Bill Clinton: “Well, let me first thank Father Darko for his comments and for the work being done here at St. Monica's Church. I was…”

“Well, let me first thank Father Darko for his comments and for the work being done here at St. Monica's Church. I was hoping he'd say something--I've never seen a preacher pass up a podium. [Laughter] And I'm glad he didn't. [Laughter] I want to thank the Friendship House for the leadership shown in being a true friend to our seniors. I want to thank all of you especially for working for this Meals on Wheels program. And I want to thank all of you for making me feel so welcome--me and, of course, the members of our administration: the Secretary of Agriculture, Mr. Glickman; the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary Shalala; Assistant Secretary Fernando Torres-Gil. And of course, we're joined here by Senator Leahy and by Congress--from Vermont, he came all the way from Vermont. And those that--he brought his wife with him, and she's a nurse. So if I get sick she can help me get out of here. [Laughter] I'm delighted that Mayor Barry joined us, and it's good to see you in good health, Mayor. And I want to say a special word of thanks to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton for the brilliant job she's done in sticking up for these programs in the Congress. I want to thank this fine couple that run this program here for the work they have done. And I want to say a word of thanks especially to the folks who sat at my table and talked to me about this program and about Medicare and about what all is going on. I got a pretty good education.…”