 Right, I need to come in. Okay, yes sir. I'll be your left-hand man for the day. The first part of the time. I'll be taking such a big circuit there. On an appropriation bill up there, they were threatening a boat, which I tried to hold for, and then they called just after I left. You mean you're going to miss the boat? Yes. Is it an amendment or a final passage? It's a tabling motion on an appropriation bill. Should it be tabled or serious? This is one I'm not really sure of, and there are several of those. I just want to talk to you about, for just a moment about what I'm trying to say with respect to the new law. The next six months, and first of all, I'd like to see, last week, the Democratic National Convention took place, and my Irish is a little up. Here the opposition talked to think growth in our economy had come to a dead halt. It's a way it actually had back in 1980 when the American people decided to throw the opposition out. The American people remember 1980, I think. Soaring inflation, growing unemployment, the highest interest rates since the Civil War. And we took off as eight years ago, we made it our simple aim to get big government off the backs and out of the pockets of the American people. And we cut the tax rates, we reduced regulations, and we controlled the growth of government spending. We've witnessed the longest peacetime economic expansion in the history of our nation. The opposition talks about growth we've delivered. They talk about jobs we've delivered. They talk about opportunity for minorities, and I have to admit, this especially hurts me as though we were part of part of it. The truth is our economic expansion has done more for minorities. And any big spending program could ever hope to accomplish. Indeed, one economic observer has written that, and I'll quote, on every front, jobs, income, even household wealth. The years 1981 to 1986 represent the best five years in black history. I listened to those speeches, and I couldn't help thinking that this is what the difference between us comes down to. They talk, and we deliver. George Bush will cut taxes again. What would their nominee do? I mean, what would he really do? As they come out with their platform, that it's a platform that, in effect, hides their real policies in a ground bigger level. Well, this is one of those choice moments when information and duty happen to coincide. Throughout this campaign, I'm going to give the American people the proof that I'm going to give the opposition. Well, maybe I better just paraphrase Harry Truman. I'm going to tell the opposition the truth, and they'll think it's him. That was just to open the meeting. We'll get on with it. Well, Mr. President, is the campaign underway then, Mr. President? Well, I thought they started it in Atlanta. Well, sir, you know what? The plant-closing bill will become long without your signature, and avoid a little of the flak that might otherwise come down. Bill, I've got one rule. I never talk about bills or legislation until it reaches my desk. So, and I can see exactly what's in it, so I can't comment. You're giving Mr. Baker any advice about who the Vice President ought to be? I thought he was here to give me advice. You really think he can get Contra aid, Mr. President? More Contra aid? I would hope that the intelligence on the other side has developed, and that it would make that possible. I don't think there's a moral reason or any kind of reason that would justify our not supporting the freedom fighters. Thank you. Anything new on the hostages? Any new contacts with Iran today? Some of them. Welcome back. Dick Cheney, the late and happy birthday to Bob Dole. That is the beginning of the birthday. The count is in the next three weeks before our convention in the last few weeks in September before the October adjournment. Usually in these meetings, the cabinet and I do the lion's share of the talking, and I'd like to review that today. I'd like to hear from each of you what you think should be doing in the pre-convention and pre-election periods. And then I'd like the floor for a word or two at the end of the meeting. Let's start with Bob Dole in the Senate and then go to Michael in the House and give everybody a chance to come. Thank you, Mr. President. I think just, I'm certain everybody has this information, but what we're doing now, we're on Labor HF. No introduction, sir. Except for President. Thank you very much. Thank you. I appreciate it. I've got my family to introduce here. Mr. President, here's my wife Kay. Yes, Kay. Hello. Thank you very much. We miss you all. We miss you very much today. Scott. How are you doing? Good to see you again, Mr. President. Nice to see you. Jeffrey. Jeffrey. I'm sorry. My mother, Lucille, brought us. Hello there. Nice to see you. My father, Tony, brought us. Hello. Good to see you. My mother-in-law, Lillian Holmes. Hello. Nice to see you. My father-in-law, Harry Holmes. Hello. Nice to see you. I think I'm going to take you over here in front of the federal police. The rest will be coming here eventually. It's a pleasure presenting a Legion of Merit to Commander James A. Broadus, Civil Engineer Corps, United States Navy, for service to set forth in the following citation. For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, as commanding officer of the Presidential Retreat Camp David Thurmond Maryland, from July 1985 to July 1988, Commander Broadus consistently demonstrated professional confidence of the highest order, performing all duties with great distinction. His command provided the highest degree of support, the ultimate insecurity, and perfect atmosphere for presidential and head of state visits. Commander Broadus provided vast improvements in perimeter security, air threat assessment, and emergency response. Through his dedicated efforts, the readiness and capabilities of the Presidential Retreat are unsurpassed. He also improved the quality of the environment for the people in his command, who in turn established impressive re-enlistment and promotion standards. Commander Broadus' uncompromising professionalism, extraordinary knowledge, and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. And as I mentioned, we're due in a practical place since you've been there. Thank you very much. We've seen a change in the period we've been in. Thank you very much, sir. Congratulations. I really appreciate this. I'd like to bring Kay and the boys over. Yes, we'll be with you just before we do the picture. Scott? You know, it just so happens that in this job, I'm the honorary President of the Boy Scouts, so I have something to sign, which I'm sure you're aware of, and that is that I'll give you the envelope for that also. That is that you are an Eagle Scout. Congratulations. All right. Now there are four more people that better come in here. We're going to have a real good picture. Jerry, you might take another one. I think my hand might have been in the picture. Okay. I'm excited. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. This souvenir is great as glass. These are from Scott and I, from souvenirs of that. Thank you, Mr. Christy. I might take a moment, Mr. President. The gents up at Camp David asked me to give this to you. This is a replica of our Camp David sign. A pen set, maybe you find a place for it. If not here, maybe out in California. You bet I will. On the back it says, with deepest appreciation from those who serve you at the Presidential Retreat, 26 July, 1988. Thank you very much. My goodness. Well, Jim, thank you, sir. That's wonderful. I've seen that a lot. I would also like to say that, you know, in the military they teach us good leadership is taking care of your people. And you have done such a good job of taking care of the people at Camp David and recognizing them and giving them attention. When I know that the schedule was very busy and the time demands on you were very great. And I just, it made my job very easy as commanding officer. And just wanted to thank you for that. Well, no, that was turnabout's fair play because you made mine a lot easier. And we all appreciate it. We've enjoyed our three years. We do. We'll never forget it. We really enjoyed having you. Yes, sir. I think you, all of you should know it's a far more attractive and better place since they've been there. Thank you. Thank you very much. Good luck to you throughout the rest of your presidency and then on in to California and to January. I'm a little frightened of myself as to just whether that'll be the office in California or the home or the ranch. Thank you very much. Yes, sir. I wish you very best wishes. Thank you. Yes, sir. We're smart, but this is a sad occasion for us. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much.