Remarks at a Dinner Honoring Senator Jesse Helms of North
Carolina  June 16, 1983  The President. Thank you very much and
-- --  Audience member. How sweet it is! [Laughter]  The
President. And, Jesse, from the bottom of my heart, thank you
for those wonderful thoughts and words. Now I know why people
say, ``Let Helms be Helms.'' [Laughter]  Jesse was in Washington
before I arrived. In fact, let me say this straight off. Thanks
to Jesse Helms, his friendship and commitment, we can say
tonight our grassroots movement is alive, well, and getting
stronger every month as America strides forward on the road to
greatness again.  You've heard that a faithful friend is the
medicine of life. Emerson said, ``The only gift is a portion of
thyself.'' Well, I happen to know this is true. I know it,
because Jesse proved it to me. There was a time in 1976 when
many people were writing off my candidacy, and Jesse Helms
didn't. He came to me and said, ``Governor, if you would just
speak on the issues to the people of North Ca