[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
[November 3, 2004]
[Pages 2936-2937]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks in a Victory Celebration
November 3, 2004

    Thank you all. Thank you all for coming. We had a long night and a 
great night. The voters turned out in record numbers and delivered an 
historic victory.
    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. 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.
    There are many people to thank, and my family comes first. 
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. I appreciate the hard work of my sister and my 
brothers. I especially want to thank my parents for their loving 
support.
    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. The Vice President serves America with wisdom 
and honor, and I'm proud to serve beside him.
    I want to thank my superb campaign team. I want to thank you all for 
your hard work. I was impressed every day by how hard and how skillful 
our team was. I want to thank Marc, Chairman Marc Racicot, and the campaign manager, Ken Mehlman, and the architect, Karl Rove. I 
want to thank Ed Gillespie for leading our 
party so well.
    I want to thank the thousands of our supporters across our country. 
I want to thank you for your hugs on the ropelines. I want to thank you 
for your prayers on the ropelines. I want to thank you for your kind 
words on the ropelines. 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. And because you did the incredible work, we are 
celebrating today.
    There's an old saying, ``Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. 
Pray for powers equal to your tasks.'' In 4 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. 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.

[[Page 2937]]

    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 so 
they can grow in strength and defend their freedom. And then our service 
men and women will come home with the honor they have earned. 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.
    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.
    Let me close with a word to the people of the State of Texas. 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.

Note: The President spoke at 3:08 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and 
International Trade Center. In his remarks, he referred to Marc Racicot, 
campaign chairman, and Ken Mehlman, campaign manager, Bush-Cheney '04, 
Inc.; and Ed Gillespie, chairman, Republican National Committee. The 
Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language 
transcript of these remarks.