Statement provided by "Bush for President:"

Over the past few months, I have traveled the country in my quest for the presidency.  The American people have welcomed me with an open heart -- but I still have a great deal to do to earn their votes.  I can take nothing for granted.

As President, I will work to renew our great nation's sense of purpose and optimism.  My first goal is to usher in the responsibility era.  Each of us must understand we are responsible for the choices we make in life.  This will stand in stark contrast to the last few decades, when the culture has clearly said: if it feels good, do it.  If you've got a problem, blame someone else.

Changing our culture requires more than laws.  Culture changes one heart, one soul, one conscience at a time.  Government can spend money, but it can't put hope in our hearts or sense of purpose in our lives.  This is done by churches and synagogues and mosques and charities.

So my second goal will be to rally those armies of compassion that exist in every community.

I will remove barriers that prevent faith-based programs from helping those who need their help, and I will lead an effort to encourage an outpouring of giving across America. 

My third goal is to make a solemn commitment: that every child will be educated, because there are no second rate children, no second rate dreams.

As president, I will not be a federal principal.

We must trust parents and state and local leaders to chart the path to excellence, and free them from the burden of bureaucracy.

Yet, when it comes to federal money, we have a right to expect excellence for every child-to have high hopes and high standards.

Some say it is unfair to hold every child to the same rigorous standards.  I say it is discrimination to require anything less -- the soft bigotry of low expectations.

I intend to be a leader for all Americans.  I will set a clear agenda and focus on results.  I won't let polls tell me what to think.  I will make decisions based on conservative principles engrained in my heart.  Trust people, lower taxes, reduce regulation, stop frivolous lawsuits and expand free trade.

This country is hungry for a new style of campaign.  And that's what we will give them.  Positive.   Hopeful, and inclusive.

I've learned you cannot lead by dividing people.  I'm a uniter not a divider.

Americans want a leader that appeals to our better angels, not our darker impulses. 

We will prove that a conservative who is compassionate can win without sacrificing principle.  We will give our country a fresh start after a season of cynicism.

And I know this: when I put my hand on the Bible, I will do so not only to swear to uphold the laws of our country.  I will also swear to uphold the honor and the dignity of the office to which I have been elected -- so help me God.