[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[November 3, 1992]
[Pages 2152-2153]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks in Houston on the Results of the Presidential Election
November 3, 1992

    The President. Thank you. Thank you very, very much. Hey, listen, 
we've got to get going. Thank you. Thank you very much. Hey, listen, you 
guys.
    Audience members. Thank you, George! Thank you, George! Thank you, 
George!
    The President. Hey, thank you very much. Look, thank you so much. 
Well, here's the way I see it. Here's the way we see it and the country 
should see it, that the people have spoken. And we respect the majesty 
of the democratic system.
    I just called Governor Clinton over in Little Rock and offered my 
congratulations. He did run a strong campaign. I wish him well in the 
White House. And I want the country to know that our entire 
administration will work closely with his team to ensure the smooth 
transition of power. There is important work to be done, and America 
must always come first. So we will get behind this new President and 
wish him well.
    To all who voted for us, voted for me here, especially here, but all 
across the country, thank you for your support. We have fought the good 
fight, and we've kept the faith. And I believe I have upheld the

[[Page 2153]]

honor of the Presidency of the United States. Now I ask that we stand 
behind our new President. Regardless of our differences, all Americans 
share the same purpose: to make this, the world's greatest nation, more 
safe and more secure and to guarantee every American a shot at the 
American dream.
    I would like to thank so many of you who have worked beside me to 
improve America and to literally change the world. Let me thank our 
great Vice President, Dan Quayle. You know, in the face of a tremendous 
pounding, he stood for what he believes in. He will always have my 
profound gratitude and certainly my respect.
    I would like to salute so many that did special work: Rich Bond up 
at the RNC; Bob Teeter, who ran the campaign; Bob Mosbacher; our entire 
campaign team. They've run a valiant effort in a very, very difficult 
year. I also want to salute the members of the Cabinet, all of whom who 
have served this Nation with honor, with integrity, and with great 
distinction. And I would like to single out two leaders who represent 
the ideal in public service. Together they've helped lead the world 
through a period of unprecedented transition. I'm talking, of course, 
about my National Security Adviser, Brent Scowcroft, and my good friend 
and fellow Texan, our Secretary of State, Jim Baker.
    Finally, of course, I want to thank my entire family, with a special 
emphasis on a woman named Barbara. She's inspired this entire Nation, 
and I think the country will always be grateful.
    But tonight is really not a night for speeches. But I want to share 
a special message with the young people of America. You see, I remain 
absolutely convinced that we are a rising nation. We have been in an 
extraordinarily difficult period. But do not be deterred, kept away from 
public service by the smoke and fire of a campaign year or the ugliness 
of politics. As for me, I'm going to serve and try to find ways to help 
people. But I plan to get very active in the grandchild business and in 
finding ways to help others. But I urge you, the young people of this 
country, to participate in the political process. It needs your 
idealism. It needs your drive. It needs your conviction.
    And again, my thanks, my congratulations to Governor Clinton; to his 
running mate, Senator Gore. And a special thanks to each and every one 
of you, many of you who have been at my side in every single political 
battle.
    May God bless the United States of America. Thank you very, very 
much. Thank you so much. Thank you.

                    Note: The President spoke at 10:20 p.m. at the 
                        Westin Galleria Hotel. In his remarks, he 
                        referred to Rich Bond, chairman, Republican 
                        National Committee; Robert Teeter, campaign 
                        chairman, Bush-Quayle '92; and Robert Mosbacher, 
                        general chairman, Bush-Quayle '92. These remarks 
                        were released by the Office of the Press 
                        Secretary on November 4.