Bush Says ‘No War’ Exists Between Him, Jim Wright

President-elect George Bush, hoping to mend partisan political wounds inflicted during the nasty 1988 presidential campaign, said today there is “no war” between him and House Speaker Jim Wright (D-Tex.).

Arriving for a noon chat with Wright, Bush was asked if he was on a peace-making mission with the Speaker, who has had a rocky relationship with President Reagan.

“You can’t make peace when there’s no war,” Bush said, adding he wanted to tell Wright he wants to “work closely with him and the other members of the House of Representatives no matter which side of the aisle they sit on.

“I know there’s going to be times when we disagree, but we’re going to get off to a very good start,” Bush said. “I have great respect for the Speaker. He knows that. And I look forward to hearing what he wants to talk about.”

Before the meeting, Wright told reporters, “We’re going to talk together and explore opportunities for a harmonious working relationship. I think the country deserves one.”

Asked if there will be budget talks between Bush aides and Congress before Inauguration Day, Bush replied, “I become President on Jan. 20.”

After the private luncheon, Wright expressed optimism that Bush understands the need to get the deficit under control.

“He is quite earnestly interested in the realities of the deficit. He is under no illusions that there are serious problems lying ahead,” Wright said. “He is prepared to do the serious things necessary to cope with them.”