Remarks by the President in An Exchange of Toasts at the State Dinner for the Nation's Governors
State Dining Room
8:03 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Laura and I really look forward to
these yearly dinners with our nation's governors, and spouses. And we
welcome you all back to the White House.
For those of you who are first-timers here as governors, we welcome
you, as well. I'm particularly pleased that Lyle Lovett, from the
great state of Texas, is here with us. We look forward to hearing you
tonight, Lyle.
I also welcome former governors who serve in my Cabinet -- Tommy
Thompson and Christie Todd Whitman, John Ashcroft are here. Tom Ridge
is now a member of my Cabinet, he's not here. He'll still be invited
to the Cabinet Room. (Laughter.)
Governors are strong leaders with a practical point of view, and
I'm really grateful for my former fellow governors for serving their
country. There are 25 new governors who are here. I know it's an
exciting experience for you, to set an agenda and to put together a
great team to solve problems for your state or your territory.
I loved being the governor of Texas. In my six years, I placed
great value on the advice of fellow governors, and made many
friendships which continue to this day. I've grown especially close to
the Governor of Florida. (Laughter.) The man is like a brother to
me. (Laughter.)
We each have a shared experience and we have shared
responsibilities. We share the responsibility for protecting the
homeland. We share the responsibility for encouraging economic growth
and jobs. We share the responsibility for making sure every child
learns and no child is left behind. We share the responsibility for
expanding access to high-quality, affordable health care, and for
helping our fellow citizens in need. And we'll meet these
responsibilities together.
I'm honored to have you all here. I now ask you to join me in a
toast. To the governors of the United States.
(A toast is offered.)
GOVERNOR PATTON: Mr. President, we're honored to be your guests
tonight. We recognize, in the wake of the loss of the Columbia and
your responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief, your time is especially
valuable to the nation. That you and the First Lady have made such a
special effort to welcome us this evening is, therefore, even more
appreciated.
As your former colleagues and your closest partners in our
federal-state partnership, we know that you bear great burdens in
serving the nation and our people. As our nation confronts
unprecedented challenges at home and abroad, from terrorism, which has,
for the first time in our nation's history, reached across the oceans
into our heartland, to deep uncertainties in our national and state
economies, we know this gathering faces hope and risk of a scale none
of could ever have anticipated. That imposes responsibilities of
leadership on your shoulders that perhaps no President before you has
borne.
So this evening, I want to offer a toast to you and to the First
Lady -- and we salute you, Mr. President. If I could have my toast
here -- we salute you, Mr. President and Mrs. Bush, for the grace and
strength that you've brought to us and to the nation in these past few
weeks. For the leadership you have both demonstrated to guide us out
of our sorrows and fears. And for binding us together for the task we
face tomorrow.
The future of our security and economy, the foundations of our
global leadership rest in no small part on your determined commitment
to achieve not just a global alliance against terrorism, but also a
lifting of our spirits as Americans. Tonight we stand together,
shoulder to shoulder, beside you and behind you. Go well in bravery.
Our best to you, Mr. President and to Mrs. Bush.