Remarks by Telephone to
Senator Barry Goldwater
The President. Barry, I'm honored to
pay tribute to you this evening and to join with many of your friends in
recognizing your outstanding service in the United States Senate. Thirty-five
years ago you brought to the Senate a dedication to the ideas which have made
our country great and an ability for leadership which
has rarely been matched in our lifetimes. You've given so much for so many --
for your fellow Arizonians, for your party, for the Senate, and for all
Americans -- and we're all grateful. One of your greatest achievements in the
Senate is the outstanding work that you've done on behalf of a strong national
defense, and I was moved by the many tributes from your colleagues during
debate on the defense authorization bill.
On
a personal note, Barry, let me just say how much I'll miss your friendship and
guidance there in the Senate. You've been an inspiration to me and Nancy, and I
wish you well.
Senator
Goldwater. Well, thank you, Mr. President. Bend over and give
The President. That I'll do.
Senator
Goldwater. And if I've had any luck in accomplishing anything, the fellow
that's done most of the work is sitting next to me here, Sam Nunn. I wish I
could have the same luck in making him a Republican that I've had with
you-know-who.
The President. Yes.
Senator
Goldwater. Well, you have a good time. I guess you're still up on the ranch.
You sound like you're a long ways off.
The President. No, well, we are. I
don't know about the distances within the town. No, we're back here at the
White House now. Maybe it's just jet lag on our part.
Senator
Goldwater. Well, just keep that old thing all together, because we'll send
somebody there to replace you. And it's wonderful of you to call, Mr.
President. I do appreciate it so very, very much. And tell Nancy that my
brother saw her mother just last week, and she's wearing a hearing aid, and she
still tells her dirty jokes, so -- [laughter] -- --
The President. All right, I shall tell
Senator
Goldwater. Okay, Mr. President. Thank you so much.
The President. All
right. And go to work on Sam, and if there's anything I can help in
switching him, remember I once belonged to that other party, too.
Senator
Goldwater. Yes, I remember one day when you called me a black Fascist SOB --
[laughter] -- but you've gotten over that.
The President. You bet.
Senator
Goldwater. Thank you so much.
The President. You bet. Good night.
Note:
The President spoke at