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Rally at Yorba Regional Park 9/13/92 [OA 5812]
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Rally at Yorba Regional Park 9/13/92 [OA 5812]
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MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13641
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13641-005
Folder Title:
Rally at Yorba Regional Park 9/13/92 [OA 5812]
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26
18
4
7
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
9/12/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
ASAP!!!
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RALLY AT YORBA REGIONAL PARK
SUBJECT:
ORANGE COUNTY, CA - SUNDAY 9/13/92 - 1:40 pm
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCBRIDE
BAKER
MOORE
SCOWCROFT
MULLINS
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BATES
PORTER
BRADY
PROVOST
BROMLEY
ROSS
CALIO
SMITH
DEMAREST
TUTWILER
FITZWATER
ZOELLICK
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
MCGROARTY
GROOMES
HORNER
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122, x2930,
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, with a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Smith/Bunton)
Draft Four
September 12, 1992
GOLDEN
2 SEP 12 P9: I 4
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: REAGAN EVENT
ORANGE COUNTY, CA.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 13, 1992
Mr. President. Congressman Bob Dornan. Congressman Chris
Cox. Congressman Dana Rohrbacher. / It's great to be in
California. And it's especially great to have Ronald Reagan with
us.
Mr. President, any friend of Thomas Jefferson is a friend of
mine. // Last year I was honored to help dedicate your Library.
When I leave office I look forward to your dedicating mine. /
Not to be specific, but how are you fixed for sometime in 19 11
97? //
I love Ronald Reagan for the same reasons you do. First,
his sense of humor. ((No wonder he took Washington by storm.
Here was a politician who was funny on purpose. "
I'm a Reagan fan for another reason: His eloquence. Ronald
Reagan didn't just make the world believe in America again. He
made Americans believe in themselves again. //
The Great Communicator was the Great Liberator. Abroad, he
helped free millions from tyranny. At home, he helped free
millions from a government that's too big and spends too much of
your money. / He turned America around -- turned the days of
malaise into "a shining city on a hill. /
((Now, I'm not saying these nice things about Ronald Reagan
in case he decides to run for President again in 1996. / Though
2
I'll confess if it weren't for a little something called the 22nd
Amendment -- he would now be well into the 12th year of his
Presidency -- and I'd be halfway around the world at some
funeral.) " 11
I say these things because Ronald Reagan had the unique
ability to peak around the corners of history. / Look to Berlin
-- where a wall has crumbled. Look from Kuwait to Panama --
where those once enslaved have been set free. / President Reagan
predicted Communism would land in the dust bin of history --,
called it the "Evil Empire." Well, today Imperial Communism is
not merely "E-V-I-L." It is "D-E-A-D." DEAD. Mr. President, on
behalf of all who love freedom -- we thank you.//
With the Cold War over, we face a world of transition. Last
week in Detroit, I talked about some of those economic changes -
- the defense industry's adjustment to a more peaceful world, the
competitive restructuring of our industry, and most important,
the globalization of our economy. No state has felt this
transition more than California. I understand that.
My opponent looks at all that is happening and says we are a
nation in decline -- he says we are "ridiculed" -- his words --
and that our economy is sliding below Germany, heading south
toward Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka? Come on, Governor. Stop picking
on small southern states -- who can't help where their leaders
take them.
Governor Clinton has it wrong -- dead wrong. America is not
a nation in decline, we are on the rise. The lights in the
3
shining city will still shine -- if we but make the right choices
today. Here's the question voters must ask themselves -- who do
you trust to take America into the future? Whose ideas fit best
with your beliefs, America's experience, and our hopes for
lasting peace and prosperity.
Last week I laid out my plan -- my agenda for America's
Renewal. A comprehensive game plan to create a $10 trillion
economy -- by early in the next century.
My agenda keeps faith with the crusade we called the Reagan
Revolution. It will decrease what government must do -- and
increase what individuals may do. It shows what's at stake --
what the differences are -- in the 1992 Election. Two
candidates. Two philosophies. Two agendas. A Grand Canyon of a
divide. //
On the one hand -- the left hand, naturally -- stands my
opponent. A man who started in politics with the McGovern
campaign / a politician nearly all of his adult life / a man who
has known virtually no avocation beyond government, no ambition
above the next election. //
On the other hand -- you're looking at a man proud to have
spent half my life in the private sector -- built a business, met
a payroll. / From my experience, I know that a certain fan of
Calvin Coolidge was right -- "The American people aren't under
taxed -- the government in Washington is overfed." I know what
works, and can put America to work -- lower taxes and spending /
less regulation / more opportunity / more freedom. //
4
Look at the issue of how to get the economy moving again.
Just last week, Governor Clinton was interviewed by Tom
Brokaw. His first words were advocating a tax increase.
//
Governor Clinton wants at least $220 billion in new spending,
$150 billion in new taxes -- just to start. He ideas could lead
to a new training tax and a new payroll tax for his health care
scheme. They say that President Reagan thought everyday was the
Fourth of July -- Governor Clinton seems to believe that
everyday is April 15th. // When it comes to taxes, think of him
as Willie Brown with a saxaphone.
I want to take America in a entirely different direction. I
have a specific plan to cut government spending by almost $300
billion in the next five years. And I'll cut taxes -- and get
this economy moving again.
What about foreign trade? Ronald Reagan's "peace through
strength" made the U.S. the dominant military presence around the
world. Now I want to build on that legacy -- with a strategic
network of trade agreements -- to keep America an export
superpower, and an economic superpower. That's why I negotiated
the North American Free Trade Agreement to build the world's
largest free-trade zone -- a $6 trillion market, from the Yukon
to the Yucatan -- creating 300,000 new American jobs.
My opponent position's on free trade? Well, first he was
for it -- then he changed his mind. Now he says firmly: "When I
have a definitive opinion I will say so. / Governor, here's my
5
opinion: Americans never retreat -- we always compete. And we
will win. //
Small business is the backbone of the California economy --
begging for relief from taxation, regulation, and litigation.
Did you know that each year consumers and companies spend up to
$200 billion dollars on direct payment to lawyers? Here's the
question Americans are asking. If an apple a day keeps a doctor
away -- what works with a lawyer? Well, I have a plan to give
business and workers relief by getting rid of crazy lawsuits. As
a nation, we must sue each other less -- and care for each other
more.
My opponent doesn't think this is a problem. The president
of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association wrote this fund-raising
letter -- and I quote: "I can never remember an occasion when
[Governor Clinton] failed to do the right thing where we trial
lawyers were concerned." While he's in the corner sponging the
trial lawyer's brow, I want to get in the ring and strike a blow
against frivolous lawsuits. 11
Now, what about foreign and defense policy? Well, Mr.
Clinton has on opinion these matters. He has written about, and
I quote, "loathing the military." He says -- and again I quote,
"to many of us, it is not clear -- what is service, and what is
disservice." He said this as a young man. To quote a certain
Senator from Tennessee -- "a leopard doesn't change its stripes.'
Listen to Governor Clinton on the question of whether to
stand up to Saddam Hussein. Two days after Congress followed my
6
lead, here's what Governor Clinton said -- and I once again, I
quote directly. "I guess would have voted with the majority if
it was a close vote. But I agree with the arguments the minority
made. $ / Governor Clinton felt strongly on both sides of the
issue -- I felt strongly that America must stand up for freedom.
Saddam's naked act of aggression could not stand. 11
of America's place in the world, Governor Clinton talks the
talk -- says he's for a strong military." But he walks the walk
of liberals whose idea of high-tech weaponry is the super-soaker
squirt gun. My opponent wants to slash our defense budget -- cut
$60 billion beyond what experts say is expendable. These cuts
that would cost as many as one million jobs in defense --
especially California's hard-hit aerospace industry. He also
wants to gut one of Ronald Reagan's greatest legacies: The
Strategic Defense Initiative. //
Maybe the good Governor is simply confused about what
exactly SDI does. After all, last week you heard him talk about
Patriot missiles -- the weapons we used to shoot down Saddam's
scud missiles. Here is what Governor Clinton said of our "scud
busters." "They go through doors or down chimneys." That's the
cruise missile. Well, Governor Clinton may be a Rhodes Scholar,
but he's no rocket scientist. 11
Take a look at the issues in this election. On taxes, my
opponent does the fox trot -- straight to your wallet. On free
trade -- he does the Texas two-step. On litigation -- he's
waltzing with the lawyers. And when it comes to keeping America
7
strong -- he's in a conga line. Ted Kennedy is sash, sash
sashaying up front, Pat Schroeder is right behind -- and they are
all headed for a cliff, and taking the California economy with
them. // Governor Clinton does remind me of an important figure
from the 1940's. But it's not Harry Truman. It's Arthur Murray.
We have a choice in this election. Back to the future with
conservatives, or back to the drawing board with the liberals.
To build on the entrepreneurial policies that Ronald Reagan
started, go to back to the liberal agenda that made America look
finished.
I know we have big challenges before us. But following
Governor Clinton's prescription for our economy, would be like
going back to the used car lot, and picking up the lemon you sold
12 years before. Only this time it would have higher prices
from inflation, skyrocketing interest rates for credit, and a hot
air bag thrown in. America -- this is not a deal for you.
America has been through an age of transition. But there is
clear sailing ahead -- if we make the right choices today. If we
put our faith in people, not in government. If we build to the
future, not protect the past.
Ronald Reagan used these beliefs to restore America's faith
in the Presidency -- and the world's faith in America. // Which
is why I say: Mr. President, we'll get you on Mount Rushmore
yet. // Having won the Cold War, now let's win another war for
prosperity and opportunity." Thank you, and God bless the United
States of America. //
MARTIN
REAGAN EVENT
ORANGE COUNTY, CA.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 13, 1992
THANK YOU MR. PRESIDENT. GOVERNOR WILSON. HOST
CONGRESSMAN BOB DORNAN. AND THANK YOU, LARRY GATLIN
AND THE GATLIN BROTHERS. IT'S GREAT TO BE IN
CALIFORNIA. AND IT'S ESPECIALLY GREAT TO BE HERE WITH
PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN.
MR. PRESIDENT, LAST YEAR I WAS HONORED TO HELP
DEDICATE YOUR LIBRARY. WHEN I LEAVE OFFICE I LOOK
FORWARD TO YOUR DEDICATING MINE. / NOT TO BE SPECIFIC,
BUT HOW ARE YOU FIXED FOR SOMETIME IN 19 // 97? 11
I LOVE RONALD REAGAN FOR THE SAME REASONS YOU DO.
FIRST, HIS SENSE OF HUMOR. ((NO WONDER HE TOOK
WASHINGTON BY STORM. HERE WAS A POLITICIAN WHO WAS
FUNNY ON PURPOSE. ))
I'M A REAGAN FAN FOR ANOTHER REASON: HIS
ELOQUENCE. RONALD REAGAN DIDN'T JUST MAKE THE WORLD
BELIEVE IN AMERICA AGAIN. HE MADE AMERICANS BELIEVE IN
THEMSELVES AGAIN. 11
- 2 -
THE GREAT COMMUNICATOR WAS THE GREAT LIBERATOR.
ABROAD, HE HELPED FREE MILLIONS FROM TYRANNY. AT HOME,
HE HELPED FREE MILLIONS FROM A GOVERNMENT THAT'S TOO
BIG AND SPENDS T00 MUCH OF YOUR MONEY. / HE TURNED
AMERICA AROUND -- TURNED THE DAYS OF MALAISE INTO "A
SHINING CITY ON A HILL." /
( (NOW, I'M NOT SAYING THESE NICE THINGS ABOUT
RONALD REAGAN IN CASE HE DECIDES TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT
AGAIN IN 1996. / THOUGH I'LL CONFESS IF IT WEREN'T FOR
A LITTLE SOMETHING CALLED THE 22ND AMENDMENT -- HE
WOULD NOW BE WELL INTO THE 12TH YEAR OF HIS PRESIDENCY
-- AND I'D BE HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD AT SOME
FUNERAL. )) 11
- 3 -
I SAY THESE COMPLIMENTS BECAUSE RONALD REAGAN HAD
THE UNIQUE ABILITY TO PEEK AROUND THE CORNERS OF
HISTORY. / LOOK TO BERLIN -- WHERE A WALL HAS
CRUMBLED. LOOK FROM KUWAIT TO PANAMA -- WHERE THOSE
ONCE ENSLAVED HAVE BEEN SET FREE. / PRESIDENT REAGAN
PREDICTED COMMUNISM WOULD LAND IN THE DUST BIN OF
HISTORY -- CALLED IT THE "EVIL EMPIRE." WELL, TODAY
IMPERIAL COMMUNISM IS NOT MERELY "E-V-I-L." IT IS "D-
E-A-D." DEAD.// MR. PRESIDENT, ON BEHALF OF ALL WHO
LOVE FREEDOM -- WE THANK YOU. //
WITH THE COLD WAR OVER, WE FACE A WORLD OF
TRANSITION. LAST WEEK IN DETROIT, I TALKED ABOUT SOME
OF THOSE ECONOMIC CHANGES -- THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY'S
ADJUSTMENT TO A MORE PEACEFUL WORLD, THE COMPETITIVE
RESTRUCTURING OF OUR INDUSTRY, AND MOST IMPORTANT, THE
GLOBALIZATION OF OUR ECONOMY. NO STATE HAS FELT THIS
TRANSITION MORE THAN CALIFORNIA. I UNDERSTAND THAT.
- 4 -
MY OPPONENT LOOKS AT ALL THAT IS HAPPENING AND SAYS
WE ARE A NATION IN DECLINE -- HE SAYS WE ARE
"RIDICULED" -- HIS WORDS -- AND THAT OUR ECONOMY IS
SLIDING BELOW GERMANY, HEADING SOUTH TOWARD SRI LANKA.
SRI LANKA? COME ON, GOVERNOR. STOP PICKING ON SMALL
SOUTHERN STATES -- WHO CAN'T HELP WHERE THEIR LEADERS
TAKE THEM.
GOVERNOR CLINTON HAS IT WRONG -- DEAD WRONG.
AMERICA IS NOT A NATION IN DECLINE, WE ARE ON THE RISE.
THE LIGHTS IN THE SHINING CITY WILL STILL SHINE -- IF
WE BUT MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES TODAY.
LAST WEEK I LAID OUT MY PLAN -- MY AGENDA FOR
AMERICA'S RENEWAL. A COMPREHENSIVE GAME PLAN TO CREATE
A $10 TRILLION ECONOMY -- BY EARLY IN THE NEXT CENTURY.
- 5 -
MY AGENDA KEEPS FAITH WITH THE CRUSADE WE CALLED
THE REAGAN REVOLUTION. IT WILL DECREASE WHAT
GOVERNMENT MUST DO -- AND INCREASE WHAT INDIVIDUALS MAY
DO. IT SHOWS WHAT THE DIFFERENCES ARE -- -- IN THE 1992
ELECTION. TWO CANDIDATES. TWO PHILOSOPHIES. TWO
AGENDAS. A GRAND CANYON OF A DIVIDE. //
ON THE ONE HAND -- THE LEFT HAND, NATURALLY --
STANDS MY OPPONENT. A MAN WHO STARTED IN POLITICS WITH
THE MCGOVERN CAMPAIGN / A POLITICIAN NEARLY ALL OF HIS
ADULT LIFE / A MAN WHO HAS KNOWN VIRTUALLY NO AVOCATION
BEYOND GETTING ELECTED. //
ON THE OTHER HAND - -- YOU'RE LOOKING AT A MAN PROUD
TO HAVE SPENT HALF MY LIFE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR --
BUILT A BUSINESS, MET A PAYROLL. /
FROM MY OWN
KONALD REAGAN
EXPERIENCE, I KNOW THAT THE MOST FAMOUS RESIDENT OF
ORANGE COUNTY HAD IT RIGHT -- "THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
AREN'T UNDER TAXED -- THE GOVERNMENT IN WASHINGTON IS
OVERFED."
- 6 -
LOOK AT THE ISSUE OF HOW TO GET THE ECONOMY MOVING
AGAIN. JUST LAST WEEK, GOVERNOR CLINTON WAS
INTERVIEWED BY TOM BROKAW. HIS FIRST WORDS WERE
ADVOCATING A TAX INCREASE. // GOVERNOR CLINTON WANTS
AT LEAST $220 BILLION IN NEW SPENDING, $150 BILLION IN
NEW TAXES - -- JUST TO START. HIS IDEAS COULD LEAD TO A
NEW TRAINING TAX AND A NEW PAYROLL TAX FOR HIS HEALTH
CARE SCHEME. THEY SAY THAT PRESIDENT REAGAN THOUGHT
EVERYDAY WAS THE FOURTH OF JULY - -- WELL, GOVERNOR
CLINTON SEEMS TO BELIEVE THAT EVERYDAY IS APRIL 15TH.
// WHEN IT COMES TO TAXES -- THINK OF HIM AS WILLIE
BROWN WITH A SAXOPHONE.
I WANT TO TAKE AMERICA IN AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT
of
DIRECTION. I HAVE A SPECIFIC PLAN TO CUT atk MANDATORY
growth
GOVERNMENT SPENDING BY ALMOST $300 BILLION IN THE NEXT
FIVE YEARS. AND I'LL CUT TAXES -- AND WE'LL GET THIS
ECONOMY MOVING AGAIN.
- 7 -
WHAT ABOUT FOREIGN TRADE? RONALD REAGAN'S "PEACE
THROUGH STRENGTH" MADE THE U.S. THE DOMINANT MILITARY
PRESENCE AROUND THE WORLD. NOW I WANT TO BUILD ON THAT
LEGACY -- WITH A STRATEGIC NETWORK OF TRADE AGREEMENTS
-- TO KEEP AMERICA AN EXPORT SUPERPOWER, AND AN
ECONOMIC SUPERPOWER. THAT'S WHY WE NEGOTIATED THE
NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT -- TO BUILD THE
WORLD'S LARGEST FREE-TRADE ZONE -- FROM MANITOBA TO
MEXICO -- CREATING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF NEW JOBS
FOR THE WORKING MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICA. 11
MY OPPONENT'S POSITION ON FREE TRADE? WELL,
FIRST HE WAS FOR IT -- THEN HE CHANGED HIS MIND. NOW
HE SAYS FIRMLY: "WHEN I HAVE A DEFINITIVE OPINION I
WILL SAY SO." / GOVERNOR, HERE'S MY OPINION:
AMERICANS NEVER RETREAT -- WE ALWAYS COMPETE. AND WE
WILL WIN.//
- 8 -
SMALL BUSINESS IS THE BACKBONE OF THE CALIFORNIA
ECONOMY -- BEGGING FOR RELIEF FROM TAXATION,
REGULATION, AND LITIGATION. DID YOU KNOW THAT EACH
YEAR CONSUMERS AND COMPANIES SPEND UP TO $200 BILLION
DOLLARS ON DIRECT PAYMENT TO LAWYERS? AMERICANS WANT
TO KNOW: "IF AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS A DOCTOR AWAY --
WHAT WORKS WITH A LAWYER?" WELL, I HAVE A PLAN TO GIVE
BUSINESS AND WORKERS RELIEF BY GETTING RID OF CRAZY
LAWSUITS. AS A NATION, WE MUST SUE EACH OTHER LESS --
AND CARE FOR EACH OTHER MORE.
MY OPPONENT DOESN'T THINK THIS IS A PROBLEM.
LISTEN TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE ARKANSAS TRIAL LAWYERS
ASSOCIATION -- AND I QUOTE: "I CAN NEVER REMEMBER AN
OCCASION WHEN [GOVERNOR CLINTON] FAILED TO DO THE RIGHT
THING WHERE WE TRIAL LAWYERS WERE CONCERNED." WHILE
GOVERNOR CLINTON'S IN THE CORNER SPONGING THE TRIAL
LAWYER'S BROW, I WANT TO GET IN THE RING AND STRIKE A
BLOW AGAINST ALL THOSE CRAZY LAWSUITS. //
- 9 -
MY OPPONENT SAYS THAT ALL THIS TALK OF "FAMILY
VALUES" IS IRRELEVANT. HE'S BEEN DOING A LOT OF FEAR-
MONGERING LATELY, TALKING ABOUT HOW WE WANT TO DIVIDE
AMERICA.
YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN WHEN I TALK ABOUT
STRENGTHENING THE AMERICAN FAMILY. I DON'T MEAN TO GO
BACK TO THE DAYS OF OZZIE AND HARRIET. FAMILIES ARE
MEASURED NOT BY "WHAT KIND," BUT "HOW CLOSE."
I SPEAK OF STRENGTHENING THE AMERICAN FAMILY
BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN DEALING NOT WITH SYMPTOMS -- BUT
ROOT CAUSES. ASK ANY GOVERNOR, ANY MAYOR -- ANY
TEACHER OR ANY PREACHER -- THE SUREST WAY TO STRENGTHEN
AMERICA, IS TO STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY.
THAT'S WHY I WANT PARENTS -- NOT THE GOVERNMENT --
TO CHOOSE THEIR KIDS DAY CARE. I WANT PARENTS -- NOT
THE GOVERNMENT -- TO CHOOSE YOUR KIDS SCHOOLS. AND
PETE WILSON IS RIGHT. WE NEED A WELFARE SYSTEM THAT
CONVINCES FAMILIES TO STICK TOGETHER, AND FATHERS TO
STICK AROUND.//
- 10 -
OF AMERICA'S PLACE IN THE WORLD, GOVERNOR CLINTON
TALKS THE TALK -- SAYS HE'S FOR A STRONG MILITARY."
BUT HE WALKS THE WALK OF LIBERALS WHOSE IDEA OF HIGH-
TECH WEAPONRY IS THE SUPER-SOAKER SQUIRT GUN. MY
OPPONENT WANTS TO SLASH OUR DEFENSE BUDGET -- CUT $60
BILLION BEYOND WHAT EXPERTS SAY IS EXPENDABLE. THESE
CUTS WOULD COST AS MANY AS ONE MILLION JOBS IN DEFENSE
-- ESPECIALLY CALIFORNIA'S HARD-HIT AEROSPACE INDUSTRY.
HE ALSO WANTS TO GUT ONE OF RONALD REAGAN'S GREATEST
LEGACIES: THE STRATEGIC DEFENSE INITIATIVE. //
MAYBE GOVERNOR CLINTON IS SIMPLY CONFUSED ABOUT
WHAT EXACTLY S.D.I. DOES. AFTER ALL, LAST WEEK YOU
HEARD HIM TALK ABOUT PATRIOT MISSILES -- THE WEAPONS WE
USED TO SHOOT DOWN SADDAM'S SCUD MISSILES. HERE IS
WHAT GOVERNOR CLINTON SAID OF OUR "SCUD BUSTERS."
"THEY GO THROUGH DOORS OR DOWN CHIMNEYS." WOOPS!
THAT'S NOT THE PATRIOT. THOSE ARE LAZER GUIDED
MISSILES. GOVERNOR CLINTON MAY BE A RHODES SCHOLAR,
BUT HE'S NO ROCKET SCIENTIST. //
THE PATROIT SHOOTS
DOWN OTHER
MISSILES
- 11 -
WE HAVE A CHOICE IN THIS ELECTION. BACK TO THE
FUTURE WITH CONSERVATIVES, OR BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD
WITH THE LIBERALS. TO BUILD ON THE ENTREPRENEURIAL
POLICIES THAT RONALD REAGAN STARTED, OR TO GO BACK TO
THE LIBERAL AGENDA THAT MADE AMERICA LOOK FINISHED.
I KNOW WE HAVE BIG CHALLENGES BEFORE US. BUT
FOLLOWING GOVERNOR CLINTON'S PRESCRIPTION FOR OUR
ECONOMY, WOULD BE LIKE GOING BACK TO THE USED CAR LOT,
AND PICKING UP THE LEMON YOU SOLD 12 YEARS BEFORE.
ONLY THIS TIME IT WOULD HAVE HIGHER PRICES FROM
INFLATION, SKYROCKETING INTEREST RATES FOR CREDIT, AND
A HOT AIR BAG THROWN IN. AMERICA -- THIS IS NOT A DEAL
FOR YOU.
LIKE THE WHOLE WORLD, AMERICA IS GOING THROUGH AN
AGE OF TRANSITION. BUT THERE IS CLEAR SAILING AHEAD -
- IF WE MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES TODAY. IF WE PUT OUR
FAITH IN PEOPLE, NOT IN GOVERNMENT. IF WE BUILD TO THE
FUTURE, NOT PROTECT THE PAST.
- 12 - -
PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN TAUGHT US MANY THINGS. HIS
FIRST LESSON -- WAS THE ENDURING POWER OF IDEAS. IN
AMERICA, THE BEST IDEAS ALWAYS TRIUMPH. YES, THE POLLS
TELL US WE ARE BEHIND TODAY, BUT ON NOVEMBER 3RD, I
HAVE NO DOUBT WE WILL FINISH FIRST.
WE WILL WIN BECAUSE OUR IDEAS ARE RIGHT FOR
AMERICA, OUR IDEAS OFFER THE BEST HOPE -- OF MATCHING
THE PEACE AROUND THE WORLD, WITH PEACE OF MIND HERE AT
HOME. IF YOU BELIEVE IN THESE IDEAS, I ASK YOU TO JOIN
THE CRUSADE -- TO RENEW AMERICA -- TO MAKE THIS FAIR
NATION, SAFER, STRONGER, AND MORE SECURE. // THANK
YOU, AND GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 11
# # # #
PRESIDENT REAGAN'S INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
I HAVEN'T HEARD SUCH CHEERS SINCE I TOLD THE
WASHINGTON PRESS CORPS I WAS LEAVING TOWN. I'M NOT
SURE WHO CHEERED THE LOUDEST -- THEM OR ME!
WHEN GEORGE BUSH TOLD ME HE WAS COMING TO ORANGE
COUNTY, I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE NICE TO INTRODUCE HIM TO
A FEW FRIENDS!
THE PEOPLE OF ORANGE COUNTY HAVE BEEN VERY KIND TO
ME OVER THE YEARS -- THROUGH THICK AND THIN I KNEW I
COULD ALWAYS COUNT ON YOU.
- 2 -
AS YOUR GOVERNOR AND AS YOUR PRESIDENT, I KNEW I
WAS ALWAYS AMONG FRIENDS WHEN I WAS IN ORANGE COUNTY.
AND WHEN I ANNOUNCED MY INTENTION TO RUN FOR A
SECOND TERM IN 1984, THERE WASN'T ANY QUESTION IN MY
MIND WHERE I'D GO TO KICK-OFF THE CAMPAIGN. I'D GO
HOME TO ORANGE COUNTY.
THE STORY OF ORANGE COUNTY IS THE STORY OF
AMERICA. WHAT BEGAN AS ENDLESS GROVES AND ORCHARDS,
TODAY STANDS AS A THRIVING CENTER OF INNOVATION AND
ENTREPRENEURSHIP.
YOU FIND MANY WONDERFUL MEN AND WOMEN IN ORANGE
COUNTY, THE PLACE WHERE THE GREAT SANTA ANA WINDS BLOW.
IT'S A PLACE JUST ABOUT ANYONE COULD COME TO ENJOY.
BUT I REALLY DON'T THINK WE WILL SEE THE DEMOCRATIC
NOMINEE DOWN HERE ENJOYING THE SANTA ANA WINDS -- I
UNDERSTAND HE PREFERS TO STEER CLEAR OF DRAFTS.
- 3 -
BUT, I SUPPOSE THERE IS ONE PLACE IN THIS AREA
WHERE HE MIGHT FEEL RIGHT AT HOME. IT'S JUST A FEW
MILES FROM HERE -- AT THE BASE OF WALT DISNEY'S
MATTERHORN MOUNTAIN. IT'S CALLED FANTASYLAND.
YOU KNOW, HIS ECONOMIC POLICIES MIGHT ACTUALLY
WORK THERE!
BUT SERIOUSLY, WHAT I'VE COME TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT
TODAY, IS NOT JUST IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE OF ORANGE
COUNTY, BUT FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR GREAT NATION. IN
LESS THAN TWO MONTHS, WE, AS AMERICANS, WILL HAVE AN
IMPORTANT DECISION TO MAKE. ELECTING A PRESIDENT IS
ALWAYS AN IMPORTANT DECISION. BUT THIS ELECTION WILL
HAVE PROFOUND CONSEQUENCES FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR
COUNTRY.
- 4 -
MAYBE A FEW OF YOU HEARD MY REMARKS AT THE
REPUBLICAN CONVENTION LAST MONTH. I SPOKE OF AMERICA'S
PROMISING FUTURE, OF HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND OF HER
UNIQUENESS AMONG THE WORLD POWERS. AND THE PRIDE THAT
WE AS AMERICANS CAN SHARE IN OUR VICTORIES AROUND THE
WORLD THIS PAST DECADE.
HOWEVER, I DO HAVE TO CORRECT ONE THING I SAID AT
THE CONVENTION: THE TRUTH IS I REALLY DID NOT KNOW
THOMAS JEFFERSON.
I COULDN'T POSSIBLY HAVE.
YOU SEE, WE LIVED IN DIFFERENT STATES!
BUT ONE PERSON I DO KNOW -- AND KNOW WELL -- IS
GEORGE BUSH. AND WE, AS A NATION, HAVE COME SO FAR
SINCE GEORGE BUSH AND I ARRIVED IN WASHINGTON.
- 5 -
YET TODAY, WE HEAR THE DESPAIRING VOICES OF THE
DOOMSDAY DEMOCRATS, WHO GAVE US THE TURMOIL OF THE
1960'S AND THE MALAISE OF THE 1970'S, TELLING US HOW
BLEAK THINGS ARE.
TO HEAR THE DEMOCRATIC POLITICIANS, THINGS ARE SO
BAD THAT DOWN AT MCDONALD'S, EVENT THE "HAPPY MEALS"
ARE DEPRESSED!
OUR OPPONENTS WOULD LIKE US TO BELIEVE THAT THE
LAST TWELVE YEARS WERE NOT GOOD FOR AMERICA AND THE
WORLD. WELL, AS UNWELCOME AS FACTS MIGHT BE TO OUR
OPPONENTS, I THINK IT'S TIME WE SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT
ON WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED.
ON OUR WATCH, A DEMORALIZED, UNDERFUNDED, AND
UNAPPRECIATED MILITARY WAS REVITALIZED INTO THE MOST
MODERN AND RESPECTED MILITARY FORCE IN WORLD HISTORY.
- 6 -
ON OUR WATCH, INFLATION WAS BROUGHT DOWN FROM
DOUBLE DIGITS TO THE LOWEST RATE IN 25 YEARS. INTEREST
RATES FELL TO THEIR LOWEST LEVEL IN TWO DECADES. AND
THE STIFLING TAX BURDEN ON AMERICAN FAMILIES WAS
DRAMATICALLY EASED.
ON OUR WATCH, OUR CHILDREN ARE ABLE TO GO TO BED
AT NIGHT WITHOUT FEAR OR NUCLEAR ANNIHILATION BECAUSE
ENTIRE CLASSES OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED
FROM THE FACE OF THE EARTH.
ON OUR WATCH, DEMOCRACY WON THE COLD WAR AND THE
BERLIN WALL CAME TUMBLING DOWN.
THAT -- AND MUCH, MUCH MORE -- IS THE RECORD OF
THE LAST 12 YEARS, AND DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU
OTHERWISE. THIS IS OUR STORY. THIS IS THE STORY OF
REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP. WE HAVE EVERY REASON TO BE
PROUD OF WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED TOGETHER.
- 7 -
AND DESPITE OUR GREAT VICTORIES OF THE PAST, WE
BELIEVE THAT AMERICA'S BEST DAYS ARE YET TO COME.
MY OPTIMISM COME NOT JUST FROM MY STRONG FAITH IN
GOD, BUT FROM MY STRONG AND ENDURING FAITH IN MAN. THE
POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS.
TODAY, HOWEVER, OUR COUNTRY STANDS AT A
CROSSROADS. THERE IS WIDESPREAD DOUBT ABOUT OUR PUBLIC
INSTITUTIONS AND PROFOUND CONCERN ABOUT OUR NATIONAL
ECONOMY.
BUT ONE THING WE MUST REMEMBER IS THAT THE
ECONOMIC PROBLEMS FACING AMERICANS ARE NOT UNIQUE TO
OUR COUNTRY. THE FACT IS THAT WE ARE IN A TIME OF
GLOBAL ECONOMIC TRANSITION. AND, AMERICA'S ECONOMY,
EVEN WITH ITS PROBLEMS, IS STILL THE STRONGEST AND MOST
COMPETITIVE IN THE WORLD.
- 8 -
so, DON'T LET OUR OPPONENTS TELL YOU AMERICA'S
ECONOMY IS HOPELESS. THE FACT IS, IF THEY WERE ELECTED
AND THEIR PLAN OF TAX AND SPEND WAS PUT INTO EFFECT,
WE'D BE LOOKING BACK ON TODAY'S ECONOMIC TIMES AND
CALLING THEM "THE GOOD OLD DAYS."
NOW, MORE THAN EVER, THIS WORLD DEMANDS AMERICAN
LEADERSHIP AND GEORGE BUSH IS THAT LEADER. HE KNOWS
THE INTER-RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OUR ECONOMY AND GLOBAL
ECONOMIC ISSUES. AND HIS IS THE MAN WHO CAN LEAD THE
UNITED STATES AND THE WORLD TO A PERIOD OF GREATER
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY.
HE HAS LAID OUT AN AGENDA, WHICH CAN MEAN THE
DAWNING OF A NEW DAY FOR AMERICA. IT IS AN AGENDA TRUE
TO THE HOPES OF ALL OF US WHO SEEK A BETTER TOMORROW.
- 9 -
HIS AGENDA WILL WORK AND BRING ABOUT REAL CHANGE -
- THE TYPE OF CHANGE THAT WILL IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF
LIFE FOR WORKING AMERICANS.
AND SPEAKING OF CHANGE -- IF WE REALLY WANT TO
CLEAN UP THE MESS IN WASHINGTON -- WE'VE GOT TO CHANGE
THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS, WHERE POST OFFICES DOUBLE
AS PHARMACIES, AND WHERE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS BOUNCE
MORE CHECKS THAN MAGIC JOHNSON BOUNCES BASKETBALLS!
LET'S FIND LEGISLATORS WHO WILL WORK WITH NOT
AGAINST A REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT.
GEORGE BUSH CAN BUILD THE VEHICLE OF CHANGE THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT -- BUT HE HAS TO BE GIVEN THE
PROPER TOOLS. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE MUST GIVE GEORGE
BUSH THE MANDATE THAT THEY GAVE US IN 1980.
- 10 -
WE SIMPLY CAN'T AFFORD TO PUT AN INEXPERIENCED
FELLOW IN THE
WHITE HOUSE. PARTICULARLY ONE WITH A DISMAL TRACK
RECORD AS A SMALL-STATE GOVERNOR.
YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THAT IN PRESIDENTIAL RACES,
THE DEMOCRATS PREFER TO NOMINATE UNKNOWN DEMOCRATIC
GOVERNORS. THE REASON FOR THIS IS THAT DEMOCRATS WHO
ARE KNOWN COULDN'T POSSIBLY WIN.
THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE, GEORGE BUSH HAS BEEN THERE
FOR AMERICA. WHEN OUR COUNTRY FACED GREAT AND TRYING
TIMES, GEORGE BUSH FOUGHT HIS WAY INTO THE MILITARY,
GAVE TRUE SERVICE TO AMERICA, AND BECAME A WAR HERO.
AND WHEN IT COMES TO THE ISSUES FACING AMERICA
TODAY, WE KNOW WHERE GEORGE BUSH STANDS. HE'S BEEN
WILLING TO MAKE THE TOUGH, AND YES, NOT ALWAYS THE
POPULAR DECISIONS.
- 11 -
BUT WHAT IT ALL COMES DOWN To, BEYOND ALL THE
RHETORIC AND THE HYPE, IS WHO CAN WE TRUST WITH THE
ENORMOUS RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRESIDENCY?
WHO CAN WE TRUST TO PROTECT OUR NATIONAL SECURITY?
AND WHO CAN WE LEAVE OUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE TO?
AS EXCITED AS I AM ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THIS
COUNTRY, THIS ELECTION IS NOT ABOUT MY GENERATION. NOR
IS IT ABOUT GEORGE BUSH, REALLY. IT IS ABOUT THE
MAGNIFICENT YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS THIS GREAT LAND OF
OURS. IT IS ABOUT WHETHER WE WILL LEAVE TO THEM THE
TYPE OF COUNTRY WE HAVE ENJOYED -- A COUNTRY OF
UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITY WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE -- OR
WHETHER WE TOSS ASIDE EVERYTHING WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED
AND OPT FOR MORE GOVERNMENT CONTROL, MORE SPENDING,
LESS FREEDOM, AND DASHED HOPES.
- 12 -
YOUR SHOW OF SUPPORT HERE TODAY IS AN IMPORTANT
START, BUT IT CANNOT END HERE. I'M ASKING YOU, AS
LEADERS IN YOUR COMMUNITIES TO SPREAD THE WORD.
AMERICA'S GREATEST HOPE IS WITH GEORGE BUSH. HE WILL
SEE TO IT THAT AMERICA REMAINS THE ENVY OF THE WORLD.
TODAY IS A VERY SPECIAL DAY FOR ME. AS I'VE TOLD
YOU BEFORE, AT MY AGE, EVERY DAY IS A SPECIAL DAY.
BUT TODAY I HAVE THE HONOR OF DOING SOMETHING I'VE
NEVER DONE BEFORE IN MY LONG LIFE: TODAY, I GET TO
INTRODUCE THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
- 13 -
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE A MAN WHO WAS AT MY
SIDE FOR EIGHT YEARS, A MAN WHO WAS PART OF EVERYTHING
WE ACCOMPLISHED DURING THOSE YEARS, A MAN WHO HAS
DEVOTED HIS LIFE TO OUR COUNTRY: THE PRESIDENT OF THE
UNITED STATES, GEORGE BUSH
....
# # #
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
9/12/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
ASAP!!!
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RALLY AT YORBA REGIONAL PARK
SUBJECT:
ORANGE COUNTY, CA - SUNDAY 9/13/92 - 1:40 pm
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCBRIDE
BAKER
MOORE
SCOWCROFT
MULLINS
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BATES
PORTER
BRADY
PROVOST
BROMLEY
ROSS
CALIO
SMITH
DEMAREST
TUTWILER
FITZWATER
ZOELLICK
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
MCGROARTY
GROOMES
HORNER
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122, x2930,
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, with a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
OBE
PHILLIP D. BRADY
rec'd 9/14
Assistant to the President
8:30 AM
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Smith/Bunton)
Draft Four
September 12, 1992
GOLDEN
2 SEP 12 P9: I 4
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: REAGAN EVENT
ORANGE COUNTY, CA.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 13, 1992
Mr. President. Congressman Bob Dornan. Congressman Chris
Cox. Congressman Dana Rohrbacher. / It's great to be in
California. And it's especially great to have Ronald Reagan with
us.
Mr. President, any friend of Thomas Jefferson is a friend of
mine. // Last year I was honored to help dedicate your Library.
When I leave office I look forward to your dedicating mine. /
Not to be specific, but how are you fixed for sometime in 19 //
97? //
I love Ronald Reagan for the same reasons you do. First,
his sense of humor. ( (No wonder he took Washington by storm.
Here was a politician who was funny on purpose. "
I'm a Reagan fan for another reason: His eloquence. Ronald
Reagan didn't just make the world believe in America again. He
made Americans believe in themselves again. //
The Great Communicator was the Great Liberator. Abroad, he
helped free millions from tyranny. At home, he helped free
millions from a government that's too big and spends too much of
your money. / He turned America around -- turned the days of
malaise into "a shining city on a hill. /
((Now, I'm not saying these nice things about Ronald Reagan
in case he decides to run for President again in 1996. / Though
2
I'll confess if it weren't for a little something called the 22nd
Amendment -- he would now be well into the 12th year of his
Presidency -- and I'd be halfway around the world at some
funeral. )) //
I say these things because Ronald Reagan had the unique
ability to peak around the corners of history. / Look to Berlin
-- where a wall has crumbled. Look from Kuwait to Panama --
where those once enslaved have been set free. / President Reagan
predicted Communism would land in the dust bin of history --
called it the "Evil Empire." Well, today Imperial Communism is
not merely "E-V-I-L." It is "D-E-A-D." DEAD. Mr. President, on
behalf of all who love freedom -- we thank you.
With the Cold War over, we face a world of transition. Last
week in Detroit, I talked about some of those economic changes -
- the defense industry's adjustment to a more peaceful world, the
competitive restructuring of our industry, and most important,
the globalization of our economy. No state has felt this
transition more than California. I understand that.
My opponent looks at all that is happening and says we are a
nation in decline -- he says we are "ridiculed" -- his words --
and that our economy is sliding below Germany, heading south
toward Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka? Come on, Governor. Stop picking
on small southern states -- who can't help where their leaders
take them.
Governor Clinton has it wrong -- dead wrong. America is not
a nation in decline, we are on the rise. The lights in the
3
shining city will still shine -- if we but make the right choices
today. Here's the question voters must ask themselves -- who do
you trust to take America into the future? Whose ideas fit best
with your beliefs, America's experience, and our hopes for
lasting peace and prosperity.
Last week I laid out my plan -- my agenda for America's
Renewal. A comprehensive game plan to create a $10 trillion
economy -- by early in the next century.
My agenda keeps faith with the crusade we called the Reagan
Revolution. It will decrease what government must do -- and
increase what individuals may do. It shows what's at stake --
what the differences are -- in the 1992 Election. Two
candidates. Two philosophies. Two agendas. A Grand Canyon of a
divide. 11
On the one hand -- the left hand, naturally -- stands my
opponent. A man who started in politics with the McGovern
campaign / a politician nearly all of his adult life / a man who
has known virtually no avocation beyond government, no ambition
above the next election. 11
On the other hand -- you're looking at a man proud to have
spent half my life in the private sector -- built a business, met
a payroll. / From my experience, I know that a certain fan of
Calvin Coolidge was right -- "The American people aren't under
taxed -- the government in Washington is overfed." I know what
works, and can put America to work -- lower taxes and spending /
less regulation / more opportunity / more freedom. //
4
Look at the issue of how to get the economy moving again.
Just last week, Governor Clinton was interviewed by Tom
Brokaw. His first words were advocating a tax increase.
//
Governor Clinton wants at least $220 billion in new spending,
$150 billion in new taxes -- just to start. He ideas could lead
to a new training tax and a new payroll tax for his health care
scheme. They say that President Reagan thought everyday was the
Fourth of July -- Governor Clinton seems to believe that
everyday is April 15th. // When it comes to taxes, think of him
as Willie Brown with a saxaphone.
I want to take America in a entirely different direction. I
have a specific plan to cut government spending by almost $300
billion in the next five years. And I'll cut taxes -- and get
this economy moving again.
What about foreign trade? Ronald Reagan's "peace through
strength" made the U.S. the dominant military presence around the
world. Now I want to build on that legacy -- with a strategic
network of trade agreements -- to keep America an export
superpower, and an economic superpower. That's why I negotiated
the North American Free Trade Agreement to build the world's
largest free-trade zone -- a $6 trillion market, from the Yukon
to the Yucatan -- creating 300,000 new American jobs.
My opponent position's on free trade? Well, first he was
for it -- then he changed his mind. Now he says firmly: "When I
have a definitive opinion I will say so.
/
Governor, here's my
5
opinion: Americans never retreat -- we always compete. And we
will win.
Small business is the backbone of the California economy --
begging for relief from taxation, regulation, and litigation.
Did you know that each year consumers and companies spend up to
$200 billion dollars on direct payment to lawyers? Here's the
question Americans are asking. If an apple a day keeps a doctor
away -- what works with a lawyer? Well, I have a plan to give
business and workers relief by getting rid of crazy lawsuits. As
a nation, we must sue each other less -- and care for each other
more.
My opponent doesn't think this is a problem. The president
of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association wrote this fund-raising
letter -- and I quote: "I can never remember an occasion when
[Governor Clinton] failed to do the right thing where we trial
lawyers were concerned." While he's in the corner sponging the
trial lawyer's brow, I want to get in the ring and strike a blow
against frivolous lawsuits. //
Now, what about foreign and defense policy? Well, Mr.
Clinton has on opinion these matters. He has written about, and
I quote, "loathing the military." He says -- and again I quote,
"to many of us, it is not clear -- what is service, and what is
disservice." He said this as a young man. To quote a certain
Senator from Tennessee -- "a leopard doesn't change its stripes. "
Listen to Governor Clinton on the question of whether to
stand up to Saddam Hussein. Two days after Congress followed my
6
lead, here's what Governor Clinton said -- and I once again, I
quote directly. "I guess would have voted with the majority if
it was a close vote. But I agree with the arguments the minority
made." / Governor Clinton felt strongly on both sides of the
issue -- I felt strongly that America must stand up for freedom.
Saddam's naked act of aggression could not stand.//
of America's place in the world, Governor Clinton talks the
talk -- says he's for a strong military." But he walks the walk
of liberals whose idea of high-tech weaponry is the super-soaker
squirt gun. My opponent wants to slash our defense budget -- cut
$60 billion beyond what experts say is expendable. These cuts
that would cost as many as one million jobs in defense --
especially California's hard-hit aerospace industry. He also
wants to gut one of Ronald Reagan's greatest legacies: The
Strategic Defense Initiative. 11
Maybe the good Governor is simply confused about what
exactly SDI does. After all, last week you heard him talk about
Patriot missiles -- the weapons we used to shoot down Saddam's
scud missiles. Here is what Governor Clinton said of our "scud
busters." "They go through doors or down chimneys." That's the
cruise missile. Well, Governor Clinton may be a Rhodes Scholar,
but he's no rocket scientist. //
Take a look at the issues in this election. On taxes, my
opponent does the fox trot -- straight to your wallet. On free
trade -- he does the Texas two-step. On litigation -- he's
waltzing with the lawyers. And when it comes to keeping America
7
strong -- he's in a conga line. Ted Kennedy is sash, sash
sashaying up front, Pat Schroeder is right behind -- and they are
all headed for a cliff, and taking the California economy with
them. 11 Governor Clinton does remind me of an important figure
from the 1940's. But it's not Harry Truman. It's Arthur Murray.
We have a choice in this election. Back to the future with
conservatives, or back to the drawing board with the liberals.
To build on the entrepreneurial policies that Ronald Reagan
started, go to back to the liberal agenda that made America look
finished.
I know we have big challenges before us. But following
Governor Clinton's prescription for our economy, would be like
going back to the used car lot, and picking up the lemon you sold
12 years before. Only this time it would have higher prices
from inflation, skyrocketing interest rates for credit, and a hot
air bag thrown in. America -- this is not a deal for you.
America has been through an age of transition. But there is
clear sailing ahead -- if we make the right choices today. If we
put our faith in people, not in government. If we build to the
future, not protect the past.
Ronald Reagan used these beliefs to restore America's faith
in the Presidency -- and the world's faith in America. 11 Which
is why I say: Mr. President, we'll get you on Mount Rushmore
yet. // Having won the Cold War, now let's win another war for
prosperity and opportunity." Thank you, and God bless the United
States of America. //
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press secretary
(Anaheim, California)
For Immediate Release
September 13, 1992
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT ORANGE COUNTY WELCOME RALLY
Yorba Regional Park
Anaheim, California
2:25 P.M. PDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you
very much, President Reagan. May I salute not only President
Reagan, but Governor Wilson, our master of ceremonies; Bob
Dornan, our great member of Congress, a loyal supporter. I want
to thank the Gatlin Brothers, my old friends that are with us
today. what a job they do for us. And it's great to be in
California. And it's especially great to be here with these
three members of the United States Congress, with Senator
Seymour. And we must reelect Senator Seymour. And we must elect
Bruce. Herschensohn to the Senate. (Applause.)
Mr. President, last year I was honored to help
dedicate your library. When I leave office I look forward to
your dedicating mine. Not to be specific, but how are you fixed
for 1997? (Applause.)
I love Ronald Reagan for the same reasons you do.
First, his sense of humor. No wonder he took Washington by
storm. Here was a politician who was funny on purpose. Quite
different. (Laughter.) I'm a Reagan fan for another reason:
his eloquence. Ronald Reagan didn't just make the world believe
in America again, he made Americans believe in themselves again.
(Applause.)
That Great Communicator was indeed the Great
Liberator. Abroad, he helped free millions from tyranny. And at
home, he helped free millions from a government that's too big
and spends too much of your money. He turned America around.
(Applause.) And he turned the days of malaise into "a shining
city on a hill," and the American people will never forget it.
Now, I'm not saying these nice things about Ronald
Reagan in case he decides to run for President again in 1996.
(Applause.) Though I'll confess, if it weren't for a little
something called the 22nd Amendment he'd be now well into his
12th year of the presidency -- and I'd be going to funerals
halfway around the world. (Applause.)
But I say these compliments because the President
had that unique ability to peek around the corners of history.
Look to Berlin -- where a wall has crumbled. Look from Kuwait to
Panama -- where those once enslaved have been set free.
President Reagan predicted communism would land in the dust bins
of history -- called it the "Evil Empire." And today imperial
communism is not merely E-V-I-L, it is D-E-A-D -- dead.
(Applause.)
so, Mr. President, on behalf of all who love freedom
-- and look at these signs around here, from different countries
all over the world -- we thank you very much. (Applause.)
NOW, as the President said, with the Cold War over
-- and let me say this; let me interrupt here and just say, I see
these POW-MIA banners. We must never, ever forget the POWS and
- 2 -
MIAS. And I can assure you we're not going to do that.
(Applause.)
With the Cold War over, we face a world of
transition. Last week in Detroit, I talked about some of those
economic changes -- the defense industry's adjustment to a more
peaceful world, the competitive restructuring of our industry,
and most important, the globalization of our economy. No state
has felt this transition more than California. And I understand
that.
My opponent looks at all that is happening and says
we are a nation in decline. He says we are "ridiculed" and that
our economy is sliding below Germany, heading south toward Sri
Lanka. Sri Lanka. come on, Governor, stop picking on small,
southern states who can't help their leaders take them -- can't
tell where they take them. (Applause.)
You know, Governor Clinton has it wrong -- dead
wrong. America is not a nation in decline, we are on the rise.
And the lights in the shining city will still shine if we but
make the right choices today. (Applause.)
And last week I laid out my plan -- my agenda for
America's Renewal, a comprehensive game plan to create a s10-
trillion economy by early in the next century. And my agenda
keeps faith with the crusade we called the "Reagan Revolution."
(Applause.) It will decrease what government must do and
increase what individuals may do. It shows what the differences
are in the 1992 election. Two candidates. Two philosophies.
Two agendas. A Grand Canyon of a divide. (Applause.)
And on the one hand -- on the one hand, the left
hand, naturally -- stands my opponent A man who started in
politics with the McGovern campaign.
AUDIENCE: Booo --
THE PRESIDENT: A politician nearly all of his
adult life, a man who has known virtually no avocation beyond
getting elected.
And on the other hand, you're looking at a man proud
to have spent half my life in the private sector working for a
living, built a business, met a payroll. And from my own
experience, I know that Ronald Reagan had it right: "The
American people aren't under taxed, the government in Washington
is overfed." (Applause.) If we had more congressmen like these
sitting here, you wouldn't be yelling clean House, and I wouldn't
be having the problems I'm having with this darned Congress.
Send us more like these men. (Applause.)
Take a look at how to get the economy moving again.
Just last week, Governor Clinton was interviewed by Tom Brokaw.
And his first words were advocating a tax increase. He wants at
least -- listen -- he wants at least s220 billion in new
spending, s150 billion in new taxes -- just to start.
AUDIENCE: B000 --
THE PRESIDENT: His ideas could lead to a new
training tax and a new payroll tax for his health care scheme.
They say that President Reagan thought every day was the Fourth
of July. Well, Governor Clinton seems to believe that every day
is April 15th. (Applause.) And when it comes to taxes, think of
him as Willie Brown with a saxophone. We don't need that in
Washington D.C. (Applause.)
And I want to take America in an entirely different
direction. I have a specific plan to cut the growth of mandatory
government spending by almost 3300 billion in the next five
MORE
- 3 -
years. (Applause.) And we'll get those taxes down and we'll get
this economy moving again. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: Viva Bushl Viva Bush! Viva Bush!
THE PRESIDENT: What about foreign trade? Ronald
Reagan's "peace through strength" made the United states the
dominant military presence around the world. And now I want to
build on that legacy with a strategic network of trade agreements
to keep America an export superpower and an economic superpower.
(Applause.) And that's why we negotiated the North American Free
Trade Agreement -- to build the world's largest free-trade zone,
from Manitoba to Mexico -- (applause) -- creating hundreds of
thousands of new jobs for the working men and women in America.
And my opponent's position on free trade? well,
first he was for it and then he changed his mind. And now he
says firmly: "When I have a definitive opinion, I will say so."
Governor Clinton, here's my opinion: Americans never retreat --
we will always compete. And we will always win. (Applause.)
Small business -- small business is the backbone of
the California economy, begging for relief from taxation,
regulation, and litigation. Did you know that each year
consumers and companies spend up to $200 billion on direct
payment to lawyers? Americans want to know: "If an apple a day
keeps a doctor away -- what works with a lawyer?" (Applause.)
well, I have a plan to give business and workers relief by
getting rid of these crazy lawsuits. And as a nation, we must
sue each other less and care for each other more. (Applause.)
My opponent doesn't think this is a problem. Listen
to the president of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association -- and
I quote -- "I can never remember an occasion where Governor
Clinton failed to do the right thing where we trial lawyers were
concerned." While Governor Clinton's in the corner sponging the
trial lawyer's brow, I want to get in the ring and strike a blow
against all those crazy lawsuits. (Applause.)
And another thing. My opponent says that all this
talk of family values is irrelevant. And he's been doing a lot
of fear-mongering lately, talking about how we want to divide
America. You know what I mean when I talk about strengthening
the American family. I don't mean to go back to the days of
Ozzie and Harriet. Families are measured not by "what kind," but
"how close." (Applause.)
I speak of strengthening the American family because
I believe in dealing not with symptoms, but with root causes.
You ask Governor Wilson or any governor, any mayor, any teacher,
any preacher -- the surest way to strengthen America, is to
strengthen the American family. (Applause.)
And that's why I want parents -- not the government
-- to choose their kids' day care. (Applause.) And I want
parents -- not the government -- to choose your kids' schools.
(Applause.) And Pete Wilson is right. We need a welfare system
that convinces families to stick together, and fathers to stick
around. (Applause.)
And about the military. of America's place in the
world, Governor Clinton talks the talk -- says he's for a strong
military. But he walks the walk of the liberals whose idea of
high-tech weaponry is the super-soaker squirt gun. (Applause.)
And he wants to slash our budget -- our defense budget -- he
wants to cut it $60 billion beyond what the military experts and
our civilian experts tell me is right. These cuts would cost as
many as one million jobs in defense -- especially in California's
hard-hit aerospace industry. He also wants to gut one of Ronald
Reagan's greatest legacies, the strategic Defense Initiative.
And he shouldn't do that. We can't let him do that.
MORE
- 4 -
Maybe Governor Clinton is simply confused about what
exactly SDI does. After all, last week you heard him talk about
Patriot missiles -- the missiles we used to shoot down Saddam's
Scud missiles. Here is what Governor Clinton said of our "Scud
Busters." "They go through doors or down chimneys." Whoops!
That's not the Patriot. The Patriot shoots down other missiles.
Governor Clinton may be a Rhodes scholar, but he is no rocket
scientist. (Applause.)
And so here it is.
THE AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years!
THE PRESIDENT: Here's the sum of it. We have a
real clear choice in this election: on to the future with
conservatives, or back to the drawing board with the liberals.
To build on the entrepreneurial policies that Ronald Reagan
started, or to go back to the liberal agenda that made America
look finished.
And I know we have big challenges before us. But
following Governor Clinton's prescription for our economy would
be like going back to the used car lot, picking up the lemon you
sold 12 years before. only this time it would have higher prices
from inflation, skyrocketing interest rates for credit, and a hot
air bag thrown in. America -- this is not a deal for you.
(Applause.)
Like the whole world, America is going through an
age of transition. But there's clear sailing ahead -- and if we
make the right choices today, if we put our faith in our people,
not in government; if we build to the future, not protect the
past.
President Reagan taught us many things. And his
first lesson was the enduring power of ideas. In America, the
best ideas always triumph. And, yes, the polls tell me that
we're behind today, but on November 3rd, I have no doubt we will
finish first. (Applause.)
We will win it because our ideas are right for
America, and our ideas offer the best hope of matching the peace
around the world with the peace of mind here at home. If you
believe in these ideas, I ask you to join this crusade -- to
renew America, to make this fair nation safer, stronger, and more.
secure.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of
America. (Applause.) Thank you all very much. You guys did
great. Thank you. (Applause.)
END
2:43 P.M. PDT