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ll, he turned out to be wrong because of his own service, and President Carter has proved that nothing could be further from the truth. (Applause) He just told you we met 30 years ago when he was trying to help me. He didnt tell you that, less than a year later and less than a mile from here, Jimmy Carter asked Hillary and me to join in his campaign for the presidency. We did, and as you can see from this day, it was the beginning of quite a ride. I recently spoke with President Ford, who, at 91, is unable to e and with his extraordinary wife, Betty. But they still are strong. Yesterday I received a wonderful letter from Nancy Reagan, who remains in our thoughts and prayers. I thank the Fords and Nancy and the late President Reagan for their service to our country. I want to thank all the vast numbers of Congress and former members who are here who served with me. I couldnt have done most of the good things we did without em, and theyre not responsible for any of the mistakes I made. I cant see through all the umbrellas and all the ponchos or whatever you call those plastic things that make you all look so beautiful (laughter) but Im pretty sure Senator Kerrys out there. And if he is, I want to thank him and Im glad hes back on the job. (Applause) I want to thank the people of my beloved home state for your support, for your love, your friendship, the trust, the sacrifices you so willingly made when we worked together here and when you carried me to the White House. I thank the friends of a lifetime who also made indispensable contributions. Ive said a lot of times I may be the only guy that ever got elected president because of his personal friends. I thank my pastor, Rex Horne, and all the other ministers here who have taught me, prayed with me, and counseled me over the years. I thank God for my family and Hillarys family. A lot of them are here today, and I thank you for making this whole long trip. Like I said, I do wish my mother were here. She would have enjoyed seeing all of you, even in the rain, and I promise you (he laughs) you would have enjoyed seeing her. Most of all, I want to thank Hillary and Chelsea. Now Hillarys a senator and she has all the power in our family, but shes proving what I always said. She has the best bination of mind and heart, conviction and passion Ive ever encountered, though I must say Chelsea is giving her mother a good run. Chelsea, your life and our love for you gave meaning to our public service. They made the presidency the secondmost important job I ever had. I love you both so much. Thank you. And let me lastly thank the people who have contributed to and built this library: the School of Public Service and the foundation, my staff, my former staff, the board, the architects, the exhibit designers, the landscapers, the contractors, the 1,500 people who put this building up, the city and state officials who supported it. I thank especiall