October 12, 1984
Q. Mr. President, did Bush win?
Q. Did Bush win, sir?
The President. I don't think there was any question about it. I thought he was just great.
Q. [Inaudible] -- by your briefers before your debate?
The President. Well, maybe I talked too much to him about how little time I spent on sitting and thinking and how much time I was, myself, woodshedding, to make sure that everything was fresh in my mind about all that we've done.
Q. Why did you say you were in the Air Force last night?
The President. What?
Q. Why did you say you were in the Air Force last night at that dinner?
The President. That I was -- --
Q. In the Air Force.
The President. I can't remember the context in which I said that. I was! I'm trying to remember what the context was in which I used that, but it was to get in a reference to the fact that I was there by way of the horse cavalry.
Q. Are you going to change your tactics for your next debate with Mr. Mondale?
The President. What's that?
Q. The way you're going to be briefed for your next debate with Mr. Mondale?
The President. I just personally will not find it necessary to keep reviewing the things that I already know, which is what I did the last time.
Q. Are you going to be yourself?
The President. What?
Q. Are you going to be yourself this time?
The President. Well, I thought I was myself the last time, except that I kind of flattened out.
All right? Thank you.
Note: The exchange began at 9:35 a.m. at the South Portico of the White House as the President was preparing to leave for a trip to Ohio.