    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [November 1, 2008]
    [Pages 1348-1349]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    November 1, 2008

        Good morning. This Tuesday is election day. After months of spirited
    debate and vigorous campaigning, the time has come for Americans to make
    important decisions about our Nation's future. I encourage all Americans
    to go to the polls and vote.
        Election season brings out the spirit of competition between our
    political parties, and that competition is an essential part of a
    healthy democracy. But as the campaigns come to a close, Republicans,
    Democrats, and Independents can find common ground on at least one
    point: Our system of representative democracy is one of America's
    greatest strengths.
        The United States was founded on the belief that all men are created
    equal. Every election day, millions of Americans of all races,
    religions, and backgrounds step into voting booths throughout the
    Nation. Whether they are rich or poor, old or young, each of them has an
    equal share in choosing the path that our country will take. And every
    ballot they cast is a re-minder that our founding principles are alive
    and well.
        Voting is one of the great privileges of American citizenship, and
    it has always required brave defenders. As you head to the polls next
    week, remember the sacrifices that have been made by generations of
    Americans in uniform to preserve our way of life. From Bunker Hill to
    Baghdad, the men and women of American Armed Forces have been devoted
    guardians of our democracy. All of us owe them and their families a
    special debt of gratitude on election day.
        Americans should also remember the important example that our
    elections set throughout the world. Young democracies from Georgia and
    Ukraine to Afghanistan and Iraq can look to the United States for proof
    that self-government can endure. And nations that still live under
    tyranny and oppression can find hope and inspiration in our commitment
    to liberty.

    [[Page 1349]]

        For more than two centuries, Americans have demonstrated the ability
    of free people to choose their own leaders. Our Nation has flourished
    because of its commitment to trusting the wisdom of our citizenry. In
    this year's election, we will see this tradition continue, and we will
    be reminded once again that we are blessed to live in a free nation
    guided by the will of the people.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 7:50 a.m. on October 31 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on November 1. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    October 31, but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The
    Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of this address.