[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 44 (Monday, November 10, 2008)]
[Page 1399]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 reminder 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.
    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.