Remarks at a White House
Barbecue for Members of Congress
The President. Well, thank you all for
coming. I'm not going to make a speech tonight, you'll be glad to hear. But I
know that we all enjoy these bipartisan, festive events and maybe hope that a
little of their spirit will be carried back to our work. After all, we're in
this town because we love this country and we want to make it better. But I'd
like to say, especially to the spouses and the children who are here tonight, a heartfelt thanks; because I know that you've sacrificed so
much -- maybe even more in leaving your homes and coming to
And
now I really want to thank this great entertainment that we've had here
tonight. The cast of the Hot Mikado showed us that when you're hot, you're hot.
[Laughter] And I think that you'd all want to join us, as you have, in
expressing your thanks. Frankie Hewitt brought the Hot Mikado to the Ford
Theatre for a very successful run, and now they're heading for Broadway.
They'll make the lights much brighter there. And I know that we all wish them
the very best.
And
then there was the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. You fellows really know how
it's done. There are two members of the band, the Humphrey brothers --
clarinetist Willie and trumpeter Percy -- who are celebrating the 75th
anniversary of their first performance. That first performance took place in
the year of my birth -- 1911. And Willie and Percy,
congratulations. And don't pay any attention to that Mr. President
stuff. I'd be happy if you'd just call me Junior. [Laughter] And I'll even show
up if you say, ``Hey, kid.'' [Laughter]
Well,
I think we've all been richly entertained here tonight by these wonderful
people who so generously come and spread their talent among us. And, again,
thank you all for being here. And, again, a heartfelt thanks to all of you.
Q.
Mr. President, there are reports that you've approved a fourth shuttle. Is that
true?
The President. Pardon?
Q.
There are reports that you've approved a fourth shuttle -- space -- --
The President. Wait until Saturday.
Note:
The President spoke at