For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 9, 2004

Remarks by the President to Audience at the Rodeo
Reliant Arena
Houston, Texas
March 8, 2004

3:25 P.M. CST

THE PRESIDENT: It's really good to be here. (Applause.) I thought there's a lot of bull in Washington, D.C. (Laughter.) But I'm really glad to be here at the livestock show. It's -- somebody said, what's it like when you come here? It's like being in a place with people who are willing to stand up to values that are important in this country. (Applause.)

So it's great to be here. I want to congratulate the winners, congratulate the -- congratulate the young who are here who are working outdoors with the animals and practicing important -- important values that will take them through the rest of their life.

I worked the rope line, worked the fence line coming out. I can't tell you how many people said, "Mr. President, we're praying for you in Iraq." On behalf of a grateful world I want to thank you for that very much. And I want to thank you for your hospitality. May God bless you all. And may God continue to bless America. (Applause.)

END 3:27 P.M. CST