Bob Dole: “last night was a time for rhetoric. And no doubt about it, President Clinton knows how to give a good long speech. And…”

“last night was a time for rhetoric. And no doubt about it, President Clinton knows how to give a good long speech. And now that the President has delivered his speech, the Republican Congress will continue to deliver on the promises we made to the American people. For we know that the success of this Congress--as well as the future of our country--does not depend on our words. They depend on our actions. And now it is time to act. It is time to carry out the mandate the American people gave us on November 8. And that means limited Government, less spending, fewer regulations, lower taxes, and more freedom and opportunity for all Americans. As Governor Whitman said last night in the Republican response, if President Clinton is ready to help us achieve those goals, then we welcome him aboard. But we won't wait long to see if he means what he says. The train is pulling out of the station. Republicans are getting on with the business of changing America. If President Clinton is truly committed to change, I hope he has a talk with with congressional Democrats--many of whom are devoting themselves to derailing Republican efforts to give government back to the people. And while I do not begrudge anyone standing firm against legislation they oppose, some of my Democrat friends are doing their best to block legislation they support. The American people are in a demanding mood--and rightfully so. They are watching us very closely.”