And even the most loyal Republican will agree that the party's recent presidential nominees, Bob Dole and former President GeorgeHerbertWalkerBush (in 1992), failed to excite Republicans and independents.
And in previous aspects of American history -- President Reagan in 1985, President GeorgeHerbertWalkerBush in 1990, President Clinton in 1997 -- all signed deficit reduction deals that were contingent upon or in the context of raising the debt ceiling.
The Honorable GeorgeHerbertWalkerBush. (Applause.) From his time as a decorated Navy pilot to his years in the White House as the 41st President of the United States, President GeorgeHerbertWalkerBush has led a life marked by a profound commitment to serving others.