Remarks in West Allis, Wisconsin

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Sept 6, 2004

September 3, 2004

The President. Thank you all. Thank you all for coming. Thank you 'all. That's what I'm here to tell you. I've got the vision, the desire to lead this country for 4 more years. I want to thank you all for coming. Before I thank you for the work you're going to do and before I talk to you about why I want to be your President for 4 more years, I do want to address several situations in the news that call for our concern and prayers.

En route here we just received news that President Clinton has been hospitalized in New York. He is in our thoughts and prayers. We send him our best wishes for a swift and speedy recovery.

In Florida, our citizens are bracing for yet another hurricane. Many people there are being displaced from their homes. The Federal Government stands ready to help the people of Florida in any way we can, and the people there need to know all America is praying for their safety.

And finally, in Russia, hundreds of agonized parents are worried about the fate of their children. This is yet another grim reminder of the lengths to which terrorists will go to threaten the civilized world. We mourn the innocent lives that have been lost. We stand with the people of Russia. We send them our prayers in this terrible situation.

And finally, I'm here to thank you for your help, thank you for registering people to vote, thank you for working hard. There is no doubt in my mind, we will carry, Wisconsin and carry this country.

We love coming to Wisconsin. It's the home of some really fine people. It's a beautiful State, and you play great football. You know, it's traditional when politicians come to your State that they talk about the Packers. And I understand my opponent did it the other day, and he even mentioned the legendary stadium in Green Bay. [Laughter] Listen, I've got some advice for him: If someone offers you a cheesehead, don't say you want some wine. [Laughter] Just put it on your head and take a seat at Lambeau Field.

I'm going to give you some reasons to put me in, but perhaps the most important one of all is so that Laura will be First Lady for 4 more years. Man, she gave a great speech. You know, when I asked her to marry me, it was in Midland, Texas. She said, "I'll marry you so long as I don't ever have to give a speech." [Laughter] I said, "Okay," but fortunately, she didn't hold me to the promise. The country got to see that she is calm, steady, compassionate, and a great First Lady.

I want to thank--the other night I had a chance to thank publicly my runningmate, Dick Cheney. He's a fine man. You know, I admit it, he's not the prettiest face in the race. I didn't pick him for his looks. I picked him because of his judgment, his experience, and his ability to get the job done.

I want to thank three Members of the United States Congress from Wisconsin who are here today. Jim Sensenbrenner, the chairman, is with us today--appreciate you. Tom Petri is with us today. Congressman, thank you for coming. And Congressman Mark Green is with us today. I appreciate you coming, Mark.

I want to thank my friend Scott Walker, who is here today. If he plays his cards right, they may just start calling him "W." I appreciate Mary Panzer and John Gard. I want to thank all the State and local officials who are here.

I want to thank the Democrats for Bush national cochairman, who is with us, Brian Lunde. You know, Brian and Zell Miller--they're leading--they're on to something. [Laughter] There's a lot of discerning Democrats who understand that 4 more years will make this country safer, stronger, and better.

Audience members. Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

The President. And this campaign welcomes all Democrats and independents. Our vision includes everybody. Our message is for every single citizen in this country.

I appreciate my friend Jim Klauser and all the grassroots activists who are here. Thanks for putting up the signs. Thanks for making the phone calls. Thanks for registering the voters, and thank you for turning out our voters, dome November, to the polls.

I am honored that Greg Gracz is with us today. He is the president of the Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association, Local 215. I received the endorsement from 215 and the firefighters. I proudly accept your support. Bradley DeBraska is with us. He is the president of the Milwaukee Police Association. I thank them for their endorsement as well. I am proud to stand with the police and firefighters of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

I want to, finally, thank West Allis Central High School band. Thank you all for coming.

Listen, we're approaching an historic national election. The time for choosing is coming close. This election will come down to the records we have built, the convictions we hold, and the vision that guides us forward. I'm looking forward to this campaign. I'm looking forward because I understand a Presidential contest is a contest for the future. Over the next 2 months, I will tell you where I stand. I'm going to tell you where I'm going to lead this country. I'll tell you what I believe.