George W. Bush For President Announcement in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Saturday, June 12, 1999.
"I have come here today to tell you this: I am running for President of the United States. There's no turning back, and I intend to be the next President of the United States.
I'm running because our country must be prosperous. But prosperity must have a purpose. The purpose of prosperity is to make sure the American dream touches every willing heart. The purpose of prosperity is to leave no one out, to leave no one behind. I'm running because my party must match a conservative mind with a compassionate heart. And I'm running to win.
It feels to me like an old era of American politics is ending -- like Americans are waiting for new hopes, new energy, new idealism. We will prove that someone who is conservative and compassionate can win without sacrificing principle. We will show that politics, after a time of tarnished ideals, can be higher and better. We will give our country a fresh start after a season of cynicism.
We have a long way to go, but we start today. And I hope you'll join me."
