President Bush Thanks Americans in Wednesday Acceptance Speech (Text)

The White House ^ | November 3, 2004 | George W. Bush

[OESY]

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 3, 2004

President Bush Thanks Americans in Wed. Acceptance Speech
Remarks by the President in Acceptance Speech
The Ronald Reagan Building
Washington, D.C.



3:08 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Thank you all for coming. We had a long night -- and a great night. (Applause.) The voters turned out in record numbers and delivered an historic victory. (Applause.)

Earlier today, Senator Kerry called with his congratulations. We had a really good phone call, he was very gracious. Senator Kerry waged a spirited campaign, and he and his supporters can be proud of their efforts. (Applause.) Laura and I wish Senator Kerry and Teresa and their whole family all our best wishes.

America has spoken, and I'm humbled by the trust and the confidence of my fellow citizens. With that trust comes a duty to serve all Americans, and I will do my best to fulfill that duty every day as your President. (Applause.)

There are many people to thank, and my family comes first. (Applause.) Laura is the love of my life. (Applause.) I'm glad you love her, too. (Laughter.) I want to thank our daughters, who joined their dad for his last campaign. (Applause.) I appreciate the hard work of my sister and my brothers. I especially want to thank my parents for their loving support. (Applause.)

I'm grateful to the Vice President and Lynne and their daughters, who have worked so hard and been such a vital part of our team. (Applause.) The Vice President serves America with wisdom and honor, and I'm proud to serve beside him. (Applause.)

I want to thank my superb campaign team. I want to thank you all for your hard work. (Applause.) I was impressed every day by how hard and how skillful our team was. I want to thank Marc -- Chairman Marc Racicot and -- (applause) -- the Campaign Manager, Ken Mehlman. (Applause.) And the architect, Karl Rove. (Applause.) I want to thank Ed Gillespie for leading our Party so well. (Applause.)

I want to thank the thousands of our supporters across our country. I want to thank you for your hugs on the rope lines; I want to thank you for your prayers on the rope lines; I want to thank you for your kind words on the rope lines. I want to thank you for everything you did to make the calls and to put up the signs, to talk to your neighbors and to get out the vote. (Applause.) And because you did the incredible work, we are celebrating today. (Applause.)

There's an old saying, "Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks." In four historic years, America has been given great tasks, and faced them with strength and courage. Our people have restored the vigor of this economy, and shown resolve and patience in a new kind of war. Our military has brought justice to the enemy, and honor to America. (Applause.) Our nation has defended itself, and served the freedom of all mankind. I'm proud to lead such an amazing country, and I'm proud to lead it forward. (Applause.)

Because we have done the hard work, we are entering a season of hope. We'll continue our economic progress. We'll reform our outdated tax code. We'll strengthen the Social Security for the next generation. We'll make public schools all they can be. And we will uphold our deepest values of family and faith.

We will help the emerging democracies of Iraq and Afghanistan -- (applause) -- so they can grow in strength and defend their freedom. And then our servicemen and women will come home with the honor they have earned. (Applause.) With good allies at our side, we will fight this war on terror with every resource of our national power so our children can live in freedom and in peace. (Applause.)

Reaching these goals will require the broad support of Americans. So today I want to speak to every person who voted for my opponent: To make this nation stronger and better I will need your support, and I will work to earn it. I will do all I can do to deserve your trust. A new term is a new opportunity to reach out to the whole nation. We have one country, one Constitution and one future that binds us. And when we come together and work together, there is no limit to the greatness of America. (Applause.)

Let me close with a word to the people of the state of Texas. (Applause.) We have known each other the longest, and you started me on this journey. On the open plains of Texas, I first learned the character of our country: sturdy and honest, and as hopeful as the break of day. I will always be grateful to the good people of my state. And whatever the road that lies ahead, that road will take me home.

The campaign has ended, and the United States of America goes forward with confidence and faith. I see a great day coming for our country and I am eager for the work ahead. God bless you, and may God bless America. (Applause.)

END 3:18 P.M. EST

[Yardstick]

I'm sure that line jumped out at the IRS loving libs, too. It's going to be an interesting four years.

[Gerasimov]

Speaking of the speech ... did anyone else notice that one of the twins had the, er... "twins" out?

If she woulda clapped any harder we might have had a wardrobe malfunction on our hands.

[Huck]

Yes it will. It occurred to me that this win was extra extra sweet because we were deprived in 2000 by the fiasco in FLA. Now, finally, after some tough tough years, the president has a clear mandate. The American people, God bless them, have ratified the war on terror, the tax cuts, the whole damn thing.

[okimhere]

When she does come center, there's no mistaking her capability and character.

Besides, doesn't Karen Hughes write many of his speeches in collaboration with others? For his approval and editing, of course, but that might be the point at which she asked not to be mentioned.

[okimhere]

Thanks for the ping. Watching him as he spoke was such a GIFT after these past weeks of madness. TGI"W"!

[Lakeshark]

I heard him mention Maureen from Pa and David from Mi didn't you?

Oh well, he should have........

:-)

[Yardstick]

It occurred to me that this win was extra extra sweet because we were deprived in 2000 by the fiasco in FLA. Now, finally, after some tough tough years, the president has a clear mandate.

Definitely. The FLA2000 spell has been broken. President Bush must feel like a lead weight has been lifted from him.

Personally, I'll enjoy never having to hear the lefties' snotty little "selected not elected" riff or their whining about the popular vote.

[Mo1]

LOL ... and a whole lot of other folks too :0)

See ... told ya he'd win ... with a 4 MILLION more popular vote too!!

[WOSG]

"I don't know why Karen Hughes was not mentioned but I'm sure it was not an oversight." Perhaps Karen preferred not to be mentioned.

Maybe because she wrote the remarks and was modest!!!!

But let me say this: We would have President-elect Kerry were it not for her efforts! I honestly beleive that. The Bush campaign and PR was pathetic from June 2003 to June 2004, missing opportunities and blowing things. She came on board and the message and the campaign shrpened up immeasurably. She is indispensible I beleive and did the best post-debate 'spin' of anyone.

[Toidylop]

Thanks GOD.

[IamConservative]

Calls for impeachment by a Democrat begin in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1..

[RetiredArmy]

P.S. Oh, and Osama? Your tape didn't work dude! We'll be seeing you shortly! Saddam sends his love.

[ducman]

Is this scheduled to be replayed anywhere in it's entirety tonight? I feel cheated I didn't see it.

[EggsAckley]

I don't know for certain, but I have a feeling it will be played a number of times. It was truly inspirational. Laura was at her most beautiful and elegant. And W was, well.......humble, genuine, relieved, and loving.

Hope you get to see it!

[ducman]

No, the MSM is repeating 10-second sound bites. Sure wish I could have taped the thing. I have everything else taped from the demo debates to the prez debates to the election night coverage and now the finale is missing. :-(

[EggsAckley]

Maybe CSPAN will replay it. They do that sometimes. Late at night I think.
Hope you find it.

[KMC1]

Classy Words from a Man of Dignity!

[solo gringo]

Memo To The President;
My Wife and i voted for you we have only one request show the UN where to exit the USA
Best Regards M/M Solo Gringo.

[OESY]

He looked tired....

Bush slept only from 5am to 7am. I can imagine what I would look like after such a campaign, particularly if I had to talk after only two hours sleep. LOL!

[BIOCHEMKY]

Well stated.

America won a great victory today over many of her enemies.

May the Lord continue to bless the United States of America and may He continue to strengthen and guide our President, George W. Bush.