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University Plaza Convention Center (also MO, OK, TX, LA, MS, TN), 9/22/92
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1
September 21, 1992
2:10 am
RECORD.1
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
UNIVERSITY PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER
8:30 A.M.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
(Thank you, Governor Ashcroft for that kind introduction.
Acknowledgments.)
Two weeks ago in Detroit, I presented to the American people
my Agenda for American Renewal -- a clear-eyed look at what's wrong
with our country, and what's right. I offered a comprehensive,
integrated approach to win the new global economic competition.
So that by early in the next century, the world's first $10
trillion economy will be found right here, in the United States.
//
Last week, I discussed in detail how my vision of our future
differs from that of my opponent. The differences couldn't be
deeper -- the stakes couldn't be higher.
Basically, it comes down to this: My opponent believes
government planners can manage the economy better than the workers
and entrepreneurs who actually make it grow.
I respect government, but I don't put my faith in it. I put
my faith in the tax-paying, hard-working men and women of
America. //
Candidate Clinton wants to raise taxes that will kill jobs.
I want to cut taxes to help Americans create jobs.
Candidate Clinton wants to increase federal spending by at
least $220 billion. And I want to cut it
...
by that much and
more.
2
I want the differences to be clear and sharp. And then you
will make a choice.
The American people are interviewing two men for the same job.
Now, you know me. My record is on the table. You know its
shortcomings -- and its strengths. And in my Agenda I've told you
what I intend to do to build on that record.
Now my opponent hasn't hesitated a minute to try to tear down
everything we've accomplished for twelve years -- to find
everything he can about what's wrong with America. While I've been
talking about ideas -- he and his people have admitted publicly
that their focus is on the negative -- on what's wrong.
Well, the time has come to lay it on the line -- about what's
wrong with my opponent's record. And that means explaining the
Grand Canyon that separates his rhetoric from the reality of his
record.
You need to know this, because the stakes are so high. You
need to know whether you can trust him to take America where it
needs to go in the next four years. Because once you buy what he's
selling, there's no refund.
I hear Candidate Clinton is up in Michigan today -- talking
about debates. Well, I propose a debate for him today -- Candidate
Clinton versus Governor Clinton. You see -- we've all heard what
Candidate Clinton says he can do for America. But that's very
different from what Governor Clinton has done to Arkansas.
And I want to stress this: My argument is not with the people
of Arkansas. Frankly, they deserve better treatment than they ve
3
received from Governor Clinton.
Let me begin with an issue of concern to every American: civil
rights.
Candidate Clinton and his running mate recently published a
paperback book -- a catalogue of complaints about America. And
it's full of grand promises about the future they're planning for
themselves in the White House.
Way back on page 175, there's a chapter called "The Clinton-
Gore Record." Eleven single-spaced pages -- everything nice they
could possibly think to say about themselves. And not one word
about civil rights. Not one word -- even though Governor Clinton
brags that his civil rights record is -- and I quote -- "everybody
knows -- I have the best civil rights record." His words.
Some of you may know that in 1968 -- when I was a Congressman
from Texas -- I supported the Fair Housing Act. It wasn't popular
with some of my constituents. Times have changed, of course, and
nowadays 41 states have laws banning housing discrimination.
Forty-one states. But Arkansas isn't one of them -- even though
my opponent has been governor for 12 years.
Forty-six states have human relations agencies that safeguard
their citizens against discrimination. But not Arkansas.
Forty-eight states have basic civil rights laws that ban
discrimination and guarantee equal opportunity. But not Arkansas.
That's right: Arkansas is one of only two states in America
without a civil rights statute.
Candidate Clinton likes to talk about my 1990 veto of the
4
Democratic Congress's quota bill. I did veto that bill -- and I'll
veto any other quota bill the liberals cook up. But being against
quotas and being for civil rights is not a contradiction.
So last year, after tough negotiations with Congress, I did
sign a major Civil Rights Bill -- without resorting to quotas.
Even though his party enjoys overwhelming control of the Arkansas
legislature, Governor Clinton still hasn't brought a civil rights
bill to the people of Arkansas.
So when you hear the Candidate Clinton's rhetoric about civil
rights, remember Governor Clinton's record.
Believe me: I'll be happy to put my civil rights record next
to his any day of the week.
Now consider another issue: economic fairness. Candidate
Clinton is playing the old game liberals love to play -- class
warfare. And Candidate Clinton is good at it: using the same
tired, twisted, partisan statistics to explain how the poor can
only get richer if the rich get poorer.
According to Candidate Clinton, the last ten years have been
a nightmare. Well, I hate to wake him up, but I've got news for
him: It isn't true.
The Urban Institute back in Washington isn't usually
sympathetic to me, but listen to what they had to say about the
1980s: "When one follows individuals rather than statistical
groups defined by income, one finds that, on average, the rich got
a little richer and the poor got much richer." That's the truth:
Our policies of cutting taxes have spurred growth for all
5
Americans.
Candidate Clinton doesn't think this is "fair." Maybe it's
because Governor Clinton doesn't have much experience with tax
fairness in his own state.
Governor Clinton has more than doubled Arkansas state spending
since 1983. And he has paid for it almost exclusively by raising
the taxes that hurt poor and working families the most.
My
opponent has raised and extended his sales tax repeatedly -- and
he has opposed removing that tax from groceries. That's right:
food and drink, which in most state's isn't taxed at all.
Governor Clinton raised taxes on beer. Taxes on mobile homes,
too. Governor Clinton more than doubled Arkansas's gas tax -- to
18-and-a-half cents per gallon. Governor Clinton even taxed food
stamps until the federal government forced him to stop. And as if
working families in Arkansas didn't have enough problems already -
- he's even tried to tax child care.
When it comes to taxes, Governor Clinton can't seem to get
enough. Last year, he signed the largest tax increase in Arkansas
history. The Arkansas Gazette called it "inhumane." I'll quote
from an article they published when all was said and done: "[I]n
the Clinton era," it says, "the state tax system has become more
and more regressive. It has become, step by step, a pretty bad
system, stacked against the ordinary taxpayer and consumer, stacked
for the rich and the special interest (s) End quote.
Another Arkansas newspaper was even more direct. The Pine
Bluff Commercial wrote: -- and I quote again -- "If Congress
6
followed the example Bill Clinton has set as governor of Arkansas,
it would pass a tax program that would hit the middle class
hardest."
That's been his tax policy in Arkansas. Look at what it did
to the state's economy.
Take per-capita income, for example. That's the bottom line
for working men and women: how much income, on average, each of
them have.
Well, at the end of the 1980s, Arkansas ranked 48th in the
nation for per-capita income -- only about 73 percent of the
national average, and that was even lower than the 75 percent in
1980.
And what about all those good manufacturing jobs that
Candidate Clinton talks about? Well, average hourly earnings for
Arkansas manufacturing workers ranked 47th in 1980. By 1989, they
had dropped to 50th.
Now Candidate Clinton says he wants to do to the American
economy what Governor Clinton's done to Arkansas taxes, income and
jobs.
And I don't think he's kidding: Candidate Clinton has already
admitted he wants the biggest tax increase in history -- and that's
not even counting his payroll taxes for training and health care.
You tell me: Is that fair?
Why let him do to America what he's done to Arkansas?
Another issue: What about crime? Candidate Clinton likes to
talk tough. You'll hear him criticize me about federal aid to
7
state and local law enforcement.
But in fact, since 1989, we've proposed a 59 percent increase
in federal spending to fight crime.
You'll also hear him make some pretty impressive claims about
crime control in Arkansas.
Wrong again.
Candidate Clinton -- meet Governor Clinton. During the 1980s,
the nation's overall crime rate actually declined.
But not in Arkansas! In fact, Governor Clinton's state had
the biggest increase in the overall crime rate in the entire nation
-- nearly 28 percent!
And violent crime? Arkansas's violent crime rate went up more
than 58 percent -- one of the worst records in the nation.
Why? I've got a few hunches. While violent crime was
exploding on Governor Clinton's watch, the number of sworn law
enforcement officers actually declined in one out of every three
Arkansas counties. Arkansas ranks near rock bottom in every
important per-capita law enforcement expenditure -- for prisons:
46th. For judicial and legal systems: 50th. And when it comes to
spending for police officers, Arkansas ranks 49th.
And in Arkansas, when the prison door slams shut on a
convicted criminal, he knows it won't be long before it opens
again. As incredible as it sounds, most inmates in Arkansas serve
less than one-fifth -- one-fifth -- of their sentence behind bars.
That's the worst in the nation.
Now contrast that with what we've been doing on the federal
8
level. Most federal inmates serve at least 85 percent of their
full sentence. I think it's pretty simple: If you take liberties
with the law, you're going to lose your own.
When you look at Governor Clinton's record on law enforcement,
it's not surprising that last week -- the Fraternal Order of Police
in Little Rock gave me their endorsement for President. That's the
verdict of the police officers in Governor Clinton's hometown.
Let's look at another contrast between Candidate Clinton's
rhetoric and Governor Clinton's record -- with children. In his
new book, Candidate Clinton says that America has failed to provide
its children with either the best education or adequate protection
from violence. That's what the Candidate says. But how about the
Governor?
Look at the facts. During the 1980s, Arkansas fell from 47th
to 48th place in the percentage of adults with a high school
diploma.
Arkansas's rankings on its primary college entrance
examination -- the ACT -- have declined. Twenty-eight states use
the ACT as their primary college entrance test. The New York Times
recently reported that in 1979 Arkansas ranked 20th out of those
28. Its latest available ranking is down -- to 25th out of 28.
And we know that more than three-quarters of Arkansas high
school graduates require remedial instruction when they get to
college. Think about that. 75 percent of Arkansas college
students spend their first year of college relearning what they
missed in high school.
9
And when it comes to the percentage of adults with a college
degree, Governor Clinton's Arkansas still ranks 50th.
Now, when it comes to protecting children from violence, you
should know this. My opponent's record is in one word
appalling. The facts aren't pretty, but they should be heard.
During the 1980s, the death rate for American children 14 and
under improved dramatically. But in Arkansas -- it got worse. The
state ranked 49th in 1989. In the late 1980s, Arkansas's rate of
violent deaths for teenagers soared at three times the national
average. Over the decade, child abuse reports shot up 130 percent.
Now, it's hard to believe that Governor Clinton was unaware
of what was going on. Throughout the 1980s, study after study
contained detailed findings and recommendations -- a cry for help.
He even commissioned some of these studies himself. In 1990, his
own Department of Human Services reported that "frequent and
widespread" official failures had placed the children of Arkansas
in "imminent peril.'
Still Governor Clinton did nothing. Finally a group of child
welfare advocates took the Governor to court. They filed a federal
class action suit naming him, personally, as lead defendant. On
June 8th -- less than four months ago -- my opponent finally
settled out of court.
And now Candidate Clinton promises to crack down on violence
against children. Right there in his book -- page 49.
It makes you wonder. Before this campaign is over, we may
have to find an even better word than "slick."
10
Now to the environment. I love to hike -- camp in the woods.
You've heard me talk about the importance of protecting the
environment many times. But to me real eloquence is action -- and
I have acted. There's our historic Clean Air Act -- cutting acid
rain in half. We've banished offshore oil rigs from sensitive
beaches on both coasts -- and added a billion dollars worth of new
forests and parks for our children to enjoy.
And in the past three years, our Environmental Protection
Agency has assessed more than half of all the civil penalties and
criminal fines in EPA's history -- more than $200 million.
To
those who spoil our lakes and air we are saying -- Mess with our
children's health and you will pay.
Those are facts -- that's the record. But Candidate Clinton
calls America's environmental record since 1989 a "disaster."
He
promises a -- quote -- "real environmental policy" that will --
quote -- "challenge Americans and demand responsibility at every
level."
My advice: Let's take Candidate Clinton at his word. Demand
that candidates run on their records -- not from them. I'll stand
by mine. Let's see if he can stand on his.
Earlier this year, my opponent was asked to name a single
Arkansas law that exceeds federal environmental standards.
He
couldn't -- not one. The Governor has accepted generous campaign
contributions and free plane rides from Arkansas's powerful chicken
industry. The industry is the ultimate source of -- ((I'll put
this as delicately as I can)) -- fecal coliform bacteria, which
11
pollutes hundreds of miles of Arkansas rivers. Governor Clinton
did create an Animal Waste Task Force to deal with the issue. But
the Task Force subcommittee is headed by a chicken executive. They
decided that controls on chicken litter should be voluntary.
((I guess in Arkansas -- some things do run thicker than
water.)
Last year, the Institute for Southern Studies released an
extraordinarily detailed, state-by-state study of environmental
quality and progress. Let me quote the Institute's Research
Director: "In the areas of policy -- laws passed, not task forces
or commissions set up to study a problem -- Arkansas was 50th, the
worst in the nation.'
Candidate Clinton complains that the study was flawed. So let
me quote the Governor's own appointed chairman of the Arkansas
Pollution Control and Ecology Commission. He says -- quote --
"We deserve to be low on the list. It doesn't mean Arkansas has
dirtier air than California, but if California was operating on the
laws of Arkansas, you'd probably have to have a gas mask."
Finally, let's talk about health care. As you might expect,
my opponent and I have two vastly different approaches to the
problem. I want to use competition to expand coverage, preserve
quality, and drive down costs. Candidate Clinton wants to bring
our health care system under the control of the federal government.
Until last month, Candidate Clinton pretended that his plan
wouldn't cost a dime. But then someone at USA Today got him to
admit what I've been saying all along: his plan would require a new
12
payroll tax.
That tax will kill jobs, especially in small businesses. And
it will cut wages. But since we're talking about our records
today, consider this, too. Candidate Clinton says "health care
should be a right, not a privilege." And yet -- under Governor
Clinton -- Arkansas has one of the nation's worst health insurance
crises.
More than 42 percent of Arkansas workers -- the second highest
percentage in the nation -- don't even have employer-paid health
insurance. And the New York Times says a full 25 percent of all
state residents have no health insurance at all.
Candidate Clinton now says America -- quote -- "can't afford
four more years" without a solution to our health care problem.
I agree. But Governor Clinton took a long time to come around.
Early last year -- in his fifth term as governor -- he finally
signed a bill to provide "bare bones" coverage to people who've
gone uninsured for more than a year.
Yet as of last fall, even this minimal plan had still not been
implemented. In fact, it was only this month that the first
insurance company began offering the Governor's plan as an option.
Bill Becker, head of the Arkansas AFL-CIO, has called my opponent's
state health insurance program -- and I quote -- "a worthless,
cynical political ploy. "
So there you have it. Next time you hear Candidate Clinton
promise to be a progressive "change agent" for the entire United
States, think of civil rights and taxes in the state he's left
13
behind. Think of crime and child abuse and education in Arkansas.
Think of the environment he's neglected -- the health care problems
he's ignored.
Think about all this the next time Candidate Clinton says he
will do for America what he's done for Arkansas.
It's true we're having a big debate about America's future.
But first you have to learn who's really on the other side.
You have to know -- is it the words of Candidate Clinton or the
actions of Governor Clinton.
We've seen over the last nine months that Candidate Clinton
appears willing to say anything to anyone.
But the record of Governor Clinton proves that it doesn't
matter what the Candidate will say to anyone. Because he won't
deliver!
So either way -- whether it's Candidate Clinton or Governor
Clinton -- Bill Clinton is wrong for America.
I say we can do better than this. I say America deserves
better than this.
I know we have problems to fix. That's why I've presented my
Agenda.
And I know we need to get to work -- to keep America secure
and strong in this new era. That's why my Agenda contains 13
specific actions I'm going to fight to accomplish in the first year
of my second term.
I'm going to get them done -- with your help.
Because America has the character to win the economic
14
competition -- to win the peace.
Let's get on with the job.
Thank you and God Bless You.
# # #
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
9/22/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
---
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SPRINGFIELD, MO - TULSA, OK - LONGVIEW, TX-
SHREVEPORT, LA - GREENVILLE, MS. - MEMPHIS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCBRIDE
<
BAKER
MOORE
>
SCOWCROFT
MULLINS
R
DARMAN
>
PETERSMEYER
BATES
PORTER
BRADY
PROVOST
BROMLEY
ROSS
CALIO
SMITH
DEMAREST
TUTWILER
FITZWATER
ZOELLICK
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
MCGROARTY
HORNER
GROOMES
REMARKS:
The attached speeches have been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
2-82-22 A12: 45
September 21, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
STEVE PROVOST SP
FROM:
ANDREW FERGUSON Is
SUBJECT:
SPRINGFIELD, MO EVENT
On September 22, at 8:30 a.m., you will deliver a speech at
the University Plaza Convention Center in Springfield, Missouri.
The speech (25 minutes, prompter) examines in detail
Governor Clinton's record in Arkansas and points out the
differences between that record and his campaign rhetoric.
Please note that this speech will serve as the basis for the
five shorter speeches you will deliver during the day.
September 21, 1992
12:30 pm
RECORD.1
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
UNIVERSITY PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER
8:30 A.M.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
(Thank you, Governor Ashcroft for that kind introduction.
Acknowledgments.)
weeks ago in Detroit, I presented to the American people
my Agenda for American Renewal -- a clear-eyed look at what's wrong
with our country, and what's right. I offered a comprehensive,
integrated approach to win the new global economic competition.
So that by early in the next century, the world's first $10
trillion economy will be found right here, in the United States.
//
Last week, I discussed in detail how my vision of our future
differs from that of my opponent. The differences couldn't be
deeper -- the stakes couldn't be higher.
Basically, it comes down to this: My opponent believes
government planners can manage the economy better than the workers
and entrepreneurs who actually make it grow.
I respect government, but I don't put my faith in it. I put
my faith in the tax-paying, hard-working men and women of
America. //
Candidate Clinton wants to raise taxes that will kill jobs.
I want to cut taxes to help Americans create jobs.
Candidate Clinton wants to increase federal spending by at
least $220 billion. And I want to cut it
...
by that much and
more.
2
I want the differences to be clear and sharp. And then you
will make a choice.
The American people are interviewing two men for the same job.
Now, you know me. My record is on the table. You know its
shortcomings -- and its strengths. And in my Agenda I've told you
what I intend to do to build on that record.
Now my opponent hasn't hesitated a minute to try to tear down
everything we've accomplished for twelve years -- to find
everything he can about what's wrong with America. While I've been
talking about ideas -- he and his people have admitted publicly
that their focus is on the negative -- on what's wrong.
Well, the time has come to lay it on the line -- about what's
wrong with my opponent's record. And that means explaining the
Grand Canyon that separates his rhetoric from the reality of his
record.
You need to know this, because the stakes are so high. You
need to know whether you can trust him to take America where it
needs to go in the next four years. Because once you buy what he's
selling, there's no refund.
I hear Candidate Clinton is up in Michigan today -- talking
about debates. Well, I propose a debate for him today -- Candidate
Clinton versus Governor Clinton. You see -- we've all heard what
Candidate Clinton says he can do for America. But that's very
different from what Governor Clinton has done to Arkansas.
And I want to stress this: My argument is not with the people
of Arkansas. Frankly, they deserve better treatment than they've
3
received from Governor Clinton.
Let me begin with an issue of concern to every American: civil
rights.
Candidate Clinton and his running mate recently published a
paperback book -- a catalogue of complaints about America. And
it's full of grand promises about the future they're planning for
themselves in the White House.
Way back on page 175, there's a chapter called "The Clinton-
Gore Record." Eleven single-spaced pages -- everything nice they
could possibly think to say about themselves. And not one word
about civil rights. Not one word -- even though Governor Clinton
brags that his civil rights record is -- and I quote -- "everybody
knows -- I have the best civil rights record." " His words.
Some of you may know that in 1968 -- when I was a Congressman
from Texas -- I supported the Fair Housing Act. It wasn't popular
with some of my constituents. Times have changed, of course, and
nowadays 41 states have laws banning housing discrimination.
Forty-one states. But Arkansas isn't one of them -- even though
my opponent has been governor for 12 years.
Forty-six states have human relations agencies that safeguard
their citizens against discrimination. But not Arkansas.
Forty-eight states have basic civil rights laws that ban
discrimination and guarantee equal opportunity. But not Arkansas.
That's right: Arkansas is one of only two states in America
without a civil rights statute.
Candidate Clinton likes to talk about my 1990 veto of the
4
Democratic Congress's quota bill. I did veto that bill -- and I'll
veto any other quota bill the liberals cook up. But being against
quotas and being for civil rights is not a contradiction.
So last year, after tough negotiations with Congress, I did
sign a major Civil Rights Bill -- without resorting to quotas.
Even though his party enjoys overwhelming control of the Arkansas
legislature, Governor Clinton still hasn't brought a civil rights
bill to the people of Arkansas.
So when you hear the Candidate Clinton's rhetoric about civil
rights, remember Governor Clinton's record.
Believe me: I'll be happy to put my civil rights record next
to his any day of the week.
Now consider another issue: economic fairness. Candidate
Clinton is playing the old game liberals love to play -- class
warfare. And Candidate Clinton is good at it: using the same
tired, twisted, partisan statistics to explain how the poor can
only get richer if the rich get poorer.
According to Candidate Clinton, the last ten years have been
a nightmare. Well, I hate to wake him up, but I've got news for
him: It isn't true.
The Urban Institute back in Washington isn't usually
sympathetic to me, but listen to what they had to say about the
1980s: "When one follows individuals rather than statistical
groups defined by income, one finds that, on average, the rich got
a little richer and the poor got much richer." That's the truth:
Our policies of cutting taxes have spurred growth for all
5
Americans.
Candidate Clinton doesn't think this is "fair." Maybe it's
because Governor Clinton doesn't have much experience with tax
fairness in his own state.
Governor Clinton has more than doubled Arkansas state spending
since 1983. And he has paid for it almost exclusively by raising
the taxes that hurt poor and working families the most. My
opponent has raised and extended his sales tax repeatedly -- and
he has opposed removing that tax from groceries. That's right:
food and drink, which in most state's isn't taxed at all.
Governor Clinton raised taxes on beer. Taxes on mobile homes,
too. Governor Clinton more than doubled Arkansas's gas tax -- to
18-and-a-half cents per gallon. Governor Clinton even taxed food
stamps until the federal government forced him to stop. And as if
working families in Arkansas didn't have enough problems already -
- he's even tried to tax child care.
When it comes to taxes, Governor Clinton can't seem to get
enough. Last year, he signed the largest tax increase in Arkansas
history. The Arkansas Gazette called it "inhumane." I'll quote
from an article they published when all was said and done: "[I]n
the Clinton era," it says, "the state tax system has become more
and more regressive. It has become, step by step, a pretty bad
system, stacked against the ordinary taxpayer and consumer, stacked
for the rich and the special interest (s) End quote.
Another Arkansas newspaper was even more direct. The Pine
Bluff Commercial wrote: -- and I quote again -- "If Congress
6
followed the example Bill Clinton has set as governor of Arkansas,
it would pass a tax program that would hit the middle class
hardest."
That's been his tax policy in Arkansas. Look at what it did
to the state's economy.
Take per-capita income, for example. That's the bottom line
for working men and women: how much income, on average, each of
them have.
Well, at the end of the 1980s, Arkansas ranked 48th in the
nation for per-capita income -- only about 73 percent of the
national average, and that was even lower than the 75 percent in
1980.
And what about all those good manufacturing jobs that
Candidate Clinton talks about? Well, average hourly earnings for
Arkansas manufacturing workers ranked 47th in 1980. By 1989, they
had dropped to 50th.
Then when it came time to create new jobs in the 1980s, it was
more of the same. Slippage from the 1970s -- and employment growth
below the national average.
Now Candidate Clinton says he wants to do to the American
economy what Governor Clinton's done to Arkansas taxes, income and
jobs.
And I don't think he's kidding: Candidate Clinton has already
admitted he wants the biggest tax increase in history -- and that's
not even counting his payroll taxes for training and health care.
You tell me: Is that fair?
7
Why let him do to America what he's done to Arkansas?
Another issue: What about crime? Candidate Clinton likes to
talk tough. You'll hear him criticize me about federal aid to
state and local law enforcement.
But in fact, since 1989, we've proposed a 59 percent increase
in federal spending to fight crime.
You'll also hear him make some pretty impressive claims about
crime control in Arkansas.
Wrong again.
Candidate Clinton -- meet Governor Clinton. During the 1980s,
the nation's overall crime rate actually declined.
But not in Arkansas! In fact, Governor Clinton's state had
the biggest increase in the overall crime rate in the entire nation
-- nearly 28 percent!
And violent crime? Arkansas's violent crime rate went up more
than 58 percent -- one of the worst records in the nation.
Why? I've got a few hunches. While violent crime was
exploding on Governor Clinton's watch, the number of sworn law
enforcement officers actually declined in one out of every three
Arkansas counties. Arkansas ranks near rock bottom in every
important per-capita law enforcement expenditure -- for prisons:
46th. For judicial and legal systems: 50th. And when it comes to
spending for police officers, Arkansas ranks 49th.
And in Arkansas, when the prison door slams shut on a
convicted criminal, he knows it won't be long before it opens
again. As incredible as it sounds, most inmates in Arkansas serve
8
less than one-fifth -- one-fifth -- of their sentence behind bars.
That's the worst in the nation.
Now contrast that with what we've been doing on the federal
level. Most federal inmates serve at least 85 percent of their
full sentence. I think it's pretty simple: If you take liberties
with the law, you're going to lose your own.
When you look at Governor Clinton's record on law enforcement,
it's not surprising that last week -- the Fraternal Order of Police
in Little Rock gave me their endorsement for President. That's the
verdict of the police officers in Governor Clinton's hometown.
Let's look at another contrast between Candidate Clinton's
rhetoric and Governor Clinton's record -- with children. In his
new book, Candidate Clinton says that America has failed to provide
its children with either the best education or adequate protection
from violence. That's what the Candidate says. But how about the
Governor?
Look at the facts. During the 1980s, Arkansas fell from 47th
to 48th place in the percentage of adults with a high school
diploma.
Arkansas's rankings on its primary college entrance
examination -- the ACT -- have declined. Twenty-eight states use
the ACT as their primary college entrance test. The New York Times
recently reported that in 1979 Arkansas ranked 20th out of those
28. Its latest available ranking is down -- to 25th out of 28.
And we know that more than three-quarters of Arkansas high
school graduates require remedial instruction when they get to
9
college. Think about that. 75 percent of Arkansas college
students spend their first year of college relearning what they
missed in high school.
And when it comes to the percentage of adults with a college
degree, Governor Clinton's Arkansas still ranks 50th.
Now, when it comes to protecting children from violence, you
should know this. My opponent's record is ... in one word
appalling. The facts aren't pretty, but they should be heard.
During the 1980s, the death rate for American children 14 and
under improved dramatically. But in Arkansas -- it got worse. The
state ranked 49th in 1989. In the late 1980s, Arkansas's rate of
violent deaths for teenagers soared at three times the national
average. Over the decade, child abuse reports shot up 130 percent.
Now, it's hard to believe that Governor Clinton was unaware
of what was going on. Throughout the 1980s, study after study
contained detailed findings and recommendations -- a cry for help.
He even commissioned some of these studies himself. In 1990, his
own Department of Human Services reported that "frequent and
widespread" official failures had placed the children of Arkansas
in "imminent peril."
Still Governor Clinton did nothing. Finally a group of child
welfare advocates took the Governor to court. They filed a federal
class action suit naming him, personally, as lead defendant. On
June 8th -- less than four months ago -- my opponent finally
settled out of court.
And now Candidate Clinton promises to crack down on violence
10
against children. Right there in his book -- page 49.
It makes you wonder. Before this campaign is over, we may
have to find an even better word than "slick."
Now to the environment. I love to hike -- camp in the woods.
You've heard me talk about the importance of protecting the
environment many times. But to me real eloquence is action -- and
I have acted. There's our historic Clean Air Act -- cutting acid
rain in half. We've banished offshore oil rigs from sensitive
beaches on both coasts -- and added a billion dollars worth of new
forests and parks for our children to enjoy.
And in the past three years, our Environmental Protection
Agency has assessed more than half of all the civil penalties and
criminal fines in EPA's history -- more than $200. million. To
those who spoil our lakes and air we are saying -- Mess with our
children's health and you will pay.
Those are facts -- that's the record. But Candidate Clinton
calls America's environmental record since 1989 a "disaster." He
promises a -- quote -- "real environmental policy" that will --
quote -- "challenge Americans and demand responsibility at every
level. "
My advice: Let's take Candidate Clinton at his word. Demand
that candidates run on their records -- not from them. I'll stand
by mine. Let's see if he can stand on his.
Earlier this year, my opponent was asked to name a single
Arkansas law that exceeds federal environmental standards. He
couldn't -- not one. The Governor has accepted generous campaign
11
contributions and free plane rides from Arkansas's powerful chicken
industry. The industry is the ultimate source of -- I'll put this
as delicately as I can -- fecal coliform bacteria, which pollutes
hundreds of miles of Arkansas rivers. Yet Governor Clinton has
never issued a single regulation to control this pollution.
The American people deserve to know why.
Last year, the Institute for Southern Studies released an
extraordinarily detailed, state-by-state study of environmental
quality and progress. Let me quote the Institute's Research
Director: "In the areas of policy -- laws passed, not task forces
or commissions set up to study a problem -- Arkansas was 50th, the
worst in the nation."
Candidate Clinton complains that the study was flawed. So let
me quote the Governor's own appointed chairman of the Arkansas
Pollution Control and Ecology Commission. He says -- quote --
"We deserve to be low on the list. It doesn't mean Arkansas has
dirtier air than California, but if California was operating on the
laws of Arkansas, you'd probably have to have a gas mask."
Finally, let's talk about health care. As you might expect,
my opponent and I have two vastly different approaches to the
problem. I want to use competition to expand coverage, preserve
quality, and drive down costs. Candidate Clinton wants to bring
our health care system under the control of the federal government.
Until just a few weeks ago, Candidate Clinton pretended that
his plan wouldn't cost a dime. But then someone at USA Today got
him to admit what I've been saying all along: his plan would
12
require a new payroll tax.
That tax will kill jobs, especially in small businesses. And
it will cut wages. But since we're talking about our records
today, consider this, too. Candidate Clinton says health care
"should be a right, not a privilege." And yet -- under Governor
Clinton -- Arkansas has one of the nation's worst health insurance
crises.
More than 42 percent of Arkansas workers -- the second highest
percentage in the nation -- don't even have employer-paid health
insurance. And the New York Times says a full 25 percent of all
state residents have no health insurance at all.
Candidate Clinton now says America -- quote -- "can't afford
four more years" without a solution to our health care problem.
I agree. But Governor Clinton took a long time to come around.
Two years ago -- in his fifth term as governor -- he finally signed
a bill to provide "bare bones" coverage to people who've gone
uninsured for more than a year.
Yet last fall, even this minimal plan had still not been
implemented. And even today, not a single insurance company has
ever set up a single policy -- for anyone -- under Governor
Clinton's model program. Bill Becker, head of the Arkansas AFL-
CIO, calls my opponent's state health insurance program -- and I
quote -- "a worthless, cynical power ploy."
So there you have it. Next time you hear Candidate Clinton
promise to be a progressive "change agent" for the entire United
States, think of civil rights and taxes in the state he's left
13
behind. Think of crime and child abuse and education in Arkansas.
Think of the environment he's neglected -- the health care problems
he's ignored.
Think about all this the next time Candidate Clinton says he
will do for America what he's done for Arkansas.
It's true we're having a big debate about America's future.
But first you have to learn who's really on the other side.
You have to know -- is it the words of Candidate Clinton or the
actions of Governor Clinton.
We've seen over the last nine months that Candidate Clinton
appears willing to say anything to anyone.
But the record of Governor Clinton proves that it doesn't
matter what the Candidate will say to anyone. Because he won't
deliver!
So either way -- whether it's Candidate Clinton or Governor
Clinton -- Bill Clinton is wrong for America.
I say we can do better than this. I say America deserves
better than this.
I know we have problems to fix. That's why I've presented my
Agenda.
And I know we need to get to work -- to keep America secure
and strong in this new era. That's why my Agenda contains 13
specific actions I'm going to fight to accomplish in the first year
of my second term.
I'm going to get them done -- with your help.
Because America has the character to win the economic
14
competition -- to win the peace.
Let's get on with the job.
Thank you and God Bless You.
# # #
HIR FORCE UNE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:22
PG.01
September 21, 1992
4:00 p.m.
CIVIL
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
TULSA, OKLAHOMA
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
Thank you and good morning everyone. I'm glad to be here in
Tulsa. I'm told The New York Times now refers to this city as the
new Peoria -- the place where you go to find out what the rest of
America is thinking. Sounds to me like Tulsa is thinking some
pretty enthusiastic thoughts these days.
May I say pay a special tribute to these high school great
bands -- the Hornets, the Warriors, the Indians and the Eagles
,
- whose schools all won their football games last weekend. 11
Finally, let me say a word about those of you who put together
the fabulous F-15's -- the hard-working men and women of McDonnell-
Douglas. Thanks for hosting us here. And I want to say hello to
all of you who work for the great Rockwell Industries./
You know, for the past few weeks, I've been traveling the
length and breadth of America, stumping for the economic ideas I
believe in -- my Agenda for American Renewal.
I want to create new markets for American products -- and new
jobs for American workers./ I want to give our kids what they
truly deserve -- the world's finest schools for a brand new
century. // And I want to use competition to reform our health care
system. 11 I believe you should only feel the pain when you visit
the doctor's office, not a month later, when you get the bill in
1
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:25
PG.02
the mail.//
My Agenda builds on the global opportunity before us. It
includes 13 specific items that I will fight to get done in the
very first year of my second term.
While I have been outlining my positive ideas for the future,
my opponent has chosen to focus his energy on the past. Month
after month, he has attacked my record, spent his time and money
and energy talking about what's wrong with America -- not to
mention what's wrong with George Bush.
I have not talked much about my opponent's record, because I
believe the American people have wanted a positive discussion about
what we will do to renew America.
But with just six weeks before this election, I think it's
time we put the spotlight on your neighboring state of Arkansas.
To sharpen the differences, on the fundamental issues that divide
us. To move beyond Candidate Clinton's rhetoric, to find out what
Governor Clinton has actually done in Arkansas.
This morning in Missouri, I looked at the entire Clinton
record in detail. For the rest of the day, I'm stopping by
Oklahoma and the other states that are Arkansas neighbors. I want
to get a close look -- at what's been going on under that Little
Rock.
I want to talk about the facts -- because the facts speak
volumes. I want you to understand, the my argument isn't with the
people of Arkansas, but with their leader.
You see, the other side says they are very eager to debate.
2
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:27
PG.03
And we have a debate for them. On the one side is Candidate
Clinton -- a promising young man -- who seems to be willing to
promise anything to get elected. On the other side is Governor
Clinton -- whose record in Arkansas is a series of broken promises.
On each stop on my trip today, I'm focussing on one issue of
importance to the people of Oklahoma -- and indeed all Americans.
Here in Oklahoma, I'd like to talk about the great struggle for
civil rights -- of equality for all people -- the American dream.
Candidate Clinton and his running mate recently published a
paperback book a catalogue of complaints about America. And
it's full of grand promises about the future.
Way back on page 175, there's a chapter called "The Clinton-
Gore Record." Eleven single-spaced pages -- everything flattering
they could possibly think to say about themselves. And not one
word about civil rights. Not one word. Even though Governor
Clinton says -- and I quote directly -- "everybody knows that
I
have the best civil rights record."
Well, let's see if the facts match Governor Clinton's "modest"
assessment of himself.
Some of you may know that in 1968 -- when I was a Congressman
from Texas -- I supported the Fair Housing Act. It wasn't popular
with some of my constituents at the time. Times have changed, of
course, and nowadays 41 states have laws banning housing
discrimination. Forty-one states -- including Oklahoma. But
Arkansas isn't one of them -- even though my opponent has been
governor for 12 years.
3
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:30
PG.04
Forty-six states, including Oklahoma, have human relations
agencies that safeguard their citizens against discrimination. But
not Arkansas.
Forty-eight states have basic civil rights laws that ban
discrimination and guarantee equal opportunity -- and Oklahoma
included is proud to be one of them. But not Arkansas. That's
right. Arkansas is one of only two states without a civil rights
statute.
Candidate Clinton likes to criticize my 1990 veto of the
Democratic Congress's quota bill. I did veto that bill -- and I'll
veto any other quota bill the Democrats cook up. But I believe you
can be against quotas, and still take a stand for civil rights.
So last year, after tough negotiations with Congress, I did
sign a major Civil Rights Bill -- I did it without resorting to
quotas.
Even though Governor Clinton's party enjoys overwhelming
control of the Arkansas legislature, he still hasn't brought a
civil rights bill to the people of Arkansas.
So when you hear the Candidate Clinton's rhetoric about civil
rights, remember Governor Clinton's record.
Believe me: I'll be happy to put my civil rights record next
to Bill Clinton's any day of the week.
About 20 miles from here, is the home of the great will
Rogers, the man who said the he wasn't a comic, he just watched the
government, and reported the facts.
Well, I'm not sure if even Will Roger's would get a chuckle
4
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:33
PG.05
out of Governor Clinton's record.
Governor Clinton talks a good game, but his actions betray his
words. On economic fairness, on crime, on policies for children,
on environmental protection, on health care, on civil rights --
Candidate Clinton says one thing -- but has been doing another.
The record of Governor Clinton proves that it doesn't matter
what Candidate Clinton says. Because he won't deliver.
So whether it's Candidate Clinton or Governor Clinton -- the
message is the same: Bill Clinton is wrong for America.
I say we can do better. I say America deserves better.
Yes, we face challenges, yes we have problems, but my Agenda
will confront our challenges, and renew America.
My agenda is right for America. The ideas, the principles,
the values, we need to bring this country together, and renew our
great nation.
So that we can match the peace we have achieved around the
world, with peace of mind here at home.
Thanks for the warm Oklahoma welcome. God Bless the United
States of America.
5
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:54
PG.01
September 21, 1992
Draft One
ENVIROHC
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
LONGVIEW, TEXAS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
Thank you, and good afternoon, everyone. It's great to be
back home in Texas. Longview brings back memories of my starting
out, back when I built a business, met a payroll, learned the truth
about what those young folks described earlier today.
In America, prosperity doesn't come from the hallowed halls
of government. It comes from the hard work of people like the men
and women of Longview.
And may I say how great it is to see the Kilgore Rangerettes.
I wish they could go to Washington for a few days -- so they could
go over to Congress -- and put those high-kickin' boots to good
use.//
You know, for the past few weeks, I've been travelling the
length and breadth of America, stumping for the ideas I believe in
-- my Agenda for American Renewal.
I want to open new markets for American products -- and create
new jobs for American workers./ I want to give our kids what they
truly deserve -- the world's finest schools for a brand new
century. And I want to use competition to reform our health care
system. The way I see it -- you should only feel the pain when you
visit the doctor's office -- not a month later -- when you get the
bill in the mail.//
1
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:54
PG.02
My agenda builds on the global opportunity before us. It
includes 13 specific items that I will fight to get done in the
very first year of my second term.
While I've been outlining my positive ideas for the future,
my opponent has chosen to focus his energy on the past. Month
after month, he's attacked my record -- spent his time and money
and energy talking about what's wrong with America -- not to
mention what's wrong with George Bush.
I have not talked much about my opponent's record, because I
believe the American people have wanted a positive discussion about
what we will do to renew America.
But with just six weeks before election day, I think it's time
we put the spotlight on your neighboring state of Arkansas. To
move beyond Governor Clinton's rhetoric, to find out what Governor
Clinton has actually done in Arkansas.
This morning in Missouri, I looked at the entire Clinton
record in detail. For the rest of the day, I'm stopping by Texas
and other states that are Arkansas neighbors. I want to get a
close look at what's been going on under that Little Rock.
I want to talk about the facts -- because the facts speak
volumes. I want you to understand that my argument isn't with the
people of Arkansas, but with their leader.
You see, the other side says they are very eager to debate.
And we have a debate for them. On the one side is Candidate
Clinton -- a promising young man -- who'll promise anything to get
elected.
2
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:55
PG.03
On the other side is Governor Clinton -- whose record in
Arkansas is a series of broken promises.
On each stop of my trip today, I'm focussing on one issue of
importance to the people of Texas -- and indeed all Americans.
Here in Longview, I'd like to talk about the battle to provide
affordable health care for all Americans.
As you might expect, my opponent and I have two vastly
different approaches to the problem. I want to use competition to
expand coverage, preserve quality and drive down costs. Governor
Clinton's plan could eventually bring the health care system under
the control of the federal government.
Until just a few weeks ago, Governor Clinton pretended that
this plan wouldn't cost a dime. But then someone at USA Today got
him to admit what I've been saying all along -- his plan would
require a new payroll tax.
This tax will kill jobs, especially in small business, and it
will cut wages. But since we're talking about our records today,
consider this. Candidate Clinton says health care should "be a
right, not a privilege." And yet -- under Governor Clinton --
Arkansas has one of the nation's worst health insurance crises.
More than 42 percent of Arkansas workers -- the second highest
percentage in the nation -- don't have employer-paid health
insurance. And The New York Times says a full 25 percent of all
state residents have no health insurance at all.
Candidate Clinton now says America -- quote -- "can't afford
four more years" without a solution to our health care problems.
3
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:56
PG.04
I agree. But Governor Clinton took a long time to come around.
Early last year -- in his fifth term as governor -- he finally
signed a bill to provide "bare bones" coverage to people who've
gone uninsured for more than a year.
Last fall, even this minimal plan had still not been
implemented. And even today, not a single insurance company has
ever set up a single policy -- for anyone -- under Governor
Clinton's model program. Bill Becker, head of the Arkansas AFL-
CIO calls my opponent's state health insurance program -- and I
quote -- "a worthless, cynical ploy.
On this issue, look at the Grand Canyon between the words of
Candidate Clinton -- and the actions of Governor Clinton.
It reminds me of something Mark Twain once said. "Do not tell
fish stories where the people know you, but particularly, do not
tell them where they know they fish."
Down here in Texas, you know the truth about Governor Clinton
and his record in protecting health. You know that it is all a big
fish story //
Governor Clinton talks a good game, but his actions betray his
words On economic fairness, on crime, on policies for children,
on environmental protection, on civil rights, and on health care -
- Candidate Clinton says one thing -- Governor Clinton has been
doing another.
The record of Governor Clinton proves that it doesn't matter
what Candidate Clinton says. Because he won't deliver.
So whether it's Candidate Clinton or Governor Clinton -- the
4
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:57
PG.05
message is the same: Bill Clinton is wrong for America.
Yes, we face challenges, yes, we have problems, but my Agenda
will confront our challenges, and renew America.
My agenda is right for America. The ideas, the principles,
the values, we need to bring this country together, and renew our
great nation.
So that we can match the peace we have achieved around the
world, with peace of mind here at home.
Thanks for the warm Texas welcome. God bless the United
States of America.
5
(Askew)
September 21, 1992
CRIME
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
Thank you, and hello, everyone. I'm glad to be here in
Shreveport -- because Captain Henry Shreve is kind of a hero of
mine. I like the way he cleared the dead wood out of the Red
River, got rid of that huge log-jam, and got things moving again.
Well, with the notable exception of Jim McCrery here, I hope
you voters do the same thing this November with the logjam in
Congress// and get rid of some of that dead-wood that says it's
representing you in Washington. Clear 'em out -- so we can renew
America -- and revitalize the American dream./
You know, for the past few weeks, I've been travelling the
length and breadth of America, stumping for the ideas I believe
in -- my Agenda for American Renewal.
I want to open new markets for American products -- and
create new jobs for American workers. I want to give our kids
what they truly deserve -- the world's finest schools for a brand
new century. And I want to use competition to make health care
more affordable, and available to you and your neighbors. The
way I see it -- you should only feel the pain when you visit the
doctor's office -- not a month later, when you get the bill in
the mail.
1
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:47
PG.02
My agenda builds on the global opportunity before America.
It includes thirteen specific items I want to get done in the
very first year of my second term.
While I've been outlining my positive ideas for the future,
my opponent has chosen to focus his energy on the past. Month
after month, he's attacked my record, spent his time and money
and energy talking about what's wrong with America -- not to
mention what's wrong with George Bush.
I have not talked much about my opponent's record, because I
believe the American people have wanted a positive discussion
about what we will do to renew America.
But with just six weeks before election day, I think it's
time we put the spotlight on your neighboring state of Arkansas.
To move beyond Candidate Clinton's rhetoric, to find out what
Governor Clinton has actually done in his home state.
This morning in Missouri, I looked at the entire Clinton
record in detail. For the rest of the day, I'm stopping by
Louisiana and some other states that are Arkansas' neighbors. I
want to get a close look -- at what's been going on under that
Little Rock.
I want to talk about the facts -- because the facts speak
very loudly for themselves. I want you to understand, my
argument isn't with the people of Arkansas
but with their
leader.
You see, the other side says they are very eager to debate.
And we have a debate for them. On the one side is Candidate
2
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:47
PG.03
Clinton -- a promising young man -- who'll promise anything, in
fact, to get elected.
One the other side is Governor Clinton -- whose record in
Arkansas is a series of broken promises.
On each stop on my trip today, I'm focussing on one issue of
importance to the people of Louisiana -- and indeed all
Americans. Here in Louisiana, I'd like to talk for a moment
about the great struggle to take back our streets from the thugs
and druggies and the crackheads.
Candidate Clinton likes to talk tough on crime. You'll hear
him criticize me about federal aid to state and local law
enforcement.
Those criticisms are off the mark. We've increased federal
spending on law enforcement activities by 43 percent over the
past four years. We want to give brave cops like these the tools
to fight the war on crime without one hand tied behind their
back./ /
You'll also hear Candidate Clinton make some pretty
impressive claims about crime control in Arkansas.
Wrong again.
During the 1980's, the nation's overall crime rate actually
declined. But not in Arkansas. In fact, Governor Clinton's
state had the biggest increase in the overall crime rate in the
entire nation -- nearly 28 percent!
3
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:48
PG.04
What about violent crime? Arkansas violent crime rate went
up more than 58 percent -- one of the worst records in the nation
-- and a heck of a lot worse than here in Louisiana./
why the difference? I've got some hunches. While violent
crime was exploding on Governor Clinton's watch, the number of
sworn law enforcement officers actually declined in one out of
every three Arkansas counties.
Arkansas today ranks near rock bottom in every important
per-capita law-enforcement expenditure -- for prisons: 46th. For
judicial and legal systems: 50th. And when it comes to per-
capita spending for police officers: well, Arkansas ranks 49th.
And in Arkansas, when the prison door slams shut on a
convicted criminal, he knows it won't be long before it opens
again. As incredible as it seems, most inmates in Arkansas serve
less than one-fifth -- one-fifth -- of their sentences behind
bars. That's the worst record in the nation.
(If you played Monopoly in Little Rock -- the card would
read -- "go directly to jail -- but you'll be back out in a
minute.")
Now contrast that with what we've been doing on the federal
level. Most federal inmates serve at least 85 percent of their
full sentences. My philosophy is simple: if you take liberties
with the law, we ought to say -- Hasta La Vista -- Baby.
When you look at Governor Clinton's record on law
enforcement, it's not surprising that last week -- the Fraternal
4
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:49
PG.05
Order of Police in Little Rock endorsed me. That's the verdict
of the police officers in Governor Clinton's hometown.
So when you hear Candidate Clinton's rhetoric about being
tough on crime -- just remember -- Governor Clinton's record.
And believe me: I'll be happy to stack my record on crime
next to his -- any day of the week.
Governor Clinton talks a good game, but his actions betray
his words. On economic fairness, on policies for children, on
environmental protection, on health care, on civil rights, on
crime -- Candidate Clinton says one thing -- but Governor Clinton
has been doing another.
The record of Governor Clinton proves that it doesn't matter
what Candidate Clinton says. Because he won't deliver.
Whether it's Candidate Clinton or Governor Clinton -- the
message is the same: Bill Clinton is wrong for America.
I say we can do better. I say America deserves better.
Yes, we face challenges, yes we have problems, but my Agenda
will confront our challenges, and renew America.
My agenda is right for America. The ideas, the principles,
the values -- we need to bring this country together and renew
our great nation.
So that we can match the peace we have achieved around the
globe, with peace of mind here at home.
Thanks for that warm Louisiana welcome. God bless the
United States of America.
5
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:58
PG.01
September 20, 1992
Draft One
FAIRNESS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
Good afternoon. I'm glad to be here in the great state of
Mississippi. My only regret is that I won't be able to stay too
long. But maybe I can take some of that delicious catfish back
with me to Washington for dinner.
For the past few weeks, I've been traveling the length and
breadth of America, stumping for the economic ideas I believe in -
1- my Agenda for American Renewal.
I want to open new markets, more customers for the services
and products of American men and women -- the most productive
workers in the world. 11
I want to give our children what they truly deserve -- the
world's finest schools for a brand new century 11
And I want to use the forces of competition -- to make health
care more affordable, and make it available to you -- everyone of
your neighbors 11
My Agenda builds on the global opportunity before our nation.
It includes 13 specific items that I will fight to get done in the
very first year of my second term.
While I have been outlining my ideas for the future, my
opponent has chosen to focus on the past. To spend his time, money
and energy talking about what's wrong with America -- not to
mention what's wrong with George Bush.
1
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 12:59
PG.02
I have not talked much about my opponent's record, because I
believe the American people have wanted a positive discussion about
what we will do to renew America.
But with just six weeks until election day, I think it's time
to put the spotlight on your neighboring state of Arkansas. To
move beyond Candidate Clinton's rhetoric, to find out what Governor
Clinton has actually done to his state.
This morning in Missouri, I looked at the entire Clinton
record in detail. For the rest of the day, I'm stopping by
Mississippi and other states that are Arkansas' neighbors. I want
to get a close look -- at what's been going on under Little Rock.
I want to talk about the facts -- because the facts speak
volumes. My argument is not with the people of Arkansas, but with
their leader.
You see, the other side says they are very eager to debate.
And we have a debate for them. On the one side is Candidate
Clinton -- a promising young man who will promise anything to get
elected. On the other side is Governor Clinton -- whose record in
Arkansas is a series of broken promises.
Take just one issue of importance to the people of Mississippi
and indeed all Americans -- economic fairness.
Candidate Clinton is playing the same old game liberals
always play -- class warfare. And Candidate Clinton is good at it:
using the same tired, twisted, partisan statistics to explain how
the poor can only get richer -- if the rich get poorer.
According to Candidate Clinton, the last ten years have been
2
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 13:00
PG.03
a nightmare. Well, if you look at the facts, it simply isn't true.
The American dream is still alive.
The Urban Institute back in washington isn't usually one of
my most ardent admirers. But listen to what they had to say about
the 1980s -- and I quote "the rich got a little richer and the poor
got much richer." That's the truth: Our policies of cutting taxes
have meant more money in the pockets of all Americans.
Candidate Clinton doesn't think this is "fair." But maybe
it's because Governor Clinton doesn't have much experience with tax
fairness in his own state.
Governor Clinton has more than doubled Arkansas state spending
since 1983. And he has paid for it by raising the taxes that hurt
poor and working families the most.
My opponent has raised and extended his sales tax repeatedly.
Governor Clinton more than doubled Arkansas gas tax, to 18-and-a-
half cents per gallon. Governor Clinton taxed food stamps until
the federal government forced him to stop. He started taxing
mobile homes, and on beer. And as if working families in Arkansas
didn't have enough problems already -- Governor Clinton even tried
to tax child care.
(It doesn't matter if the burp is from a beer or a baby bottle
-- Governor Clinton will try to slap a tax on it. ) 11
Last year, Governor Clinton signed the largest tax increase in
Arkansas history. Listen to what an Arkansas paper said of his
tax policies -- and I quote -- "If Congress followed the example
Bill Clinton has set as governor of Arkansas, it would pass a tax
3
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 13:00
PG.04
program that would hit the middle class hardest." well, I don't
want to favor the rich at the expense of the middle-class. I want
to give a tax break to all working Americans, so that more people
can get rich -- because that's what America is all about.
In Arkansas, Governor Clinton's tax policy has been a knockout
punch -- aimed at the chin of the middle-class. You can see the
impact.
Start with per capita income, the bottom line of a state's
economy. . HOW much the regular Joe and Jane earn.
At the end of the 1980's, Arkansas ranked 48th in the nation
for per-capita income -- 73 percent of the national average -- down
from 75 percent in 1980.
Candidate Clinton talks a lot about creating high-paying
manufacturing jobs for America. How is Governor Clinton's record?
Well, average hourly earnings for Arkansas workers were 47th in
1980. By 1989, they had dropped to 50th.
Now Candidate Clinton wants to do for the American economy
what Governor Clinton has done to Arkansas income, taxes, and jobs.
My question is -- why would we let him?
Candidate Clinton has already proposed the biggest tax
increase in history -- and that's not even counting his payroll
taxes for training and health care.
You tell me: Is that fair to the middle-class?
Candidate Clinton has been "talking the talk" of economic
fairness, sounding like some sort of Robin Hood, who will rob from
the Rich and give something to the poor.
4
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 13:01
PG.05
But Governor Clinton has been more like Captain Hook -- trying
to take a little bit from everyone -- and especially from those who
can least afford to pay.
I believe in something different. I believe that government
is too big -- and spends too much of your money 11
So I want to cut government spending, and then cut taxes.
Cut taxes for the entrepreneur, but also the single mom struggling
to pay the bills, and the senior on social security.
I feel the same way that your Governor Kirk Fordice feels.
He went to the mat with your State Legislature, to ease the tax
burden on working men and women. Governor Fordice may. not have won
this round, but he's going to be coming back again and again,
because he knows the same thing I know -- low taxes are the way to
get this economy moving again.
On economic fairness, the environment, health care, civil
rights, fighting crime, improving our schools -- Candidate Clinton
says one thing -- but Governor Clinton has been doing another.
So whether it's Candidate Clinton or Governor Clinton -- the
message is the same: Bill Clinton is wrong for America.
I say we can do better. America can do better.
Yes, we face challenges, yes we have problems, but my Agenda
will confront our challenges, and renew America.
My agenda is right for America. The ideas, the principles,
the values we need to bring this country together, and renew our
great nation.
So that we can match the peace we have achieved around the
5
HIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 13:02
PG.06
world, with peace of mind here at home.
Thanks for the warm Mississippi welcome. God Bless the United
States of America.
6
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 13:12
PG.01
(Askew)
September 21, 1992
CHILDEDUCATION
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
Thank you, Congressman Sundquist. Mrs. Sundquist.
Secretary Alexander. [Further acknowledgements to come.] And
good evening, everyone. I'm glad to be here in Memphis, home of
the blues, wet and dry ribs, the old South and the new Pyramid -
- and of course Elvis. That's Presley, not Clinton.
It's good to be in the heart of the South because what's
happening in Memphis represents what's going to make America
great in the 21st Century -- constant renewal through creativity,
discipline, and innovation.
[[All three of these virtues are embodied in Fred Smith and
Federal Express. I'm honored to have Fred with us this
evening. ]]
You know, for the past few weeks, I've been travelling the
length and breadth of America, stumping for the ideals I believe
in -- my Agenda for American Renewal.
I want to open new markets for American products, and create
new jobs for American workers. I want to create a welfare system
that convinces families to stick together, and fathers to stick
around. Most of all, with the help of your great former Governor
-- Lamar Alexander -- I want to give our young people what they
deserve: the finest schools in the entire world. 11
1
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 13:12
PG.02
While I've been outlining my positive ideas for the future,
my opponent has chosen to focus his energy on the past. Month
after month, he's attacked my record
...
spent his time and money
and energy talking about what's wrong with America.
I haven't talked much about my opponent's record, because I
think the American people deserve to hear a positive discussion
about what we'll do to renew America.
But with just six weeks until election day, I think it's
time we put the spotlight on your neighboring state of Arkansas.
It's time to move beyond Candidate Clinton's rhetoric, to find
out what Governor Clinton has actually done in his home state.
Today, I have traveled to six states, all around Arkansas,
to get a look at what's been going on under Little Rock.
I have talked about the facts -- because the facts speak
very loudly for themselves. My argument isn't with the people of
Arkansas, it is with their leader.
You see, the other side says they are very eager to debate.
And we have a debate for them. On the one side is Candidate
Clinton -- a promising young man -- who'll promise anything, in
fact, to get elected.
One the other side is Governor Clinton -- whose record in
Arkansas is a series of broken promises.
On each stop of my trip today, I have focused on one issue
of importance to all the people of America. I'd saved the most
important issue for last -- our children.
2
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 13:13
PG.03
Lamar Alexander will tell you that you can't renew America,
without renewing our schools. Today, with the help of leaders
like so many of you here in Memphis, American schools are being
re-invented. But what is going on in Arkansas?
In his new book, Candidate Clinton says America has failed
to provide its children with either the best education or
adequate protection from violence. That's what the Candidate
Clinton says. But what has Governor Clinton done?
Here are the facts -- pure and simple.
During the 1980s, Arkansas fell from 47th to 48th place in
percentage of adults with a high school diploma.
Arkansas's rankings on its primary college entrance
examination -- the ACT -- have declined. Twenty-eight states use
the ACT as their primary college entrance test. The New York
Times reported that in 1979 -- Arkansas ranked 20th out of those
28th. It's latest ranking is down -- to 25th out of 28th.
And we know that more than three-quarters of Arkansas high
school graduates require remedial instruction when they get to
college. Think about that. Three out of four Arkansas college
students spend their first year of college re-learning what they
missed in high school.
And when it comes to the percentage of adults with a college
degree, Governor Clinton's Arkansas still ranks 50th.
These are the facts, pure and simple. You can see, there's
a Grand Canyon between what Candidate Clinton says about
improving education, and what Governor Clinton has actually done.
3
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 13:14
PG.04
( (And this is no minor issue, because as Lamar Alexander
will tell you: in Washington today, the forces are arrayed to
stop the education reform movement dead in its tracks.
I'm proud of the reforms that we have devised -- to build
new American schools, to free teachers from the burden of
government regulation, to raise standards for all our young
people -- and to give scholarships to low and middle-income
parents, so they can choose the schools their children should
attend. 111
But even as we meet tonight, Congress is moving to water
down these bold reforms.
They are considering legislation which would slow the
process of raising standards. Which would free teachers from
regulation in some schools -- but only some schools. Which would
delay and discourage the process of building New American
Schools, and which would say "no" to the exciting idea of using
competition to revitalize our schools.
Instead, Congress is flirting with what you might call "the
Education Overhead Act." A bill which would take our scarce
resources, and devote them not to our kids, not to our teachers,
but to the bureaucrats and entrenched powers who control the
education establishment in Washington.
I don't want to see this happen. So tonight, I challenge
Governor Clinton, to join me in calling upon Congress in
rejecting this approach. Instead, we should stand together to
back what you are doing right here in Memphis.
4
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 13:14
PG.05
We should take a stand for our kids -- take a stand for our
future.
I can promise you this: let Governor Clinton tell the
education establishment what they want to hear. I will tell them
what they need to hear. ))
(Brief pause.)
As I said, Memphis is my last stop today -- on a whirlwind
trip around the country.
I've been to six states over the past twelve hours, and you
know -- I have to say, I never get tired of seeing and meeting
Americans face-to-face.
This is a great land, and we're a great people.
And while the sun goes down tonight, over the mighty
Mississippi -- I can't help but think that some things, like that
river, never change.
We'll take off here in a few moments, and I'll look down
over Tennessee -- and I'll see all those lights of home down
there, each one twinkling, each representing a home, a family,
and a dream of its own.
I want to help America realize the dreams that are so close
at hand. You know, we've turned nightmares into dreams for
millions of people abroad, the past four years -- and we saw
freedom finish first. Now, we have a chance to work the same
miracles here at home.
And we're faced with a very real choice in this election.
5
AIR FORCE ONE
TUE 22 SEP 92 13:15
PG.06
with two very different visions of how to make our kids'
dreams come true.
I hope you'll support me six weeks from now. I promise I'll
support you in the four years to follow -- and I'll do my level
best to give your dreams the support all dreams need, to come
true -- the real things -- like education for your children
freedom from fear -- a wholesome and healthy environment -- a
strong and robust economy -- and all the other things that weave
together and make a life here, in the greatest land God ever put
on Earth.
Thank you for listening. May God bless you May God bless
Tennessee
and May God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
6
THE WHITE HOUSE
Zoellickits
WASHINGTON
September 22, 1992 02 SEP 22 A9:44
10:00 E.D.T.
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
told PB
FROM:
STEVEN PROVOST SP
SUBJECT:
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE EVENT
On Tuesday, September 22 at 7:30 p.m., you will address a
high-school gymnasium full of students, their families, and Bush-
Quayle supporters. Your remarks (10 minutes, teleprompter)
examine in detail Bill Clinton's record on education and the
well-being of children in Arkansas, and point out the differences
between that record and his campaign rhetoric.
Your remarks for this event are derived from your speech
earlier in the day in Springfield, Missouri. Secretary Alexander
will be in attendance, and Congressman Don Sundquist will
introduce you.
(1) pls include the "concolsion stumps: lang
divert matter deliver
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-File
LSO about meeting current with JAB t secty Alexander
(Askew)
September 21, 1992
CHILDEDUCATION
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
Thank you, Congressman Sundquist. Mrs. Sundquist.
Secretary Alexander. [Further acknowledgements to come.] And
good evening, everyone. I'm glad to be here in Memphis, home of
the blues, wet and dry ribs, the old South and the new Pyramid -
- and of course Elvis. That's Presley, not Clinton.
It's good to be in the heart of the South because what's
happening in Memphis represents what's going to make America
great in the 21st Century -- constant renewal through creativity,
discipline, and innovation.
[[All three of these virtues are embodied in Fred Smith and
Federal Express. I'm honored to have Fred with us this
evening. ]]
You know, for the past few weeks, I've been travelling the
length and breadth of America, stumping for the ideals I believe
in -- my Agenda for American Renewal.
I want to open new markets for American products, and create
new jobs for American workers. I want to create a welfare system
that convinces families to stick together, and fathers to stick
around. Most of all, with the help of your great former Governor
-- Lamar Alexander -- I want to give our young people what they
deserve: the finest schools in the entire world.//
1
While I've been outlining my positive ideas for the future,
my opponent has chosen to focus his energy on the past. Month
after month, he's attacked my record
spent his time and money
and energy talking about what's wrong with America.
I haven't talked much about my opponent's record, because I
think the American people deserve to hear a positive discussion
about what we'll do to renew America.
But with just six weeks until election day, I think it's
time we put the spotlight on your neighboring state of Arkansas.
It's time to move beyond Candidate Clinton's rhetoric, to find
out what Governor Clinton has actually done in his home state.
Today, I have traveled to six states, all around Arkansas,
to get a look at what's been going on under Little Rock.
I have talked about the facts -- because the facts speak
very loudly for themselves. My argument isn't with the people of
Arkansas, it is with their leader.
You see, the other side says they are very eager to debate.
And we have a debate for them. On the one side is Candidate
Clinton -- a promising young man -- who'll promise anything, in
fact, to get elected.
One the other side is Governor Clinton -- whose record in
Arkansas is a series of broken promises.
On each stop of my trip today, I have focused on one issue
of importance to all the people of America. I'd saved the most
important issue for last -- our children.
2
Lamar Alexander will tell you that you can't renew America,
without renewing our schools. Today, with the help of leaders
like so many of you here in Memphis, American schools are being
re-invented. But what is going on in Arkansas?
In his new book, Candidate Clinton says America has failed
to provide its children with either the best education or
adequate protection from violence. That's what the Candidate
Clinton says. But what has Governor Clinton done?
Here are the facts -- pure and simple.
During the 1980s, Arkansas fell from 47th to 48th place in
percentage of adults with a high school diploma.
Arkansas's rankings on its primary college entrance
examination -- the ACT -- have declined. Twenty-eight states use
the ACT as their primary college entrance test. The New York
Times reported that in 1979 -- Arkansas ranked 20th out of those
28th. It's latest ranking is down -- to 25th out of 28th.
And we know that more than three-quarters of Arkansas high
school graduates require remedial instruction when they get to
college. Think about that. Three out of four Arkansas college
students spend their first year of college re-learning what they
missed in high school.
And when it comes to the percentage of adults with a college
degree, Governor Clinton's Arkansas still ranks 50th.
These are the facts, pure and simple. You can see, there's
a Grand Canyon between what Candidate Clinton says about
improving education, and what Governor Clinton has actually done.
3
( (And this is no minor issue, because as Lamar Alexander
will tell you: in Washington today, the forces are arrayed to
stop the education reform movement dead in its tracks.
I'm proud of the reforms that we have devised -- to build
new American schools, to free teachers from the burden of
government regulation, to raise standards for all our young
people -- and to give scholarships to low and middle-income
parents, so they can choose the schools their children should
attend. ///
But even as we meet tonight, Congress is moving to water
down these bold reforms.
They are considering legislation which would slow the
process of raising standards. Which would free teachers from
regulation in some schools -- but only some schools. Which would
delay and discourage the process of building New American
Schools, and which would say "no" to the exciting idea of using
competition to revitalize our schools.
Instead, Congress is flirting with what you might call "the
Riscussed
Education Overhead Act." A bill which would take our scarce
at
resources, and devote them not to our kids, not to our teachers,
Leg"
but to the bureaucráts and entrenched powers who control the
street
education establishment in Washington.
I don't want to see this happen. So tonight, I challenge
Delete
Governor Clinton, to join me in calling upon Congress in
rejecting this approach. Instead, we should stand together to
back what you are doing right here in Memphis.
4
We should take a stand for our kids -- take a stand for our
future.
I can promise you this: let Governor Clinton tell the
education establishment what they want to hear. I will tell them
what they need to hear.) )
(Brief pause.)
As I said, Memphis is my last stop today -- on a whirlwind
trip around the country.
I've been to six states over the past twelve hours, and you
know -- I have to say, I never get tired of seeing and meeting
Americans face-to-face.
This is a great land, and we're a great people.
And while the sun goes down tonight, over the mighty
Mississippi -- I can't help but think that some things, like that
river, never change.
We'll take off here in a few moments, and I'll look down
over Tennessee -- and I'll see all those lights of home down
there, each one twinkling, each representing a home, a family,
and a dream of its own.
I want to help America realize the dreams that are so close
at hand. You know, we've turned nightmares into dreams for
millions of people abroad, the past four years -- and we saw
freedom finish first. Now, we have a chance to work the same
miracles here at home.
And we're faced with a very real choice in this election.
5
With two very different visions of how to make our kids'
dreams come true.
I hope you'll support me six weeks from now. I promise I'll
support you in the four years to follow -- and I'll do my level
best to give your dreams the support all dreams need, to come
true -- the real things -- like education for your children
freedom from fear -- a wholesome and healthy environment -- a
strong and robust economy -- and all the other things that weave
together and make a life here, in the greatest land God ever put
on Earth.
Thank you for listening. May God bless you May God bless
Tennessee
and May God bless the United States of America.
# # # #
6
Zaellick edits
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
02 SEP 22 : 44 T.
September 21, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
10:00 A9: a. PB
FROM:
STEVE PROVOST SP
told
SUBJECT:
LONGVIEW, TX EVENT
On September 22, at 1:00 p.m., you will deliver remarks to
approximately 4,000 people at Gregg County Airport in Longview,
Texas.
Your remarks (10 minutes, on prompter) examine in detail
Bill Clinton's record on the environment and health care, and
point out the differences between that record and his campaign
rhetoric.
1 minn pt on 6.1
September 21, 1992
Draft One
ENVIROHC
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
LONGVIEW, TEXAS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
Thank you, and good afternoon, everyone. It's great to be
back home in Texas. Longview brings back memories of my starting
out, back when I built a business, met a payroll, learned the truth
about what those young folks described earlier today.
In America, prosperity doesn't come from the hallowed halls
of government. It comes from the hard work of people like the men
and women of Longview.
And may I say how great it is to see the Kilgore Rangerettes.
I wish they could go to Washington for a few days -- so they could
go over to Congress -- and put those high-kickin' boots to good
use.//
He used one l in
Tulsa,
You know, for the past few weeks, I've been trave lling the
length and breadth of America, stumping for the ideas I believe in
-- my Agenda for American Renewal.
I want to open new markets for American products -- and create
new jobs for American workers./ / I want to give our kids what they
truly deserve -- the world's finest schools for a brand new
century. // And I want to use competition to reform our health care
system. The way I see it --- you should only feel the pain when you
7
visit the doctor's office -- not a month later -- when you get the
bill in the mail.//
1
My agenda builds on the global opportunity before us.
It
includes 13 specific items that I will fight to get done in the
very first year of my second term.
While I've been outlining my positive ideas for the future,
my opponent has chosen to focus his energy on the past. Month
after month, he's attacked my record -- spent his time and money
and energy talking about what's wrong with America -- not to
mention what's wrong with George Bush.
I have not talked much about my opponent's record, because I
believe the American people have wanted a positive discussion about
what we will do to renew America.
But with just six weeks before election day, I think it's time
we put the spotlight on your neighboring state of Arkansas.
To
move beyond Governor Clinton's rhetoric, to find out what Governor
Clinton has actually done in Arkansas.
This morning in Missouri, I looked at the entire Clinton
record in detail. For the rest of the day, I'm stopping by Texas
and other states that are Arkansas neighbors. I want to get a
close look at what's been going on under that Little Rock.
I want to talk about the facts -- because the facts speak
volumes. I want you to understand that my argument isn't with the
people of Arkansas, but with their leader.
You see, the other side says they are very eager to debate.
And we have a debate for them. On the one side is Candidate
Clinton -- a promising young man -- who'll promise anything to get
elected.
2
On the other side is Governor Clinton -- whose record in
Arkansas is a series of broken promises.
On each stop of my trip today, I'm focussing on one issue of
importance to the people of Texas -- and indeed all Americans.
Here in Longview, I'd like to talk about the battle to provide
affordable health care for all Americans.
As you might expect, my opponent and I have two vastly
different approaches to the problem. I want to use competition to
expand coverage, preserve quality and drive down costs. Governor
Clinton's plan could eventually bring the health care system under
the control of the federal government.
Until just a few weeks ago, Governor Clinton pretended that
this plan wouldn't cost a dime. But then someone at USA Today got
him to admit what I've been saying all along -- his plan would
require a new payroll tax.
This tax will kill jobs, especially in small business, and it
will cut wages. But since we're talking about our records today,
consider this. Candidate Clinton says health care should "be a
right, not a privilege." And yet -- under Governor Clinton --
Arkansas has one of the nation's worst health insurance crises.
More than 42 percent of Arkansas workers -- the second highest
percentage in the nation -- don't have employer-paid health
insurance. And The New York Times says a full 25 percent of all
state residents have no health insurance at all.
Candidate Clinton now says America -- quote -- "can't afford
four more years" without a solution to our health care problems.
3
I agree. But Governor Clinton took a long time to come around.
Early last year -- in his fifth term as governor -- he finally
signed a bill to provide "bare bones" coverage to people who've
gone uninsured for more than a year.
Last fall, even this minimal plan had still not been
implemented. And even today, not a single insurance company has
ever set up a single policy -- for anyone -- under Governor
Clinton's model program. Bill Becker, head of the Arkansas AFL-
CIO calls my opponent's state health insurance program -- and I
quote -- "a worthless, cynical ploy.'
On this issue, look at the Grand Canyon between the words of
Candidate Clinton -- and the actions of Governor Clinton.
It reminds me of something Mark Twain once said. "Do not tell
fish stories where the people know you, but particularly, do not
tell them where they know they fish."
Down here in Texas, you know the truth about Governor Clinton
and his record in protecting health. You know that it is all a big
fish story //
Governor Clinton talks a good game, but his actions betray his
words. On economic fairness, on crime, on policies for children,
on environmental protection, on civil rights, and on health care -
- Candidate Clinton says one thing -- Governor Clinton has been
doing another.
The record of Governor Clinton proves that it doesn't matter
what Candidate Clinton says. Because he won't deliver.
So whether it's Candidate Clinton or Governor Clinton -- the
4
message is the same: Bill Clinton is wrong for America.
Yes, we face challenges, yes, we have problems, but my Agenda
will confront our challenges, and renew America.
My agenda is right for America. The ideas, the principles,
the values, we need to bring this country together, and renew our
great nation.
So that we can match the peace we have achieved around the
/
world, with peace of mind here at home.
Thanks for the warm Texas welcome. God bless the United
States of America.
5