[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[March 16, 1992]
[Pages 449-450]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Exchange With Reporters Aboard Air Force One

March 16, 1992

Iraq

    Q. Mr. President, exactly what is your approach towards Iraq at this 
point? There are constant stories about desires to take action, to put 
carriers--[inaudible]. Where do you stand now?
    The President. We stand that we are just insisting in every way we 
can that Iraq comply with the United Nations resolutions. And I'm not 
discussing options. All options are open. And we're consulting our 
allies, as we have in various phases of the Iraq situation. So I 
wouldn't read too much into the movement of a carrier, inasmuch as we 
have carrier elements up in the Gulf from time to time. But on the other 
hand, I think it's fair to say we are determined that they follow 
through on what they said they'd do; serious business here. And the 
United Nations is saying firm--our Ambassador up there put it very well. 
And so we're watching and hoping they will fully comply.
    Q. Does that mean that action is not imminent? That you are willing 
to give them time?
    The President. I just would leave it where I stated it, Charles 
[Charles Bierbauer, Cable News Network].
    Q. What did you think about Tariq `Aziz's appearance at the United 
Nations? Did he seem to be foot-dragging?
    The President. Yes, bobbing and weaving.

House Bank Controversy

    Q. How much do you think this check scandal's going to hurt the 
House? Do you think people should vote based on whether or not a Member 
bounced a bunch of checks?
    The President. No, I think you've got to look at the whole 
situation. But people are outraged by it. And I think each individual 
case has to be viewed as to its content. But I'm waiting and watching it 
unfold. I think it's an institutional thing. I think people are very 
concerned, but I'm not jumping on any individual. I mean, I think 
everyone has his own case, his or her own case to make to their 
constituents or to the people.
    Q. Will you support Congressman Gingrich's call for a special 
prosecutor?
    The President. Well, I haven't even talked to our attorneys about 
that.

[[Page 450]]

Illinois and Michigan Primaries

    Q. What do you look for in Michigan and Illinois?
    The President. Victory.
    Q. What kind of victory? How big?
    The President. No, no, no. Never try to say how high the high bar 
should be on these primaries. I haven't done it. I've been very pleased. 
They seem to be getting better and better. But I'm just--keep working to 
try to, one, get the message out on the primaries, but two, try to 
address myself to the problems facing this country. And I am doing that. 
And I'm just going to keep on doing that.
    Q. Are you going to offer any goodies to the people of Illinois and 
Wisconsin today, any Federal aid, Federal----
    The President. Well, got a good program for them in terms of this 
economy. I just hope that they can use their influence with a 
recalcitrant Senate and House.
    Well, welcome aboard. It's just a pleasure having you fellows here. 
It's a little long trip, but it will be a good one.

Presidential Medal of Freedom

    Q. An early one tomorrow, too.
    The President. What?
    Q. An early one tomorrow.
    The President. Look, I'm very much looking forward to that tomorrow. 
I have a very high regard for Sam Walton and what he's done and the way 
in which he's done it. And so to me, that one, I know some will say it's 
political. It is purely nonpolitical. It is to honor a great American. 
And that one I'm glad you asked about because I really feel viscerally 
and emotionally connected with tomorrow's visit.
    Q. Don't you give them a speech there tomorrow?
    The President. Down there?
    Q. Yes.
    The President. Well, I don't know. It depends on what they work out 
on the actual presentation.

Legislative Action

    Q. What are your plans for March 20th, sir?
    The President. I just hope the Congress does what I've asked. And 
it's not impossible. But it's--they're coming along with a great big tax 
increase. And I just--this one, I think, Tsongas is on to something. He 
says this is purely political. I think he's right about that, what the 
Senate and House appear to be doing.
    Q. Would you look to veto one of those bills, or veto that bill this 
week?
    The President. Oh yes, definitely will veto if it comes down close 
to what they did in the House.
    Q. Do you think you'll get it this week though, sir?
    The President. I don't know. I just don't know. Nobody seemed too 
sure of it when I left this morning.
    I better get going.
    Q. You don't really expect them to do it, do you?
    The President. Don't expect it, but it would be nice, though, if 
they'd do something for the American people instead of raising taxes and 
spending the money.

                    Note: The exchange took place in the morning while 
                        the President was en route from Washington, DC, 
                        to Milwaukee, WI.