Exchange With Reporters in Merrimack,
January 29, 2004

Swan Chocolates

Q. Mr. President——

The President. Now what was that look for?

Q. I’m wondering what you think of John Kerry, sir?

The President. You’re supposed to be thinking about what it means to start your own business, like these people here have done.

Q. Mr. President, what about consternation over weapons of mass destruction?

[At this point, the President continued his tour of the chocolate shop.]

The President. Here are the owners, right here. They started their business last year. Had a dream, living their dream, and they’re making good product. And I expect people in the national press corps to leave some cash behind. [Laughter]

That would be you, Allen [Mike Allen, Washington Post]. Go buy some—[laughter]—they’ll help you, right over there. [Laughter]

Note: The exchange began at approximately 3:45 p.m. at Swan Chocolates. In his remarks, the President referred to Michael and Theresa Anderson, owners, Swan Chocolates. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this exchange.