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months and years that preceded the murder Remarks Honoring Members of the of our fellow citizens on September the 11th, Baseball Hall of Fame 2001. March 31, 2004 As the Commission has done its work, I’ve also been concerned, as has Dr. Rice, that Thank you all for coming. Laura and I are an important principle be upheld: A Presi- honored and thrilled that you’re here. We dent and his advisers, including his Adviser have a fair amount of lunches and dinners for National Security Affairs, must be able here, and I’ve got a confession to make. This to communicate freely and privately without is my favorite one. [Laughter] It’s kind of being compelled to reveal those communica- like having your baseball card collection tions to the legislative branch. This principle spread out in real life. [Laughter] of the separation of powers is protected by Some of you were here the last time we the Constitution, is recognized by the courts, invited the Hall of Famers here. It was one and has been defended by Presidents of both of the first lunches we had. It’s when I dis- covered that one of the best parts about living political parties. We have observed this prin- in the White House is that when you invite ciple while also seeking ways for Dr. Rice somebody for lunch, they generally come. to testify, so that the public record is full and [Laughter] accurate. We’re glad you’re back. Vice President Now the Commission and leaders of the Cheney is with us. Mr. Vice President, thank United States Congress have given written you for coming. Secretary of Energy Spence assurances that the appearance of the Na- Abraham is with us. He’s a Tiger fan, I be- tional Security Adviser will not be used as lieve, if I’m not mistaken. precedent in the conduct of future inquiries. We’ve got a great Hall—lot of Hall of The leaders of Congress and the Commission Famers. One that I work with on a regular agree—they agree with me that the cir- basis, of course, is Senator Jim Bunning. Mr. cumstances of this case are unique, because Senator, thank you for being with us today. the events of September the 11th, 2001, were I want to thank Jane Forbes Clark, the unique. At my direction, Judge Gonzales has chairman of the Hall of Fame, appreciate you informed the Commission that Dr. Rice will being here, Jane. Dale Petroskey, thank you participate in an open public hearing. for being here, Dale, as well. He is the presi- Our Nation must never forget the loss or dent of the Hall of Fame. the lessons of September the 11th, and we All the Hall of Famers, we’re glad you’re must not assume that the danger has passed. here. And thanks for bringing family mem- The United States will confront gathering bers too. You’re welcome to the people’s dangers to our freedom and security. The house. Commission knows its responsibility to col- I appreciate the ESPN Baseball Tonight lect vital information and to present it to the folks who are here, Joe, Tim, and Peter. American people. And I know my responsi- That’s where I get my news. [Laughter] They do a great job of making—bringing baseball bility as well to act against the continuing into our homes. threat and to protect the American people. My Chief of Staff is here, by the way, Andy I have made that pledge to my fellow citi- Card. He is a long-suffering Red Sox fan. I’m zens, and I will keep it. glad you’re here. George Will is here as Thank you. well—long-suffering Cubs fan. But welcome, everybody. NOTE: The President spoke at 4:46 p.m. in the I particularly want to congratulate Paul James S. Brady Briefing Room at the White Molitor and Dennis Eckersley, who will be House. In his remarks, he referred to Thomas H. the newest members of the Hall of Fame. Kean, Chairman, and Lee H. Hamilton, Vice Thank you all for coming. We’re honored Chairman, National Commission on Terrorist At- you’re here, and congratulations. And Ozzie tacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission); Smith and Gary Carter and Eddie Murray and Counsel to the President Alberto R. Gonzales. took your rightful place amongst some of the

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game’s greatest players. We welcome you high standards for other players, as you’ve here as well. Thanks for coming, honored set the stage of excellence. I know there’s you’re here, and congratulations. a lot of players who are getting ready to start I can’t wait for the baseball season to open. the opening season that long to be sitting You know, some people, like when they go here in the White House like you are. You’ve up to relax, will have the symphony on. I set such a high mark of how to be excellent have a baseball game on. I like to do my— in a grueling sport, in a sport that requires prepare for the next day, and my background not only incredible skill but a lot of patience. noise is a baseball game. I’m really looking It’s a marathon, not a sprint. And you’ve set forward to it. And it’s a great way for us to the standard, and we’re proud to have the kick off the season here in Washington is standard-setters here in the greatest house have some of the greatest players ever to on the face of the Earth, the people’s house, come and help us kick off baseball. the White House. It’s such a wonderful sport. There aren’t Thanks for coming. May God bless you any time limits, which means you can go and and your families, and may God continue to enjoy yourself. It’s a great place to go and bless our great country. Thank you. relax. It’s a wonderful place to visit with somebody you love. It’s an important part of NOTE: The President spoke at 12:25 p.m. in the our history. And we love to herald it here. State Dining Room at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to ESPN broadcasters Joe We love to herald it so much that one of Morgan, Tim Kurkjian, and Peter Gammons; and my favorite things to do is to host tee-ball columnist George Will. on the South Lawn, so that future Hall of Famers can come and say to one of their classmates, ‘‘I love baseball, and I got to play Remarks at a Bush-Cheney Dinner at the White House.’’ [Laughter] March 31, 2004 One of the traditions, of course, is for the President to throw out the opening pitch for Thank you all very much. Thanks for com- baseball. I’m going to do so for the Cards. ing. Thank you all. Alex, thank you very I was talking to Phil Niekro coming in. My much. I didn’t realize you were such a good arm is a little sore. [Laughter] I was getting orator. [Laughter] suggestions on how to throw a knuckler. I wasn’t Alex’s first choice to speak tonight. [Laughter] His request was that Laura come to be the I also know that a former pitcher for the key speaker. Alex is a man of good judgment. American Legion team in Casper, Wyoming, So am I, by asking Laura to marry me. She’s will also be throwing out an opening day a fabulous wife and a great First Lady. She pitch in Cincinnati. That would be your Vice sends her love. I think Laura deserves 4 more President. He suggested that they not pull years as the First Lady. out the radar gun. [Laughter] Laura will be out campaigning with me, You know, I love the game of baseball. I and so will Dick Cheney. Our country has grew up loving baseball. It’s a sport that’s had no finer Vice President than Dick Che- passed down from dad to son, in my case— ney. Mother heard me say that the other day, actually, my mother used to keep score for and she said, ‘‘Now, wait a minute.’’ [Laugh- the Yale Bulldogs. I happened to be 11⁄2 years ter] No, I’m proud of the Vice President. old when she was keeping score for the Yale He’s doing a fabulous job. Bulldogs. So both my parents passed on the And I want to thank you all for supporting love of baseball. I played Little League base- this ticket, and thanks for coming tonight. ball in Midland, Texas. It’s where I peaked. This is a huge turnout. Alex said, ‘‘Why don’t [Laughter] I actually played for the Midland you come by. I may have a few friends Cubs—except, unlike Ernie Banks, I was not here’’—[laughter]—‘‘a few Greek Americans known as ‘‘Mr. Cub.’’ [Laughter] I was might show up.’’ known as an all-right catcher. And Manny, thank you as well. I appre- I think one of the wonderful things about ciate you and Alex working so hard to make being with Hall of Famers is you set such this a spectacular event. I want to thank my

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