Bill Clinton: “Ronald H. Brown March 24, 1999 Thank you very much. Let me, first of all, say I thought Secretary Daley did a remarkable…”

“Ronald H. Brown March 24, 1999 Thank you very much. Let me, first of all, say I thought Secretary Daley did a remarkable job today, and he was the funniest I have ever heard him--[laughter]--which means either that the Commerce Department has been very good for him, or he has found an extraordinary speechwriter. [Laughter] If it is the former, I thank you. If it is the latter, I would like that person dispatched to the White House this afternoon. [Laughter] I want to thank Congressman Ford and Mr. Mayor and all of our Cabinet for being here. And Mickey, Heidi, thank you for being here; members of the Brown family. This is both a happy and a bittersweet day. We are now in the springtime, even though Washington is not quite behaving like it yet. Soon the dogwood that we planted on the back of the White House lawn will be blooming for Ron again. And now this portrait will be here forever, to remind us all of his service and his spirit. Mr. Polson, I think you did a terrific job, and I congratulate you. We love it. If Ron Brown were here, I know exactly what he'd say. He'd say, ``Well, you did well. I'm dressed well''--[laughter]--``and I look very strong. But you could have made me a little thinner.'' [Laughter] And I'd just like to just take a minute to remind all of you about the spirit. Secretary Daley was kind enough to say that I had tried to elevate the Commerce Department. I think that is true, but I would like to just say a word about it as it relates to Ron Brown.…”