Administration of George W. Bush, 2004 / Oct. 19 families had been turned upside down be- On September the 14th, 2001, I stood in cause of death in World War II. But there the ruins of the Twin Towers. It’s a day was this belief in the country that if we I will never forget. There were workers helped Japan become a democracy, the in hardhats yelling at me at the top of world would be better off for it. Today, their lungs, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ I remem- because people held that belief, I sit at ber the fellow who grabbed me by the arm. the table with the Prime Minister of a He looked me straight in the eye, and he former enemy, talking about how to keep said, ‘‘Do not let me down.’’ Ever since the peace we all want. that day, I wake up every morning thinking Someday, someday, an American Presi- about how to better protect America. I will dent will be sitting down with the duly never relent in defending our country, elected leader from Iraq, talking about the whatever it takes. peace, and our children and our grand- Four years ago, when I traveled your children will be better off for it. great State, I made a pledge that if you I believe that millions in the Middle East gave me the chance to serve, I would up- plead in silence for their freedom. I believe hold the honor and the dignity of the office women in the Middle East want to live to which I had been elected. With your in a free society. I believe mothers and help, I will do so for 4 more years. dads want to raise their children in a free Thanks for coming. God bless. Thank world. I believe all these things because you all. freedom is not America’s gift to the world; freedom is the Almighty God’s gift to each man and woman in this world. For all Americans, these years in our his- NOTE: The President spoke at 9:15 a.m. at tory will always stand apart. There are quiet Al Lang Field at the Progress Energy Park. times in the life of a nation when little In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Jeb Bush is expected of its leaders. This isn’t one of Florida; Florida State Attorney General of those times. This is a time that requires Charlie Crist; Mayor Rick Baker of St. Pe- firm resolve, clear vision, and a deep faith tersburg, FL; Kitty Martinez, wife of Florida in the values that makes this a great nation. senatorial candidate Mel R. Martinez; enter- None of us will ever forget that week tainer Lee Greenwood; and Prime Minister when one era ended and another began. Junichiro Koizumi of Japan.

Remarks in New Port Richey, Florida October 19, 2004

The President. Thank you all for coming. America, and a better America, to put me If you’re looking for sunshine, Florida is and Dick Cheney back in office. the place to come. I’m looking for votes, I’ve got a lot of reasons why you ought and Florida is the place to come. Thank to put me back in, but perhaps the most you all for coming out. I’m here to ask important one of all is so that Laura will for not only your vote, I’m here to ask have 4 more years as the First Lady. When for your help. Get your friends and neigh- I asked her to marry me, she said, ‘‘Fine, bors to go to the polls. And when you just so long as I never have to give a get them headed to the polls, remind them, speech.’’ [Laughter] I said, ‘‘Okay, you got if they want a stronger America, a safer a deal.’’ Fortunately, she didn’t hold me

2585 Oct. 19 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2004 to that deal. She’s giving a lot of speeches, I enjoyed our debates. They showed the and the American people see a warm, com- big differences between my opponent and passionate, strong First Lady. me. We have different records. We have I’m proud of my runningmate, Dick Che- different views of the future. My record ney. Now, look, I admit it, he doesn’t have is one of reforming education, lowering the waviest hair in the race. [Laughter] I taxes, providing prescription drug coverage didn’t pick him because of his hairdo. for our seniors, improving homeland pro- [Laughter] I picked him because of his tections, and waging an aggressive war judgment, his experience. I picked him be- against the ideologues of hate. cause he can get the job done for the The Senator’s record of 20 years is out American people. of the mainstream. Instead of articulating I’m proud of my brother Jeb. What a a vision or a positive agenda for the future, great Governor for Florida. I appreciate the the Senator is relying on a litany of com- strength and compassion he showed during plaints and old-style scare tactics. As proven the hurricanes. Florida showed that out of by his record and a series of contradictions adversity can come good, neighbors loving in this campaign, my opponent will say any- neighbors, people helping people who hurt. thing he thinks will benefit him politically We’ll continue to do everything we can to at the time. help the people of Florida get back on I will do what I’ve said I will do. We their feet. will keep the promise of Social Security By the way, brother Marvin is with us for our seniors. We will not have a draft; too. [Applause] Yes. We love our family. we will have an all-volunteer army. On No- And I love campaigning with my family. I want to thank Sam for his service to vember 2d, the people of America will re- the United States of America. He was in ject the politics of fear and vote for an the first gulf war. He’s in the second incur- agenda of hope and opportunity and secu- sion into Iraq. And our country is more rity for every American. secure because of his service. When I came into office, the stock mar- I want to thank Sheriff Bob White for ket had been in decline for 6 months. And joining us today. Sheriff, thanks. Appreciate then we had a recession. To help families it. I want to thank Daron Norwood, the and to get this economy growing again, I country music singer, for being with us pledged to reduce taxes. I kept my word, today. and the results are clear. The recession was I want to thank Al Cardenas and all the one of the shallowest in American history. grassroots activists who are here today. Over the last 3 years, our economy has Thank you for putting up the signs. Thank grown at a rate faster than any major indus- you for making the phone calls. Thank you trialized nation. Homeownership rate is at for working the polls. With your help, we an alltime high in America. We added 1.9 will carry Florida again and win a great million new jobs since August of 2003. The victory in November. national unemployment rate is 5.4 percent, In the last few years, the American peo- lower than the average of the 1970s, 1980s, ple have gotten to know me. They know and 1990s. The unemployment rate in Flor- my blunt way of speaking. I get that from ida is 4.5 percent. This economy is moving Mother. [Laughter] They know that I occa- forward, and we’re not going to go back sionally mangle the English language. to the old days of tax and spend. [Laughter] I get that from my father. To make sure jobs are here in America, [Laughter] They also know that I tell you America must be the best place in the exactly what I’m going to do, and I keep world to do business. We need to reduce my word. the regulations on our job creators. We

2586 Administration of George W. Bush, 2004 / Oct. 19 need to do something about these frivolous to let Senator Kerry tax you; we’re going lawsuits that hurt the small businesses. to carry Florida and win a great victory Listen, to keep jobs here, Congress on November the 2d. needs to pass my energy plan. It encour- When I came into office, our public ages conservation. It encourages the use of schools had been waiting decades for hope- renewables. It encourages clean coal tech- ful reform. Fortunately, you had a nology. It encourages environmentally Governor here in Florida who enacted friendly ways to explore for natural gas. We hopeful reform. Too many of our children will not explore off the coast of Florida. were shuffled through school without learn- What I’m telling you is in order to keep ing the basics. I pledged to restore account- jobs here, we must become less dependent ability to our schools and to end the soft on foreign sources of energy. bigotry of low expectations. I kept my To keep jobs here, we’ve got to reject word. We’re seeing results. Children are economic isolationism. I believe in free making sustained gains in reading and trade. I believe in fair trade. I know Ameri- math. We’re closing achievement gaps all cans compete with anytime—anybody, any- over this country, and we’re not going to time, anywhere, so long as the rules are go back to the days of low expectations fair. and mediocrity. To keep jobs here, we’ve got to be wise When I came into office, we had a prob- about how we spend your money and keep lem in Medicare. Medicine was changing; your taxes low. My opponent has his own Medicare was not. For example, Medicare history on the economy. would pay tens of thousands of dollars for Audience members. Boo-o-o! heart surgery but not one dime for the The President. In 20 years as a Senator prescription drugs that could prevent the from Massachusetts, he’s built the record heart surgery from being needed in the of a Senator from Massachusetts. [Laugh- first place. It was not fair to our seniors. ter] He voted to increase taxes 98 times I pledged to bring Republicans and Demo- in his 20 years. That’s about five times a crats together to strengthen and modernize year. I would call that a pattern—[laugh- Medicare for our seniors. I kept my word. ter]—a predictable pattern. He can run We’re moving forward on health care. from his record, but he cannot hide. There is more to do. We need to make Now he’s promising not to raise taxes sure health care is available and affordable. for anyone who earns less than $200,000 We need a safety net for those with the a year. He said that with a straight face. greatest needs. I believe in community [Laughter] The problem with that is, to health centers, places where the poor and keep that promise you’d have to break all the indigent can get health care. We will the other ones. See, he’s promised over make sure that poor children are fully sub- $2.2 trillion in new spending. That’s with scribed in our programs for low-income a ‘‘T.’’ In order to pay for it, he said, well, families so they can get the health care all he’s going to do is tax the rich. You they need. can’t raise enough money by taxing the rich To make sure health care is affordable, to pay for $2.2 trillion. There is a gap be- we must recognize that most of the unin- tween what he’s promised and what he can sured work for small businesses. Small busi- raise. Guess who generally fills the gap? nesses are having trouble affording health You do. care. To help our workers get health care, Let me tell you what else is wrong with we should allow small businesses to join taxing the rich. The rich hire lawyers and together so they can buy insurance at the accountants for a reason: to slip the bill same discounts as big companies get to do. and to pass it on to you. We’re not going We will expand health savings accounts so

2587 Oct. 19 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2004 workers and small businesses are able to trepreneurship. Every time a small business pay lower premiums and people can save is started, someone is achieving the Amer- tax-free in a health care account they call ican Dream. their own. We’re encouraging health savings ac- To make sure health care is available and counts so people have the security of own- affordable, we must do something about ing and managing their own health care. the junk lawsuits that are running up the We will continue to encourage homeowner- cost of medicine and running good doctors ship in America. I love it when somebody out of practice. There is a clear difference opens the door where they live and says, in this campaign. My opponent has consist- ‘‘Welcome to my home. Welcome to my ently voted against medical liability reform. piece of property.’’ I stand for medical liability reform, and In a new term, we’ll take the next step I know I can work with the next Senator to build an ownership society by strength- from Florida, Mel Martinez, to get that ening Social Security. Let me talk about reform done. Social Security right quick. In 2000, people The Senator has a health care proposal traveled this State saying, ‘‘If George W. of his own, a plan for bigger and more gets elected, our seniors will not get their intrusive Government. The other day, he checks.’’ tried to tell Americans that when it comes Audience members. Boo-o-o! to his health care plan, and I quote, ‘‘The The President. Our seniors must remem- Government has nothing to do with it.’’ ber, you got your checks. You will continue [Laughter] I could barely contain myself. to get their checks, no matter what they [Laughter] The facts are that 8 out of 10 try to tell you. And baby boomers, we’re people who get health care under Senator in pretty good shape when it comes to So- Kerry’s plan would be placed on a Govern- cial Security. ment program. He says his plan would help But we need to worry about our children small businesses. Yet, groups that studied and our grandchildren. The job of the this plan concluded it was an overpriced President is to confront problems, not to albatross that would saddle small businesses pass them on to future generations and fu- with 225 new mandates. ture Presidents. To make sure Social Secu- I have a different view. I want to help rity is around when our children grow up, our small businesses, not saddle them with we must allow younger workers to save a bunch of Government rules. The choice some of their own payroll taxes in a per- is clear. My opponent wants to move in sonal savings account that earns better in- the direction of Government-run health terest, a personal savings account they call care. I believe health decisions should be their own and an account the Government made by doctors and patients, not by offi- cannot take away. cials in Washington, DC. He can run, but When it comes to Social Security, my he cannot hide. opponent wants to maintain the status quo. I’ve set out policies that move our coun- That is not leadership. He’s against these try toward a more hopeful and optimistic Social Security reforms. He’s against just vision. I believe our country can and must about every other reform that gives more be an ownership society. There’s an old authority and control to the people. On saying: No one ever washes a rental car— issue after issue, from Medicare without [laughter]—a lot of wisdom in that state- choices to schools without accountability to ment. When you own something, you care higher taxes, he takes the side of more about it. When you own something, you bureaucracy and more Government. have a vital stake in the future of your There is a word for that attitude. It is country. That’s why we’re encouraging en- called liberalism. He dismisses that as a

2588 Administration of George W. Bush, 2004 / Oct. 19 label. He must have seen it differently Audience members. Boo-o-o! when he told a newspaper, ‘‘I am a liberal, The President. There is a mainstream in and I’m proud of it.’’ American politics, and my opponent sits on Audience members. Boo-o-o! the far left bank. He can run, but he can- The President. The nonpartisan National not hide. Journal did a study and named him the This election will also determine how most liberal Member of the United States America responds to the continuing danger Senate. That takes a lot of hard work. of terrorism. The most solemn duty of the [Laughter] American President is to protect the Amer- I have a different record and a different ican people. If America shows uncertainty philosophy. I do not believe in big Govern- or weakness in this decade, the world will ment, and I do not believe that Govern- drift toward tragedy. This will not happen ment should be indifferent. That is called on my watch. compassionate conservatism. I believe in Our strategy is clear. We are defending policies that empower people to improve the homeland. We are reforming and their lives, not try to run their lives. I be- strengthening our intelligence services. We lieve we must continue to help men and are transforming our military. The All-Vol- women find the schools—skills and tools unteer Army will remain an all-volunteer to prosper in a time of change. And so army. We are staying on the offensive. we’re helping all Americans find dignity We’re striking the terrorists abroad so we and independence. And I will continue to do not have to face them here at home. lead our country for 4 more years with We will spread freedom and liberty. And that philosophy in mind. we will prevail. Audience members. Four more years! Our strategy is succeeding. Think about Four more years! Four more years! the world as it was 31⁄2 years ago. Afghani- The President. In this time of change, stan was the home base of Al Qaida. Paki- some things do not change, the values we stan was a transit point for terrorist groups. try to live by, courage and compassion, rev- Saudi Arabia was fertile ground for fund- erence and integrity. In a time of change, raising. Libya was secretly pursuing nuclear we must support the institutions that gives weapons. Iraq was a dangerous place and our lives purpose and direction, our fami- a gathering threat. And Al Qaida was large- lies, our schools, our religious congrega- ly unchallenged as it planned attacks. tions. We stand for a culture of life in Today, because we acted, Afghanistan is which every person matters and every being free and is an ally on the war on terror; counts. We stand for marriage and family, Pakistan is capturing terrorist leaders; Saudi which are the foundations of our society. Arabia is making raids and arrests; Libya We stand for the appointment of Federal is dismantling its weapons programs; the judges who know the difference between army of a free Iraq is fighting for freedom; personal opinion and the strict interpreta- and more than three-quarters of Al Qaida’s tion of the law. key members and associates have been My opponent’s words on these issues are brought to justice. a little muddy, but his record is plenty We’re standing with the peoples of a free clear. He says he supports the institution Afghanistan and Iraq. I want you to remind of marriage but voted against the Defense your children about the historic moment of Marriage Act. He voted against a ban that took place when the Afghan citizens on the practice of partial-birth abortion. went to vote. It was all but 3 years ago Audience members. Boo-o-o! that these people lived under the brutal, The President. He’s described the brutal reign of the Taliban. Young girls Reagan years as a time of moral darkness. couldn’t go to school. Mothers were taken

2589 Oct. 19 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2004 and whipped in the public square because lies. We’re making sure that our troops they didn’t toe the line of these ideologues have what they need in order to complete of hate. But because we acted in our self- their missions. defense, millions went to the polls. The And that’s why I went to the Congress first voter in Afghan—in the Afghanistan and requested $87 billion of funding in Presidential election was a 19-year-old September of 2003. And the support in the woman. Freedom is on the march. Congress was strong, except for 12 Senators There will be elections in Iraq in Janu- voted against funding for our troops—— ary. Think about how far that country has Audience members. Boo-o-o! come from the days of mass graves and The President. ——2 of whom were my torture chambers and the brutal reign of opponent and his runningmate. a tyrant who hated America. It’s important Audience members. Boo-o-o! that freedom be on the march. We’re more The President. When you’re out rounding secure when societies are free. Free soci- up the vote, remind the people of this star- eties will be hopeful societies which no tling statistic: There were only four Mem- longer feed resentments and breed violence bers of the Senate who voted to authorize for export. Free governments in the Middle the use of force and voted against sup- East will fight the terrorists instead of har- porting our troops in combat—only four— boring them. Free societies will be peaceful two of whom are my opponent and his societies. Freedom means America will be runningmate. more secure. Audience members. Boo-o-o! And so our mission is clear. We will help The President. So they asked him about the people in these countries, in Afghani- the vote, and he said, in perhaps the most stan and Iraq, train their armies, train their famous quote of the 2004 campaign, ‘‘I ac- police, so they can do the hard work of tually did vote for the $87 billion, before defending freedom. We will help the coun- I voted against it.’’ tries get on the path of stability and democ- Audience members. Boo-o-o! racy as quickly as possible, and then our The President. Sunday was the one-year troops will return home with the honor anniversary of Senator Kerry’s vote against they have earned. funding for our troops. My opponent’s I want to thank those who wear our uni- many and conflicting positions on this issue form. I want to thank the veterans who are a case study into why his contradictions have set such a great example for those call into question his credibility and his who wear the uniform. I want to thank ability to lead our Nation. the military families who are with us today. In September 2003, as the $87 billion Under my leadership and working with funding package was being debated, Sen- the Congress, our Nation is keeping our ator Kerry, on national TV, said it would commitments to those who serve and to be ‘‘irresponsible to abandon our troops by their families. We’ve increased basic pay voting against it.’’ That’s what he said. Just in the military by 21 percent. We’ve in- one month later, he did exactly the oppo- creased health benefits and Federal support site. And so you wonder why. What hap- for schools on our bases. We’ve reduced pened to change the Senator’s mind so the out-of-pocket expenses for off-base abruptly in one month? Well, his opponent housing to zero for our military families. in the Democrat primary, Howard Dean, We’re supporting our Guard and our Re- was gaining ground as an antiwar candidate. serves. We’re spending 14 billion for con- Senator Kerry apparently decided sup- struction and maintenance for Guard and porting the troops, even while they were Reserve facilities. We’ve extended military in harm’s way, was not as important as health care to our Guard and Reserve fami- shoring up his own political position.

2590 Administration of George W. Bush, 2004 / Oct. 19

Audience members. Boo-o-o! strong beliefs. And as a result of that belief, The President. At a time of great threat today, I sit down at the table with the to our country, at a time of great challenge head of a former enemy, Prime Minister in the world, the Commander in Chief Koizumi of Japan, talking about the peace must stand on principle, not on the shifting we all want. sands of political convenience. Someday, a duly elected leader of Iraq His vote against supporting our troops will be sitting down with an American in combat is part of a pattern. He opposed President, talking about the peace in the the B–1 bomber. He opposed the B–2 greater Middle East, and our children and stealth bomber. He opposed modernization our grandchildren will be better off for it. of the F–14D, all of which helped us se- I believe that millions in the Middle East cure our country in Afghanistan and Iraq. plead in silence for their freedom. I believe He opposed the Apache helicopter. He op- women in the Middle East want to live posed the Patriot missile system. My oppo- in a free society. I believe mothers and nent has built a 20-year record of military dads in the Middle East want their children weakness. He can run from his record—— to grow up in a free and peaceful world. Audience members. But he can’t hide! I believe all these things because freedom The President. In our debate, Senator is not America’s gift to the world; freedom Kerry proposed we should pass a ‘‘global is the Almighty God’s gift to each man test’’ before we defend ourselves. and woman in this world. Audience members. Boo-o-o! The President. I’m not making that up. For all Americans, these years in our his- That’s exactly what he said. I was standing tory will always stand apart. There are quiet right there. [Laughter] The problem with times in the life of a nation when little a ‘‘global test’’ is the Senator cannot ever is expected of its leaders. This isn’t one pass it. In 1990, the United Nations Secu- of those times. This is a time that requires rity Council passed a resolution supporting firm resolve and clear vision and a deep action to remove Saddam Hussein from faith in the values that makes this a great Kuwait. The international community was nation. united. Countries throughout the world None of us will ever forget that week joined our coalition. Yet even after United when one era ended and another began. Nations approval, Senator Kerry voted On September the 14th, 2001, I stood in against authorization for the use of force. the ruins of the Twin Towers. It’s a day Audience members. Boo-o-o! I will never forget. I will never forget the The President. If that didn’t pass a ‘‘glob- workers in hardhats who were yelling at al test,’’ nothing will pass a ‘‘global test.’’ me at the top of their lungs, ‘‘Whatever Listen, I’ll continue to build strong alli- it takes.’’ I’ll never forget the man that ances. We’ll work with our friends and al- grabbed me by my arm and looked me lies. But I will never turn over America’s in the eye, and he said, ‘‘Do not let me national security decisions to leaders of down.’’ Ever since that day, I wake up other countries. every morning thinking about how to better I believe in the transformational power protect our country. I will never relent in of liberty. After World War II, after we defending America, whatever it takes. defeated the Japanese, Harry Truman be- Four years ago, when I traveled your lieved in the transformational power of lib- great State, I made a pledge that if you erty to convert an enemy into an ally. A gave me a chance to serve, I would uphold lot of people doubted that. A lot of people the honor and the dignity of the office to wondered whether an enemy could ever which I had been elected. With your help, become a democracy. But there were I will do so for 4 more years.

2591 Oct. 19 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2004

God bless. Thank you for coming. Thank Pasco County, FL; Al Cardenas, former you all. Thanks for coming. chair, Republican Party of Florida; Mel R. Martinez, senatorial candidate in Florida; NOTE: The President spoke at 11:34 a.m. at and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Sims Park. In his remarks, he referred to Japan. Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida; Bob White, sheriff,

Remarks in The Villages, Florida October 19, 2004

The President. Thank you all for coming ter] I said, ‘‘Okay, you got a deal.’’ Fortu- today. I am proud to be the first sitting nately, she did not hold me to that promise. President ever to have visited The Villages. She’s giving a lot of speeches, and when The other ones missed out on a lot. Thanks she does, the American people see a strong, for having me. Thanks for coming. This warm, compassionate, great First Lady. is a huge crowd, for which I am grateful. I am proud of my runningmate, Dick I told Jeb it looks like a beautiful day in Cheney. I readily concede, he does not The Villages. He said, ‘‘It’s always a beau- have the waviest hair in the race. [Laugh- tiful day in The Villages.’’ ter] I did not pick him for his hairdo. I’m traveling your State to ask for the [Laughter] I picked him because of his ex- vote. I think you got to get out amongst perience and sound judgment. the people and say, ‘‘I want your vote.’’ I am very proud of my brother, the Gov- I’m going to give you some reasons to put ernor of Florida, Jeb Bush. He is a strong, me back into office. I also want your help. consistent leader. You do not have to worry You need to go to your friends and neigh- about him shifting his political thoughts be- bors. Tell them we have a duty in our cause of a poll or a focus group. And when free society to vote. When you get them times were tough during the four hurri- headed to the polls, remind them, if they want a safer America, a stronger America, canes, Jeb led this State with resolve and a better America, to put me and Dick compassion. Brother Marvin is with us Cheney back in office. today as well, and I want to thank Marv My one regret is that Laura is not with for coming. I love to be with my family. me today. I get great strength from my faith, my fam- Audience members. Aw-w-w! ily, and my friends. The President. I know, that’s generally I want to thank Carey Baker for his serv- the reaction. [Laughter] I’m going the give ice, not only in the Armed Forces but in you some reasons, as I said, to put me the statehouse. As I came up on the stage, in, but perhaps the most important one Mrs. Baker informed me they’ll be having of all is so that Laura is the First Lady a child tomorrow. [Laughter] Let’s just for 4 more years. When I met her again— make sure it’s tomorrow. [Laughter] see, we went to the seventh grade together I want to thank Congressman Cliff in San Jacinto Junior High in Midland, Stearns for his leadership in the House of Texas. When I met her again, she was a Representatives. I appreciate the service of public school librarian. I said, ‘‘Will you the State chief financial officer, Tom Galla- marry me?’’ She said, ‘‘Fine, just so long gher. I want to thank all the other State as I never have to give a speech.’’ [Laugh- and local officials who are here.

2592