U.S. President George W. Bush and retiree Betty Batterbee look toward one another during a conversation about Social Security reform in South Bend, Indiana, March 4, 2005. Bush said yesterday that he would focus for now on the financial problems facing Social Security, signaling a shift in tactics amid a slide in support for his private account plan. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
TRANSCRIPT
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/03/20050304-15.htmlPresident Participates in Social Security Conversation in Indiana
Joyce Center
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
4:25 P.M. EST
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THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Please be seated. Thanks for coming. (Laughter.)...................First, this is a serious conversation, and it's an important conversation -- a conversation about the future of the country. And I want to thank Father Malloy and Father Jenkins for letting us come to this fantastic -- letting me come back to this fantastic university.
I come back as a graduate -- well, kind of a graduate. I got a degree -- (laughter) -- honorary degree. (Laughter.) For all you C students out there, it's amazing what can happen to you if you keep working hard. (Laughter and applause.) --------------------------------
MRS. BATTERBEE: We have 35 grandchildren. (Applause.) And we have six great-grandchildren. But, first, Mr. President, I think it's an honor to be here. I'm so delighted.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, thanks for coming, Betty. I appreciate you saying that.
MRS. BATTERBEE: And I have a message that I would like you to take to Laura. We think she is a gracious and adorable First Lady, and we're so proud she's our First Lady. (Applause.) THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. I'm proud of her. Thank you, Betty. Social Security. (Laughter.)
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MR. BATTERBEE: My name is Mark Batterbee, and this is my very gracious wife, Betty.
I served as a pastor in the missionary church for over 40 years in Michigan and in the Michiana area. I retired just about three years ago. I have to say something, Mr. President -- how much I appreciate and I believe how much we appreciate the strong leadership that you have provided in the office of President of the United States. (Applause.) THE PRESIDENT: I appreciate that, thank you. (Applause.) Thank you all. (Applause.) Okay. They got to go back to work here. Thank you. Thanks.
MR. BATTERBEE: Also I want to say that as a -- maybe I shouldn't -- as a "evangelical" myself, I want to say how much I have appreciated the moral and -- leadership that he has provided for all of us, and the fact that he has been an example for the youth of America and for everyone. THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you. (Applause.)
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DR. BROWN: I'm a Ph.D. in economics and I'm a professor at one of the other great Midwestern universities.
THE PRESIDENT: Ph.D. in economics. It's an interesting lesson, isn't it? He's the advisor and the Ph.D. I'm the President and a fair student. (Laughter and applause.)
All right, Doc. You're an expert on Social Security.
DR. BROWN: That's right. I've been studying it for about a decade now, and the good news is, it doesn't really require a Ph.D. to understand that the program is in trouble.
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THE PRESIDENT: I'm honored you all came. I hope you've enjoyed this as much as I have. May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless our country. (Applause.) END 5:14 P.M. EST