[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 8 (Monday, March 3, 2008)]
[Page 266]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Dinner for the National Governors Association Conference

February 24, 2008

    Good evening. Laura and I are honored to have you here, and it's a 
pleasure to be here with a lot of friends. You know, I've developed a 
unique perspective on this event. For 6 years, I sat and watched the 
President speak; for 8 years, I was the President and spoke. [Laughter] 
And next year, I'll be watching on C-SPAN. [Laughter]
    I appreciate Tim Pawlenty and Ed Rendell, who serve as the chair and 
vice chair of the National Governors Association. I congratulate our two 
newest Governors, Kentucky's Steve Beshear and Louisiana's Bobby Jindal. 
I might add, Jindal is not here, but he's ably represented by the first 
lady of Louisiana, Supriya. And I congratulate Governor Haley Barbour of 
Mississippi for his reelection. I want to thank the Vice President and 
Lynne Cheney for joining us. I also tell you how thankful I am and 
honored we are that Vince Gill and Amy Grant have come tonight to 
entertain us.
    I value our Governors because our Governors are some of the Nation's 
foremost policy entrepreneurs. I appreciate what you do. I appreciate 
the sacrifice your families have made to serve America.
    It was in that spirit that Teddy Roosevelt hosted the first 
Governors meeting here at the White House 100 years ago. I can't imagine 
what they were thinking about what America would look like 100 years 
ago, and I'm not sure what people will think 100 years from now. But I 
do know it makes sense to put wise policy in place in the meantime so 
America can remain prosperous and strong and free.
    And so tonight it's my honor to welcome you all and to offer a toast 
to the Nation's Governors.

Note: The President spoke at 7:30 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the 
White House. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Tim Pawlenty of 
Minnesota; Gov. Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania; and entertainers 
Vince Gill and Amy Grant.