GEORGE W. BUSH DELIVERS REMARKS AT HALEY BARBOUR FOR GOVERNOR LUNCHEON.

Original Source: Political Transcript Wire

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH DELIVERS REMARKS AT HALEY BARBOUR FOR GOVERNOR LUNCHEON

SEPTEMBER 12, 2003

SPEAKER: GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

[*] BUSH: Thanks for coming. I'm glad to be back in Mississippi. I thank the warm welcome for a former Texas governor who is proud to be on stage with the future Mississippi governor.

(APPLAUSE) I'm here to remind the good people of this stage, Republican, Democrat or independent, if they're interested in good government, if they want somebody to call upon the best of Mississippi, if they're interested in every person being able to achieve their dreams in this state, they need to elect Haley Barbour as the governor of Mississippi.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: I like his slogan: Mississippi can do better. He says when he's your governor, he'll have an optimistic outlook for all the people of this state. He believes in high standards and raising that bar. He believes in the vast human potential of Mississippi.

There's no doubt in my mind that when you elect Haley Barbour as governor of Mississippi, Mississippi will do better.

(APPLAUSE)

And I know him. This isn't just your typical hot air.

(LAUGHTER)

I know him well. He recounted some of our history. We've been friends for a long time. So when I say, for example, he believes in personal responsibility, I know he believes that way. And when he says he's going to focus on education to make sure no child is left behind in Mississippi, I know he believes that.

(APPLAUSE)

No, he served at the highest levels of government, but let me assure you of one thing: Whether it was in my conversations with him in Washington, D.C., or in Austin, Texas, he always talked about Yazoo City.

(LAUGHTER)

It is safe to say he never forgot his roots.

(APPLAUSE)

No, there's no doubt in my mind this good man can do the job. The people of this state give him a chance, they're going to realize that he's going to call upon the best of Mississippi.

BUSH: He and I share something else in common: We both married above ourselves.

(APPLAUSE)

I'm proud to be on stage with Marsha. Had a chance to say hello to Sterling and Reeves. My only advice to those boys was listen to your mother.

(LAUGHTER)

I'm still listening to mine.

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE)

Laura sends her love. She sends her love not only to Haley and Marsha, she sends her very best to many of our friends out here today. She is a fabulous wife, by the way, and a great first lady for America.

(APPLAUSE)

Speaking about a guy who married well, Senator Lott is with us.

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE)

Tricia and Trent are really good friends of Laura and mine. We both love our country and we both love Scottish terriers.

Let me tell you something about Trent: Mississippi is really, really lucky to have him as the United States senator.

(APPLAUSE)

You've got some pretty good congressmen, …