[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
[November 6, 2004]
[Pages 2953-2954]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



The President's Radio Address
November 6, 2004

    Good morning. This week, the voters of America set the direction of 
our Nation for the next 4 years. I am honored by the support of my 
fellow citizens. I commend Senator John Kerry 
for a spirited campaign.
    Now the election is behind us, and our country is ready to move 
forward. Our Nation is fighting a continuing war on terror, and every 
American has a stake in the outcome. Republicans and Democrats and 
independents love our country, and together, we will protect the 
American people. We will persevere until the enemy is defeated and our 
Nation is safe from danger. Every civilized country also has a stake in 
the outcome of this war. Whatever our past disagreements, we share a 
common enemy and common duties to confront disease and hunger and 
poverty in troubled regions of our world.
    I will continue reaching out to friends and allies, including our 
partners in NATO and the European Union, to promote development and 
progress, to defeat the terrorists, and to encourage freedom and 
democracy as the alternatives to tyranny and terror.
    Here at home, we have serious responsibilities and historic 
opportunities. To accelerate the momentum of this economy and to keep 
creating jobs, we must take practical measures to help the small-
business sector. We must confront the junk and frivolous lawsuits that 
are driving up the cost of health care and hurting doctors and patients. 
We must continue to work on education reform to bring high standards and 
accountability, not just to elementary schools but to the high schools 
as well. We must reform our complicated and outdated Tax Code to get rid 
of needless paperwork and make our economy more competitive in the 
world. And we must show our leadership by strengthening the Social 
Security system for our children and grandchildren. This is more than a 
problem to be solved; it is an opportunity to help millions of our 
fellow citizens find the security and independence of ownership.
    Reaching these goals will require the broad support of Americans. To 
make this Nation stronger and better, I will need the support of 
Republicans and Democrats and independents, 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.
    In the election of 2004, large issues were set before the country 
and discussed every day of the campaign. Now Americans are

[[Page 2954]]

expecting bipartisan effort and results. My administration will work 
with both parties in Congress to achieve those results and to meet the 
responsibility we share.
    With the campaign over, the United States of America goes forward 
with confidence and faith. I see a great day coming for our country, and 
I'm eager for the work ahead.
    Thank you for listening.

Note: The address was recorded at 10:15 a.m. on November 5 at Camp 
David, MD, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on November 6. The transcript was 
made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on November 5 but 
was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office of the Press 
Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this address.