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Remarks at a Fundraiser for Senatorial Candidate Saxby Chambliss in March 27, 2002

Thank you all very much. Saxby, thanks. fine members of the congressional delega- I am honored that so many showed up. tion from the great State of , mem- I want to thank you for such a warm wel- bers with whom I enjoy working, members come. I’m here to deliver this message: who represent your State in a proud way. Saxby Chambliss needs to be in the United And I appreciate you letting somebody States Senate. And I’m so pleased you from the State of Ohio in—[laughter]—the agree with me. [Laughter] chairman of the Education Committee, First, I want to thank Julianne. One of John Boehner. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. the things I’ve learned is that a life in the I had the privilege of saying hello to public arena is a lot easier when you’ve one of Georgia’s most distinguished citizens got a great wife. He married above himself, today, and that’s Judge . I’m and so did I. [Laughter] We both married so honored the judge is here. You all have schoolteachers. And like Saxby is proud of produced a lot of fine leaders from your Julianne, I’m really proud of Laura. I wish State, and Judge Bell is one of the finest. she were here tonight. She’s in Crawford, And I appreciate the party chairman, Ralph . The two dogs and the cat—[laugh- Reed. I appreciate his dedication to grass- ter]—went down to Crawford, because roots politics. that’s where I’m headed after this event. And I want to thank the R.B. Wright I love my job. But even though I’ve fifth grade choir. You read more than you changed addresses, my home is still in the watch TV. [Laughter] And thanks for com- heart of Texas. ing. I want to thank Saxby’s mother for being And I want to thank all those who here. She informed me when she came worked hard to make this a successful through to get her picture taken that she evening, and I want to thank you all for was here, but she was a Democrat. [Laugh- caring about your country and for doing ter] I said that didn’t bother me one bit. what is right: getting involved in democracy [Laughter] I never would have gotten to and working hard. And when you find a be the Governor of Texas had not a lot good one like Saxby Chambliss, work your of Democrats voted for me. [Laughter] It heart out, because there is no finer Amer- doesn’t matter whether you’re Republican ican than Saxby. He loves his family. He or Democrat when it comes to doing the loves his country. He’s a man of enormous right thing for the country and the right experience. He’s one of these can-do politi- thing for our democracy. We welcome all cians, somebody who goes to Washington people; we welcome anybody. and tries to figure out how to make things And looking at the mother reminds me better. to remind all the youngsters here to listen I value his advice on terrorism. He’s to your mother. I’m still listening to mine. sound when it comes to counterterrorism. [Laughter] I’m listening to her most of the He’s been in the Oval Office to give me time—don’t tell her I said that. [Laughter] sound, solid advice. And I’ve listened to I want to thank Bo Callaway for being it every time he’s come in there. I appre- the master of ceremonies. I appreciate his ciate his love for education. He understands long service to the of Amer- this: that if you can’t read, you can’t realize ica. I want to thank Congressmen Barr and the American Dream. I like to put it this Collins, Deal, Linder, and Norwood, fine, way: Reading is the new civil right, and

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we must have people who understand the knows what I know: that we’re the best profound impact quality education can have producers in the world, that Georgia farm- on the future of this country. ers and American farmers are the best. And And I’m glad Boehner is here. I had if you’re the best, it benefits our farmers the honor of signing a profound piece of to fight to open up markets around the education reform. It said a couple of things. world. And that’s exactly what I’m going One, it says we believe in high standards to do. And I want his help. You see, it’s for everybody, not just a few but every- a confident nation that tears down barriers. body; that we trust the people of Georgia It’s a confident nation that insists that peo- to run your schools more than we trust ple open up their markets to our food the people in Washington, DC; that we’re products. It’s been my policy, and I need committed to spending Federal dollars on people in the who’s education, but for every dollar spent, we willing to back me on that policy. And so expect there to be results. do the American farmers. We believe—and I strongly believe— I’ll never forget one time in Chicago every child can learn. And therefore, the when a reporter said, ‘‘Would you ever def- system must focus on every child. The icit spend?’’ And I said, ‘‘Well, only—only name of the bill that Saxby worked on and if we were at war, only if there were a John Boehner worked on is ‘‘No Child Shall national emergency, or only if there is a Be Left Behind.’’ And that’s the way I feel. recession.’’ Never did I believe we’d get And that’s the way America must be, that the trifecta. [Laughter] But we’re dealing the promise of America must be extended with it. to every single person. Saxby understands And let me talk about this recession. We that, and I’m going to be proud to have cut taxes at exactly the right time. We un- him in the United States Senate working derstand that if you let people keep their on these fundamental issues that will help own money, they will demand more goods change America. and services. And as they demand more There is no more fundamental issue than goods and services, somebody will produce to—making sure we have a judiciary of more goods and services. And when you people that do not interpret the law from produce more goods and services, you ex- the bench, people who do not try to write pand the job base. law from the bench, people who interpret Now, some folks evidently don’t under- the law and not try to write it. And I put stand that. They’ve been reading a different up a good man from the other textbook than Saxby and I read. You see, day. And I don’t remember the senior they either want to delay the tax cut or Senator from Georgia defending this man’s raise your taxes. We need somebody in honor. And we’re going to have more fights Washington—a friend of the taxpayer, a when it comes to the judiciary. And I’m vote we can rely on. And let me tell you going to put strict constructionists on the a crucial vote that’s going to come up. The bench. And I expect people in the United tax reform act started the end of the death States Senate, from a great State like Geor- tax. However, we need to make getting rid gia, to do what Zell Miller did and—stood of the death tax permanent in the Tax up and defended the honor and integrity Code. We don’t need anybody up there of Judge Pickering. And that’s what Saxby who’s going to waver, somebody who’s Chambliss is going to do. going to try to check in with a higher polit- He also knows something about agri- ical authority on whether this is the right culture. This State will benefit by having move or not. somebody who knows something about ag- Getting rid of the death tax forever is riculture in the United States Senate. Saxby important for small-business owners. It’s

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important for farmers. It is important for tant job, is to be able to assure Americans ranchers. The death tax is a bad tax. The we’re doing everything we can to keep you death tax says that someone is going to safe. But the best homeland security, the have to work all their life to build up their best way to protect Americans for the long assets and then leave most of it not to run, is to find the killers and bring them who they choose but to the Federal Gov- to justice one by one. And that’s exactly ernment. Saxby Chambliss understands what we’re going to do. that. It’s a vote that you can count on in I don’t know what they were thinking the United States Senate, when it comes on September the 11th. They must have to tax policy. taken a look at America and said, ‘‘All And we’re dealing with the other issues. they’ll do is sue us.’’ [Laughter] They were We’re dealing with the national emergency, wrong. They were wrong. I said right off and we’re dealing with the war. I had the the bat, ‘‘You’re either with us, or you’re honor of going to today to against us.’’ I meant every word of what talk about our homeland defense. [Ap- I said. plause] I’m glad they let one graduate in— I also said that if you harbor a terrorist, [applause]—two in. [Laughter] I talked if you hide a terrorist, if you feed a ter- about my administration’s commitment to rorist, you’re just as guilty as the murderers protecting the homeland, to doing every- who hit New York and Washington, and thing we can do to keep American families you will be held accountable. And thanks safe. Part of that protection is to make sure to a mighty coalition led by a fantastic that if there is any attack, that we can re- United States military, the Taliban found spond quickly, so I talked about a first- out exactly what I meant. responders initiative. I had the honor of I like to assure my fellow citizens that being with some of the finest folks in your we don’t seek revenge; we seek justice. And State, the firefighters and those who work it’s important for the young in America to for the police and emergency medical understand that when we went into Afghan- teams, to lay out one of my budget prior- istan, we went in not as conquerors but ities, which is a first-responders initiative. as liberators. Young girls went to school— We’ve got $3.5 billion in the ’03 budget many young girls went to school for the to make sure that if there is an attack, first time this past weekend, thanks to the we can respond quickly. United States of America. I’ve also talked to folks about how we’re I have submitted a budget that signifi- going to strengthen the Coast Guard to cantly increases our defense budget. It’s the make sure our ports are more secure. largest increase in 20 years. I did so for We’ve got an airline security bill to make two reasons. One, anytime that we commit sure that air traffic is—air travel is as safe U.S. troops into action, they must have the as it can possibly be. best training, the best equipment, the best I want you to know that our law enforce- pay possible. We owe it to those who are ment is communicating better from the willing to sacrifice for freedom. Federal to the State to the local level. Any- I expect the United States Congress to time we get any whiff or hint that some- pass the budget I submitted. I expect them body may do something in America, we’re to get the appropriations bill for defense reacting. We’re doing everything we can. out early, not late. Now is not the year We need better control of our borders. to play games with the defense of the We want to know who’s coming in and United States of America. And Saxby un- why they’re coming in and are they leaving. derstands that. He knows what I’m talking So we’re doing everything we can to bolster about. I also have asked for a significant the homeland security. It’s the most impor- increase because we’re in this for the long

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haul. We’re fighting for freedom. We fight relent. We will not weary until peace is people who are killers, coldblooded mur- secure. derers who hate America. They hate the And out of this terrible evil will come fact that we worship freely in our country. some good at home. And the reason why They can’t stand the fact that we have po- is because the great strength of our country litical discourse. They resent the fact that lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens. we’re a free society. Freedom scares them. What a fabulous nation we are; what a And when it comes to defending free- great country America is. You know, the dom, they will find out that this Nation thing that I love about our country is the is determined and steadfast. And we will fact that people are willing to help people provide the resources necessary to chase in need, and it doesn’t require a govern- them down. These are international crimi- ment law. You see, people ask me all the nals. They will be treated like international time, ‘‘What can I do to help in the war criminals. And we will not stop until we against terror?’’ You can be vigilant, you hunt them all down to make sure our chil- can be alert, but you can also love a neigh- dren and grandchildren can grow up in a bor just like you’d like to be loved yourself. peaceful world. If you want to do something against evil, do some good. If you want to do something And the task is more than one person against evil, mentor a child who may need or more than one terrorist organization. to learn to read. Walk across the street There are some nightmare scenarios that if there’s a shut-in and say to that person, we must confront if we want to secure the ‘‘I care for you.’’ Feed the hungry. Go to peace and defend our freedoms. One such your church or synagogue or mosque and scenario is the fact that a terrorist organiza- convince a Sunday school class to get a tion could join up with some of the world’s project that will help somebody who hurts. worst leaders, who harbor some of the Recognize the power of faith in our society, world’s worst weapons. I referred to some when it comes to healing the addiction of of those world’s worst leaders as an ‘‘axis alcohol or drugs. of evil.’’ I meant exactly what I said. Now, That’s what we can do in America. We our Nation is deliberate. We’re steady. can capture a unique spirit in this land We’re going to talk with our allies. But and stand squarely in the face of those we will not let the world’s worst leaders who are evil. And that’s what America is hold our Nation and our friends and our doing. And that’s why it’s such a huge allies hostages with weapons of mass de- honor to be the President of the greatest struction. country on the face of the Earth. And I believe that the fact that we will I’m honored you all are here. Thank you remain strong and united as a nation, that for supporting this good man. May God we will be determined, will yield a world bless you all, and may God bless America. that will be more peaceful. It’s going to be rough at times, no question about it. NOTE: The President spoke at 6:30 p.m. in And we’ll call upon our citizens to sacrifice, the Grand Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt particularly those who wear the uniform. Hotel. In his remarks, he referred to Rep- But as a result of a steadfast, absolute de- resentative Chambliss’ wife, Julianne, and his termination to defend freedom, the world’s mother, Emma B. Chambliss; former Rep- going to be more peaceful. resentative Bo Callaway of Georgia; Griffin Out of the incredible evil of September Bell, senior partner, King and Spalding; the 11th will come some lasting good. And Ralph Reed, chairman, Georgia Republican nothing compares to peace. We fight for Party; and nominee for U.S. Circuit Judge peace, we long for peace, but we will not for the Fifth Circuit Charles W. Pickering,

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Sr., of Mississippi. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these re- marks.

Remarks at a Fundraiser for Senatorial Candidate John Cornyn in Dallas, Texas March 28, 2002

Thank you very much. Thank you all. finder for Republican Governors. I appre- Please be seated. Thanks. Everybody in ciate my friend Henry Bonilla for taking Crawford says hello—[laughter]—starting on the Texas Victory 2002 committee. It with Laura. I wish she’d have come with is important we send Henry back to the me today, but—[applause]—she is doing a United States House of Representatives. I fabulous job. I tell people it’s because she’s know Kay Granger from Fort Worth is from Midland, Texas. But I send her best. here, and I appreciate so very much work- She’s got a lot of friends here. And the ing with Kay. She is a great friend, a reli- country now realizes why I asked her to able voice for sound and commonsense pol- marry me. [Laughter] A lot of people are icy in Washington, DC. still wondering why she said yes, but never- I’m so glad to see Greg Abbott, the next theless, she’s doing great, and she sends attorney general of Texas, here. I know that her love. And I want to thank you all for Wallace Jefferson and Mike Schneider are coming here today as well. here. Thank you all for coming. I know It is my honor to come and campaign that Jeb Hensarling, the next United States for the next United States Senator from Congressman from the 5th Congressional the State of Texas. I’m going to miss Phil District, is here as well. Congratulations on Gramm. He is a close friend. He is a your primary win, Jeb. Charles Matthews strong, strong advocate for principles that is here. Our party chairman, Susan are sound for our freedom. He has been Weddington, is here. I want to thank Susan a great United States Senator from Texas. for her longtime service to the Republican I was disappointed he chose not to run Party of Texas. I see Tommy Craddick is again. I understand, but I was disappointed. here, other members of the house and the But my disappointment waned when I real- State senate. I miss you. I wish I could ized my friend John Cornyn was running count on your votes in Washington, like to take his place. I know John. I’ve seen I could have in Austin. But thanks for com- him work. I’ve seen him in action. I’ve ing by to see your old buddy. And thank not only seen him as a campaigner but you all for being here as well. somebody who does in office what he said This is an important election for Texas. he is going to do. There is no question And it’s an important election for the coun- in my mind that he can do the job and try. We’ve got to have a man like John bring a standard of excellence to the Cornyn representing our State in Wash- United States Senate. And there’s no ques- ington. And there are a lot of reasons why. tion in my mind we need him in the First, we’ve got to get good, conservative United States Senate to make sure our judges appointed to the bench and ap- agenda moves forward. proved by the United States Senate. I want I want to thank Bill and Rita Clements people on the bench who don’t try to use for being here. I like to call Bill the path- their position to legislate from the bench.

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