[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 45 (Monday, November 8, 2004)]
[Pages 2781-2782]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Election Day and an Exchange With Reporters in Crawford, 
Texas

November 2, 2004

    The President. It's such a wonderful feeling to vote. This election 
is in the hands of the people, and I feel very comfortable about that. 
The people know where I stand. I've enjoyed this campaign. It's been a 
fantastic experience traveling our country, talking about what I believe 
and where I'm going to lead this country for 4 more years. You know, 
there's just something refreshing about giving it your all and then 
saying the people will make the right decision. And I believe I'm going 
to win.
    Yes, Stretch [David Gregory, NBC News].

2004 Election

    Q. Mr. President, I wonder why--why do you believe this election is 
this close?
    The President. Well, first of all, it's been a lot of issues we've 
debated, big issues of war and peace and the economy. I've got a 
philosophy everybody understands. I've got a clear view about how to 
lead. But we'll see how it goes tonight. You know I'm not a very good 
prognosticator. You're the pundit. You're the person who makes all the 
forecasts. And we'll see what the people say. That's where we are. Now 
is the time for the people to express their will.
    Yes, Scott [Scott Lindlaw, Associated Press].
    Q. Mr. President, any butterflies?
    The President. I don't. I know I've given it my all. I feel calm. I 
feel--I am confident that the people--in the judgment of the people. I'm 
one of these candidates, I feed off the enthusiasm of the people. 
Yesterday was an amazing day in my political life, did seven stops. The 
enthusiasm was contagious. I'm so grateful for the thousands of people 
who have been working on my behalf and who are praying for me and Laura. 
It was a great day yesterday, and the whole campaign was a fantastic 
experience. I'm very comfortable that I got my message out. The people 
know where I stand. The people know I know how to lead. The people know 
I have a vision for the future of this country. And we're going to go 
one stop in Ohio to tell the volunteers thanks for their work, and we'll 
go back and wait--await the outcome.
    Q. Mr. President, what about all the passion in this country--I 
mean, you have generated so much passion both for you and against you. 
How do you account for that?
    The President. Well, I take that as a compliment. It means I'm 
willing to take a stand. A lot of politicians take positions, but they 
don't take a stand. I take a stand, and I tell people what I believe and 
what I think. These are very troubling times, and I believe a President 
must lead by being resolute and firm and strong and clear. And the 
people know that. That's why I'm comfortable about this election. I've 
given it my all, and more importantly, I have clarified the differences 
between what I believe and what my opponent believes.
    Any other questions besides Stretch? He seems to be dominating. 
[Laughter] Perhaps the rest of you are somewhat groggy. [Laughter]

Central Issue of 2004 Election

    Q. Sir, what does it really come down for voters when they walk in 
the booth today?

[[Page 2782]]

For American voters, what is the issue, what does it come down to?
    The President. The issue is, who do you trust? This is a campaign of 
trust. Who do you trust to secure this country? Who do you trust to lead 
with firmness and steadfast resolution, protect the American people? Who 
do you trust to adhere to the values, the values that most people agree 
with? And who do you trust to keep this economy growing?
    Q. And you trust the results will come out tonight?
    The President. Absolutely. I trust the judgment of the American 
people. I love our democracy, and I have got great faith in the wisdom 
of the people of this country.
    Big Stretch [Richard Keil, Bloomberg News].

Closure on the 2004 Election

    Q. Does it feel to you like we'll know the results tonight? Or will 
it be a nail-biter like it was 4 years ago?
    The President. Well, of course, these are the pundits--there are 
pundits and prognosticators like you all. You're doing a fabulous job of 
speculating what may happen. My hope, of course, is that this election 
ends tonight. I think it's very important for it to end tonight. The 
world watches our great democracy function. There would be nothing 
better for our system for the election to be conclusively over tonight 
so that--I think it's going to be--so I can go on and lead this country 
and bring people together, set an agenda, which will be to make sure 
America is secure, expand our prosperity, and move forward and bring 
Republicans and Democrats together.
    Listen, we're off. I've enjoyed it. Thank you for your coverage.

Senator John Kerry

    Q. Any words for Senator Kerry this morning?
    The President. I wish him all the best. You know, he and I are in 
the exact same position. We've given it our all, and I'm--I'm sure he is 
happy, like I am, that the campaign has come to a conclusion. All I can 
tell you is I know that I've put my full amount of energy in this 
campaign, and I've enjoyed it. And I am enthused, and I have been 
uplifted by the spirit of the--of our supporters and by the prayers of 
our supporters.
    Anyway, thank you all very much.

Note: The President spoke at 7:42 a.m. at the Crawford Fire Station. A 
tape was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.