ABC News - Special Report - Democratic Response to the President's State of the Union Address - Transcript

ABC News Transcripts January 20, 2004 Tuesday
Copyright 2004 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.
ABC News Transcripts

SHOW: SPECIAL REPORT (10:00 PM ET) - ABC

January 20, 2004 Tuesday

HEADLINE: SPECIAL REPORT INTRODUCTION

BODY:

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

NANCY PELOSI, HOUSE MINORITY LEADER

I'm Nancy Pelosi of California, the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives. The state of our Union is, indeed, strong, due to the spirit of the American people. The creativity, optimism and hard work and faith of everyday Americans. The State of the Union Address should offer a vision that unites us as a people and priorities that move us toward the best America. For inspiration, we look to our brave young men and women in uniform, especially those in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their noble service reminds us of our mission as a nation, to build a future worthy of their sacrifice. Tonight, for the perspective of ten years of experience on the Intelligence Committee, working on national security issues, I express the Democrats unbending determination to make the world safer for America, for our people, our interests and our ideals. Democrats have an unwavering commitment to ensure that America's armed forces remain the best-trained, best-led, best-equipped force for peace the world has ever known. Never before have we been more powerful, militarily.

NANCY PELOSI

But even the most powerful nation in the history of the world must bring other nations to our side, to meet common dangers. The President's policies do not reflect that. He has pursued a go-it- alone foreign policy that leaves us isolated abroad and that steals resources we need for education and health care here at home. The President led us into the Iraq war on the basis of unproven assertions, without evidence. He embraced a radical doctrine of preemptive war unexpredented (ph) in our history. And he failed to build a true international coalition. Therefore, American taxpayers are bearing almost all the cost, a colossal $120 billion and rising. More importantly, American troops are enduring almost all the casualties, tragically 500 killed and thousands more wounded. As a nation, we must show our greatness, not just our strength.

NANCY PELOSI

America must be a light to the world, not just a missile. 43 years ago today, as a college student standing in the freezing cold outside this Capitol building, I heard President Kennedy issue this challenge in his inaugural address. "My fellow citizens of the world," he said, "ask not what America will do for you. But what working together, we can do for the freedom of man." There is great wisdom in that. But in it, there is also greater strength for our country and the cause of a safer world. Instead of alienating our allies, let us work with them and international institutions so that, together, we can prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and keep them out of the hands of terrorists. Instead of billions of dollars in no-bid contracts for politically-connected firms like Halliburton and an insistence on American dominance in Iraq, let us share the burden and responsibility with others, so that together, we can end the sense of American occupation and bring troops home safely when their mission is completed.

NANCY PELOSI

Instead of the diplomatic disengagement that almost destroyed the Middle East peace process and aggravated the danger posed by North Korea, let us seek to forge agreements in coalitions so that together with others, we can address challenges before they threaten the security of the world. We must remain focused on the greatest threat to the security of the United States, the clear and present danger of terrorism. We know what we must do to protect America. But this Administration is failing to meet the challenge. Democrats have a better way to ensure our homeland security. 100 percent of containers coming into our ports or airports must be inspected. Today, only three percent are inspected. 100 percent of chemical and nuclear plants in the United States must have high-levels of security. Today, the Bush Administration has tolerated a much lower standard. 100 percent communication in real-time is needed for our police officers, firefighters and all of our first responders to prevent or respond to a terrorist attack. Today, the technology is there but the resources are not. 100 percent of the enriched uranium and other material for weapons of mass destruction must be secured. Today, the Administration has refused to commit the resources necessary to prevent it from falling into the hands of terrorists.

NANCY PELOSI

America will be far safer if we reduce the chance of terrorist attacks in one of our cities, than if we diminish the civil liberties of our people. As a nation, we must do better to keep faith with our armed forces, their families and our veterans. Our men and women in uniform show their valor everyday. On the battlefield, our troops pledge to leave no soldier behind. Here at home, we must leave no veteran behind. We must ensure their health care, their pensions, and their survivor benefits. The year ahead offers great opportunity for progress, and perhaps, new perils still hidden in the shadows of an uncertain world. But you, the American people have shown again and again, that you are equal to any test. Now, your example summons all of us in government, Republicans and Democrats, to a higher standard. This is personal for all of us, in every community across this land. As a mother of five and now, as a grandmother of five, I came into government to help to make the future brighter for all of America's children. As -much as at any time in my memory, the future of our country and our children is at stake. Democrats are committed to strengthening the state of our Union, to reach for a safer, more prosperous America. Together, let us make America work for all Americans. Let us restore our rightful role of leadership in the world, working with others for the freedom of man. I'm now proud to introduce my colleague, the outstanding Senate Democratic leader, Tom Daschle.

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