Nomination of Kenneth L. Brown to Be United States Ambassador to Ghana June 4, 1992

Administration of George Bush, 1992 / June 4

Anniversary of World War II. And thank very much for being with us. you all for coming. Note: The President spoke at 11:30 a.m. in [At this point, the President signed the proc- the Roosevelt Room at the White House. The lamation.] proclamation is listed in Appendix E at the Well, the deed is done. Thank you all end of this volume.

Nomination of Kenneth L. Brown To Be United States Ambassador to Ghana June 4, 1992

The President today announced his inten- Ambassador to the Congo, 1981–84. In ad- tion to nominate Kenneth L. Brown, of dition, Mr. Brown has served in several po- California, a career member of the Senior sitions at the State Department, including Foreign Service, class of Minister-Coun- Director, Central African Affairs, 1980–81; selor, to be Ambassador of the United Deputy Director, United Nations Political States of America to the Republic of Ghana. Affairs, 1979–80; and Deputy Director of He would succeed Raymond Charles the Press Office, 1977–79. Ewing. Mr. Brown graduated from Pomona Col- Currently Mr. Brown serves as Ambas- lege (B.A., 1959), Yale University (M.A., sador to Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan, Cote 1960), and New York University (M.A., d’Ivoire. From 1987 to 1989, he served as 1975). He was born December 6, 1936, in Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. Mr. Seminole, OK. Mr. Brown is married, has Brown has served as consul general in Jo- three children, and resides in Abidjan, Cote hannesburg, South Africa, 1984–87, and as d’Ivoire.

The President’s News Conference June 4, 1992

The President. I have a brief statement, family that he’d finally borrowed enough and then I’ll be glad to take questions. money to pay off his debts. Two months ago, I asked the Congress Our political system, as it is now, has to cut almost $8 billion in wasteful spending failed to meet its responsibility to address projects. Tonight I’ve just signed the cuts this problem. In the face of a several hun- that Congress sent to me in response. It’s dred billion dollar budget deficit, a piece- not all that I asked for, but it is a start. meal approach simply will not do the job. Eight billion dollars sounds like a lot of We need a constitutional amendment to money, and it is. But the fact remains: It balance the Federal budget, and we need isn’t good enough, not by a long shot. it now. The American people know budget defi- Three years ago, in my first address to cits threaten the long-term economic health the Congress, I asked the Senate and the of our country. Over the years, we’ve accu- House to pass such an amendment. Every mulated Federal debt totaling $65,000 for year since then, I have repeated the call. every family of four in America. This debt Like President Reagan before me, I have does not create more wealth; it merely helps tried to get Congress to act responsibly and pay for our current consumption. It reminds to restrain the growth of Federal spending. me of the old fellow who bragged to his We’ve tried compromise. We’ve tried con-

889 June 4 / Administration of George Bush, 1992 frontation. We’ve tried quiet diplomacy with Presidential Campaign the congressional leaders. And none of this Q. Mr. President, I’d like to ask you about has been enough. Tonight I am more con- Ross Perot. People claim that you’re hiding, vinced than ever that a balanced budget and you’re afraid to take him on directly. amendment is the only way to force the Will you commit yourself to debating Mr. Federal Government, both the Congress Perot as well as Bill Clinton in the fall cam- and the executive branch, to live within its paign? means. The President. I’m sure there will be de- This month, both Houses of Congress will bates, and I will be ready to join the fray vote on a balanced budget amendment. It after the conventions. But as you know, I is impossible to underestimate the impor- have not challenged directly either Perot or tance of this one decision. It will affect Clinton, Mr. Perot or Governor Clinton. I every other decision that the Government have no intention of changing that before makes from that moment on, and it will the convention. bear directly on the quality of life that we I am trying to get things done that will leave the generations who follow us. help this country. A balanced budget Victory will not come easily. The amend- amendment is a good example of that. If ment requires a two-thirds majority from I get too caught up in the political wars both the Senate and the House. I’m pleased at this time, it will be even more difficult to say that many serious-minded Members, to get things through the Congress that will Republicans and Democrats alike, support help: a crime bill, an education bill, bal- this measure. They understand this is not anced budget amendment, things that we a partisan fight; it goes far beyond election- really need. So I’m going to keep on this year politics. It is a fight for the economic course that I’ve been. I’ve been faithful to security of the American people. it during the primary season, and I will con- I realize that some in Washington con- tinue to be until I make a decision to sider a balanced budget amendment a rath- change. er radical step. Well, I strongly doubt that Q. I mean in the fall campaign. I’m not the American people consider a balanced talking about immediately, right now, but budget amendment as radical. It’s common will you commit yourself to debating the sense, pure and simple. Each month mil- two men—— lions of American families sit down to bal- The President. There will be debates. ance their checkbooks; 44 States, 44 States Q. Mr. President, granting the legality, is have their own constitutional balanced it proper for a man, for a candidate with budget requirements. The Federal Govern- vast personal wealth and no spending limits ment must now do the same. to use that to obtain the Presidency? Since The moment is at hand. In the coming you’ve known Mr. Perot for so long, is he days, we will face an extraordinary choice. an insider, an outsider? Is he a man of prin- We can choose either to accept the status ciple, or does he go for the main—— quo, piling debt upon debt, or we can strike The President. Helen [Helen Thomas, a bold new course, restoring fiscal sanity United Press International], I’d love to an- to the Federal Government. If we choose swer that question, and after the—— wrongly, our grandchildren and their grand- Q. Well, why don’t you? children are going to bear the burden. I The President. Because I’ve vowed to refuse to believe that we will make them keep my sights set on these legislative goals pay the price for Washington’s irresponsibil- and on leading this country. If I get into ity. For their sake, I urge every Congress- characterizing one opponent or another, I man and every Senator to join me in sup- diminish my effectiveness in doing that. porting the swift approval of a balanced We’ve got a good chance now, and some budget amendment. of it’s brought about by the primaries, I Now I will be glad to respond to ques- think, to pass this balanced budget amend- tions. I think, Terry [Terence Hunt, Associ- ment, for example. I’m a little disappointed ated Press], I think you have the first. that our education reform bill is languishing

890 Administration of George Bush, 1992 / June 4 up there. I’d like to see us get a good en- The President. No. Well, I don’t think so. ergy bill soon. But if I start concentrating I’ll tell you what, I think most people would on the politics, I’m afraid I will waste an concede that my problems stem from this opportunity. I think we’re in a real oppor- sluggish, anemic economy. I think you can tunity situation now. trace those problems to getting bigger with Q. Do you think he’s trying to buy the that. Now, I think the economy’s improving. Presidency? We still have some big problems there. For The President. Well, so far not. We’ll wait a person that’s out of work, for him, that and see. unemployment is 100 percent. For a woman Charles [Charles Bierbauer, Cable News that can’t get a job that wants one, for her, Network]. unemployment is 100 percent. Q. Mr. President, you’ve often said that So we’ve got to keep pushing ahead. I you’ve not done so terrific a job of getting would make the appeal right now for our your message across. Tonight you’ve growth incentives to further stimulate an changed the venue. But I wanted to ask economy that is beginning to move and is you if, indeed, what you’ve seen in the polls beginning to move positively. and the constant one-third or more of the But no, I think my fortunes have been electorate that’s going other ways isn’t a re- related to that. I think, if I’ll take the blame, jection of that message in and of itself? some of which I’ll take, as the economy has The President. I don’t think so because been sick, I assume the American people you ask in these deadly polls that I read are fair enough to give credit when there’s all the time about, relating to issues, and recovery. it’s vague out there. We’ve got a good pro- Q. Your spokesman today described Mr. gram. Tonight maybe this is a more effec- Perot as a man whose entire history is to tive way to say we want a balanced budget stomp into the group, demand to do things amendment. We’ve got a good program on his way, and if he doesn’t get it, to pick the Hill to achieve a balanced budget up his football and go home. The Vice amendment or, after the balanced budget President the other day questioned his judg- amendment is passed, to achieve a balanced ment, saying he had been wrong on your budget. most important decision of the Presidency, So I think we’ve just got to keep hammer- the Persian Gulf war. Do you share their ing away on the issues because I believe assessments? the American people are with me. If they The President. I’m glad that they are put- understand our total reform of education, ting their focus on these problems, but I’m they’ll support it. Most Americans want a not going to do it myself. I have a difference tougher crime bill. I heard people out on clearly as far as the Persian Gulf war goes, the West Coast, who don’t vote for tougher no question. I think the American people crime legislation, all advertising in those 90- support the actions that I took. I believe second bites they paid for, ads how tough it was correct. I believe we performed well. they are on crime. Maybe we’ve got a better I believe we set back aggression. I believe chance now to pass an administration crime there was a whole new pride in this country. bill. The international community supported it So I’m going to keep focusing on those overwhelmingly. issues. Hopefully, the American people will So as people point these things out, that’s say, ‘‘He has a sound program for domestic fair. As his supporters point out what they affairs, just as he does in foreign relations.’’ think might be foibles in me, that’s fair, Q. But if I could follow, sir, hasn’t the too. but I’m going to stay on the path that pattern through the primaries been such I’ve outlined. that the American people have been con- stantly looking for an alternative? The President. Yes—— Balanced Budget Q. You may have put Pat Buchanan be- Q. Mr. President, the amendment you’re hind, but now you’ve got Ross Perot. Is he talking about would require a balanced the inheritor of that? budget within 2 years. If you’re reelected,

891 June 4 / Administration of George Bush, 1992 will you submit a balanced fiscal 1994 budg- But I want to keep this country growing, et whether or not you’re required to by a and I want to see us have the cleanest, best constitutional amendment? record in the world. Besides that, we have The President. It won’t be—of course, we a Clean Air Act that others ought to take have submitted a balanced—but it won’t be a look at and say, ‘‘You’ve done wonders in 2 years. We have submitted budgets that in getting what you did through, President get in it; we’ve got one right up there now Bush.’’ So I’m going to go on the offense, that does that. I think it’s going to be 5 not defense. years. Q. Well, I’m just wondering, sir, clearly, U.N. Conference on Environment many of those who are there are aware of the elements of your record and have come Q. Mr. President, if the experience of to the conclusions which they so vocally ex- your EPA chief in Rio to date is any indica- press anyway. How do you think this can tion, there’s quite a reception committee of be a plus for you down there? harsh critics of this administration and of The President. Well, hey, listen, I’m used you, sir, waiting for you down there. Under to a little criticism. I want to go on the the circumstances, if that’s what the recep- offense and say what we’ve done and what tion is going to be in Rio, why go? we’re prepared to do. I wouldn’t go along The President. Well, because we’ve got with the extremes in many of these inter- a sound and sensible environmental record national negotiations. But I have some re- and we have a strong role of international sponsibility, responsibility for a cleaner envi- leadership. ronment and also responsibility to families I wonder if the American taxpayer knows in this country who want to work, some of that we have spent something like $800 bil- whom can be thrown out of work if we lion in the last 10 years on cleaning up go for too costly an answer to some of these things, the atmosphere, environment, in problems. I’m not going to forget the Amer- many, many ways? It is estimated that it ican family. will be $1.2 trillion spent by the United If they don’t understand it in Rio, too States taxpayers and businesses over the bad. I’m not going to be driven though, next 10 years. Brit, by the extremes of these movements. We have a superb record to take to that They started protesting before they even convention. I am not going to go down know what our position was. But I’m going there and forget about people that need there and take this record, and I’m con- jobs in the United States of America. I’m vinced that it will be very productive. going to take a strong record, the leading record on science and technology, the leading record on oceans, the leading record The Economy on forests, the leading records on protecting Q. Mr. President, you say your problems the elephant, the leading records on CFC’s. in the primaries have been caused largely We’ve got a good record. But because I by the anemic economy. Yet the economy will not sign a treaty that, in my view, is improving, and the voters seem to be throws too many Americans out of work, walking away from you in droves, sir. Don’t I refuse to accept that kind of criticism from you take it personally, and what are you what I consider some of the extremes in going to do about it? the environmental movement, internation- The President. I don’t take it personally. ally or domestically. As a guy that never looks at polls, as you So we’ve got a record to take there, Brit know, I would like to cite a poll figure for [Brit Hume, ABC News]. And I want to you: 70 percent of the people in the most go down there. We’re passing out booklets recent poll I saw that was done for our cam- and little CD’s, you know, little discs to paign said that they thought the economy show everything. I was out at Goddard the was getting worse. And the economy is mov- other day. The science that we have that ing. There’s still some problems. As I say, can help the Third World is mind-boggling. when a person’s hurting for a job, that wor- We want to share it with these people. ries me. But gross national product,

892 Administration of George Bush, 1992 / June 4

GNP is moving. Industrial production is up. challenged in Yugoslavia these days. It ap- Payroll employment is up. Another thing pears that the sanctions are not working that’s up and then soon will be picked up against Serbia. When are you going to take in these broad polls is that Michigan survey the lead of an international coalition to on business confidence. So things are turn- force Milosevic out of Bosnia, the way you ing around, and yet, at this juncture, the did with Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait? American people haven’t felt it. When they The President. I think the sanctions—I’m do, I expect to see some change. not prepared to give up on the sanctions But no, I don’t take it personally. I hon- at all. They’ve only been in effect for a few estly don’t, Ellen [Ellen Warren, Knight- days. As you know, first on this question Ridder]. of Yugoslavia, out in front was the United Q. Aren’t the American people—— Nations. You had Cyrus Vance as a rep- The President. I’ve been in tough times resentative of the United Nations, did a su- before. perb job trying to negotiate, ably supple- Q. Well, sir, aren’t the American people mented, I might say, by Peter Carrington. right in holding you personally responsible They tried to work that problem, had our for the problems of this country? full support. The President. Well, I think they hold me The EC, which is right there in the neigh- responsible to some degree, and I think borhood, tried to have an effective role. It they hold the United States Congress re- now appears that a U.S. role, catalytic role, sponsible. I would remind the people that is important. Thus, we are moving forward. Congress appropriates every dime and tells Secretary Baker made a very strong state- me how to spend every dime. It’s the Con- ment on this recently, has worked closely gress that does that. But sure, I’ll accept with the leaders of Europe. So we are my share of the responsibility for this long united in this sanctions question. Let’s see recession, and so will the Congress. if it works. But I’m not prepared to say But the question isn’t blame, the question these sanctions will not work. is what you do about it. I’ve proposed to- Q. Is the fact that the elections are ap- night: Let’s move on the balanced budget proaching in the U.S. preventing a military amendment. Let’s move on my growth ini- action? tiatives that would stimulate investment, like The President. I think prudence and cau- cutting the capital gains, moving on the in- tion prevents military actions. If I decide vestment allowance that speeds up depre- to change my mind on that, I will do it ciation, first-time credit for homebuyers. in an inclusive way. But at this juncture I This is all good and valuable stuff that want to stay with these sanctions. would speed this economy up. Wait a minute. Gene [Gene Gibbons, So I don’t think it’s a question of blame. Reuters], I’m sorry. I recognized him and It’s a question of staying in this nonpolitical did not follow through. mode for a while longer, challenging the Balanced Budget Congress to help us help the American people. Q. Mr. President, your Budget Director Q. Well, sir, the Congress hasn’t passed yesterday laid out a number of ways of all these programs you talked about—— bringing the deficit under control, even The President. It’s not too late. They without a balanced budget amendment. But ought to try now. all of them would require taking on tough Q. So why don’t you tell us what you pressure groups. You have not often seemed really think about Ross Perot? to use the bully pulpit of the Presidency The President. What’s that have to do to do that, to take a direct head-on ap- with it? Come on. proach. Why not? The President. We’ve got the program up Yugoslavia there. There are some 30 pages of options. Q. Sir, you say that you have a strong You don’t have to touch Social Security to international leadership role. But the new do this, and I’m not going to do that. We world order that you are promoting is being have made growth assumptions in there

893 June 4 / Administration of George Bush, 1992 that can be easily met—4, 4, 3.2, 3.2, 3.2, the prisoners. What happened beyond those are the percentages of growth—can that—I saw a detailed story today that I easily be met if we move with partial growth simply cannot comment on. Marlin agenda that I’ve proposed. Fitzwater, then the Press Secretary for So I will keep repeating, as I did in the President Reagan, is on the record at a pub- State of the Union Message, as I did subse- lic press conference commenting on the quently right here in this room: Get the Perot role, so I would refer you to that. Congress to pass this growth agenda. That was back in, I believe in ’87. I’d rather But that’s what’s needed, plus some direct leave it right there. But if he’s going to controls of spending. You can do it by con- explain this to the Congress, that’s good. trolling the growth of these spending pro- I hadn’t heard that. grams, leave out Social Security, to the rate of inflation and population increase. It’s not a gimmick; it works. It’s not rosy scenario; Presidential Campaign it works. That is my detailed proposal. Q. Mr. President, in the interest of party I’d like to see some other detailed propos- unity and since he has indicated that he als, but that is a good one. It’s sitting up is going to endorse you at the Houston con- there right now. It won’t be done if we vention, would you like Pat Buchanan to don’t control the growth of mandatory pro- have the prime-time speech that he wants grams. That’s where, what, two-thirds or to have at the Republican Convention in close to three-fourths of the budget is. August? Q. But the limits on mandatory programs The President. Susan [Susan Spencer, would involve pain and sacrifice. And yet, CBS News], I’ll be honest with you, I neither you nor Mr. Perot nor Mr. Clinton haven’t focused on that at all. I welcome talks about that. Has Presidential politics the support of all Republicans. Let’s see become so sound-bite driven that it’s politi- how he handles this, and let the people han- cally suicidal to level with the American dling the convention work it out. That is people? not on my agenda. The President. I don’t think it’s suicidal. Q. With the benefit of hindsight, do you And I think our program up there that gives think his primary challenge was damaging many suggestions as to how to achieve this to you or helpful or what? is good. And yes, it’s not easy. Medicare, The President. Well, I can’t say it was par- Medicaid growth is going through the roof. ticularly helpful. But he got into a long line And yes, we’re going to have to find ways of people criticizing me, five on the Demo- to control it. But what we’ve done is detail cratic side and one there. But maybe I’m the areas that need to be controlled. I think a little stronger for it. Maybe I’m a little that is a sensible, sound, detailed program. better—be a little better candidate when it Kathy [Kathy Lewis, Dallas Morning comes to the fall. I did not engage with News]. Pat Buchanan. I don’t plan to do that now. Ross Perot and POW–MIA’s But I’ll grope around to see if I can think Q. Mr. President, a fair amount has been of some reason it’s helpful. [Laughter] But written about Ross Perot’s role with the I have no hard feelings about that at all. Reagan administration on the POW–MIA issue, and it relates directly to you. If one news report is correct, he’s going to testify Iraq on the subject soon. You said you won’t Q. Mr. President, critics of yours on Cap- characterize him, but can’t you tell us what itol Hill have said your policies toward Sad- your dealings were with him on this issue? dam Hussein before the Gulf war strength- The President. I will be prepared to ened him and made him more likely to elaborate on that later on. My dealings make an attack against one of his neighbors. were: I was a member of the Reagan ad- How do you respond to that? I’ve got a ministration. For a while he was over being followup. quite helpful, trying to do something about The President. I respond that that’s not

894 Administration of George Bush, 1992 / June 4 right. As I said at my last press conference, for the Presidency? What would you say? we tried, not through strengthening his nu- The President. Well, I’d say ‘‘Ross, I think clear or biological or chemical weapons has I’ve been a good President. I believe that been alleged, not by giving him part of Ku- a man of your ability and talent ought to wait has been alleged, but we tried to work support me. We’ve known each other a long with him on grain credits and things of this time; in my view, it’s been favorable.’’ And nature to avoid aggressive action. And it just leave it there. I would admit it might failed. It failed. That approach, holding out be a little bit of a long shot in persuading a hand, trying to get him to renounce ter- him. rorism and join the family of nations didn’t Q. But if he said, ‘‘Well, George, I hear work. And the minute he moved aggres- what you’re saying. You want me to follow sively, we moved aggressively and set back you, but you’ve got to tell me where you’re aggression. going,’’ what would you say? You’ve got a lot of people that opposed The President. Oh, I’d say, ‘‘Let me re- what happened on the war, stood there and fresh you on our domestic agenda. Please didn’t want to move, that are now trying give me your support for the balanced to revise history. So I am not persuaded budget amendment that we’re trying to pass by the critics at all. I know what we did. right now, and bring along Bill Clinton if There wasn’t anything illegal. We tried you’ve got any influence on him. We’re talk- hard, and I’ve said so. It didn’t work, but ing about issues here. We’ve got a tough we were not going to let aggression stand. crime bill before the Congress. Help me When he moved into Kuwait, I decided this pass it. We’ve got an education reform bill will not stand, and it didn’t. that literally revolutionizes education. Give Yes, what’s the followup? me a hand with this one. If you know any- Q. The followup: The House Judiciary body in the Congress—it appears you Committee looks like they’re going to rec- may—give them a call.’’ I’d take this ap- ommend special prosecutors and counsel, proach, you see, to him. I’d try to enlist investigators, and ask the Attorney General his help on support for our approach to the to—— environment. I’d say, ‘‘Help me help these The President: I wonder whether they’re democratic countries around the world. going to use the same prosecutors that are Help me help them secure their democ- trying out there to see whether I was in racy.’’ Paris in 1980 and flew home in an SR– You see, I think we have a good agenda, 71 Blackbird? I mean, where are we going and that’s the approach I’d take, anyway. with the taxpayers’ money in this political Yes, Frank [Frank Murray, Washington year? So let them look at it. It’s no problem Times]. to me. But I think at some point somebody Two-Party System ought to say, ‘‘Where is all this money going that goes to pay for these special prosecu- Q. Mr. President, you’ve spent much of tors rummaging through files and proving your life as part of the two-party system. nothing?’’ I was not in Paris. And we did You’ve headed one of the major parties. In nothing illegal or wrong here. We tried, and this unusual political year, how do you as- it didn’t work. We moved, and that’s the sess the viability of the two-party system in answer to it. the future? And why would any candidate submit himself to grueling primaries if he Presidential Campaign could just announce and run? Q. Mr. President, since you know Ross The President. I think the two-party sys- Perot, if you were to run into him while tem has really given us the most stable po- you’re out campaigning for reelection, for litical system in the world. And yes, we’re example, what would you say to him to con- going through an unusual period. But the vince him to—— two-party system has provided us fantastic The President. Support me? historical stability. You look around the Q. ——support you and give up his quest world and compare this system with

895 June 4 / Administration of George Bush, 1992 any other democratic system, and I think people that have different views on this that would avail. I’m sure the Brits take issue. I am not persuaded that people all great pride in their parliamentary system, across this country vote on only one issue, but I think our two-party system has pro- abortion. I think they’re interested in world vided us with the stability that heretofore peace. I think they’re interested in edu- we’ve simply taken for granted. cation. I think they happen to be very sup- So my view, as this campaign unfolds, as portive of the balanced budget amendment. all of us spell out our position on the issues, So my position is well-known, and I’m going people are going to recognize that, and the to stay with it. But as I say, we’ve got many two parties will be strong when this election good Republicans who disagree with me on is over. that issue, and they may disagree with me on the balanced budget amendment or Primary Elections some of these other things I feel very pas- Q. And the question of why any candidate sionately about. would expose himself to the primaries Jim [Jim Miklaszewski, ABC News]. and—— The President. That’s what Barbara was Presidential Campaign asking me a few minutes ago. Q. What’s your answer? Q. You mentioned a moment ago the The President. Say, hey, I want to con- polls, the 70-percent figure about the econ- tinue this job to help this country. I want omy. But you know, the cold war is over; to help preserve world peace and strength- Desert Storm has become pretty much a en it, and we’ve done pretty well there. I faded memory for many Americans. And want to move forward on these issues that people are turning inward and asking, we’re talking about here tonight, the bal- ‘‘Well, Mr. President, what have you done anced budget amendment. I won’t repeat for us lately?’’ More than 80 percent of the them all, but it’s worth finishing the job. American people now feel that the United Nobody likes the primary process. I had States is on the wrong track. How, between a call from a Senator, kind of asking how now and November, are you going to con- I was holding up because, he said, ‘‘Hey, vince Americans that they are better off you’ve been criticized a little in the news- than they were 4 years ago? papers and on the television.’’ And I said, The President. Most Americans are fun- ‘‘Hey, that goes with the job. I’ll do my damentally optimistic, and they’re going to best, and I think things are going to turn see a recovering economy. It may not be around in that regard.’’ But to get out of as robust as we all like, but they’re going the arena, to suggest that you’re not going to say as they feel that and as they see new to run because it’s not particularly pleasant, opportunities and see a growth in this econ- that’s not the way I operate. omy, they’re going to say, ‘‘Hey, things are getting better.’’ Abortion Americans aren’t pessimists. They’re not Q. Mr. President, there are many polls down on the country. We’ve been through that now show that in California and else- a long haul. Then I’m going to say to them, where that most Republicans favor the pro- ‘‘Hey, do your kids go to bed at night with choice position on abortion. And I wonder, more worry or less worry about nuclear in view of that and in view of the clear war?’’ I think that’s a significant change. I feeling of pro-choice in the party, that you think most every, every family in America feel the platform needs to be changed, and is better off for those historic changes that what your own view is on the whole notion my predecessor and I helped bring about. of whether the abortion debate is going to I use the word ‘‘helped.’’ be prominent in the fall? So you’ve got to look at the whole picture. The President. Well, no, I hope the plat- And then I think they’re going to say, form committee, in their wisdom, adopts ‘‘Here’s what the President has been trying the same language as we had before. Having to get through the Congress.’’ And I come said that, there is room in our party for back to it: the balanced budget amend-

896 Administration of George Bush, 1992 / June 4 ment, strong crime, whatever it is, good politicians on Capitol Hill to tell you why record on the environment. ‘‘What’s he up it can’t be done?’’ And see, I think when against here?’’ They’re going to have a clear that is in focus, I think that the American choice to make. people will support me. I’ve tried to keep Then they’re going to say, ‘‘Does this the faith with the people, and I think one President identify with my views on family, heartening point is people see the President and does he share the leadership traits that is a strong leader. They may not like the I want to see in a leader?’’ and those kinds direction things are going in, but that is of things. Those aren’t in focus now. something that I find rather comforting. They’re not in focus because five Democrats Q. So you haven’t been tough enough, were out there just hammering away on the is that what you’re saying? President of the United States. I smile and The President. I need your assistance, Jim, say, ‘‘Look, we’ll meet you in the fall.’’ And in getting out the message now tonight, one Republican was doing the same thing loud and clear, on what the President said every single night. Had some assistance out about the balanced budget amendment. If here from time to time from one or the you can put an editorial or two on there other in the room. saying this is a good idea, it would help You know, I’m putting my confidence in enormously. I don’t think you can do that. the people saying, ‘‘We’re going to get But if you could I’d welcome that kind of something done,’’ and take the case to the support, because that’s what the American American people on the issues. That’s the people want, and we’ve got to get that mes- way I think you ought to do it. sage to the Congress. Q. But Mr. President, they aren’t any- where near that right now, and as a matter Justice Clarence Thomas of fact, some of your advisers are pretty Q. Mr. President, you said that your prob- alarmed at the fact—— lems stem from the economy. In addition, The President. No, they’re not alarmed. Q. Well, while the economic figures are are some of your problems also related to improving, your own poll numbers are on the Clarence Thomas-Anita Hill hearings? the decline. They are not associating you, The President. None. We forgot. Now we sir, with any improvement in the economy. see a revision. We forget that the American The President. But 70 percent of the peo- people overwhelmingly supported Clarence ple, as I told you, Jim, according to one, Thomas. He is being a good Justice. And I thought it was one of your surveys, seem the fact that some candidates are out there to think the economy’s getting worse. I trying to revise that part of history, I’m think it’s getting better. It takes a while; sorry, I don’t agree with that. There may there’s a lag there. Unemployment’s a lag- be some. Now, I can’t say that everyone ging indicator, for example. So it takes a agrees with what I said. I support Clarence while to see the change. Thomas. I think he’ll be an outstanding Jus- I haven’t been in the playing field on the tice. He passed a Senate that is controlled primaries. I’ve been trying to get something by the opposition party. He conducted him- done for the country. But when we go to self with honor in those hearings. And that’s the country and say, ‘‘Do you want a strong my position. I’m proud to have stayed with crime bill, or do you want this watered- him when the going got tough. down variety that’s up in the Justice Depart- ment controlled by the Democrats that have Presidential Campaign been there forever; which do you want?’’ Q. Mr. President, you say that the leader- I think the American people will support ship qualities that are going to come up me. later are not in focus right now, but it would I’ll say to them, ‘‘Do you want a balanced seem that leadership is the focus. That’s the budget amendment that will make the exec- only thing that Ross Perot has been running utive branch and the legislative branch do on, is leadership. He has not addressed the something about the deficits, or do you issues; you are addressing the issues. How want a lot of reasons from some entrenched do you feel, what do you say to

897 June 4 / Administration of George Bush, 1992

Republicans who are going over and sup- in the American people. This isn’t done be- porting him about your personal leadership cause there’s something on the horizon right qualities? now and people are going to—you know, The President. I say take a look at what let them decide. Let them sort out this. happened in Desert Storm where I didn’t I can understand that appeal, ‘‘I’m from have to get anybody else’s action. I moved. outside; I’ll solve all the problems.’’ And I saw a threat. I did what was required. some day you guys are going start: How I didn’t have to get a Congress controlled are you going to do it? How are you going by the opposition party to move. The people to get this through the Congress? What do saw leadership and action there. you believe? Do you think the President’s The people know that the House of Rep- right on the balanced budget amendment? resentatives and the Senate control all the Are you with him or against him? Do you legislation. My crime bill, my balanced think he’s right as he tries to tighten down budget quest, whatever it is, they control on crime legislation? How do you feel on it all. So I think when this campaign gets the narcotic problem? How do you feel on really rolling, and it hasn’t started from our world peace? Were you with him when he standpoint, when that happens, I think had to make a very tough call on setting these things will be in focus. back aggression, a move that was saluted So I understand the quest for change and all over the entire world and put this coun- the appeal, ‘‘I can bring you the new answer try together like it’s never been together here.’’ I can understand all that. But I also in the past, since World War II? think the American people are pretty smart. You see, I think we’re dealing in a funny I think they’re going to look at the overall time here, a time warp. I think, come fall, record. I think they’re going to analyze the when we’re out there taking our case to proposals. I think they’re going to look at the people, with an improved economy be- a person’s overall values. I think then I have hind us, I still feel confident about the out- the confidence that it won’t be just the Re- come of the political election. I feel con- publicans that will be supporting me; it will fident about ability to heal any wounds that be the guy in the neighborhood who’s won- may have been opened along the way. dering, ‘‘Who’s going to be the best to take Thank you all very much. Thank you, care of the criminal elements here? Who’s Helen. going to support the incentives to improve the economy?’’ That’s what I think. Q. Mr. President, aren’t we into a no- Note: The President’s 129th news conference win situation here? Because even if you do began at 8:01 p.m. in the East Room at win, even if you do defeat Ross Perot, there the White House. During the news con- are going to be a lot of Republicans out ference, the following persons were referred there who supported him, and there’s going to: Slobodan Milosevic, President of Serbia; to be a lot of reprisal and revenge. Cyrus Vance, Special Negotiator for the The President. There’s no reprisals. Look, United Nations on Yugoslavia; and Lord Americans—as Helen says, we’re through Peter Carrington, Special European Com- here, but let me tell you something. You’re munity Negotiator on Yugoslavia. H.R. dealing in a little cocoon here. We’re talking 4990, approved June 4, was assigned Public about something big: faith and confidence Law No. 102–298.

898