[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[November 7, 1992]
[Pages 2157-2158]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Radio Address to the Nation on the Results of the Presidential Election
November 7, 1992

    Way back in 1945, Winston Churchill was defeated at the polls. He 
said, ``I have been given the Order of the Boot.'' That is the exact 
same position in which I find myself today.
    I admit, this is not the position I would have preferred, but it is 
a judgment I honor. Having known the sweet taste of popular favor, I can 
more readily accept the sour taste of defeat, because it is seasoned for 
me by my deep devotion to the political system under which this Nation 
has thrived for two centuries.
    I realize that defeat can be divisive. I want the Republican Party 
to be as constructive on the outside of executive power as it has been 
for 12 years on the inside. There must be no finger pointing, no playing 
the blame game. New ideas will flourish, and that is good. But as for 
what has

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passed, I can only say that it was my administration, my campaign. I 
captained the team, and I take full responsibility for the loss. No one 
else is responsible. I am responsible.
    I hope history will record the Bush administration has served 
America well. I am proud of my Cabinet and my staff. America has led the 
world through an age of global transition. We have made the world safer 
for our kids. And I believe the real fruits of our global victory are 
yet to be tasted.
    I'm also proud of my campaign team. They put together a tenacious, 
spirited effort in a difficult year. When you win, your errors are 
obscured; when you lose, your errors are magnified. I suspect history 
will take the edge off both interpretations. One thing I know for sure: 
My supporters should go out with their heads held high.
    One final thought. As I campaigned across this Nation, I had the 
opportunity to talk to many people. I felt the anxiety that accompanies 
a time of change, but I could also see every day, in ways large and 
small, the resiliency of the American spirit.
    Ours is a nation that has shed the blood of war and cried the tears 
of depression. We have stretched the limits of human imagination and 
seen the technologically miraculous become almost mundane. Always, 
always, our advantage has been our spirit, a constant confidence, a 
sense that in America the only things not yet accomplished are the 
things that have not yet been tried. President-elect Clinton needs all 
Americans to unite behind him so he can move our Nation forward. But 
more than that, he will need to draw upon this unique American spirit.
    There are no magic outside solutions to our problems. The real 
answers lie within us. We need more than a philosophy of entitlement. We 
need to all pitch in, lend a hand, and do our part to help forge a 
brighter future for this country.
    On January 20th, Barbara and I will head back to Texas. For us there 
will be no more elections, no more politics. But we will rededicate 
ourselves to serving others because, after all, that is the secret of 
this unique American spirit. With this spirit, we can realize the golden 
opportunities before us and make sure that our new day, like every 
American day, is filled with hope and promise.
    Thanks for listening. And God bless the United States of America.

                    Note: This address was recorded at 3:52 p.m. on 
                        November 6 in the conference room at Laurel 
                        Lodge, Camp David, MD, for broadcast after 9 
                        a.m. on November 7.