[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 4 (Monday, January 29, 2001)]
[Page 215]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Meeting With Democratic Leaders and an Exchange With 
Reporters

January 22, 2001

Legislative Agenda on Education

    The President. Thank you all for coming this afternoon. I've had the 
honor of hosting a group of distinguished folks who have had experience 
with Government here, that happen to be of the Democrat persuasion. We 
had a discussion about--an advisory session about what to think about in 
Washington, about how to move issues such as education. We've spent a 
lot of time talking about education and how to get an education agenda 
moving forward in this important town.
    I can't thank the former Senators and a man who has seen enough 
klieg lights in his day to know what they're all about, and of course, 
the Ambassador and Bill Gray, the distinguished chairman of the United 
Negro College Fund for being here. For me, it's been a very helpful 
discussion.
    Ambassador Strauss said something that's really important and is so 
true. He reminded me that Democrats are just as patriotic about their 
country as Republicans, that there is good in everybody. And that's what 
I'm going to look for. This administration is going to seek the good in 
everybody and find that ability to come together for the good of the 
country, as well.
    So I want to thank these distinguished citizens of the country for 
being here, people who brought class and distinction when they held 
power and set a good legacy for those of us who follow.
    Thank you.
    Mr. Ambassador, do you want to say something?
    Former U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union Robert Strauss. I want to 
say, all of us are delighted to be here, and all of us are pleased that 
the President extended this invitation. I think that the group not only 
is appreciative, but they've tried to be responsible to the discussion.
    Thank you.
    Q. Mr. President, how do you square your decision--how do you square 
your decision, Mr. President to----
    The President. I'm not sure. [Laughter]

Note: The President spoke at 4:25 p.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to William Gray III, president, 
United Negro College Fund. A tape was not available for verification of 
the content of these remarks.