Bush, Clinton Reaction

Here is the text of the reaction by the presidential candidates on the withdrawal of Ross Perot. PRESIDENT BUSH

I just called Ross Perot on a very personal basis.

I congratulated him, told him I understood how difficult his decision must have been. I told him he had really and truly energized an awful lot of people.

Obviously I told him I would welcome his support and the support of all those who have been out there working for him. I congratulated him on the excitement he brought to the race, particularly the way he energized the volunteers. It’s rather significant and certainly unique to these times what he was able to do, encouraging these volunteers.

Now, we will make it clear to all those Perot supporters that we share many of the same principles, that we want their support, that we welcome them warmly into our campaign.

We share those principles, we need their help, bringing about the implementation of these principles.

We think that many of the Perot supporters were basically conservative people. They were people who were worried about the values of family, they were worried about the economy and the need to get these deficits under control, the need to do something different about the neighborhood.

And so I believe we will have an opportunity to make clear to these people that they should feel at home with us as we start the campaign after the Republican Convention.

BILL CLINTON

I was moved by Ross Perot’s announcement today.

His decision in no way minimizes the remarkable effect that he and his supporters have had on this country. In fact, it amplifies the call for change that has gone out across this nation. People are tired of government that has failed them--that has taxed them more and given them less for 12 long years.

Millions of people are telling us that it’s time for a change, and that they’re willing to work to take their country back. Mr. Perot has said many times that this movement is bigger than any individual--or any candidacy. It is a manifestation of the American people’s deep quest for change.

Ross Perot’s supporters have told all of us that it’s time to go beyond the politics of blame and division and denial. They reflect the energy and courage that the people of this nation, at their best, can harness when they know change must come.

We have heard their message and share their hopes. I ask them to give us a fair hearing, to read our plan for putting people first. I invite them to join us in our efforts to change our country and give our government back to the people.