Transcript of Windy Smith's Convention Speech

Aug. 2, 2000 -- Windy Smith is a 26-year-old woman with Down syndrome. She read a copy of a letter she wrote to George W. Bush to the convention. Read the full transcript of her letter here.

Windy Smith:

Hi.

My name is Windy Smith and I am 26 years old and I’m pulling for you to be our next President of the United States of America. I love to vote and I always stay up to watch the returns.

One day, about 2 years ago, I saw you on T.V. and I told my parents that I was going to vote for you for President.

They said we would have to wait and see if you were running for it and then I saw you again and you said yes and I said yes to you for our country. I know what it’s like to work very hard and to win too! I know what it’s like to give a speech too. I guess politics is just in my heart but so is God and that’s the reason it’s important to vote the right way. Remember the Alamo and remember why you want to be President! I have a lot of friends that vote and I’m going to tell all of them to vote for you and they will. I wish I could be at your big party when you win because it will be a happy time for America.

One last thing, I ran with “Flo Jo” for an opening ceremony one time and she said to ignore the crowd and run for the finish — you just keep running Governor Bush! May God bless you and your wife and family.

I love you, Windy Smith