George H.W. Bush

February 25, 1992 The White House made no attempt whatsoever to influence General Motors' decision over which plants to close and which plants to keep open. The White House considers such matters to be internal corporate decisions. The…

Have a nice trip to California, everybody. Note: The exchange began at approximately 8:30 a.m. prior to the President's departure from Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, MD, for San Francisco, CA.

Do you remember Lesley Stahl [CBS News] asking when the Berlin Wall came down why I wasn't jumping with joy? I said, ``We're taking care of this.'' It's a little early. We're going on a long trip, and it's kind of a calm but determined…

I think that there will be ads that define the differences in position, yes. And I expect that people will understand that, after the ads from the Democrats in New Hampshire against me and from him against me. But I'll try to keep it on a…

Well, I'm still sorting all that out. You heard me last night. I'd rather define it on the issues. There are plenty of surrogates that are willing to make it more specific. I think that's a good way to leave it.

Yes. I think we're going to do all right down South. I feel good about it. We've got good people working, and I think the people down there understand my message. And I think as people compare the two candidates, why, we'll be fine.

Just go about our game plan, which is to take our message out there. I understand there's two extraordinarily successful fundraisers in place out there, so that should say something. Maybe that will get people thinking positively.

It might be, but I'm not going to shift the foreign policy of this country because of political expediency. I can't do that and have any credibility worldwide. And we have credibility worldwide. Otherwise we wouldn't have been able to…

That's too hypothetical. We spelled out our policy, and there it is. And it's the proper policy. We haven't changed. That's been the policy of the U.S. Government for a long, long time.

I haven't read all the charges about Iraq. But as you may remember in history, there was a lot of support at a time for Iraq as a balance to a much more aggressive Iran under Khomeini. So that was a part of the policy of the Reagan ad…

No, only regret for the hardship that it causes families, but just keep plugging away to try to get this economy moving and stimulated. That's what's needed. So, I'll keep challenging the Congress to do just that. Iraq

I haven't seen it this morning, saw some yesterday but hadn't seen anything new to add to that. I thought the Secretary expressed the policy of the U.S. Government very clearly, very forcefully, and very correctly. General Motors Plant…

I think the economy. I think they're hurting there. And I think anytime a person has--as President, you take the heat on the economy. It's happening worldwide. Loan Guarantees for Israel

No. I've known him for a long time. I'm going to go see him, I think. I don't know if it's going to work out or not. The Economy

Well, I don't know. He's been very good about that, but I haven't even discussed it with him. It's way premature for that. But he's been quite supportive, as you know, already endorsed me enthusiastically.

Well, we're taking it time by time. I think we'll be all right in California. It's a little early to be into that one. We've got some earlier hurdles which I feel good about.

We salute the President for his efforts.

We can't claim victory yet.

Legislation February 20, 1992 Last night the Senate passed S. 2166, the National Energy Security Act of 1992, which marks a substantial milestone in implementing the President's national energy strategy issued one year ago today. This…

No, don't worry about November. Note: The exchange began at 9:50 a.m. on the President's arrival at McGhee-Tyson Airfield.

I'm not making any predictions. That's the kinder side; I'm going to stay out of that. I'm going to just focus on what I think is best for this country and proclaiming, hey, 58-40, a lot different than I heard some of you guys talking…

That's a danger, but he doesn't worry about that. I've been attacked hard. I think I've seen that in--but it's much better to stay on the positive plane. I'll point out what I'm for. I was for what Tennessee did in supporting Desert Storm…

Well, I don't think it's a political blunder. It was grossly misinterpreted. The question was whether--the opposition was saying it wasn't in there at all. And I want that whole package passed, and I'd like it passed now. But what I have…

----because I'm a little bit tired--well, I'll give you an example. I'll give you an example. This State of Tennessee had 6,700 reservists and guardsmen volunteer. One community of 1,000 had 18 people. This is the Volunteer State. People…

I think I've got them, and I think, yes, they're clearly there. And I think most people understand that. But we might have to define the opponent. I've been very kind and gentle. I'll still be kind, and I'm now debating how gentle to be----