[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[August 13, 1992]
[Pages 1348-1349]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks on the Resignation of James A. Baker III as Secretary of State
August 13, 1992

    I have a brief statement to make, and I'll be followed by Marlin 
taking some questions.
    I've asked Secretary Baker to resign as Secretary of State to join 
me as Chief of Staff and Senior Counselor to the President, effective 
August 23d. He will help me build on what we started by developing an 
integrated second-term program of domestic, economic, and foreign 
policies.
    This is a pivotal point in America's journey. In the world today, 
these three topics have become one issue. We must ensure that the United 
States is unquestionably safe and strong at home and abroad. I also want 
his counsel and assistance as I seek a mandate from the American people 
to put this program into action.
    Secretary Baker has served our country with great energy, 
intelligence, and personal commitment over the past 12 years. I won't 
spend a long time listing his many successes, leaving that record to 
other statements and to history. But I do want to say a word about my 
friend.
    I've known Jim Baker for 35 years. He is a committed trustee of the 
American public interest. I know Americans have been proud to see him on 
TV representing the United States abroad. I know they respect his many 
skills. I know that they trust his judgment. He's the sort of man you 
want on your team.
    As Secretary of State, Jim Baker has appreciated the unique role and 
capabilities of American power. He's also understood and acted upon the 
exceptional appeal and calling of American ideals. He's been bold, 
quick, and tenacious, and he's achieved important things, willing to see 
new possibilities and patterns during an epic of revolutionary change. 
He acted while others were still struggling to comprehend, and he got

[[Page 1349]]

things done.
    He was central to our efforts to assemble an unparalleled U.N. 
coalition against Iraq. He's made great progress towards transforming 
victory on the battlefield into a broader peace between Israelis and 
Arabs. During his tenure we totally transformed our relationship with 
the Soviet Union, bringing the cold war to a peaceful end. He negotiated 
deep cuts in the nuclear weapons, conventional weapons as well. In so 
doing, he helped establish a vastly safer security structure on which to 
build a new Euro-Atlantic community and protection against the plague of 
proliferation. In helping to overcome the division of Europe, he helped 
lead the way for the unification of Germany. He helped silence the wars 
in Central America by building policies around democracy and the power 
of the ballot box.
    From Tokyo to Toronto, Jim Baker is known for accomplishment. He 
knows about change, how to distinguish wise moves from foolish ones. He 
knows about America's Government having helped to develop and implement 
domestic, economic, and foreign policies. Perhaps most important, he 
knows our people are the source of our country's strength.
    I make this move with full confidence that the State Department will 
remain under able leadership. Larry Eagleburger, a 30-year veteran of 
America's foreign policy, a man to whom I feel exceptionally close 
personally, will serve as Acting Secretary. He will do so with 
distinction.
    I also want to say a word about Sam Skinner. I want to thank him for 
his dedicated service at the White House over the course of this 
turbulent year. He recognized right up front the contribution that Jim 
Baker can make here, given my longstanding personal relationship with 
Jim. He and I have actually discussed this matter for some time, and he 
encouraged me to make this change. Sam and I have decided that he can 
best complement this move by assuming the position of general chairman 
of the Republican National Committee, and I will recommend to the RNC 
that this appointment be confirmed. Some may remember the Paul Laxalt 
role, close to the White House, very helpful at the committee, and that 
precedent is there.
    He's been at my side, Sam Skinner has, in politics and Government, 
too, for over a decade. He served the public with extraordinary 
distinction in Illinois and is a respected and highly effective member 
of my Cabinet. Remember he was responsible, I'd give him a major part of 
the credit, for passing the historic transportation bill to modernize 
our National Highway System, a significant accomplishment.
    I am personally appreciative of his willingness to assume this new 
assignment as we move into the general election campaign. I am convinced 
that this appointment will strengthen the Republican National Committee 
structure, and Sam will be able to work very closely with Rich Bond who 
will remain as chairman.
    I recognize that many Americans today are anxious. Many have genuine 
concerns; others have doubts. But over the past 4 years Americans have 
accomplished results that once seemed beyond possibility. Now we'll 
focus our attention on the policies at home and abroad that will make 
the United States unrivaled on all fronts, economically secure for our 
children, and a safer and better place to live.
    That's the end of the statement. Marlin will be able to flesh out 
some of the details for you. Thank you very much.

                    Note: The President spoke at 10:02 a.m. in the 
                        Briefing Room at the White House.