Remarks at a Republican
Campaign Rally in
The President. Thank you very much,
George. You've been a great Governor, and this fall you've been a terrific
quarterback for the Republican team. And I'd like to add a special thank you to
seven of the best darn high school bands in
I
have a special hello to Frank Visco, David Dreier,
Jerry Lewis, John Paul Stark, Tom Hallock, and a big
American hello to a great patriot and a very funny guy, Yakov
Smirnoff. I see I've even got some fraternity brothers in the crowd. [Applause]
T-K-E, yes!
It's
great to be here in
Audience members. Reagan! Reagan! Reagan!
The President. Thank you. But you
know, I'll feel just fine about leaving Washington because nobody knows better
than I do just how capable are those two hands I expect will be taking the
wheel come the 20th of January. I can't think of a man alive today who's more
prepared to take a hold of America's gearshift, rev up America's engine, and
then downshift into America's future than my good friend and valued colleague,
George Bush.
Audience members. Bush! Bush! Bush!
The President. All
right. I'm here today, though, to talk to you about the great Republican
ticket from the White House to the statehouse and make sure everybody who
shares our hopes for the future turns out to vote on November 8th. We need
people in the Senate who will work for a thriving economy, a strong national
defense, and the preservation of our family values. And that means reelecting one
of
Audience members. Booo!
The President. Now, I want to ask you
all a question: Is that the kind of thing the good people of
Audience members. No!
The President. I didn't think so. No,
Now,
the liberals are saying they're on our side. Well, I remember the last time
they were -- said on our time, in 1980. And when that happened, all of
We've been slashing tax rates and liberating the
American economy from the confiscation of the ``malaise'' years. When we came into
office, families everywhere were reeling from tax rates that were draining this
nation's initiative. Well, we took that money out of the grasping hands of the
Since
our expansion began, we've created more than 18 million new jobs. We reduced
the unemployment rate to nearly the lowest it's been in 14 years. And today a
greater proportion of what is called our potential work force -- that means
everybody, male and female, from the age of 16 and up, including all students
and retirees -- yes, a greater proportion of that work force, 62.7 percent, is
employed today. That's more than ever before in the history of the
Now,
we didn't do all that. No, my friends, you did it -- you and every hardworking
man and woman in this country. What George and Pete and John, Paul and every
Republican understands is that there's no greater force for change, no greater
engine for progress, than the American people. We just turned you loose and got
out of your way. We cleared away the wrecks the liberals left behind, waved the
green flag, fired the starter pistol, and watched you go to the races. We also
went to work on our nation's defenses. We're once again respected in the world.
Our Armed Forces are strong, and
Audience members. We love you, Reagan!
The President. We and our NATO allies
stood firm in the face of Soviet missiles pointing at the heart's blood of
None
of our triumphs -- no, not one -- would have happened if our opponents had had
their way. There would have been no INF treaty or rollback in
Audience members. Booo!
The President. In fact, what they've
planned for the Navy is so bad that by the time they get through, well, Michael
may have to row the boat ashore. Yes, if they did half of what they threaten to
do to our defenses, we'd all be in the tank. [The President referred to a campaign
event in which Michael Dukakis rode in a tank.] [Laughter]
Just
listen to what they said no to. They opposed the liberation of
Audience members. Booo!
The President. They oppose our policy
of helping freedom fighters advance the cause of liberty around the world.
Audience members. Booo!
The President. Well, George Bush and I
did all these things, and I tell you proudly right now: We'd both do every
single one of them over again.
Of
all the changes we've made, the one I may be happiest about is this: Our young
men and women are once again proud to wear their country's uniform. And because
of them, over these past 8 years, not 1 inch on this good Earth has fallen to
the Communists.
Now,
another area where we differ is our understanding of the Constitution. We've
appointed serious-minded judges who respect the Constitution and know the
meaning of the word ``punishment.'' Their judicial nominees -- in the State of
Audience members. No!
The President. Well, this is very
important because, unlike the State of
Audience members. Booo!
The President. But as for us, we
believe with all the conviction we have that a crack dealer with a machinegun
who murders a police officer in the line of duty should receive the death
sentence.
Now,
our opponents have just said they're in the tradition of F.D.R., Franklin
Delano Roosevelt; J.F.K.; and Harry Truman. But the truth is, they're so far out
in left field, even Kirk Gibson couldn't hit a ball that deep. Folks, George's opponent is no Harry Truman, and he's no
F.D.R.
Yes,
ladies and gentlemen, when our liberal friends run from their own agenda,
they're just acknowledging that where they want to take
All
that we've achieved, everything, can be undone faster than you can say Pledge
of Allegiance if our liberal friends are successful. Remember how my successor
here in
Audience members. Booo!
The President. We actually had more
votes for Republican Congressmen than they had, but they elected more
Democratic Congressmen because of the way they have divided up this State in
their gerrymandering. We don't want that to happen again this year, and that
means voting for a great slate of Republican candidates at the State and local
levels, like Paul Woodruff and Bill Leonard, David Masters and Brian Carroll.
We've
got to do all we can to get our message out. We must guard against complacency
and overconfidence. This election isn't over yet, not by a long shot. And as
Winston Churchill once said: ``We must wage war until
victory is won.'' Remember, it takes the President and Congress working
together to move
Well,
now let me take a little opinion poll of my own. Will you make sure to turn out
for the Republican ticket on November 8th?
Audience members. Yes!
The President. Will you give our next
President the Senate he needs by voting for Pete Wilson on November 8th?
Audience members. Yes!
The President. Will you give the next
President the Congress he needs and the Congressman you deserve by casting your
ballot for John Paul Stark on November 8th?
Audience members. Yes!
The President. Will you vote to
reelect David Dreier and Jerry Lewis on November 8th?
Audience members. Yes!
The President. And will you give
Audience members. Yes!
The President. You just made my day.
Ladies
and gentlemen,
Audience members. Reagan! Reagan! Reagan!
The President. You made my day again.
So, now, my fellow Californians, I want to ask you to do me one small favor:
Will you go out there and win one for the Gipper?
[Applause]
Thank
you all very much, and God bless you all.
Note: The President
spoke at