This President and this Administration are optimists. Because we know that this nation has succeeded before and we are succeeding today. Since President Clinton took office, 5.6 million jobs have been created. Last Friday, we announced that the unemployment level has reached its lowest point in four and one- half years. Consumer confidence is high.
Growth is steady and inflation is in check.
We will continue to succeed tomorrow and in the years to come. But only if we take advantage of opportunities presented by the new global economy. In today's economy it is not just companies, it is also nations that compete. Together, they form the basic equation of international competitiveness. Private investment drives competition and growth.