George H.W. Bush: “Well, let me get to the defense budget. The Democratic Governor has taken a position that it ought to be a $100 billion…”

“Well, let me get to the defense budget. The Democratic Governor has taken a position that it ought to be a $100 billion defense cut? I have said to the Nation I think it ought to be $50 billion, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff think it ought to be $50 billion. And I have a responsibility for the national security and the foreign policy. And in my view, $50 billion, based on recommendations from the Joint Chiefs and from the Secretary of Defense, is right. Now, are we saying--we're getting to specifics here. Do you want it to be $100 billion, and if so, what bases do you want to close? What areas do you want to shut down? What weapon systems do you want to knock off right now? Where do you want to lay off the people? We've got a program. We're testifying on it every day. Now, I'd like to know what your suggestion is specifically, while we have the press here. Governor Romer. Let me answer it. The reason I got into this is that I recognized in your presentation--and before the press was to leave-- was an identification of these Governors to go to Congress and argue for the budget message that you made. And I simply am trying to say there is an alternate point of view that ought to be put on the table. And that alternate point of view is, first of all, in the size of the military peace dividend----”