The Complete Bush Quotes

January 4, 2008
Interview of the President in Roundtable with Foreign Print Media
Roosevelt Room
***
"And it's interesting, one of the really interesting things about America is total strangers are going to help total strangers all the time."

 

January 6, 2008
Interview of the President by Nadia Bilbassy-Charters, Al Arabiya TV
Map Room
***
"I would hope that my record, one of liberation and -- liberation, by the way, not only from dictatorship, but from disease around the world, like HIV/AIDS or malaria -- is one that will say to people, he cares about the human condition; that he cares about each individual; that my religion teaches me to love your neighbor."

***
"There is still a lot of work to be done, however, and I am -- you know what thrills me the most is that the average Iraqi's life is becoming more hopeful."

***
"I would hope, at least, at the very minimum, people would say that George W. Bush respected my religion, and has great concern for the human condition; that he hurts when he sees poverty and hopelessness; that he's a realistic guy, because he understands that the only way that these extremists who murder the innocent can recruit is when you find -- when they find hopeless situations -- they have no vision that's positive; and that he helped present an alternative, and that was one based upon liberty and the rights of men and women in a just and free society. That's how I hope you remember me."

 

January 6, 2008
Interview of the President by Yonit Levi, Channel 2 News
Map Room
January 4, 2008
***
"You know, I've been through three Iowa caucuses: one, when my dad beat Ronald Reagan in 1980, and then lost; two, that when my dad came in third in Iowa in 1988 and won; and, of course, our own caucus, which then -- you know, we win Iowa, go immediately to New Hampshire, lose, and eventually win."

***
"Because if things were okay and everything is, you know, smooth, the job is kind of -- it's interesting."

***
Q I imagine so. You are, you know, reaching the end of your presidency in a year, and it's sort of the season to summarize. Can you tell me what your -- you consider as your biggest achievement, and what, if anything, do you regret?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes. First of all, I'm going to get a lot done next year.

Q Of course.

THE PRESIDENT: I really am. You know, there's this great myth about how the President, because there's an election, or because it's the last year of his presidency, not much is going to get done. Quite the contrary. We'll get a lot done.

***
"I left the state with a state of principles, and I'm returning with the same set of principles. And I didn't compromise my beliefs in order to be the popular guy, or the hip guy, or the guy that every -- you know, the cultural elite likes."

 

January 6, 2008
Interview of the President by Hisham Bourar, Al Hurra TV
Map Room
January 4, 2008
***
"I can press when there needs to be pressed; I can hold hands when there needs to be -- hold hands."

 

January 7, 2008
President Bush Discusses Economy in Chicago, Illinois
Union League Club of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
***
"Core inflation is low -- except when you're going to the gas pump it doesn't seem that low; or when you're buying food it doesn't seem that low. Core inflation is low, but energy and food prices are on the rise -- have risen."

 

January 9, 2008
President Bush Meets with Israeli President Peres
President's Residence
Jerusalem
***
PRESIDENT PERES: Thank you very much. We met, actually, the first time in 1990, the young American President on his ship.

PRESIDENT BUSH: That's exactly right.

PRESIDENT PERES: And since then we are sailing.

 

January 10, 2008
President Bush and Palestinian Authority President Abbas Participate in Joint Press Availability
Muqata
Ramallah
***
"I was asked yesterday at a press conference, you know, what do you intend to do; if you're not going to write the agreement, what do you intend to do? I said, nudge the process forward -- like, pressure; be a pain if I need to be a pain -- which in some people's mind isn't all that hard. And they said, well, like -- yesterday, somebody said, well, are you disappointed? I arrived and it nudged the process forward. In other words, we can help influence the process, and will."

***
"My judgment is, I can understand frustrations. I mean, I hear it a lot. I heard it -- you know, the chief negotiator spent two hours at a checkpoint. All he was trying to do was go negotiate."

 

January 15, 2008
Roundtable Interview of the President by Print, Wire and Television Reporters
Guest Palace
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
***
"What's happened is, is that demand for energy has outstripped new supply. And that's why there's high price."

***
"If the economy slows down, there will be less barrels of oil purchased."

***
Q You are? Are you in a good mood?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, a great mood.

Q I do.

THE PRESIDENT: Dates put you in a good mood, right? I'm in a great mood.

Q Which kind of dates are you talking about? (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Not bad. Not bad. (Laughter.) Pretty good. A wordsmith. (Laughter.) All right, go ahead.

***
Q Fair enough. The question I had is, do you see a day someday when some President in the future will come and say to some Israeli leader and Palestinian leader that it's time for that wall to come down, not unlike Ronald Reagan's --

THE PRESIDENT: You know, I don't think in the short-term that day will come. I do think there will be a day -- your question was not the wall; your question was checkpoints -- which I guess is the wall.

Q I meant barrier, is what I meant, the barrier you drove through --

THE PRESIDENT: Well, barrier -- this is not barriers.

Q It's the same question, really.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, no, it's not, in all due respect to the questioner. It was your question; of course, it's the same question. (Laughter.)

***
"I can tell you, though, there's no such thing as a state if it's going to be occupied. In other words, when I said contiguous, that means contiguous territory that does not -- Swiss cheese, that it's -- and I thought that's actually what you were referring to with those interior roadblocks."

 

January 17, 2008
President Bush Meets with Special Envoy for Sudan Rich Williamson
Oval Office
***
"My administration called this a genocide. Once you label it "genocide" you obviously have to do something about it."

 

January 18, 2008
President Bush Tours Factory, Discusses Economy
Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
Frederick, Maryland
***
"Do you wonder where they got the name "Wright?" That's his name. And his wife is the co-founder of the company."

January 22, 2008
President Bush Speaks to March for Life Rally Participants
East Room
***
"I see people with a deep conviction that even the most vulnerable member of the human family is a child of God."

 

January 30, 2008
President Bush Discusses Trade and Economy
Robinson Helicopter Company
Torrance, California
***
"Well, first, I love entrepreneurs and dreamers. And your boy told me that you dreamt about a company and you started it in your kitchen. Isn't it interesting?"

***
"Colombia is an important country for our interests. They've got a good President, named President Uribe. And he inherited a tough deal, a tough situation where he's fighting off drug lords and drug traffickers, people who are manufacturing drugs that come and pollute our kids."

***
"We're also going to try to get a Doha round of trade, in other words, opening up -- around the world opening up trade."

***
"There's some countries around the world that have accumulated large amounts of money. Sometimes it's our money. And it makes sense to say to somebody, sure you can invest in America. I noticed the other day one of these Wall Street firms had a big chunk of foreign money invest on their -- in their balance sheet."

 

January 29, 2008
President Bush Meets with Joint Chiefs and Combatant Commanders
The Cabinet Room
***
"We're a nation that has produced people who are willing to volunteer in the face of danger. Thank goodness."

 

January 31, 2008
President Bush Discusses Global War on Terror in Las Vegas, Nevada
Emerald at Queensridge
Las Vegas, Nevada
***
"Religious people do not murder the innocent." (Applause.)

***
"What distinguishes this ideological struggle from previous ideological struggles -- those with -- against fascism or communism, is that in this war, individuals use weapons to kill innocent people -- car bombs and suicide vests. And they do so to frighten the West."

***
"Even more remarkable was the fact that the United States had no stronger ally in defeating terror, no stronger ally than understanding the power of freedom to be transformative. I say "no stronger ally" -- Tony Blair was strong; there was a lot."

***
"These are brutal people. That's the vision that these folks have for the world. That's what they want. Some Americans probably just missed that and say, oh, that's just a pipe dream, pie in the sky on their part."

***
"I know four years seems like an eternity, particularly in this world of instant news and 24-hour whatever on TV."

 

February 6, 2008
President Bush Welcomes Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks to the White House
East Room
***
"These Ducks are awfully mighty."

***
"The Cup has been to countless bars and nightclubs across the world, and I'm sure some of the players are pleased the Cup can't talk." (Laughter.)

***
"Sean O'Donnell filled it with dog food so that his Lab, Buddy, could eat from it. You know, I was wondering why Barney and my dogs took such a liking to the Stanley Cup." (Laughter.)

 

February 7, 2008
President Bush Attends National Prayer Breakfast
Washington Hilton Hotel
Washington, D.C.
***
"Obviously there's a lot of prayerful people here."

 

February 15, 2008
President Bush Meets with Bicameral Republican Leadership
Oval Office
***
"The American citizens must understand -- clearly understand that there still is a threat on the homeland, there's still an enemy which would like to do us harm, and that we've got to give our professionals the tools they need to be able to figure out what the enemy is up to so that we can stop it."

***
"By not giving the professionals the tools they need, it's going to be a lot harder to do the job we need to be able to defend America."

***
"People say, oh, it doesn't matter if this law hasn't been renewed -- it does matter. It matters for a variety of reasons. It matters because the intelligence officials won't have tools necessary to get as much information as we possibly can to protect you. And it matters because these telephone companies that work collaboratively with us to protect the American people are afraid they're going to get sued."

***
"And so by blocking this good piece of legislation, our professionals tell me that they don't have all the tools they need to do their job."

 

February 16, 2008
President Bush Presented Grand Cross of the National Order of Benin
Cadjehoun International Airport
Cotonou, Benin
***
"You mentioned some of the dollar money we're spending with you, but those dollars come with great compassion from the American people."

 

February 16, 2008
President Bush Participates in Joint Press Availability with President Yayi of Benin
Cadjehoun International Airport
Cotonou, Benin
***
"I appreciate very much your mentioning of the Millennium Challenge Account. That account, those monies are given to countries which fight corruption, which invest in the health and education of their children, which believe in marketplace economies. That's what you do."

***
"This compact is -- affects the lives of about 5 million people here in Benin, and help thousands grow out of poverty."

***
"I mean, after all, you put in auditors in place to make sure that people's money is spent well, that, you know, in so doing -- and this is such a good lesson."

***
"One of the reasons I've come here, sir, is because leaders around the world have got to understand that the United States wants to partner with leaders and the people, but we're not going to do so with people that steal money -- pure and simple."

***
"... is this a diplomatic coup or is it truly a change in the relationships between Benin and the United States? Is this a stunt?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, I can give you my perspective, and of course the President will give you his. First of all, I am the first President to have come to Benin."

***
"I reject some of the old-style type of grants, which basically said, let's feel better; we'll just give some money out."

***
"And so, Mr. President, I'm proud to be the first President to be in Benin, and I want to thank you for extending me that invitation."

***
"And there's a lot more work to be done. One of the reasons I've come on this trip is to say, look at the successes we've had. 'We', by the way, is not American successes; these are joint successes. And look at the work that needs to be done."

***
"Secondly, Kenya is an issue, and -- we're going to be in the neighborhood in Kenya -- in Kenya's neighborhood."

***
"You know, this is -- but this is a large place with a lot of nations, and no question not everything is perfect."

***
"Well, Mr. President, thank you. Like, press conference over." (Laughter and applause.)

END 10:29 A.M. (Local)

 

February 17, 2008
President Bush Participates in Joint Press Availability with President Kikwete of Tanzania
State House
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
***
"I'll just put it bluntly -- America doesn't want to spend money on people who steal the money from the people." (Laughter.)

***
"We act not out of guilt, but out of compassion, Mr. President. And that's why we're in your beautiful country."

***
"There's no doubt the people of Zimbabwe deserve a government that serves their interest, and recognizes their basic human rights, and holds free and fair elections. That's in the interest of the people of Zimbabwe."

***
"So we've had a great visit so far -- but, like, this is just the beginning of the visit."

***
"Africa has actually been important from the start of my administration. I'll never forget having a conversation with then my -- my then-National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, it was early on in the administration and we were talking about priorities and matters of emphasis."

***
"It is an ABC program: abstinence, be faithful, and condoms. It's a program that's been proven effective."

 

February 25, 2008
President Bush Meets with National Governors Association
State Dining Room
***
"I get briefed every morning about threats we face, and they're real. And therefore the question is, what do you do about them? In my judgment, we have got to give the professionals who work hard to protect us all the tools they need. To put it bluntly, if the enemy is calling to America, we really need to know what they're saying. And we need to know what they're thinking. And we need to know who they're talking to."

 

February 26, 2008
President Bush Discusses Trip to Africa at Leon H. Sullivan Foundation
Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
Washington, D.C.
***
"America is on a mission of mercy. We're treating African leaders as equal partners. We expect them to produce measurable results."

***
"Abstinence may be controversial in the halls of Congress; it is not controversial on this campus. As a matter of fact, they put a skit on for us. In it, a girl is approached by a rich man, who offers her gifts in exchange for sex. She calls it a 'ridiculous' proposition and says, 'I'm not that kind of girl.'" (Applause.)

***
"I think the audience was happy to see Laura and me, it seemed that way -- but I know they were even more excited to see our surprise guest, reigning American Idol Jordin Sparks." (Applause.)

***
"The night ended with an impromptu dance to a traditional beat called High Life."

 

February 28, 2008
Press Conference of the President
***
"And so we acted robustly."

***
"As you know, Putin is a straightforward, pretty tough character when it comes to his interests. Well, so am I. And we've had some head-butts, diplomatic head-butts."

***
Q "... So if Americans don't have any recourse, are you just telling them, when it comes to their privacy, to suck it up?

THE PRESIDENT: I wouldn't put it that way, if I were you, in public.

***
"You cannot expect phone companies to participate if they feel like they're going to be sued."

***
"How can you listen to the enemy if the phone companies aren't going to participate with you?"

***
"I'm not suggesting there's never a time to talk, but I'm suggesting now is not the time -- not to talk with Raul Castro."

***
"Q You've said, Mr. President, that you want to leave Iraq in a sustainable situation --

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I do.

Q -- at the end of your administration. Can you describe for us specifically what do you mean by "sustainable"? Do you have specific goals and objectives that in your mind would meet the criteria of sustainability?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, which is to keep enough troops there so we can succeed.

***
"The idea of having a request by the Iraqi government for a long-term security agreement is part of sustainability."

***
"I don't know if you noticed yesterday, but it was a very interesting moment in Iraqi constitutional history, when part of the -- a member of the presidency council utilized his constitutional right to veto one of the three pieces of legislation recently passed. I understand the use of the veto, intend to continue to use it, but I thought it was a healthy sign that people are thinking through the legislation that's passed, and they're worrying about making sure that laws are constitutional."

***
"We believe in a strong dollar policy, and we believe that -- and I believe that our economy has got the fundamentals in place for us to be a -- is to grow and continue growing more robustly, hopefully, than we're growing now. And the dollar, the value of the dollar will be reflected in the ability for our economy to be -- to grow economically. And so we're still for a strong dollar.

***
Q What's your advice to the average American who is hurting now, facing the prospect of $4 a gallon gasoline, a lot of people facing --

THE PRESIDENT: Wait, what did you just say? You're predicting $4 a gallon gasoline?

Q A number of analysts are predicting --

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, yeah?

Q -- $4 a gallon gasoline this spring when they reformulate.

THE PRESIDENT: That's interesting. I hadn't heard that.

Q Yes, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes. I know it's high now.

***
"There's a lot of economic uncertainty. You just said that. You just said the price of gasoline may be up to $4 a gallon -- or some expert told you that -- and that creates a lot of uncertainty if you're out there wondering whether or not -- you know, what your life is going to be like and you're looking at $4 a gallon, that's uncertain. And when you couple with the idea that taxes may be going up in a couple of years, that's double uncertainty."

***
"But we need to be finding more oil and gas at home if we're worried about becoming dependent on oil overseas."

***
Q Thank you, sir. Now that you've found a location for your presidential library, you've got to find the money to build it. Reports indicate that you may be trying to collect as much as $200 million. Is that figure accurate? Do you believe it's important for the American people to know who is giving that kind of money to their President? Will you disclose the contributions as they come in? And will you place any restriction on who gives money and how much they can give?

THE PRESIDENT: No, yes, no, yes. (Laughter.) Next question. (Laughter.) I haven't -- phew, man. You obviously haven't asked a question in a long time. It was like, you know, -- one, I haven't seen the final budget.

***
Q Any restrictions on who can give? Will you take foreign money for this?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I'll probably take some foreign money, but don't know yet, Ken. We just haven't -- we just announced the deal and I, frankly, have been focused elsewhere, like on gasoline prices and, you know, my trip to Africa, and haven't seen the fundraising strategy yet.

***
Q Where does the people's right to know this fit into all that?

THE PRESIDENT: We're weighing, taking a look, taking consideration, giving it a serious consideration. Nice try, though.

***
"Olivier, I have made it very clear, I'm going to the Olympics because it's a sporting event, and I'm looking forward to seeing the athletic competition."

***

"I talk about Darfur and Iran and Burma. And so I am not the least bit shy of bringing up the concerns expressed by this factory worker, and I believe that I'll have an opportunity to do so with the President and, at the same time, enjoy a great sporting event. I'm a sports fan"

***
"We need to be exploring for more oil and gas. And taking money out of the coffers of the oil companies will make it harder for them to reinvest. I know -- they say, well, look at all of the profits. Well, we're raising the price of gasoline in a time when the price of gasoline is high.

***
"Now, we got a problem with renewables, and that is the price of corn is beginning to affect food -- cost of food, and it's hurting hog farmers and a lot of folks."

***
"Again, I repeat, if you look at what's happened in corn out there, you're beginning to see the food issue and the energy issue collide."

***
I thank you. It's been a pleasure. Enjoyed being with you.

Q Sir, do you think Hillary Clinton will be the nominee?

THE PRESIDENT: Pardon me?

Q You still think Hillary Clinton will be the nominee?

THE PRESIDENT: I'm not talking about politics.

Q You said that before, though --

THE PRESIDENT: Trying to get me to be pundit-in-chief.

Q Are they qualified to be commander-in-chief?

THE PRESIDENT: I appreciate you doing that.

Jackson -- Jackson, nice to see you. (Laughter.) Glad to see you back. (Laughter.)

END 10:51 A.M. EST

 

March 1, 2008
President Bush Participates in Press Availability with Prime Minister Rasmussen of Denmark
Bush Ranch
Crawford, Texas
***
"Pretty good guests when you can have a meaningful mountain bike ride at sunset, and then at sunrise, and the man not even break into a sweat. You're in incredible condition, and I really have enjoyed my time with you -- my time when we talked, and my time when we rode."

***
"Finally, we talked about climate change -- more than once."

*** Q Are you worried about reducing U.S. troop presence before the elections in October?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Deb, that's what I said, that politics isn't going to play into it.

Q You mean Iraqi politics?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Oh, you mean the Iraqi -- I thought you meant our --

Q No, no.

PRESIDENT BUSH: I didn't listen.

Q I'm sorry.

PRESIDENT BUSH: I apologize.

Q I believe there's provincial elections coming up in --

PRESIDENT BUSH: There are.

Q Okay.

PRESIDENT BUSH: The 1st of October 2008. That's very observant.

Q Would you be worried about --

PRESIDENT BUSH: And I was not being observant. And it must be because I'm just so relaxed on the ranch, I didn't even bother to listen to your question. (Laughter.)

***
"A war is constantly changing, and what appears to have been an easy decision today might have been a lot difficult when you take it -- put it in historical context."

 

March 3, 2008
President Bush Attends Medal of Honor Ceremony for Woodrow Wilson Keeble
East Room
***
"That fall, Woody's courage was on full display during a major offensive called Operation No Man [sic]." [It was Operation Nomad]

 

March 4, 2008
President Bush Meets with His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan
Oval Office
***
"In other words, there is a -- people say, well, you always set -- you're hesitant to set timetables. But there happens to be a timetable as far as I'm concerned, and that is, I'm leaving office."

 

March 5, 2008
President Bush Meets with Senator John McCain
Rose Garden
***
"Let me start off by saying that in 2000 I said, vote for me, I'm an agent of change. In 2004, I said, I'm not interested in change -- I want to continue as President. Every candidate has got to say 'change.' That's what the American people expect."

*** "I'm focusing on, you know, protecting America, and succeeding in Iraq, and dealing with the North Korea, and dealing with the Iranian, and dealing with the issues around the world where we're making a difference in terms of keeping peace."

 

March 5, 2008
President Bush Attends Washington International Renewable Energy Conference 2008
Washington Convention Center
Washington, D.C.
***
"We've got to get off oil."

***
"I've come today to tell you that America is the kind of country that when they see a problem, we address it head-on."

***
"I was interested to see that Virgin Atlantic flew a 747 from London's Heathrow Airport to Amsterdam, fueled partly by coconuts and Brazilian babassu nuts. I've never seen a babassu nut, but it's amazing that it helped power an airplane the size of a 747." (Applause.)

 

March 6, 2008
President Bush Commemorates Fifth Anniversary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Constitution Hall
Washington, D.C.
***
"The events of September the 11th, 2001 demonstrated the threats of a new era. I say 'new' because we found that oceans which separate us from separate -- different continents no longer separate us from danger."

***
"At this moment, somewhere in the world, a terrorist is planning an attack on us. I know that's inconvenient thought for some, but it is the truth."

***
"We're in a battle with evil men -- I call them evil because if you murder the innocent to achieve a political objective, you're evil." (Applause.)

***
"Under Operation Neptune Shield, the men and women of the Coast Guard are protecting more than 360 ports, and more than 95,000 miles of coast guard [sic].

 

March 11, 2008
President Bush Attends National Religious Broadcasters 2008 Convention
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center
Nashville, Tennessee
***
"I was very young when I first learned about obedience to a higher power -- and my mother sends her best to you." (Laughter.)

 

March 13, 2008
President Bush Participates in Video Teleconference with Afghanistan Provincial Reconstruction Team Leaders and Brigade Combat Commanders
Roosevelt Room
***
"As you can see here on the screen in front of me, we've got assembled in Afghanistan -- thanks to Ambassador Wood -- PRTs, which is Provincial Reconstruction Teams, made up of military and civilian personnel, all aiming to help the Afghans recover from unbelievable brutality of the Taliban and have a society that's capable of meeting the needs of its people."

***
"And the best thing we got going for us, not only do we have brave and compassionate citizens willing to serve, but we've also got an ideology based upon liberty, which stands in stark contrast to the ideology of the thugs and murderers called the Taliban."

 

Office of the Press Secretary
March 14, 2008
National Poison Prevention Week, 2008
***

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 16 through March 22, 2008, as National Poison Prevention Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by participating in appropriate activities and by learning how to prevent poisonings.

 

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 14, 2008
Statement by Deputy Press Secretary Tony Fratto on Partisan House Bill
***
"The good news is that the House bill will be dead on arrival in the Senate and, in any event, would be vetoed by the President if it ever got to his desk."

 

March 14, 2008
President Bush Visits the Economic Club of New York
New York Hilton
New York, New York
***
"Thanks for giving me a chance to speak to the Economic Club of New York. It seems like I showed up in a interesting moment -- (laughter) -- during an interesting time."

***
"First of all, in a free market, there's going to be good times and bad times. That's how markets work."

***
"And the interesting thing, every time, this economy has bounced back better and stronger than before."

***
"You know the issue like I do, though. I'm old enough to remember savings and loans, and remember who my savings and loan officer was, who loaned me my first money to buy a house. And had I got in a bind, I could have walked across the street in Midland, Texas, and say, I need a little help; can you help me readjust my note so I can stay in my house? There are no such things as that type of deal anymore. As a matter of fact, the paper -- you know, had this been a modern era, the paper that had -- you know, my paper, my mortgage, could be owned by somebody in a foreign country, which makes it hard to renegotiate the note."

***
"Most Americans don't understand that most goods and services from Colombia come into the United States duty free; most of our goods and services are taxed at about a 35-percent rate heading into Colombia. Doesn't it make sense to have our goods and services treated like those from Colombia?"

***
"It would be devastating for our national security interests if this United States Congress turns its back on Colombia and a free trade agreement with Colombia."

***
"And then once they pass the Colombia, they can pass Panama and South Korea, as well."

***
"A confident nation accepts capital from overseas."

***
"I'm -- you know, I guess the best to describe government policy is like a person trying to drive a car on a rough patch. If you ever get stuck in a situation like that, you know full well it's important not to overcorrect -- because when you overcorrect you end up in the ditch. And so it's important to be steady and to keep your eyes on the horizon."

***
"It's easy to go around and hammer away on trade. It's -- and I guess if you're the kind of person that followed polls and focus groups, that's what your tendency to be."

***
"I'm the kind of person who doesn't give a darn about polls and focus groups, and I do what I think is right. And what is right is making sure that -- (applause.) And sometimes if you're going to lead this country, you have to stand in the face of what appears to be a political headwind."

***
"And so those are some of the dynamics that makes it hard."

***
"And the danger of getting tired during this world [sic] is any retreat by the America -- by America was going to be to the benefit of those who want to do us harm."

***
"Now, I understand that since September the 11th, the great tendency is to say, we're no longer in danger."

***
"I don't want to get in another issue, but that's why we better figure out what the enemy is saying on their telephones, if you want to protect you. (Applause.) Notice I am deftly taking a trade issue and working in all my other issues." (Laughter.)

***
"But I'm serious about this business about America retreating. And I've got great faith in the transformative power of liberty, and that's what I believe is going to happen in the Middle East. And I understand it undermines the argument of the stability-ites -- people who say, you just got to worry about stability."

***
"The Congress believes we shouldn't be drilling for oil and gas in a productive part of our country like ANWR because it will destroy the environment, which, in fact, it won't."

***
"And, look, I'm very -- I'm an alternatives fuel guy, I believe that's important. As a matter of fact, we've expanded -- mightily expanded the use of ethanol; a slight consequence if you rely upon corn to grow your hogs, but nevertheless it's a -- it is a policy that basically says that we got to diversify."

***
"You know, I firmly believe people in New York City are going to be driving automobiles on battery relatively quickly. And it's not going to be like a golf cart, it will be a regular-sized vehicle that you'll be driving in." (Laughter.)

***
"Anyway, I'm going to dodge the rest of your question. (Laughter.) Thank you for your time. (Applause.)

END 11:59 A.M. EDT

 

March 18, 2008
President Bush Visits Jacksonville, Florida, Discusses Trade Policy
Jacksonville Port Authority, Inc.
Blount Island Marine Terminal
Jacksonville, Florida
***
"And here's why the Colombia free trade agreement matters to a -- are you small or mid-size? I call you -- oh, mid-size. You say small, I say mid-size."

***
"But trade also means making sure we get treated right; that they treat us the way we treat them. That's all we're asking. That's what this agreement says: Just treat us fairly. Because America can compete with anybody, any time, anywhere, as long as the playing field is level." (Applause.)

 

March 19, 2008
Interview of the President by Pentagon Channel/AFN
Map Room
***
"In terms of meeting with the families of the deceased -- as you can imagine, it's very emotional. First of all, meeting the President alone can be an emotional experience, and when you put on top of that the Commander-in-Chief who made the decision of -- that got their child in a position where he or she got killed, so, you know, the meetings can be very tearful. I'm a crier, at times. I'm not afraid to hug a mom or hug a wife or hug a husband and cry."

***
"Afghanistan obviously is different from Iraq. Afghanistan -- I mean, Iraq is a wealthier nation. Afghanistan is broke, and they have a long way to go from the days of the Taliban. And they have made interesting progress. I'm going to get some of these statistics a little wrong, but the point I want to make is that infrastructures change."

***
"And I love our doctors and nurses. It's unbelievable the care they get."

 

April 2, 2008
President Bush Visits Bucharest, Romania, Discusses NATO
National Bank of Savings
Bucharest, Romania
***
"Our Alliance must maintain its resolve and finish the fight in NATO [sic - Afghanistan]"

 

March 28, 2008 President Bush Discusses Housing, Economy
Novadebt
Freehold, New Jersey
***
"In other words, the interest rates are going up. And that has caused consternation and concern and care."

***
"And I want my fellow citizens, if you're worried about your home, to call this number: 188-995-HOPE [sic]. Let me repeat that again: 188-995-HOPE [sic].

 

April 6, 2008
President Bush Participates in Joint Press Availability with President Putin of Russia
Press Center
State Residence of the President of Russia
Sochi, Russia
***
"I'm sure the people in this area are really excited about the fact that you've been awarded the Winter Olympics. I congratulate you and wish you all the very best. And maybe you'll invite me to come as your guest -- who knows."

 

April 17, 2008
President Bush Participates in Joint Press Availability with Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the United Kingdom
Rose Garden
***
"I've only got 10 more months left of the presidency."

 

April 18, 2008
President Bush Attends National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
Washington Hilton Hotel
Washington, D.C.
***
"I've seen these wonders of Catholic love on the Gulf Coast."

 

April 21, 2008
President Bush Attends Opening of Mexican Consulate
Mexican Consulate
New Orleans, Louisiana
***
"In 1824, New Orleans , Louisiana became the first site of the Mexican -- for the first -- became the site for the first Mexican consulate in the United States. Isn't that interesting?"

 

April 22, 2008
President Bush Participates in Joint Press Availability with President Calderon of Mexico and Prime Minister Harper of Canada
Gallier Hall
New Orleans, Louisiana
***
"One of the things -- people ask, well, does it make sense for Mexico, Canada and the United States to meet? Absolutely, it makes sense. We're neighbors."

***
"First of all, I -- we're not in a recession. We're in a slowdown."

 

April 26, 2008
President Bush Attends White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
Washington Hilton Hotel
Washington, D.C.
***
"Our entertainment tonight is Craig Ferguson. (Applause.) You know, this is a small world. Craig was once in a punk band called "Bastards from Hell," which is what Dick and I are going to call our band." (Laughter.)

***
"You know, just think -- Pamela Anderson and Mitt Romney in the same room. (Laughter.) Isn't that one of the signs of the apocalypse?" (Laughter.)

 

April 29, 2008
President Bush Discusses National Volunteer Week
East Room
***
"In 1736, for example, Benjamin Franklin organized the citizens of Philadelphia to form a volunteer fire company. Isn't that interesting?"

 

April 29, 2008
Press Conference by the President
Rose Garden
***
"If you know the history of the country, you understand it's hard to go from the kind of society in which they had been living to one in which people are now responsible for their own behavior."

***
"We're facing people who are willing to strap bombs on themselves and walk into places where the innocent dwell, or the innocent shop, and kill them."

***
"We're dealing with a group of ideologues who use asymmetrical warfare -- that means killing innocent people -- to try to achieve their objectives."

 

May 2, 2008
President Bush Discusses Economy, Trade
World Wide Systems, Inc.
Maryland Heights, Missouri
***
"This is a different kind of war, and it's hard for some Americans to get their hands around it."

***
"If you're facing a nation, you can find the nation. If you're facing people that burry [sic] in failed states you've got to understand how to find them."

***
"I mean, who wants to be a suicide bomber except a hopeless person. You notice none of the leaders ever become suicide bombers, by the way."

May 12, 2008
Interview of the President by Lukman Ahmed, BBC Arabic
Map Room
***
"It's hard for me to get inside Hezbollah's head."

 

May 18, 2008
Interview of the President by Richard Engel, NBC News
Hyatt Regency Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
***
"And there's no question Iraq is becoming successful: the security situation has changed, the political situation is a lot better, the economic situation -- unlike other parts of this world -- are pretty strong."

 

May 22, 2008
President Bush Attends Division Review Ceremony
Fort Bragg, North Carolina
***
"Somehow I always find my way back to the "center of the universe." (Applause.) And every time I come, I look forward to saying: Hooah!"

May 23, 2008
President Bush Discusses World Trade Week
South Lawn
***
"For some in Washington, trade is a political issue. In other words, people think it makes good politics to say we're not going to let you trade."

***
"Most of the goods coming from Colombia enter America duty-free -- isn't that interesting?"

***
"So here you hear, free and fair trade -- that's the definition of free and fair trade. Colombia treats us just like we treat them. That's fair."

 

June 2, 2008
President Bush Discusses Economy and Tax Cuts
Room 450
***
Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building We got plenty of money in Washington. What we need is more priority.

 

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 3, 2008
President Bush Signs H.R. 2356, H.R. 2517, H.R. 4008, S. 2829, and S.J.Res. 17 Into Law

On Tuesday, June 3, 2008, the President signed into law:
H.R. 2356, which encourages the display of the flag of the United States on Father's Day;

H.R. 2517, The "Protecting Our Children Comes First Act of 2007," which reauthorizes Justice programs related to missing and exploited children through FY 2013;

H.R. 4008, the "Credit and Debit Card Receipt Clarification Act of 2007," which specifies that certain entities that printed an expiration date on certain credit and debit card receipts were not in willful noncompliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act;

S. 2829, which makes special immigrant visas available for certain Iraqis and Afghans who worked directly with the U.S. Armed Forces; or who were employed by the U.S. Government; and

S.J.Res. 17, which encourages the United States to initiate international discussions with other Arctic nations to negotiate an agreement for managing migratory and transboundary fish stocks in the Arctic Ocean.

# # #

 

June 6, 2008
President Bush Participates in Meeting on the People's Republic of China Earthquake Relief Efforts
American Red Cross National Headquarters
Washington, D.C.
***
"There's no question this is a major human disaster that requires a strong response from the Chinese government, which is what they're providing, but it also responds [sic] a compassionate response from nations to whom -- that have got the blessings, good blessings of life, and that's us."

 

June 6, 2008
Interview of the President by Gianni Riotta, RAI TV, Italy
Map Room
***
"I decided to put more troops in, rather than pull back, and now the violence is the lowest it's been since March of 2004. And politics is beginning to happen. So I'm encouraged about Iraq."

***
"I mean, when you think about it, farming is a pretty energy-intensive business -- fertilizer is an energy; driving a tractor is an energy; crops to markets require energy. And so the crux of a lot of the problem is the energy prices."

***
"Well, look, I want to remind people, the report yesterday was one of many reports that -- everybody thought Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. I will remind people -- and one of the things important about history is to remember the true history."

***
"And so, absolutely, getting rid of Saddam Hussein was the right thing. And it was -- we're all disappointed the intelligence wasn't what it was."

 

June 6, 2008
Interview of the President by Natasa Briski, POP TV, Slovenia
Map Room
***
"And my impressions of Slovenia -- I've told this to a lot of people -- first of all, it's a beautiful country; probably somewhat undiscovered in America, but my fellow citizens ought to go and explore Slovenia because it's not only -- it's got -- you can ski, you can play golf --"

***
"Look, I've had to make some tough decisions that some people didn't like. But the truth of the matter is, when you really look at -- like, for example, our relations in the Far East, we got great relations with Japan, China and Korea -- South Korea; or India, for example -- we got new relations with India that no administration has ever -- South America and Central America."

 

June 11, 2008
President Bush Participates in Joint Press Availability with Chancellor Merkel of Germany
Schloss Meseberg
Meseberg, Germany
***
"Laura and I loved our dinner last night. For those in the German press who thought I didn't like asparagus, you're wrong. (Laughter.) The German asparagus are fabulous."

 

June 13, 2008
Interview of the President by Ned Temko of the Observer
Villa Taverna
Rome, Italy
***
"Maliki has moved things -- Stockholm and comports himself like a leader would, and he speaks hopefully about the future."

***
"Vladimir Putin is sensitive to religious issues. He's a religious guy himself -- he has a beautiful little orthodox church on his own property, which he proudly showed me and Laura one time."

 

June 13, 2008
Interview of the President by Ned Temko of the Observer
Villa Taverna
Rome, Italy
***
"I have made it clear that it's difficult for the United States to achieve an issue in a one-on-one situation with people like Ahmadinejad or Kim Jong-il."

***
"We're in a war. A lot of people hope this wasn't the war -- you know, just kind of dismiss it as, oh, there's some irritated guys, you know, just kind of making some moves."

***
Q Was Tony Blair your poodle, to use the --

THE PRESIDENT: You know, look, this is the convenient -- one of the great things about western press is that they oftentimes retreat to the convenient rather than trying to, you know, probe the depths of a relationship or the depths of somebody's feelings or the basis of philosophy. And so it's convenient. It's convenient to say, you know, 'war monger,' 'religious zealot,' 'poodle' -- I mean, these are just words that people love to toss around foolishly.

 

June 13, 2008
President Bush Visits Paris, Speaks to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
Paris, France
***
"And over the centuries, our nations stood united in moments of testing -- from the Marne, to Omaha Beach to the long vigil of the Civil War* [sic]."
  *Cold War

 

June 16, 2008
President Bush Participates in Joint Press Availability with United Kingdom Prime Minister Brown
Foreign & Commonwealth Office Building -- Lacarno Treaty Room
London, England
***
"I understand that, because there is some who say that perhaps freedom is not universal. Maybe it's only Western people that can self-govern. Maybe it's only, you know, white-guy Methodists who are capable of self government. I reject that notion. I think that's the ultimate form of political elitism, and I believe an accurate reading of history says that freedom can bring peace we want."

 

June 16, 2008
President Bush Participates in Joint Press Availability with United Kingdom Prime Minister Brown
Foreign & Commonwealth Office Building -- Lacarno Treaty Room
London, England
***
"It's hard to take a society that had been ravished [sic] by brutality and convince people to take the risk necessary to work for civil society and freedom for women and to educate their children."

 

June 17, 2008
President Bush Honors Black Music Month
East Room
***
"In 1979, President Jimmy Carter welcomed the legendary Chuck Berry in his first official celebration of Black Music Month at the White House. Ever the performer, Chuck Berry changed the lyrics in one of his famous songs from 'Oh Carol' to 'Oh Amy,' in honor of the little girl sitting on the White House lawn. The day's finale came when the entire audience rose to its feet, swaying and clapping to the gospel song 'Jesus is the Answer.'"

 

June 17, 2008
President Bush Briefed on Midwest Flooding
Roosevelt Room
***
"And I, unfortunately, have been to too many disasters as President."

 

President Bush Signs S. 2420 Into Law
***
On Friday, June 20, 2008, the President signed into law:
S. 2420, the "Federal Food Donation Act of 2008," which requires that the Federal Acquisition Regulation be amended to provide that certain contracts includes language encouraging the donation of excess food.
# # #

 

June 24, 2008
President Bush Meets with President Arroyo of the Philippines
Oval Office
***
"We talked about, you know, food, and I assured the President we'll continue to help. We helped with rice in the past. And, you know, I'm proud of my country."

***
"I'm hopeful we can get a Doha Round done, and we strategized together about how we can move the process."

***
"The President has been very strong in having a carrots-and-sticks approach -- 'sticks,' of course, say we're not going to allow for people to terrorize our citizens; the 'carrot' approach is that there's peace available."

***
"We talked about Burma, the area, the region."

 

June 24, 2008
President Bush Welcomes 2007 and 2008 NCAA Sports Champions to the White House
South Lawn
***
"It seems like the South Lawn is a fitting place to hold Champions Day. After all, we have a swimming pool, a tennis court, a running track, a putting green, and a basketball court -- just in case any of our athletes here want to squeeze in a little friendly competition." (Laughter.)

 

June 25, 2008
Remarks by the President at Max M. Fisher National Republican Award Dinner
Laurel Manor
Livonia, Michigan
***
"The death tax will return to life. A typical family of four with an income of $40,000 will face a tax crease [sic] of more than $2,000."

***
"When the Democrats campaigned for Congress in 2006, they promised fiscal responsibility. And since they took office, they've been acting like teenagers with a new credit card. (Laughter.) When those bills to increase spending and raise taxes reach my desk, I answer them with my favorite veto pen and the famous words of Elvis Presley: 'Return to sender.' " (Laughter and applause.)

***
"This November, the American people have a clear choice when it comes to confirming good judges, and building a culture of life. Republicans aspire to build a society where every human being is welcomed in life and protected in law."

***
"In a time of war, we need a Commander-in-Chief who understands that we must defeat the enemy overseas so we do not have to face them here at home -- and that man is John McCain." (Applause.)

***
"Early last year, when the situation in Iraq was deteriorating, we launched what's the call the "surge." And since the surge, violence in Iraq has dropped -- a lot."

***
"The other side talks a lot about hope -- and that sums up their Iraq policy pretty well: They want to retreat from Iraq and hope nothing bad happens. (Laughter and applause.) But wistful thinking is no way to fight a war and to protect the American people. Leaving Iraq before the job is done would endanger our citizens and embolden the enemies who have vowed to attack us again. When it comes to the war on terror, our Democratic leaders should pay more attention to the warnings of terrorists like Osama bin Laden and spend less time heeding the demands of MoveOn.org and Code Pink. (Applause.)

June 26, 2008
President Bush Attends National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast
J.W. Marriott Hotel, Washington, D.C.
***
"As some of you may or may not know, the -- mi niñita lived in Panama for a while, and the government and the people there were so kind and hospitable, and I'll never be able to repay you for that. So thank you very much. Please give your esposo my best regards, el Presidente de Panamá. Sí, thank you. Proud to be here with pastors and community leaders. Thank you for doing what you're doing."

***
"You know the humility that comes from approaching our Maker on bended knee."

 

June 26, 2008
President Bush Discusses North Korea
Rose Garden
***
There's a lot of folks in Japan that are deeply concerned about what took place. I remember meeting a mother of a child who was abducted by the North Koreans right here in the Oval Office. It was a heart-wrenching moment to listen to the mother talk about what it was like to lose her daughter.

 

July 2, 2008
President Bush Discusses 2008 G8 Summit
Rose Garden
***
"I'm also going to make sure that the world understands the importance of advanced agricultural technologies, including biotechnology, to help nations grow food so they don't have to come to the world for help."

***
"The temptation is to kind of say, well, maybe this isn't really a war, maybe this is just a bunch of disgruntled folks that occasionally come and hurt us."

 

July 4, 2008
Roundtable Interview of the President by Foreign Print Media
Roosevelt Room
***
"The habits of the United States consumer is beginning to change because people are now -- they don't like $4 gasoline. I can understand why they don't like $4 gasoline. People are now looking for smaller cars."

***
"By the way, I will be celebrating my birthday on Japanese soil; that's interesting."

***
"You know, law enforcement is there is an action, there's a crime, and then there -- law enforcement acts."

 

July 11, 2008
President Bush Meets with Economic Team
U.S. Department of Energy
Washington, D.C.
***
"The problem, of course, is that gasoline prices are up, which has affected the people here in our country. And one of the main reasons why gasoline prices are up is because crude oil prices are up. And one reason crude oil prices are up is because demand is outstripping supply."

 

July 15, 2008
Press Conference by the President
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
***
"It's a little bit reminiscent of what was taking place in Iraq a couple of years ago, where the enemy knows that they can affect the mentality of the American people if they just continue to kill innocent folks. And they have no disregard [sic] for human life."

***
"I mean, you know, it's interesting what the price of gasoline has done, is it caused people to drive less. That's why they want smaller cars, they want to conserve. But the consumer is plenty bright, Mark. The marketplace works."

***
"I'm not an economist, but I do believe that we're growing. And I can remember this press conference here where people yelling "recession this, recession that" -- as if you're economists."

 

July 29, 2008
President Bush Discusses Energy and Economy
Lincoln Electric Company
Euclid, Ohio
***
"I'm sorry John is not with us, he is in Colombia. Isn't that interesting? He's in Colombia trying to make sure that Lincoln Welding can sell more products down there. One of the issues that in a time of economic uncertainty -- and these are uncertain times, no question about it -- they're uncertain because you're paying high prices at the gas pump. They're uncertain because you're reading the newspapers about the housing issue. They're uncertain times."

***
"But the government can help by working on higher fuel efficiency standards for automobiles, for example, so that as time goes on, automobiles will have better fuel efficiency. You'll get more gallons -- miles per gallon than you normally would."

***
"It's interesting to note that many of our consumers, however, have already made the decision to switch away from automobiles, like SUVs that consume a lot of gasoline, to smaller cars. Why? Because you're smart."

***
"I don't know if you know this or not, but there's 350 million in India who are middle class citizens. That's more than all America total."

***
"The feed stock for gasoline is oil. So when you hear "my gasoline prices are going up," you got to understand the main reason why is because oil prices are going up."

***
"I also understand the strain that's putting on our chicken raisers and hog raisers; the strain that -- being the price of corn. And therefore we're spending a lot of your money -- I think it's well spent -- to find cellulosic ethanol possibilities. That means wood -- that's a fancy word for wood chips or switch grasses -- all aiming -- my point to you is, is that we're heading into a new era."

*** "President Iliescu introduced me, I walk up to the podium -- and a full rainbow appears. I'm talking full-spectrum rainbow."

 

July 30, 2008
President Bush Signs the Clean Boating Act of 2008 and the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 Into Law

On Tuesday, July 29, 2008, the President signed into law:
The Clean Boating Act of 2008, which exempts certain discharges incidental to the normal operation of a recreational vessel from regulation under the Clean Water Act.

July 31, 2008
Interview of the President by Suthichai Sae-Yoon, the Nation Multimedia Group (Thailand)
Map Room
***
Q What is going to be your legacy?

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, I don't know. I'll be dead when they finally figure it out.

 

July 31, 2008
Roundtable Interview of the President by Foreign Print Media
Roosevelt Room
July 30, 2008
***
"The crisis of my administration, the first crisis, was the EP3. And it was like, oh, man, this is unbelievable."

***
"And I'll have a bilateral with Hu Jintao, which I'm looking forward to. I enjoy the man."

***
"I'm a sportsman. I love sports."

***
THE PRESIDENT: I'm looking forward to it. You know the thing that amazes me? The South Korean women golfers. (Laughter.) Look at a women's -- have you ever looked at the scoreboard?

Q Yes, sure.

THE PRESIDENT: It's unbelievable.

Q I don't know --

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, you're supposed to know. If you look at the scoreboard, it's phenomenal. You talk about an excellent athletic program.

Q It's actually a Korean-born, American-trained.

THE PRESIDENT: You think so? I'm not sure. I know the woman who won the LPGA, is that what it was -- won the Open is Korean-born, American-trained. But I'm not so sure --

Q Mostly they come -- like they go to -- school in Florida or Arizona, or something like that. So they --

THE PRESIDENT: All of them?

Q Like, I would say 80 percent. They come to U.S. They work out --

THE PRESIDENT: Okay. But they have got a pretty -- they must have a young girls' program that's pretty active too, to get people interested in the first place.

Q Yes, I think Korean women are much more disciplined than Korean men. (Laughter.)

MS. PERINO: That's not just in Korea. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all greatly.

Q Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT: Enjoyed it. Thank you, buddy.

END 2:08 P.M. EDT

 

July 31, 2008
President Bush Attends 2008 Annual Meeting of the West Virginia Coal Association
The Greenbrier
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
***
"We're living in an interesting world, because a demand for oil in a remote part of the world affects the gasoline prices right here in West Virginia."

***
"I don't know if you know this or not, but I find it very interesting that in India there are 350 million people in their middle class. That's more than all of America."

***
"Most Americans, I'm confident, understand that when the price of crude oil goes up it drives the price of gasoline."

***
"Supply and demand works."

***
"There's a lot of cars that are flex-fuel. I don't know if you pay attention to whether your car is flex-fuel or not, but that means you can either regular gasoline or ethanol."

 

August 6, 2008
President Bush Visits with American and Korean Troops
United States Army Garrison-Yongsan, Republic of Korea
***
"It's one of the things you look for, when you see a country begin to get on its feet and take control of its destiny, is what kind of military does it have?"

 

August 6, 2008
President Bush Meets with Prime Minister Samak of Thailand
Government House
Bangkok, Thailand
***
"Thailand continues to host Cobra Gold, which is one of the largest annual multilateral training exercises in Southeast Asia."

 

August 7, 2008
Remarks by the President in Roundtable Interview with Radio Media on Burma
Ambassador's Residence
Bangkok, Thailand
***
"We're very good about dealing with major emergencies. And interestingly enough, [when the cyclone hit] we were involved with a military mission in the area, so we were prepared to send a robust package in."

 

August 20, 2008
President Bush Discusses Gulf Coast Recovery
Jackson Barracks
New Orleans, Louisiana
***
"No finer citizen of the United States and of this part of the world than Chris Paul of the Hornets." (Applause.)

***
"More restaurants are now open in New Orleans than before the storm. Isn't that interesting?" (Laughter.)

 

September 2, 2008
Remarks by the President to the Republican National Convention
Via Satellite
***
"I know what it takes to be President. In these past eight years, I've sat at the Resolute desk and reviewed the daily intelligence briefings, the threat assessments, and reports from our commanders on the front lines."

September 8, 2008
President Bush Discusses Volunteerism
South Lawn
***
"Welcome to the South Ground of the White House. It is a joy to be here with members of the armies of compassion."

***
"I appreciate my buddy, Michael W. Smith, who is going to play a couple of songs for us here." (Applause.)

***
"This is just one of 4 million volunteer opportunities on the USA Freedom Corps web site. Isn't that interesting?"

***
"May God bless you. May God bless the armies of compassion. And now please welcome my buddy, Michael W. Smith." (Applause.)

 s

September 12, 2008
President Bush Participates in Roundtable on Health Savings Accounts
Presbyterian Health Foundation Conference Center
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
***
"One of the real issues -- there's a couple of issues that face, obviously, a small business owner. One, are they -- do they have a product anybody wants to buy?"

***
"These are products that enable somebody to, you know, move from one job to the next and keep their health care with them, which is important in the 21st century. They're ways for employees [sic] to take care of their employees."

***
Q Did you watch the Palin interview?

THE PRESIDENT: As I said, no question policy. (Laughter.) She did just fine.

 

September 19, 2008
President Bush Welcomes NBA Champion Boston Celtics to the White House
East Room
***
"It's amazing how sports works, isn't it?"

***
"And then you hired a general manager who knew what it meant to be a champion. You didn't hire him; he's been there for a while."

***
"And so during the offseason, he figured out the need to bring maybe some new blood -- or some old new blood. (Laughter.) Well, older new blood."

***
"I appreciate very much the use of the word "ubuntu." I don't know if you know what that's talking about here. Probably most people outside Boston don't. It is a African word for unity that they declared when they broke the huddle. I've been looking forward to saying that with a Texas accent. (Laughter.) Ubuntu. Yes." (Applause.)

September 20, 2008
President Bush and President Uribe of the Republic of Colombia Participate in Joint Press Availability
Rose Garden
***
"It turns out that there's a lot of interlinks throughout the financial system."

***
"The system had grown to a point where a lot of people were dependent upon each other, and that the collapse of one part of the system wouldn't just affect a part of the financial markets; it would affect the average citizen -- and how. Well, it affect their capacity to borrow money to buy a house or to finance a college loan. It affect the ability of a small business to get credit."

 

September 23, 2008
President Bush Meets with President Museveni of Uganda
Waldorf Astoria Hotel
New York, New York
***
"The ABC program was implemented in your country -- infection rate went from a lot to, you know, a much smaller number."

 

September 23, 2008
President Bush Meets with President Talabani of Iraq and Iraq Coalition
United Nations General Assembly
New York, New York
***
"There's no doubt that mothers are able to send their child to school without fear of carnage. Oh, there are still killers amongst your -- in your midst, but your government has been steadfast in bringing people to justice who are trying to undermine your democracy."

 

September 25, 2008
President Bush Meets with Bicameral and Bipartisan Members of Congress to Discuss Economy
Cabinet Room
***
"We are in a serious economic crisis in the country if we don't pass a piece of legislation."

 

September 26, 2008
President Bush Discusses U.S. Ocean Action Plan
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
Washington, D.C.
***
"First of all, you got to know I like oceans. I didn't grow up in the ocean -- as a matter of fact -- near the ocean -- I grew up in the desert. Therefore, it was a pleasant contrast to see the ocean."

***
"There is more left to learn about the oceans -- there's probably more to learn about the oceans than we need to learn about the moon -- or that we know about the moon."

***
"Laura was particularly moved when she went out to the Hawaiian National Monument to learn about the effects of debris -- you know, people just dropping stuff all over their boats and it gets in these currents and kills birds and clogs the ecosystem."

 

September 26, 2008
President Bush Discusses Negotiations to Finalize Legislation on the Financial Rescue Package
Oval Colonnade
***
"This is -- it's hard work. Our proposal is a big proposal. And the reason it's big and substantial is because we got a big problem."

 

September 29, 2008
President Bush Presents 2007 National Medals of Science and Technology and Innovation
East Room
***
"Creative men and women are building on the foundation laid by those geniuses, and the same thing is going to happen in the future with the foundation laid by these geniuses. I mean, after all, Franklin's bifocals are giving way to LASIK surgery -- (laughter) -- and Alexander Graham Bell's telephone plays MP3s." (Laughter.)

 

October 7, 2008
President Bush Discusses Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
Guernsey Office Products, Inc.
Chantilly, Virginia
***
"And, listen, I understand America's frustrations -- better than you can possibly know. I went home out there to west Texas where I was raised. Some old guy said, you know, hey, man, what are you doing? (Laughter.) And I said, I'm recognizing reality, that this is a serious economic situation that requires strong government action."

***
"You know, one of the things I'm concerned about is the psychology of people. They're basically saying, oh, this is just too tough. The good news is in America we generally don't do that."

***
"I believe we got -- I know we've had a very powerful economy. After all, we grew 52 uninterrupted months of job growth."

***
"But a lot of it has to do with financial literacy. People just aren't sure what the language is that they're dealing with."

 

November 6, 2008 President Bush Discusses the Transition with Employees of the Executive Office of the President
South Lawn
***
"As January 20th draws near, some of you may be anxious about finding a new job, or a new place to live. I know how you feel." (Laughter.)

 

November 11, 2008
President Bush Attends Rededication Ceremony of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
New York, New York
***
"Congressman Pete King, Congressman Charlie Rangel, Congress Anthony Weiner -- thank you all for joining us today. Looking forward to that lame-duck session, aren't we?" (Laughter.)

***
"Christine Quinn, thank you for your remarks. Bill White, the Vanna White of the Intrepid." (Laughter.)

***
"They [veterans] leave home to do the work of patriots -- and they lead lives of quiet dignity when they return."

***
"Even as a museum, the Intrepid still answered the call to service. I'm pretty certain most Americans don't understand what I'm about to tell you, but on September the 11th, when we came attacked just a few blocks from here, the Intrepid was used as an emergency command center."

 

November 12, 2008
President Bush Attends 2008 Bishop John T. Walker Memorial Dinner
Washington Hilton Hotel
Washington, D.C.
***
"Oh, a lot of people are out there saying, why should I care about Africa? What good does it do me, Mr. President, for our government to support Africa? Well, I'll tell you what good it does. One, it is in our national security interest that we defeat hopelessness."

November 13, 2008
President Bush Discusses Financial Markets and World Economy
Federal Hall National Memorial
New York, New York
***
"This is a city that has been and will always be the financial capital of the world." (Applause.)

***
"I'm a market-oriented guy, but not when I'm faced with the prospect of a global meltdown."

 

November 15, 2008
President Bush Hosts Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy
National Building Museum
Washington, D.C.
***
"Those of you who have followed my career know that I'm a free market person -- until you're told that if you don't take decisive measures then it's conceivable that our country could go into a depression greater than the Great Depression’s."

 

November 18, 2008
President Bush Discusses Aviation Congestion and Transportation Safety
Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C.
***
"You have done a terrific job, as far as I am concerned. The past eight years I have not seen a traffic jam -- (laughter) -- waited for an airplane -- (laughter) -- or had my bags lost." (Laughter.)

 

November 19, 2008
President Bush Attends Reopening of the National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History
Washington, D.C.
***
"I am honored to be with Judy Woodruff, the esteemed Master of Ceremony -- Mistress of Ceremony, MC."

 

November 20, 2008
Interview of the President by Raul Tola, America TV
Map Room
***
Q Now we have President Garcia in Peru, and elected President Obama in your country. Do you think this new situation is going to change the relationships between the two countries?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I don't think so. I really don't. First of all, President Garcia is muy amable. And President-elect Obama will find him to be a straightforward man. 

***
Q One last question, President -- Mr. President. Elected President Obama said in his slogan, his campaign slogan, that change is the main thing for America.

THE PRESIDENT: El cambio.

Q El cambio -- yes. 

 

November 22, 2008
President Bush Attends APEC CEO Summit 2008
Ministry of Defense Convention Center
Lima, Peru
***
The APEC region's share of the global economy has grown nearly 55 percent. Isn't that interesting?

***
"When I took office, America had free trade agreements in force with only three nations. Today, we have agreements in force with 14 -- including China*, Singapore, and Australia."
  * Chile

 

November 24, 2008
President Bush Meets with Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson
Treasury Department
Washington, D.C.
***
"The decision was made to safeguard Citi -- Citicorps*"
  *Citigroup

 

December 1, 2008
President and Mrs. Bush Participate in Saddleback Civil Forum on Global Health
The Newseum
Washington, D.C.
***
"Actually, it's a timeless management principle of aligning authority and responsibility. If you disassociate authority and responsibility you can't have accountability. And so we aligned responsibility and authority."

 

*** "What was different is that the United States believes that paternalism is destructive. And we believe partnership is constructive. And that's the basis of a lot of our foreign policy."

 

December 5, 2008
President Bush Attends Saban Forum 2008
Newseum
Washington, D.C.
***
"Over the past eight years, I have had the privilege to see the Middle East up close. I have stood on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and I've hiked the cliffs of Masada. I've enjoyed dinner in the desert of Abu Dhabi, and prayed at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem."

 

December 11, 2008
President Bush Participates in Meeting on Drug Use Reduction
Roosevelt Room
***
"Since 2001, teenage use has declined by 25 percent. That means 900,000 fewer teens on drugs."

 

December 14, 2008
President Bush and Iraq Prime Minister Maliki Sign the Strategic Framework Agreement and Security Agreement
Prime Minister's Palace
Baghdad, Iraq
***
"Okay, everybody calm down for a minute. First of all thank you for apologizing on behalf of the Iraqi people. It doesn't bother me. And if you want some -- if you want the facts, it's a size 10 shoe that he threw. (Laughter.) Thank you for your concern, do not worry about it."

 

December 14, 2008
President Bush Visits Troops in Iraq
Al Faw Palace - Camp Victory
Baghdad, Iraq
***
THE PRESIDENT: I doubt in his [Sadaam Hussein's] worst nightmares he ever would have dreamt that we'd be standing in one of his palaces.

AUDIENCE: Hoo-ah!

 

January 12, 2009
Press Conference of the President
***
"Following is the transcript of President Bush's news conference, as provided by the White House. I've thought long and hard about Katrina -- you know, could I have done something differently, like land Air Force One either in New Orleans or Baton Rouge."

***
"One thing about the presidency is that you can make -- only make decisions, you know, on the information at hand. You don't get to have information after you've made the decision."

***
"There have been disappointments. Abu Ghraib obviously was a huge disappointment during the presidency. Not having weapons of mass destruction was a significant disappointment. I don't know if you want to call those mistakes or not, but they were -- things didn't go according to plan, let's put it that way."

***
"I strongly disagree with the assessment that our moral standing has been damaged. It may be damaged amongst some of the elite, but people still understand America stands for freedom, that America is a country that provides such great hope."

***
"Sometimes the biggest disappointments will come from your so-called friends."

***
"I'm a Type A personality, you know, I just -- I just can't envision myself, you know, the big straw hat and Hawaiian shirt sitting on some beach. (Laughter.)

Q No one else can, either.

THE PRESIDENT: So -- (laughter.) Particularly since I quit drinking.

***
"People say, well, there you are in Crawford on vacation. You never escape the presidency. It travels with you everywhere you go. And there's not a moment where you don't think about being President -- unless you're riding mountain bikes as hard as you possibly can, trying to forget for the moment."

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