Remarks at a fundraiser for senatorial candidate Elizabeth Dole and congressional candidate Robin Hayes in Charlotte

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, March 4, 2002

February 27, 2002

Thank you all very much. Please, be seated. Your salad might get cold. [Laughter] Thanks so much for that warm welcome.

It's great to be back in the State of North Carolina. It just seems like I was here a couple of weeks ago--I was. [Laughter] I love coming to your State. The people here are wonderful and friendly. I love working the rope line at the airport when people say, "Mr. President, I'm praying for you." I can't tell you how wonderful that makes me feel.

I thank you for your support and your friendship. I thank you for getting ready to send a fabulous woman to the United States Senate named ELIZABETH DOLE. I appreciate all those who have come to contribute not only to Elizabeth but to my friend ROBIN HAYES'S campaign, but also to the Republican Party of North Carolina.

Somebody said to me the other day--or, actually, asked me today, you know, am I going to campaign? "Here we are in war. Do you think it's all right for the President to go campaign?" I said, "Yes, I do. I think it'd be a lot easier for me to accomplish what I want to accomplish with Denny Hastert as Speaker of the House of Representatives and with Trent Lott as majority leader of the United States Senate."

So I want to thank you all for coming to support two good candidates in the party. I also want to say, although Elizabeth is going to make a great United States Senator, it's been a joy to work with Jesse Helms. He's been a strong voice. And like--you know, Robin is smart enough to send his wife. [Laughter] I should have sent mine. [laughter] What a fabulous job she's doing.

You know, when I married her, she was a public school librarian, didn't particularly care for politics--truth be known, politicians. [Laughter] And now she has been in a position of such important responsibility, and she's handled her position with such calm and resolve. She's been a wonderful comforter, not only to me but to the country, and I'm so grateful for her and the sacrifices she has made.

We're doing great, by the way. I've never felt stronger in my life. I think it's because my wife is so great. It's also because I happen to be the President of the greatest Nation on the face of the Earth, and this country is united and resolved.

Another reason I feel confident in our ability to accomplish some important missions for the country is, I've assembled a great team. For those of you who have ever run a company or run an organization, you understand what I'm about to say--that you're only as good as your team. And my national security team is strong and capable and experienced, and so is my domestic policy team, with Tommy Thompson playing an integral role. And Tommy, I want to thank you for serving the country, and thank you for being a part of my Cabinet.

We're here today to talk about welfare reform. You do a good job in Mecklenburg County about making sure that businesses are responsible citizens in the county and helping people help themselves by finding them work. And we understand that work is an integral part of any welfare reform, but we also understand that we've got to pass power out of Washington, DC, so the local folks can meet important goals and objectives. And speaking about local folks who we trust, you've got a fine mayor. We appreciate the mayor of Charlotte, and we appreciate his leadership.

And I also want to thank Sue Myrick. She is a fine Member of the United States Congress. Every other word is "Charlotte" when I'm around her. [Laughter] She did a great job as mayor.

And speaking about that, Robin Hayes--he needs to go back to Washington, DC. He needs to be reelected for the good of North Carolina, North Carolina workers, and North Carolina businessowners.

And I want to thank you, Barbara, for representing him. We've got--Barbaras have a sweet spot in our heart in the Bush family. And you did a fine job. I completely understand why Robin is not here. He wants to be working on behalf of the North Carolina people, which is what he has done every time I've met with him. He's one of the best grassroots politicians I've ever met. He's the kind of fellow that, when you're driving through the district, he says, "There's old Joe over there. He owns that business. And there's this fellow over there. I got to know him when I went to shake hands with him."

He also stood strong for the textile industry. When it became clear that there was going to be some trade negotiations going on, he said, "I want to make sure textiles are not dealt out of the mix this time." And because of his leadership, textiles have not been dealt out of the mix.

The Secretary of Commerce was in your State the other day and made it clear that when it comes to trade, we're for fair trade for U.S. products. And I want to thank Robin for his leadership. And the North Carolina people ought to be thanking him for his leadership, as well.

And I can't wait to work with Elizabeth Dole. It's important this State send her to Washington, DC. It's important that you have somebody in Washington that when she calls over to the White House, they answer the phone. [Laughter] She's been a long-time friend. I trust her judgment. I know the integrity she'll bring to the office.