tinuing for 1 year the national emergency de- by virtue of the authority vested in me by clared in Executive Order 12938, as amend- the Constitution and laws of the United ed. States, do hereby proclaim November 2004 This notice shall be published in the Fed- as National Hospice Month. I encourage all eral Register and transmitted to the Con- our citizens to observe this month with ap- gress. propriate programs and activities. I also ask Americans to recognize our health care pro- George W. Bush fessionals and volunteers for their contribu- The White House, tions to helping those facing terminal illness November 4, 2004. receive quality care. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, my hand this fourth day of November, in the 8:45 a.m., November 5, 2004] year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of NOTE: This notice was published in the Federal America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. Register on November 8. George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, Letter to Congressional Leaders on 9:39 a.m., November 8, 2004] Continuation of Emergency

NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the Regarding Weapons of Mass Federal Register on November 9. Destruction November 4, 2004 Notice—Continuation of Emergency Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) Regarding Weapons of Mass Section 202(d) of the National Emer- Destruction gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for November 4, 2004 the automatic termination of a national emer- gency unless, prior to the anniversary date On November 14, 1994, by Executive of its declaration, the President publishes in Order 12938, President Clinton declared a the Federal Register and transmits to the national emergency with respect to the un- Congress a notice stating that the emergency usual and extraordinary threat to the national is to continue in effect beyond the anniver- security, foreign policy, and economy of the sary date. In accordance with this provision, United States posed by the proliferation of I have sent to the Federal Register for publi- nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons cation the enclosed notice, stating that the (weapons of mass destruction) and the means emergency posed by the proliferation of of delivering such weapons. On July 28, 1998, weapons of mass destruction and their deliv- the President issued Executive Order 13094 ery systems declared by Executive Order to amend Executive Order 12938 to respond 12938 on November 14, 1994, as amended, more effectively to the worldwide threat of is to continue in effect beyond November proliferation of weapons of mass destruction 14, 2004. The most recent notice continuing and the means of delivering such weapons. this emergency was signed on October 29, Because the proliferation of weapons of mass 2003, and published in the Federal Register destruction and the means of delivering them on October 31, 2003 (68 FR 62209). continues to pose an unusual and extraor- Because the proliferation of weapons of dinary threat to the national security, foreign mass destruction and the means of delivering

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them continues to pose an unusual and ex- which began on October 7, 2001, and the traordinary threat to the national security, deployment of various combat-equipped and foreign policy, and economy of the United combat-support forces to a number of loca- States, I have determined the national emer- tions in the Central, Pacific, and Southern gency previously declared must continue in Command areas of operation in support of effect beyond November 14, 2004. those operations and of other operations in Sincerely, our global war on terrorism. George W. Bush I will direct additional measures as nec- essary in the exercise of the U.S. right to self- NOTE: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis defense and to protect U.S. citizens and in- Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives, terests. Such measures may include short-no- and Richard B. Cheney, President of the Senate. tice deployments of special operations and An original was not available for verification of other forces for sensitive operations in var- the content of this letter. ious locations throughout the world. It is not possible to know at this time either the pre- Letter to Congressional Leaders cise duration of combat operations or the Reporting on the Global precise scope and duration of the deploy- Deployments of United States ment of U.S. Armed Forces necessary to Combat-Equipped Armed Forces counter the terrorist threat to the United States. November 4, 2004 United States Armed Forces, with the as- Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) sistance of numerous coalition partners, con- I am providing this consolidated supple- tinue to conduct the U.S. campaign to pursue mental report, prepared by my Administra- al-Qaida terrorists and to eliminate support tion and consistent with the War Powers Res- to al-Qaida. These operations have seriously olution (Public Law 93–148), as part of my degraded al-Qaida’s training capabilities. efforts to keep the Congress informed about United States Armed Forces, with the assist- deployments of U.S. combat-equipped ance of numerous coalition partners, ended armed forces around the world. This supple- the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and are mental report covers operations in support actively pursuing and engaging al-Qaida and of the global war on terrorism, Kosovo, and remnant Taliban fighters. United States Bosnia and Herzegovina. forces also have supported the International On March 21, 2003, consistent with the Security Assistance Force in providing secu- War Powers Resolution, I reported that I had rity in connection with the Afghan elections. directed U.S. Armed Forces, operating with The United States continues to detain sev- other coalition forces, to commence combat eral hundred al-Qaida and Taliban fighters operations on March 19, 2003, against Iraq. who are believed to pose a continuing threat Thereafter, I included information regarding to the United States and its interests. The the deployment of U.S. forces in Iraq in re- combat-equipped and combat-support forces ports on Iraq to the Congress under Public deployed to Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Laws 107–243 and 102–1, as amended. On Cuba, in the U.S. Southern Command area July 2, 2004, I delegated to the Secretary of of operations since January 2002, continue State the authority to make these detailed to conduct secure detention operations for reports on Iraq, but I am including informa- enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay. tion about the deployment of U.S. forces in The U.N. Security Council authorized a Iraq in this consolidated war powers report. Multinational Force (MNF) in Iraq under unified command in U.N. Security Council The Global War on Terrorism Resolution 1511 of October 16, 2003, and Since September 24, 2001, I have re- reaffirmed its authorization in U.N. Security ported, consistent with Public Law 107–40 Council Resolution 1546 of June 8, 2004, and the War Powers Resolution, on the com- noting the Iraqi Interim Government’s re- bat operations in Afghanistan against al- quest to retain the presence of the MNF. Qaida terrorists and their Taliban supporters, The mission of the MNF is to contribute to

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security and stability in Iraq, including by as- Currently, there are 23 NATO nations sisting in building the capability of Iraqi secu- contributing to KFOR. Eleven non-NATO rity forces and institutions, as the Iraqi peo- contributing countries also participate by ple plan democratic elections and as recon- providing military personnel and other sup- struction continues. The U.S. contribution to port personnel to KFOR. The U.S. contribu- the MNF is more than 135,000 military per- tion to KFOR in Kosovo is about 1,800 U.S. sonnel. military personnel, or approximately 10 per- In furtherance of our efforts against terror- cent of KFOR’s total strength of approxi- ists who pose a continuing and imminent mately 18,000 personnel. In addition, U.S. threat to the United States, our friends and military personnel occasionally operate from allies, and our forces abroad, the United Macedonia, Albania, and Greece in support States continues to work with friends and al- of KFOR operations. lies in areas around the world. U.S. combat- The U.S. forces have been assigned to a equipped and combat-support forces are lo- sector principally centered around Gnjilane cated in the Horn of Africa region, and the in the eastern region of Kosovo. For U.S. U.S. forces headquarters element in Djibouti KFOR forces, as for KFOR generally, main- provides command and control support as taining a safe and secure environment re- necessary for military operations against al- mains the primary military task. The KFOR Qaida and other international terrorists in the operates under NATO command and control Horn of Africa region, including Yemen. and rules of engagement. The KFOR coordi- These forces also assist in enhancing nates with and supports UNMIK at most lev- counterterrorism capabilities in Kenya, Ethi- els; provides a security presence in towns, opia, Yemen, Eritrea, and Djibouti. In addi- villages, and the countryside; and organizes tion, the United States continues to conduct checkpoints and patrols in key areas to pro- maritime interception operations on the high vide security, protect minorities, resolve dis- seas in the areas of responsibility of all of putes, and help instill in the community a the geographic combatant commanders. feeling of confidence. These maritime operations have the respon- In accordance with U.N. Security Council sibility to stop the movement, arming, or fi- Resolution 1244, the UNMIK continues to nancing of international terrorists. transfer additional competencies to the Kosovar Provisional Institutions of Self-Gov- ernment, which includes the President, NATO-Led Kosovo Force (KFOR) Prime Minister, multiple ministries, and the As noted in previous reports regarding Kosovo Assembly. The UNMIK retains ulti- U.S. contributions in support of peace- mate authority in some sensitive areas such keeping efforts in Kosovo, the U.N. Security as police, justice, and ethnic minority affairs. Council authorized Member States to estab- NATO continues formally to review lish KFOR in U.N. Security Council Resolu- KFOR’s mission at 6-month intervals. These tion 1244 of June 10, 1999. The mission of reviews provide a basis for assessing current KFOR is to provide an international security force levels, future requirements, force struc- presence in order to deter renewed hos- ture, force reductions, and the eventual with- tilities; verify, and, if necessary, enforce the drawal of KFOR. NATO has adopted the terms of the Military Technical Agreement Joint Operations Area plan to regionalize and between NATO and the Federal Republic rationalize its force structure in the Balkans. of Yugoslavia (which is now Serbia and Mon- The UNMIK international police and the tenegro); enforce the terms of the Under- Kosovo Police Service (KPS) have full re- taking on Demilitarization and Trans- sponsibility for public safety and policing formation of the former Kosovo Liberation throughout Kosovo except in the area of Army; provide day-to-day operational direc- Mitrovica, where the KFOR and UNMIK tion to the Kosovo Protection Corps; and share this responsibility due to security con- maintain a safe and secure environment to cerns. The UNMIK international police and facilitate the work of the U.N. Interim Ad- KPS also have begun to assume responsibility ministration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). for guarding patrimonial sites and established

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border-crossing checkpoints. The KFOR with regard to the detention of persons in- often augments security in particularly sen- dicted for war crimes. sitive areas or in response to particular I have directed the participation of U.S. threats. Armed Forces in all of these operations pur- suant to my constitutional authority to con- NATO-Led Stabilization Force in Bosnia duct U.S. foreign relations and as Com- and Herzegovina (SFOR) mander in Chief and Chief Executive. Offi- Regarding U.S. contributions in support of cials of my Administration and I commu- peacekeeping efforts in Bosnia and nicate regularly with the leadership and other Herzegovina, the U.N. Security Council au- Members of Congress with regard to these thorized, in U.N. Security Council Resolu- deployments, and we will continue to do so. tion 1551 of July 9, 2004, Member States to Sincerely, continue SFOR for an additional period of George W. Bush 6 months in anticipation of the conclusion of SFOR’s operations, and the commence- NOTE: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis ment of a European Union (EU) mission, in- Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives, cluding a military component, in Bosnia and and , President pro tempore of the Herzegovina by the end of 2004. The mission Senate. of SFOR is to provide a deterrent presence to help stabilize and consolidate the peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, contribute to a secure environment, and perform key sup- Digest of Other porting tasks including support to the inter- White House Announcements national civil presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The U.S. force contribution to SFOR in The following list includes the President’s public Bosnia and Herzegovina is approximately schedule and other items of general interest an- 1,000 personnel. United States personnel nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and comprise approximately 12 percent of the ap- not included elsewhere in this issue. proximately 8,500 personnel assigned to SFOR. Currently, 20 NATO nations and 8 October 30 others provide military personnel or other In the morning, in Columbus, OH, the support to SFOR. Most U.S. forces in Bosnia President had an intelligence briefing. He and Herzegovina are assigned to Multi- and Mrs. Bush then traveled to Grand Rap- national Task Force, North, headquartered ids, MI, where, upon arrival, he met with near the city of Tuzla. United States forces USA Freedom Corps volunteer Judy Hunt. continue to support SFOR efforts to appre- Later in the morning, the President and hend persons indicted for war crimes and to Mrs. Bush traveled to Ashwaubenon, WI. conduct counterterrorism operations. While en route, in Green Bay, WI, he met In June 2004 at the Istanbul Summit, with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Lila NATO Heads of State and Government wel- Cody. comed the offer of the EU to establish a new In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. and separate mission in Bosnia, including a Bush traveled to Minneapolis, MN, where, military component, and decided to establish upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom a new NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo at Corps volunteer Maya Babu. the end of SFOR’s operations. This NATO Later in the afternoon, the President and Headquarters, to which U.S. forces will be Mrs. Bush traveled to Orlando, FL, arriving assigned, will have the principal task of pro- in the evening. viding advice on defense reform. The NATO headquarters also will undertake certain sup- October 31 porting operational tasks, including counter- In the morning, the President had an intel- terrorism and supporting the International ligence briefing. He and Mrs. Bush then trav- Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia eled to Miami, FL, where, upon arrival, he

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met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer tions with Representative Richard Burr, Eric Vaz. David Vitter, and Mel R. Martinez to con- In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. gratulate them on their election victories in Bush traveled to Tampa, FL. They then trav- the , Louisiana, and Florida eled to Gainesville, FL, where, upon arrival, Senate races, respectively. he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Later in the morning, in the Oval Office, Dr. Larry Smith. the President had intelligence and FBI brief- Later in the afternoon, the President and ings. He then had separate telephone con- Mrs. Bush traveled to Cincinnati, OH, versations with former Representative John where, upon arrival in the evening, he met Thune, Representative Jim DeMint, Senator with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Sue Jim Bunning, and former Representative Stuempel. Tom Coburn to congratulate them on their election victories in the South Dakota, South November 1 Carolina, Kentucky, and Oklahoma Senate In the morning, the President had an intel- races, respectively. ligence briefing. He and Mrs. Bush then trav- Later in the morning, in the Oval Office, eled to Wilmington, OH. the President received a telephone call from Later in the morning, the President trav- Democratic Presidential candidate John eled to Pittsburgh, PA, where, upon arrival, Kerry in which Senator Kerry conceded the he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer November 2 election. During the call, the Joan Roth. He then traveled to Burgettstown, President expressed his appreciation for Sen- PA. Later, he traveled to Milwaukee, WI, ator Kerry’s efforts in the campaign. where, upon arrival, he met with USA Free- dom Corps volunteer Cory Helland. November 4 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Des Moines, IA, where, upon arrival, he met In the morning, the President had a tele- with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Brittany phone conversation with President Zayid bin Overstreet. Later, he traveled to Sioux City, Sultan Al Nuhayyan of the United Arab IA, where, upon arrival, he met with USA Emirates to express his condolences on the Freedom Corps volunteer Terri Ross. death of his father, former President Shaykh Later in the afternoon, the President and Zayid bin Sultan Al Nuhayyan. He then had Mrs. Bush, who joined him in Iowa, traveled a telephone conversation with President to Albuquerque, NM, where, upon arrival in Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan to congratulate the evening, he met with USA Freedom him on his October 9 election victory. Corps volunteer Jade Wright. Later in the morning, the President had Later in the evening, the President and separate telephone conversations with Prime Mrs. Bush traveled to Dallas, TX. Later, they Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel, President traveled to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX. Ayad Allawi of the Iraqi Interim Govern- ment, President Aleksander Kwasniewski of November 2 Poland, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, In the morning, the President and Mrs. and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy, Bush went to the Crawford Fire Station to all of whom congratulated the President on vote. Later, they traveled to Columbus, OH. his reelection victory. He then had an intel- In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. ligence briefing. Bush returned to Washington, DC, where, In the afternoon, on the State Floor, the upon arrival on the South Lawn, they were President met with campaign staff to thank greeted by White House staff. them for their efforts during the campaign. During the day, the President monitored He then traveled to Camp David, MD. election results. The President announced the November 3 recess appointments of Carolyn L. Galla- November 3 gher and Louis J. Giuliano as Governors on In the morning, in the Oval Office, the the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal President had separate telephone conversa- Service.

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November 5 Acts Approved In the morning, the President had an intel- by the President ligence briefing. Approved October 25 * H.R. 2714 / Public Law 108–372 Nominations State Justice Institute Reauthorization Act of Submitted to the Senate 2004 Approved October 27 *

NOTE: No nominations were submitted to the S. 1134 / Public Law 108–373 Senate during the period covered by this issue. Economic Development Administration Re- authorization Act of 2004 S. 1721 / Public Law 108–374 American Indian Probate Reform Act of Checklist 2004 of White House Press Releases Approved October 28 * H.R. 4200 / Public Law 108–375 The following list contains releases of the Office Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Author- of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as ization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 items nor covered by entries in the Digest of Other White House Announcements. Approved October 30 H.R. 2010 / Public Law 108–376 Released October 30 To protect the voting rights of members of Statement by the Press Secretary announcing the Armed Services in elections for the Dele- that the President signed H.J. Res. 57, H.R. gate representing American Samoa in the 712, H.R. 867, H.R. 2010, H.R. 2023, H.R. United States House of Representatives, and 2400, H.R. 2984, H.R. 3056, H.R. 3217, H.R. for other purposes 3391, H.R. 3478, H.R. 3479, H.R. 3706, H.R. H.R. 2023 / Public Law 108–377 3797, H.R. 3819, H.R. 4046, H.R. 4066, H.R. Asthmatic Schoolchildren’s Treatment and 4306, H.R. 4381, H.R. 4471, H.R. 4481, H.R. Health Management Act of 2004 4556, H.R. 4579, H.R. 4618, H.R. 4632, H.R. 4731, H.R. 4827, H.R. 4917, H.R. 5027, H.R. H.R. 2400 / Public Law 108–378 5039, H.R. 5051, H.R. 5107, H.R. 5131, H.R. To amend the Organic Act of Guam for the 5133, H.R. 5147, H.R. 5186, H.R. 5294, S. purposes of clarifying the local judicial struc- 129, S. 144, S. 643, and S. 1194 ture of Guam

Released November 3 H.R. 2984 / Public Law 108–379 To amend the Agricultural Adjustment Act Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- to remove the requirement that processors retary Scott McClellan be members of an agency administering a marketing order applicable to pears Released November 5 H.R. 3056 / Public Law 108–380 Statement by the Press Secretary on the To clarify the boundaries of the John H. President’s conversation with Prime Minister Chafee Coast Barrier Resources System Jan Peter Balkenende of the Netherlands, in his capacity as President of the European * These Public Laws were not received in time Council for inclusion in the appropriate issue

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Cedar Keys Unit P25 on Otherwise Pro- lumbia astronauts by supporting establish- tected Area P25P ment of a Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center H.R. 3217 / Public Law 108–381 To provide for the conveyance of several H.R. 4381 / Public Law 108–392 small parcels of National Forest System land To designate the facility of the United States in the Apalachicola National Forest, Florida, Postal Service located at 2811 Springdale Av- to resolve boundary discrepancies involving enue in Springdale, Arkansas, as the ‘‘Harvey the Mt. Trial Primitive Baptist Church of and Bernice Jones Post Office Building’’ Wakulla County, Florida, and for other pur- poses H.R. 4471 / Public Law 108–393 Homeownership Opportunities for Native H.R. 3391 / Public Law 108–382 Americans Act of 2004 Provo River Project Transfer Act H.R. 4481 / Public Law 108–394 H.R. 3478 / Public Law 108–383 Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Bound- National Archives and Records Administra- ary Adjustment Act of 2004 tion Efficiency Act of 2004 H.R. 4556 / Public Law 108–395 H.R. 3479 / Public Law 108–384 To designate the facility of the United States Brown Tree Snake Control and Eradication Postal Service located at 1115 South Clinton Act of 2004 Avenue in Dunn, North Carolina, as the H.R. 3706 / Public Law 108–385 ‘‘General William Carey Lee Post Office John Muir National Historic Site Boundary Building’’ Adjustment Act H.R. 4579 / Public Law 108–396 H.R. 3797 / Public Law 108–386 Truman Farm Home Expansion Act 2004 District of Columbia Omnibus Author- H.R. 4618 / Public Law 108–397 ization Act To designate the facility of the United States H.R. 3819 / Public Law 108–387 Postal Service located at 10 West Prospect To redesignate Fort Clatsop National Memo- Street in Nanuet, New York, as the ‘‘Anthony rial as the Lewis and Clark National Histor- I. Lombardi Memorial Post Office Building’’ ical Park, to include in the park sites in the H.R. 4632 / Public Law 108–398 State of Washington as well as the State of To designate the facility of the United States , and for other purposes Postal Service located at 19504 Linden Bou- H.R. 4046 / Public Law 108–388 levard in St. Albans, New York, as the ‘‘Ar- To designate the facility of the United States chie Spigner Post Office Building’’ Postal Service located at 555 West 180th H.R. 4731 / Public Law 108–399 Street in New York, New York, as the ‘‘Ser- To amend the Federal Water Pollution Con- geant Riayan A. Tejeda Post Office’’ trol Act to reauthorize the National Estuary H.R. 4066 / Public Law 108–389 Program Chickasaw National Recreation Area Land Exchange Act of 2004 H.R. 4827 / Public Law 108–400 To amend the Colorado Canyons National H.R. 4306 / Public Law 108–390 Conservation Area and Black Ridge Canyons To amend section 274A of the Immigration Wilderness Act of 2000 to rename the Colo- and Nationality Act to improve the process rado Canyons National Conservation Area as for verifying an individual’s eligibility for em- the McInnis Canyons National Conservation ployment Area H.J. Res. 57 / Public Law 108–391 H.R. 4917 / Public Law 108–401 Expressing the sense of the Congress in rec- Federal Regulatory Improvement Act of ognition of the contributions of the seven Co- 2004

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H.R. 5027 / Public Law 108–402 Way in West Hills, California, as the ‘‘Evan To designate the facility of the United States Asa Ashcraft Post Office Building’’ Postal Service located at 411 Midway Avenue in Mascotte, Florida, as the ‘‘Specialist Eric H.R. 5186 / Public Law 108–409 Ramirez Post Office’’ Taxpayer-Teacher Protection Act of 2004 H.R. 5039 / Public Law 108–403 H.R. 5294 / Public Law 108–410 To designate the facility of the United States John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act Postal Service located at United States Route of 2004 1 in Ridgeway, North Carolina, as the ‘‘Eva Holtzman Post Office’’ S. 129 / Public Law 108–411 Federal Workforce Flexibility Act of 2004 H.R. 5051 / Public Law 108–404 To designate the facility of the United States S. 144 / Public Law 108–412 Postal Service located at 1001 Williams To require the Secretary of Agriculture to Street in Ignacio, Colorado, as the ‘‘Leonard establish a program to provide assistance to C. Burch Post Office Building’’ eligible weed management entities to control or eradicate noxious weeds on public and pri- H.R. 5107 / Public Law 108–405 vate land Justice for All Act of 2004 S. 643 / Public Law 108–413 H.R. 5131 / Public Law 108–406 Hibben Center Act Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004 S. 1194 / Public Law 108–414 Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime H.R. 5133 / Public Law 108–407 Reduction Act of 2004 To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11110 Sunset Hills H.R. 712 / Private Law 108–3 Road in Reston, Virginia, as the ‘‘Martha For the relief of Richi James Lesley Pennino Post Office Building’’ H.R. 867 / Private Law 108–4 H.R. 5147 / Public Law 108–408 For the relief of Durreshahwar To designate the facility of the United States Durreshahwar, Nida Hasan, Asna Hasan, Postal Service located at 23055 Sherman Anum Hasan, and Iqra Hasan

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