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 Home > News & Policies > May 2004

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 4, 2004

Remarks by the President at Michigan Rally
Jerome-Duncan Theatre at Freedom Hall
Sterling Heights, Michigan
May 3, 2004

8:44 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for coming. It is great to be back in Michigan. (Applause.) In case you haven't heard, we're on the George W. Bush bus tour. (Applause.) It's my way to let the people of Michigan know how much I appreciate their support -- (applause) -- how much I'm counting on your support. (Applause.) It's my way of letting you know I want to win and be President for four more years. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all for coming. The first thing is I'd like to ask you to volunteer in the campaign. (Applause.) Get your neighbors to register to vote. Put the signs up. (Applause.) Talk to people from all walks of life and tell them this, that I've got a positive vision for the future of this country. (Applause.) I've got a positive vision for winning the war on terror and to spreading peace and freedom throughout the world. (Applause.) A positive vision for creating jobs and opportunity for every single American. (Applause.) A positive vision for capturing the great spirit of this country, so every citizen has a chance to realize their dreams. I've got a goal to make sure this country is safer and stronger and better. I will leave no doubt where we stand, and we will win on November the 2nd. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!

THE PRESIDENT: We've had a fabulous day today. It's been somewhat diminished by the fact that Laura had to go home early. No, I know, you drew the short straw. (Laughter.) There's a lot of reasons why I think I need to be reelected. But for certain, one of the most important reasons is to make sure that Laura is the First Lady for four more years. (Audience interruption, inaudible.)

AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT: I can't tell you how proud I am of Laura. She is a fantastic First Lady. (Applause.) She is the love of my life. I am really proud of her, and I appreciate the job she has done. She loves the children of America. She understands the importance of teaching every child to read. (Applause.) And she sends her very best to all our friends here in the Detroit area of the great state of Michigan. (Applause.)

I picked a really good man to be the Vice President of the United States in Dick Cheney. (Applause.) I want to thank Congresswoman Candice Miller for being my state campaign coordinator. (Applause.) I appreciate so very much Congressman Joe Knollenberg for being here today. (Applause.) Congressman Mike Rogers is with us, as well. (Applause.) I want to thank the Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land for -- (applause.) Terri Lynn just drove with us from Kalamazoo here to the Detroit area on the George W. Bush bus. (Applause.)

I want to thank all the state and local officials who are here. I want to thank all the grassroots activists who are here. (Applause.) I want to thank my friend, Travis Tritt, for coming up from -- (Applause.) I appreciate it. Billy Cerveny -- I appreciate both of these great artists for coming today. I'm honored to have your support and your friendship. It means a lot to me. (Applause.)

The last three years have brought serious challenges, and we have given serious answers. (Applause.) We came to office with the stock market in decline, and an economy headed into recession. We delivered historic tax relief. And now our economy is the fastest growing of any major industrialized country in the world. (Applause.) We uncovered corporate crimes that cost people their jobs and their savings, so we passed strong corporate reforms, brought the wrongdoers to account, and made it clear we will not tolerate dishonesty in the boardrooms of America. (Applause.)

We saw war and grief arrive on a quiet September morning. We pursued the terrorist enemy across the world. We have captured or killed many key leaders of the al Qaeda network. (Applause.) The rest of them will learn there is no cave or hole deep enough to hide from American justice. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA! USA!

THE PRESIDENT: We confronted the dangers of state-sponsored terror and the spread of weapons of mass destruction. So we ended two of the most -- (applause) -- we ended two of the most violent and dangerous regimes on Earth. We liberated over 50 million people. Once again, America is proud to stand against tyranny and to set nations free. (Applause.)

When Dick Cheney and I came to office, we found a military that was underfunded and underappreciated. So we gave our military the resources and the respect they deserve. And today, no one can question the skill, and the strength, and the spirit of the United States military. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA! USA!

THE PRESIDENT: It is the President's job to confront problems, not to pass them on to future Presidents and future generations. (Applause.) The President needs to step up to make the hard decisions and to keep his commitment. And that is how I will continue to lead our nation for four more years. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT: Great events -- great events will turn on this election. The man who sits in the Oval Office will set the course of the war on terror and the direction of our economy. The security and prosperity of America are at stake. The stakes are high. I'll have a tough race, and that's why I'm counting on your help.

I'm running against -- I'm running against an experienced United States Senator.

AUDIENCE: Booo!

THE PRESIDENT: He's been in Washington for quite a long time. He's been there long enough to take both sides of just about every issue. (Applause.) He voted for the Patriot Act. He voted for NAFTA. He voted for No Child Left Behind. And he voted for the use of force in Iraq. Now he opposes the Patriot Act, NAFTA, the No Child Left Behind Act, and the liberation of Iraq.

AUDIENCE: Booo!

THE PRESIDENT: He's been on both sides of big issues. And if he could find a third side -- (laughter and applause.) He recently gave us another example of his technique. Last winter, my opponent was in Michigan and somebody asked him about the cars he had. (Laughter.) Here in the great auto-producing state, he said, quote, "We have some SUVs." He was talking about having a couple of mini-vans and a big Suburban. Last month, on Earth Day, Senator Kerry had a different description of his fleet. (Laughter.) He said, and I quote, "I don't own an SUV." To clear up the confusion he said, "The family has it. I don't have it." (Laughter.) In other words, he doesn't have an SUV except when he's in Michigan. (Laughter.) Now, there's a fellow who's getting a lot of mileage out of his Suburban. (Laughter and applause.)

Whatever he drives, the voters this year will have a clear choice. (Applause.) It's a choice -- it is a choice between keeping the tax relief that is moving this economy forward, or putting the burden of higher taxes back on the American people. It is a choice between an America that leads the world with strength and confidence, or an America that is uncertain in the face of danger.

The other side hasn't offered much in the way of strategies to win the war, or policies to help people find work. We're well into the campaign and all we hear is bitterness and outbursts instead of calm debate. They will find out that anger is not an agenda for the future of America. (Applause.) I will take on the big issues with optimism and resolve and determination. And I will make it clear, we stand ready to lead this country for four more years. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT: A big issue for every family in America is the federal tax burden. With the largest tax relief since Ronald Reagan was the President, we have left more money in the hands of those who earned it. (Applause.) By spending and investing and help -- helping create new jobs, the American people have used their money far better than the government would have. (Applause.)

We've overcome some tough challenges in this country. But I'm an optimist, because I understand the entrepreneurial spirit of America. I've seen small business owners dream big dreams. I know you're facing economic challenges here in the great state of Michigan. Manufacturing communities have been especially hard hit. There are workers who are concerned about their jobs. I understand that. I understand that. Our economy is in a time of transition. And if you're the one going through transition, it's not an easy experience.

Workers and businesses in Michigan are meeting the challenges, though, with energy and optimism because of good policy. Because of the hard work of the people of this state and other states, our economy is strong, and it is growing stronger. (Applause.)

The economy grew at a strong rate of 4.2 percent in the first quarter of this year. (Applause.) Economic growth over the past three quarters has been the fastest in nearly two decades. (Applause.) In March, America added 308,000 new jobs, the highest monthly job growth total in almost four years -- (applause) -- 5,900 of those new jobs was created here in Michigan. (Applause.)

Across this country, manufacturing activity is increasing, business investment is rising, disposable income is up, inflation is low, mortgage and interest rates are low. Home ownership is at the highest rate ever. The tax relief we passed is working. (Applause.)

My opponent has a different view of letting the American people keep more of their own income. When we passed an increase in the child credit to help families, he voted no. When we reduced the marriage penalty, he voted against it. When we created a lower 10-percent tax rate for working families, he voted no. When we gave small businesses a tax incentive to expand and hire, he voted against it. When tax increases are proposed, it's a lot easier to get a "yes" vote out of him. (Laughter.)

He voted for taxes over -- for higher taxes over 350 times since he's been a United States senator. He supported gas tax increases 11 times, and once favored an increase of 50 cents a gallon.

AUDIENCE: Booo!

THE PRESIDENT: By the way, it cost you $5.00 every time you filled up your car. For that he at least ought to throw in a free car wash. (Laughter.)

He's also proposing a lot of new spending. You've got to be careful about these folks that go around the country making promises with your money. He's increased spending over a trillion dollars, and we're just getting started in the campaign. He says he's going to pay for it by raising taxes on the rich. But he's got a problem. He's got a problem. All the new spending can't raise enough money -- can't be paid for by raising money on the rich. Guess who he's going to raise taxes on -- you. In order to pay for the new spending he's promised, he's either going to break the promise, or he's going to have to raise the taxes on the hardworking American people. And we're not going to let him have a chance to do so. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT: You see, you and I understand that higher taxes would undermine growth and destroy jobs just as our economy is getting stronger. To help grow the American economy and to create more jobs for American workers, I've got a better idea: We should keep the tax rates low. We should not raise taxes on the American people. (Applause.)

I want to be your President for four more years because I got a plan to make sure our country is the strongest economy in the world so people can find work. I have a plan to protect small business owners and employees from frivolous lawsuits and needless regulations. (Applause.) We got a plan to help control the cost of health care by giving people better access through health savings accounts and association health care plans. I understand what frivolous lawsuits do to the cost of medicine. We need medical liability reform at the federal level. (Applause.)

In order to make sure this economy is strong over the next decade, we need to have an energy plan. We need to encourage conservation, alternative sources of energy. But we need clean coal technology. We need exploration for natural gas. We need to become less dependent on foreign sources of energy. (Applause.)

In order to keep this economy strong, and to make sure we're the leader in the world in economic growth, so people can find work, I will continue to knock down trade barriers in foreign countries. Listen, we're the best in the world at growing things and manufacturing things in the high-tech world. All our people need is a level playing field. We should reject economic isolationism and work to make sure that our workers are treated fairly in overseas markets. (Applause.)

Empty talk about jobs and economic isolationism won't get anybody hired. The way to make sure this country is strong and people can find work is to reelect a pro-growth, pro-entrepreneur, pro-small business President, and that is George W. Bush. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT: Our future -- our future also depends on America's leadership in the world. The momentum of freedom in our time is strong, but we still face serious dangers. Al Qaeda is wounded, but not broken. Terrorists are testing our will in Afghanistan and in Iraq. Regimes in North Korea and Iran are challenging the peace. If America shows weakness and uncertainty in this decade, the world will drift toward tragedy. This will not happen on my watch. (Applause.)

This nation -- this nation is strong and confident in the cause of freedom. And today, no friend or enemy doubts the word of the United States of America. America and our allies gave an ultimatum to the terror regime in Afghanistan. The Taliban chose defiance, and the Taliban are no longer in power. (Applause.) America and our allies gave an ultimatum to the terror regime in Iraq. The dictator chose defiance, and now the dictator sits in a prison cell. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!

THE PRESIDENT: September the 11th, 2001 taught a lesson I will never forget, and America must never forget. America must confront threats before they fully materialize. In Iraq, my administration looked at the intelligence, and we saw a threat. Members of Congress looked at the intelligence, and they saw a threat. The United Nations Security Council looked at the intelligence, and it saw a threat. As a matter of fact, the previous administration and the Congress looked at the intelligence, and made regime change in Iraq the policy of our country.

In 2002, the United Nations Security Council, yet again, demanded a full accounting of Saddam Hussein's weapons programs. As he had for over a decade, Saddam Hussein refused to comply. I remembered the history of this man. He invaded his neighbors; he hated America; he had used weapons of mass destruction against his own people; he paid for suiciders -- (audience interruption, inaudible) -- he paid for suiciders to attack Israelis; he had ties to terrorists. So I had a choice: Either take the word of a madman, or defend America. Given that choice, I will defend America every time. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!

THE PRESIDENT: My opponent admits that Saddam Hussein was a threat. He just didn't support my decision to remove Saddam from power. Maybe he was hoping Saddam would lose the next Iraqi election. (Laughter.) We showed the dictator and a watching world that America means what it says. (Applause.) Because -- because we acted, Saddam's torture chambers are closed. Because we acted, Iraq's weapons programs are ended forever. (Applause.) Because we acted, nations like Libya got the message and renounced their own weapons programs. (Applause.) Because we acted, an example of democracy is rising at the very heart of the Middle East. Because we acted, the world is more free, and America is more secure. (Applause.)

On the ground in Iraq, we still face serious challenges. It's hard work, but it's necessary work. Illegal militias and remnants of the regime joined by foreign terrorists are trying to take by force the power they could never gain by the ballot. They know a free Iraq will be a major defeat for the cause of terror. These groups have found little support among the Iraqi people. And they will find no success in their attempts to shake the will of America. You see, they don't understand our country. We will never be intimidated by thugs and assassins. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA! USA!

THE PRESIDENT: A free Iraq -- a free Iraq is an historic opportunity to change the world for the better. (Applause.) A free Iraq will be a peaceful Iraq. And we're implementing a clear strategy in Iraq. First, we will ensure there's an atmosphere of security as Iraqis move toward self-government. We support the effort of local Iraqis to convince the radicals to disarm. We made it clear that militias in Najaf and elsewhere must disarm, or they will face serious consequences. American and coalition forces are in place, and we are fully prepared to bring security and order in Fallujah and Najaf, and around the country of Iraq. (Applause.)

The second element of our strategy is to return sovereignty to the people of Iraq on the schedule that we agreed to. We must keep our word. Like any proud people, Iraqis want to manage their own affairs. And I believe they can. It's a common goal we share. So on June 30th, a sovereign Iraq interim government will take office. (Applause.) We will still have hard work to do. These are not easy tasks, but they are essential tasks. We will finish what we have begun, and we will win this essential victory in the war on terror. (Applause.)

On national security, Americans have the clearest possible choice. My opponent says he approves of bold action in the world -- but only if other countries do not object.

AUDIENCE: Booo!

THE PRESIDENT: I'm all for united action. We built strong coalitions. There are more than 30 coalition partners in Iraq right now. But I will never turn over America's national security decisions to leaders of other countries. (Applause.) We have a difference -- we have a different point of view on security matters. Over the years, my opponent has opposed many of the aircraft and weapons programs -- including the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and the Tomahawk Cruise Missile you build right here in Michigan. (Applause.) Programs that are vital to our nation's defense and programs that are now helping us win the war on terror. (Applause.) Last year, he voted against funding for ammunition and supplies and body armor for our troops on the front lines of the war on terror.

AUDIENCE: Booo!

THE PRESIDENT: Someone recently -- someone recently asked Senator Kerry why he voted against the $87 billion supplemental bill to fund those essential needs for our troops, and here is what he said: "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it." (Laughter.) The President must speak clearly and mean what he says. (Applause.)

Some are skeptical the war on terror is really a war at all. Again, my opponent says the war on terror is far less a military operation and far more an intelligence-gathering, law enforcement operation. I disagree. Our nation followed this approach after the World Trade Center was bombed in 1993. The matter was handled in the courts and thought by some to be settled. But the terrorists were still training in Afghanistan. They were still plotting in other nations. They were still drawing up more ambitious plans.

After the chaos and carnage of September the 11th, it is not enough to serve our enemies with legal papers. (Applause.) With those attacks -- with those attacks, the terrorists and their supporters declared war on the United States of America, and war is what they got. (Applause.)

Our men and women in the military are taking great risks, and they're doing great work. (Applause.) At bases across our country and the world, I have had the privilege of meeting with those who defend our country and sacrifice for our security. I've seen their great decency and their unselfish courage. And I assure you, ladies and gentlemen, the cause of freedom is in good hands. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: Bush! Bush! Bush!

THE PRESIDENT: This nation is prosperous and strong. Yet, we need to remember that our greatest strength is in the hearts and souls of the American citizens. (Applause.) We are strong because of the values we try to live by: courage and compassion, reverence and integrity. We are strong because of the institutions that give us direction and purpose: our families, our schools, our religious congregations. (Applause.) These values and institutions are fundamental to our lives, and they deserve the respect of our government.

We stand for the fair treatment of faith-based groups so they can receive federal support for their works of compassion and healing. (Applause.) We will not stand for government discrimination against people of faith. (Applause.) We stand for welfare reforms that require work and strengthen marriage, which have helped millions of Americans find independence and dignity. We will not stand for any attempt to weaken those reforms and to send people back into lives of dependence. (Applause.)

We stand for a culture of life in which every person counts, and every person matters. (Applause.) We will not stand for the treatment of any life as a commodity to be experimented upon, or exploited, or cloned. (Applause.) We stand for the confirmation of judges who strictly and faithfully interpret the law. (Applause.) We will not stand for judges who undermine democracy by legislating from the bench, or judges who try to remake the values of America by court order. (Applause.)

We stand for a culture of responsibility in America. The culture of our country is changing from one that has said, if it feels good, just go ahead and do it, and if you got a problem, blame somebody else, to a culture in which each of us understands we are responsible for the decisions we make in life. (Applause.)

If you're a mom or a dad -- if you're a mom or a dad, you are responsible for loving your child with all your heart. (Applause.) If you're worried about the quality of the education in the community in which you live, you're responsible for doing something about it. (Applause.) If you're a CEO in corporate America, you're responsible for telling the truth to your shareholders and your employees. (Applause.) And in this responsibility society, each of us is responsible for loving our neighbor just like we like to be loved ourselves. (Applause.)

For all Americans, these years in our history will always stand apart. There are quiet times in the life of a nation when little is expected of the leaders. This isn't one of those times. You and I are living in a period when the stakes are high, the challenges are difficult, a time when firm resolve is needed.

None of us will ever forget that week when one era ended, and another began. On September the 14th, 2001, I stood in the ruins of the Twin Towers. I'll never forget that day. The workers in the hard-hats were shouting, "Whatever it takes." One man pointed at me and said, "Don't let me down." As we did that day, these men and women searching through the rubble took it personally. I took it personally. I have a responsibility that goes on. I will never relent in bringing justice to the enemies. I will defend the security of America, whatever it takes. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT: In these times, I've also been witness to the character of this nation. Not so long ago, some had their doubts about the America character, our capacity to meet serious challenges, or to serve a cause greater than self-interest. But Americans have given their answer. I've seen the unselfish courage of our troops. I've seen the heroism of Americans in the face of danger. I've seen the spirit of service and compassion renewed in our country. And we've all seen our nation unite in common purpose when it mattered most. (Applause.)

We will need all of these qualities for the work ahead. We've got work to do for this nation. We've got four more years to make -- (applause).

AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT: We've got four more years to make sure -- four more years to make sure that we win the war on terror. (Applause.) The world is counting on us to lead the cause of freedom and peace. We have a duty to spread opportunity to every part of America. This is the work that history has set before us. We welcome it. And we know that for our country, the best days lie ahead.

I'm honored to have your support. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America. Thank you all, very much. (Applause.)

END 9:27 P.M. EDT