Quote of the day
posted at 10:00 pm on December 8, 2008 by Allahpundit
Reviewing his decision to implement the surge, Bush recalled the political pressures on him to retreat: “It was in this room that a prominent member of my political party said, ‘You must remove troops from Iraq because it could cost us elections if you don’t,’” the president said, gesturing around the Oval Office. “And it was in this room I looked at him and said, ‘You must not understand George W. Bush.’”
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
Many of us may not understand him fully, but I thank him for his service, and especially for getting the One Big Thing in his 8 years mostly right …
Buckaroo on December 8, 2008 at 10:03 PM
GW did a lot of things wrong, but history will be kinder to him than many people are at this time. I thank God he didn’t pull the plug on Iraq.
Star20 on December 8, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Well damn it now I want to know who said it.
Dash on December 8, 2008 at 10:07 PM
I’ve read a few times people calling him the Republican Truman. Sounds ’bout right.
Pasalubong on December 8, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Frist? Martinez? (Wasn’t he RNC head at the time?) Just pulling out names.
Pasalubong on December 8, 2008 at 10:09 PM
I don’t fault him for not retreating. I do fault him for not making a more aggressive and competent case for his policies with the American people. You remember them, don’t you? They get to vote.
George W. Bush: right on the issues, not that you’d know it from him. Or anyone in his Administration.
HTL on December 8, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Ummm…. I don’t give him credit at all for being steadfast. He was stubborn enough to stick with Rummie and the other moron architects who forgot to plan for the aftermath and continued to claim things were going great when they were falling apart. He created a situation which needlessly imperiled and wasted our armed forces on a mission which was not an emergency. He took up a noble cause… freedom for Iraq and an end of the Sadam regime and fumbled badly. We have lots of equipment to replace. Other things wasted can’t be replaced.
Good riddance. The sooner he is out of office, the better. If only he listened more earlier we could have avoided the worst aspects of this adventure. Now he is trying to claim he was misunderstood. Credit to McCain and others who told him to change policy. They are the real heroes. Not Bush.
lexhamfox on December 8, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Love to know who that was.
JellyToast on December 8, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Thank you for keeping my family safe, Mr. President. But would it kill ya to fight back against the media spin?
Tony737 on December 8, 2008 at 10:16 PM
President Bush was not served well by his “advisors. I do not understand why Republicans, any Republican, will not stand up and say anything to defend their party.
They never say anything provocative to get the attention of the media. The media may be biased but they love controversy and Republican politicians are a bunch of wimps.
Vince on December 8, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Nice article…………. and I do thank President Bush for taking the fight to the terrorists……………….
But there was one question missing………………….
Why…………….. Why…………… after seven years were you were brought kicking and screaming to finally try to secure our borders, which are still not, but you can sign legislation to throw $8 trillion dollars at a problem that was caused by Democratic policies and politicians you yourself tried to stop, immediately, with no oversight?
WTF?????????????
Seven Percent Solution on December 8, 2008 at 10:23 PM
I think the guys a stud. I really do.
I think the party is a dud.
I think that the constituency is as well.
I liken it to my home states fans. They started out as GREAT LOYAL FANS. RAISING DA’ ROOF!
They unfortunately deteriorated to being such whiney hosers.
Bush did more than one thing right.
* Tax cuts.
* Steering us through the worst terrorist attack in our history.
* Then helping us get our economy really humming and sending the dow to 14000 plus for the first time in history.
* Liberating Iraq.
* Getting rid of Saddam.
* Seriously dismantling Al queda.
* Killing Zarquawi.
* Liberating Afghanistan.
* While everyone (including whiny week kneed, limpy spined Republicans -including repub voters) said “get out, and give up on iraq. He STOOD FIRM.
* Stood firm on Stem Cell funding.
* Delivered two GREAT scotus judges.
Was he perfect? Course not. But you tell me a prez in history that was ‘perfect’, with no mistakes and i’ll give you a shiny new Nickel, and a hearty pat on the back.
But IF NOT, I’ll give you a pat on the fanny and tell you to go stand in the corner young conservative and don’t come out till you–”GROW UP“
Handel on December 8, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Give him a break guys. He’s had 7.9 years of being probably the most sh*t-upon President ever, and he doesn’t want to go out on a bitter acrimonious note. Maybe the liberal media will even get a little class and acknowledge his achievements — no attacks since 9/11 is really a bigger deal than it seems. It’s just impossible to prove. Anyway, luvya Dubya.
Fortunata on December 8, 2008 at 10:29 PM
The man has conviction.
Spirit of 1776 on December 8, 2008 at 10:29 PM
This is why I worked hard in 2000/2004 for W.
I always felt that he would do what was right,not what furthered him politically.
Was he perfect,no(immigration,Myers,after planning on Iraq,defending his policies ),but neither was Washington,Lincoln,or FDR.
Doesn’t mean they were not great leaders through very difficult times.
I am proud to support President Bush,to have marched on Washington many times with Vets to defend the war in Iraq/Afghanistan,and I am proud to be a Republican.
God Bless you President Bush and the American Soldier.
50,000,000 free.
Baxter Greene on December 8, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Country First.
All of America and, including most of the world. First. Before party. And terrorists last.
wise_man on December 8, 2008 at 10:32 PM
WELL SAID BROTHER, WELL SAID!!
Baxter Greene on December 8, 2008 at 10:34 PM
What is it the rest of the RNC doesn’t understand about this. This man got elected twice. The “war hero” they ran this year lost badly to one of the least electable people ever to run for office. The Republican party needs a new direction. One that leads to 1980.
Tommy_G on December 8, 2008 at 10:34 PM
… and the left have successfully convinced many people that Bush is a warmonger. And that he manipulated the terror level for political gain. And that he hates brown people, tortured innocent aye-rabs and knew that Saddam was lying but went in anyway …. and that he wanted to avenge his paw. And that the continuation of the Iraq war was about oil.
I hope to God that some day history will vindicate him. Before the end of my lifetime would be nice, but I’m not holding out hope.
wise_man on December 8, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Tax Cuts, Victory in Iraq/Me and No successfull attacks on U. S. soil.
He’s da ma/su el hombre.
Life is So Grand!!©
Shivas Irons on December 8, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Heh.
I bet you cant even see how backwardly ironic that statement is.
wise_man on December 8, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Yes, Forutnata, I will be more than willing to give him a break, along with my thanks, and my prayers for him and his family……………….
…………… I just wanted the question asked. I was never one to look at President Bush like Mr. Obama’s supporters are……….” he is the One….. don’t question him!”
……. I thanked him when he did good, and called him out when I thought he was missing the point.
…………. I live forty minutes north of the Mexican border above San Diego, and there is a true Civil War going on down there right now.
If you haven’t heard of it…………. thank the MSM, and this is something that is VERY real, is effecting Americans all across the border, and still…………… not a word from President Bush.
………………. I just want an answer.
Why…………..?
Seven Percent Solution on December 8, 2008 at 10:38 PM
I totally agree.
Also, I want to know who the douche is that said that to our President.
I could imagine that it is either Martinez or Duncan. I am just so disappointed at the jerk RINOs in our party.
jencab on December 8, 2008 at 10:38 PM
If anyone has a lot of dirt to dish after leaving office, it’s W. Of course, he will follow his dad’s lead, rather than Carter’s.
Christien on December 8, 2008 at 10:40 PM
It’s called history and you can learn many excellent lessons from it. Not the least of which are how to lead a county and win an election.
Tommy_G on December 8, 2008 at 10:40 PM
It seems that Principles Before Politics is out of favor these days, eh?
hillbillyjim on December 8, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Yep. I will be buying his book (whenever he writes it). No doubt about it.
terryannonline on December 8, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Remember him speaking at the 2000 Republican Convention then look at his face in the photo posted for this item. You can see the past 8 yrs. on him and they weighed heavy.
God Bless him.
ThePrez on December 8, 2008 at 10:47 PM
President Bush has put America first,and in doing
so,has made America safe,at least in his two terms!
And yes,President Bush could’ve communicated better,
but don’t forget,Republicans had to deal with a hostile
Lefty MSM,who couldn’t wait to pounce on anything Bush
did!
And also remember the Liberal Democrats,called Bush
almost every name in the book,and certainly did not extended their hand across the aisle to work with
the Republican Party!
From what I remember of two terms of the Bush Administr
ation,at every turn,Bush was savaged by the Liberals,and
yet,President Bush made the best of it!!————:)
canopfor on December 8, 2008 at 10:47 PM
He is a righteous and strong man. But he never understood that ultimately he had to share that strength with others of his conviction for it to take hold and have lasting effect. Somewhat like McCain, he had great personal strength and integrity, but lacked the commensurate ability to shine his vision through the fog of lies that the Democrats and media (birm) constantly spewed out.
Sad, but only in that he was not perfect. He was a strong leader in all other ways, and in a time when his country was not infected with traitors, he would have freed millions more.
drunyan8315 on December 8, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Thank you Mr. President for keeping us safe after 9/11. History will vindicate you and I am proud to have you as our CIC for 8 years.
HawaiiLwyr on December 8, 2008 at 10:52 PM
You are correct. Bush imbecility cost too many American lives. Whatever happened to “The buck stops here.”?
There are things that annoyed, but summed up his entire presidency. Banning the 100 watt bulb comes to mind. Jealosy!
There are things he can still correct with the stroke of a pen, but I don’t believe he’ll do it. He can help Col. Chessani of the Haditha Marines, but will he do it? Doubtful. The border patrol agents, imprisoned inspite of a hundred Republican congressmen, who signed a letter to him? Nah. Republicans should have impeached him for that. Now, the Blackwater guards are to be persecuted for doing their jobs against Moose-lem fanatics who hide amongst women and children.
Bush has to be nice and show the Iraqis how fair we are. And screw American soldiers.
There is something wrong with this man and it wrecked the lives of a lot of good men. A laundry list seems too cruel, but I think he belongs in a post-impeachment military prison. We have a right to expect more of our “leaders.”
Feedie on December 8, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Barack, Nancy, Harry, Hillary, et al., you failed in your efforts to create another Vietnam during W’s watch.
HAW HAW!
Christien on December 8, 2008 at 10:56 PM
You America firsters, enjoy while you can. Here’s our future
Entelechy on December 8, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Not without faults, but he made terrorism an act of war and chased those towel headed camel jockey’s down.
Works for me. If he would have just forseen the Fannie and Freddie fiasco, he would have finished much stronger. But credit where credit is due, 9/11 and housing crisis created and supported by Democrats and the country is still in one piece. I’m proud I voted for him.
Hog Wild on December 8, 2008 at 10:56 PM
But WHY didn’t he secure the borders…………….?
Seven Percent Solution on December 8, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Yes, and I am grateful. Thank you Mr. President.
Zorro on December 8, 2008 at 10:58 PM
The alternatives were Albert Arnold Gore, Jr. and John Forbes Kerry.
Entelechy on December 8, 2008 at 10:59 PM
He is a man, and this is something many people on the right have said, that was never considered a legitimate President by the opposition. It made his 8 years exceedingly more difficult. Even if we’d been in relative peacetime, they still would have made his life a living hell, and the fact that they did it during wartime, in the immediate years after 9/11…it just shows how shallow the Dems are.
jimmy the notable on December 8, 2008 at 10:59 PM
The guy in the room who thought the Republicans could have won an election if only they had conceded Iraq to Al Qaeda and Iran is an idiot.
Basilsbest on December 8, 2008 at 11:04 PM
Every single President in history in every single war has made mistakes. Lincoln went through like 8 guys before he found Grant. If you didn’t make mistakes, it wouldn’t be a war.
The only reason the surge worked at all is because it coincided with the Anbar Awakening. The Iraqis got sick to death (literally) of being tortured and terrorized in their own streets…and that coincided perfectly with our changed strategy.
Nobody knew for sure what would happen after Saddam fell, so it was basically impossible to plan for it. Yes, the period of sectarian violence went on too long, but in terms of historical perspective, a year or two is basically nothing. A thousand lives is nothing compared to the generations who won’t have to live in fear of a tyrannical dictator.
jimmy the notable on December 8, 2008 at 11:05 PM
To be honest, foreign policy wise I doubt Al Gore and John Kerry would have done anything much different than Bush. Removing Saddam Hussein was a foreign policy goal way before President Bush. I am starting to believe it’s the domestic issues that really separate Dems and Reps.
terryannonline on December 8, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Also, FDR put Japanese-Americans in camps and took away their property. FDR certainly wasn’t perfect and libs idealize him.
terryannonline on December 8, 2008 at 11:09 PM
He screwed up on government spending, but he got this one 100% right. Well done, Mr. President.
(And phooey on the bigwig who was worried more about elections than winning a war. Wretch.)
irishspy on December 8, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Iraq, as a nation, is not won. It can’t be won as long as it is filled with islamic men and woman. Look at Afghanistan. As soon as we put in a so-called democratic government, they wanted to execute an Afghani man for converting to Christianity. That was their so-called constitution working.
US troops will never leave Iraq as long as Iran exists as a fundamentalist regime. Iraq will continue to be an unsafe country rife with sectarian violence. The best that Iraq could become is like Saudi Arabia, another corrupt oil regime populated by madrases and turning out terrorists with our petrol dollars. The Iraq war was won as soon as Saddam’s statue came down. After that, it was a case of diminishing returns.
keep the change on December 8, 2008 at 11:13 PM
We should have known. The Shi’ites rose up against Saddam thinking we would overthrow him and we didn’t. They paid a heavy price for that. I didn’t forsee it myself, hindsight being 20/20 and all. But the Shi’ites had a reason not to trust us.
Hog Wild on December 8, 2008 at 11:16 PM
I do.
wise_man on December 8, 2008 at 11:18 PM
What are the dates on those quotes? Al Gore and John Kerry probably said those things AFTER the war become unpopular. I don’t remember Al Gore speaking out against the war before it began. I know Bill Clinton supported it. I’m not sure about Gore.
In 2004 Kerry didn’t campaign against the war. He just said we should have global support. He also voted for the Iraq war.
So, again, I’m not sure there would have been major differences in foreign policy if Gore or Kerry would have been in office.
terryannonline on December 8, 2008 at 11:29 PM
He was “knifed in the back” by Democrats that wanted to regain power and therefore did everything to undermine his responsibility of the Presidency during wartime, which was treasonous. He was also let down by those of his own party that didn’t have the courage to stand up to the “put the party over the country” Democrats. God Bless Him….
DL13 on December 9, 2008 at 12:04 AM
LIBERAL AMNESIA:
There is hardly a leading democrat on the hill that didn’t look at the same intelligence that Bush got and come to the
same conclusions,that Saddam had to be taken out with force.
Baxter Greene on December 9, 2008 at 12:11 AM
Thank God I voted for President George Bush,…TWICE!
And damn proud of it!
christene on December 9, 2008 at 12:11 AM
Read Col. Peter Mansoor’s book, “Baghdad at Sunrise”. He was in Iraq in 2004 and then again with Gen. Patreaus for the surge. He is very forthright about what was going on especially with Rumsfeld.
Vince on December 9, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Remember when the silky pony said this:
Dam# if he didn’t sound like Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld all rolled into one big beta boy burrito.
AAHHHHHH..yesssss..those were the good ol’ days.
When the democrats actually wanted to wage war against Freedom’s real enemy, the terrorist,instead of starting their pathetic little war on Bush.
Baxter Greene on December 9, 2008 at 12:24 AM
We’ll never know if they truly would have done anything much different than Bush, but based on the policies of democrats past, I’m not hopeful that Gore would have had the stones to take out Saddam, even though he did consider him a menace to the region and to the world.
Kerry? He has no spine, just a quivering mass with a head at one end and a rather large and well used orifice at the other.
john1schn on December 9, 2008 at 12:27 AM
Find out who this Republican is and have a public hanging.
lavell12 on December 9, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Come January 20, Texans will welcome George W. Bush back to Texas. Eff the rest of the country that pouts and whines. Bush has his principles and sticks with them.
People that think they can do better should have tried, and quit bitching about it.
john1schn on December 9, 2008 at 12:30 AM
Come January 20, Texans will welcome George W. Bush back to Texas. Efforget the rest of the country that pouts and whines. Bush has his principles and sticks with them.
People that think they can do better should have tried, and quit whining about it.
john1schn on December 9, 2008 at 12:31 AM
You are right we will never know. I’m just not so positive things would have been so different especially since the Dems have been all over the place when it comes to Iraq. They were for it before they were against it. Let’s also remember that Dems have also participated in funding the war. The Dem Congress passed the last war funding bill. If they were so against Iraq, why not stop funding the war and say enough is enough?
terryannonline on December 9, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Thanks,will pick it up.
These are some other good objective books on the Iraq war:
If you want a good laugh,walk through the bookstore(or used
bookstore)and look at all the books put out over the last 3 years talking about “How we lost Iraq”.
I have been thinking about starting to pick them up just to throw them in liberal’s face’s years from now when they are
rewriting history and trying to take credit for winning the war they worked so hard to surrender to.
Baxter Greene on December 9, 2008 at 12:37 AM
Dang I’m gonna miss that guy.
t.ferg on December 9, 2008 at 12:41 AM
such a bonehead thing to say. Sorry. I don’t say that often about posts. But really….
The streets of Bagdad are night and day different from 2006 to 2008. Its not even recognizable. And you say diminishing returns?
People selling goods and earning their own way. Dancing instead of hiding, Embracing the freedoms that they never had, LIVING.
Is it perfect, NO. But when there is more terror and DEATH in the streets of phily then there is in BAGDAD at this point. One can hardly say ‘diminishing returns’.
HELLO? BEUELER?
Iraq, is a monumental gamble. But its risk worth taking if we can give those who have tasted nothing but rape, death, and tradegy…a taste of freedom, life and liberty..then that is a risk worth taking. For them as a people and us as a free nation (who at times takes those freedoms for granted) who are looking for alies in a war that is bigger than any we’ve ever faced.
Its a risk worth taking. Even if you disagree, due to it not meeting your idea of utopia.
PS: go back and read some history.
Handel on December 9, 2008 at 12:41 AM
We will indeed Johnny.
But mark me…the country, when it gets its first taste of a bombing in a mall…after obama and congress loosen the standards set in place by ‘W’…will be wishing for a third term for the man they not so long ago spurned by pouting and stomping their spoiled lil feet.
Morons often see things in 20/20 hindsight.
Handel on December 9, 2008 at 12:45 AM
George W. Bush is a man of honor and integrity. Everything he has done, right or wrong, was for the good of our country. He stood up for us, and he’s carried the burden of all the criticism. And often times, the criticism was unjust. Few people have the incredible strength of character that he’s shown, and I’m proud to say that he is my president.
I don’t think that he worries much about the history books. He’s done the best job possible under difficult circumstances, and he’s kept us safe. In the end, I think that’s all that matters to him.
God bless, President Bush, Laura and his family. I wish them health and much happiness.
conservative_in_texas on December 9, 2008 at 12:53 AM
FIFY.
TMK on December 9, 2008 at 12:53 AM
Because, much like Pilate, they don’t want the blood on their hands.
Remember all those Clinton airstrikes after the U.S.S. Cole attack? Yeah, me neither.
john1schn on December 9, 2008 at 12:57 AM
jimmy the notable on December 8, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Yeah mistakes happen and are fine, for a little bit. You make a mistake, own up, and then change. This idiot kept the same idiot in charge even after it became absolutely clear he could not manage a war. I would have been a huge advocate for Rummie having a job at DoD but not running it.
Total incompetence and it wasn’t just Rummie. This was a badly managed war in Afghanistan they subbed out key moments and LOST OSAMA BIN LADEN.
The war was taken away from him. That is why we have any progress at all.
We still have too many days left with this moron in charge. Don’t kid yourselves…. History will not look kindly on this fool.
Every time he speaks people cringe and markets tank. There is a reason why he was invisible during the election.
lexhamfox on December 9, 2008 at 1:04 AM
Wow, you post like someone who was on the inside. Did you work at the Pentagon?
john1schn on December 9, 2008 at 1:11 AM
Lexhamfox: If Clinton had taken care of OBL in the first place, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
conservative_in_texas on December 9, 2008 at 1:14 AM
Freeing over 50 million people from some of the worst terrorist regimes known to mankind will be looked at in history as the turning point in stopping the new Caliphate.
That is why the same people who call it the “worst foreign
policy disaster in modern history” are going to do all they
can in proclaiming this as a victory for Obama.
Yes,we will have to wait for obama and the democratic party to take over before victory will be considered in Iraq.
Just ignore their cries of retreat for over the last 4 years,Obama’s calling the liberation of 25 million people the “worst foreign policy disaster in modern times”,and stating that the surge would not only fail,but make things worse in Iraq.Don’t dare bring up Harry Reid declaring the war lost on the senate floor.
These facts are just a distraction.
Because everybody knows that Disneyland style amusement parks and Beauty Pageants are a clear sign of a country torn apart in a civil war and waiting for the liberal messiah to come and save them.
Hurry Obama,save us before we start to open up more schools and hold more free elections.
Save us from the sunni,shia,and kurds working together in a representative government that Obama and the super intelligent liberals said would never happen.
Hurry and save the people of Iraq from hiring tens of thousands of teachers,more than 5 million children going to school that never did before,and women holding government and higher job positions.
‘Disneyland’ comes to Baghdad with multi-million pound entertainment park
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article3802051.ece-<
Baghdad hosts first public beauty pageant since Saddam’s fall
Yea, Obama better hurry because we are losing more men and women in his hometown of Chicago than we are in Iraq.
All because the press decided to ignore the success in Iraq until Obama comes in doesn’t mean the American people don’t know what is going on over there.
Rassmussen latest poll shows that over 60% of Americans think we are winning the war on terror and see Iraq as a success.
And a success it is,thanks to the leadership of Bush and the bravery of the American Soldier.
Baxter Greene on December 9, 2008 at 1:15 AM
YES, we will.
Texas Gal on December 9, 2008 at 1:28 AM
Not only did Clinton screw up over 8 chances to kill Bin Laden,screwed up having him handed over to us on a silver platter from the Sudan,he also never issued a kill order against the No. 1 terrorist in the world that had attacked Americans and declared war on us:
Did Clinton Lie About Targeting Bin Laden?
(via The Captain)
Bush has thousands of troops doing everything they can to capture or kill Bin Laden and people want to complain because he got away.
He has made no public or video appearance since so we must have done something right.
The master mind of 9/11(Shaikh Mohammed), Saddam Hussein, and the most blood thirsty terrorst
known to man,Zarqawi(responsible for 10′s of thousands of deaths) are dead or in custody along with over 30,000 terrorist wondering where their virgins are.
Hell of a lot more done than Clinton did,or Obama will.
Mr. super smart Clinton has more video of Osama running around free in the 90′s than there was of Madonna and he never acts.Does not even have a “kill”order issued with the FBI and you want to complain about Bush,give me a freaking break.
If you want to see who History is going to show to be a total idiot,look no further than Bill “how are my poll numbers” Clinton.
Baxter Greene on December 9, 2008 at 1:35 AM
And this is why I left the GOP. They are willing to sacrifice any and all principles just for the sake of winning elections. Nothing matters to them, nothing, except keeping their power. This jack*ss was ready to throw the entire military under the bus to save his political hide. That is absolutely despicable. I expect that from the Democrats, but to know the Republicans were ready to do this too… absolutely despicable.
I’m damn glad the GOP got its *ass handed to them in the last 2 elections if this is the kind of nonsense the Party has come to represent.
Michael in MI on December 9, 2008 at 1:42 AM
2004 will go down as the most critical election in the history of the Middle East.
If for nothing else, the American voters in their wisdom prevented John Kerry from forcing an American military withdrawl and thus reducing Iraq into an irretrievable jihadi cesspool.
mylegsareswollen on December 9, 2008 at 1:51 AM
Jimmy. Jim-bo. Jimmy the lil feller….
Go back…read some history….By your standards, WW2 was a huge failure. Should not have been involved. TOTAL INCOMPETANCE.
Go back and see how many HUGE MISTAKES were made in the first day. How many lives were lost to HUUUUGE mistakes. That were made almost on an hourly basis.
Read that.
In other words read exactly what your high school teachers and college instructors DON’T want you to read.
Read it and you’ll see..that Iraq and Afghanistan is not a failure or a war fought with incompetent leadership.
Iraq and Afghanistan in comparison is a friggin miracle.
You are sadly misinformed. sadly ignorant. Living in a world where a war is a success ONLY if its a perfect “no one dies” delusion.
Delusion being a key word.
I don’t think your name is “johnny”, and nor do I think you are very “notable”.
You are more of a “jasper the forgettable”.
Handel on December 9, 2008 at 1:54 AM
Terryann
Gore and/or Kerry might have sent troops to Afghanistan and possibly Iraq. But they would not have espoused a consistent policy that included something as essential as “if you harbor terrorists you are as guilty as they are.” They would not, therefore, have made a substantial start on the GWOT. I don’t absolutely know this is true but their lack of the courage of their convictions and their divided loyalties makes me think it is pretty certain.
snaggletoothie on December 9, 2008 at 2:04 AM
The man had possibly the most difficult job in history and has maintained his class despite it being pretty much a thankless task. I didn’t agree with him all the time, but he is deserving of great respect.
And yeah, you can see the toll of those 8 years in his face.
blue13326 on December 9, 2008 at 2:24 AM
At least he had a reason for condemning 300 million Americans to socialism.
JohnJ on December 9, 2008 at 2:24 AM
All the Bush apologists remind me of a naughty little boy, in trouble for digging a hole in his back yard, smugly seeking praise for filling it in halfway.
benny shakar on December 9, 2008 at 2:25 AM
benny shakar
Why don’t you drag your troll ass back to troll land?
snaggletoothie on December 9, 2008 at 2:35 AM
Utopia? Iraq can never be a liberal democracy worth shedding one American life over. It is, and will be, an autocratic islamic state. Stop drinking the koolaid. Nothing was gained other than the overthrow of Saddam, which was of questionable value to begin with since he was a bulwark against Shiite Iran. And that was gained at the beginning. Staying after that was pointless. The islamists will control the country. They will be corrupt as all islamic regimes are corrupt. And they will be as friendly to US interests as Pakistan is. Trying to reform the islamic world is not only pointless and expensive, but foolish and naive.
keep the change on December 9, 2008 at 3:23 AM
Because benny stinkith to high Heaven and the self respecting trolls won’t have him.
UT Cowboy on December 9, 2008 at 3:24 AM
Spoken like a true spoiled ingrate, still living safely, and snugly in his mothers basement…safe and sound from attacks for the last 8 years .
Those are the ones that whine and pout the loudest.
Handel on December 9, 2008 at 3:32 AM
GW could have accomplished what he did without fatally damaging the Republican party. He chose to expand the federal government (with willing participation of greedy, stupid Republicans)and let Democrats write so much of domestic policy. Every benefit of the GWOT, SCOTUS and tax policy is now in grave danger because of President-elect big-eared freak. GW helped set the stage for this. He thought he provided leadership. All he did was juggle the balls and now he’s letting them drop to the floor while he picks out carpet samples for his presidential library. If Clinton’s library is a whorehouse, maybe Bush’s should be an outhouse.
SKYFOX on December 9, 2008 at 5:13 AM
He was right about the surge and right about defense.
His spending like a drunken Democrat is what REALLY cost votes in this election.
drjohn on December 9, 2008 at 6:48 AM
SKYFOX:
So do you think the Republican party would have won if Bush had not provided help to senior citizens on medicare to buy their drugs? Or if he had not agreed with the consensus of the time to create the Department of Homeland Security? Look at who won the election, where is there any evidence that if Bush had not allowed the government to expand that Republicans would have won in 2006 and 2008. It was not Bush that created the problem, it was the purists who tried to purge the party and in so doing alienated a large number of Americans. It was the hardliners who could not just keep the debate on immigration to entering the country illegally and instead had to drag language, culture and all kinds of crap into that debate. We have lost the hispanics and without them it will be very difficult for Republicans to even win a national election again.
It was also the incessant back stabbing and finger pointing of many on the right in silly made up hysterical fights like that surrounding the Dubai ports deal and Harriet Miers. Believe it or not, attacking the Republican president does not help the Republican party. Democrats know that. That is why no matter what kind of pressure one of their leaders is under they usually back him up.
But no, in this party we can always count on the know it alls to join forces with the Democrats and help damage one of our own. And then they blame the damaged.
The truth is Bush did a lot for this country and when he was popular he had coat tails, but when things got tough…well we know what happened don’t we?
Terrye on December 9, 2008 at 6:48 AM
drjohn:
Congress spends the money, not the president and they asked for money than Bush budgeted every time and when he did veto a spending bill the Republicans crossed party lines to vote with the Democrats to pass it.
I used to be an Independent. Because of George W. Bush I started voting a straight Republican ticket and giving money to the RNC. If being a Republican means I have to turn on this man then to hell with it. I will go back to being an Independent.
Terrye on December 9, 2008 at 6:51 AM
benny:
Now it is your turn to defend someone. You can not just sit back and point fingers and make demands, you will have to live with the fact that whatever happens, it is your guy they will blame. After all Obama is the president and as we all know whatever bad things happen..happen because a president makes them happen or lets them happen.
Terrye on December 9, 2008 at 6:54 AM
In the 6:51 post I should have said they asked for more money than Bush budgeted. Whatever. Same difference. The truth is when the Democrats took over in 2006 after Bush had been president for 6 years the deficit was 153 billion. Look at where it is now. So, no, it is not all about Bush.
Terrye on December 9, 2008 at 6:56 AM
I thank W for working so hard to prevent another 911. I do not admire him for leaving our borders open to invasion.
As for Iraq, I think it will go one of two ways after we leave:Either it will collapse into a bloody civil war and another military strongman will rise up to dictatorship,or it will split into 3 states,2 of which will be run by Sharia law,and Kurdistan, which could be socialist and maybe even have an election someday.Either way, Christians and Jews in Iraq are screwed.
lizzee on December 9, 2008 at 7:16 AM
I think you meant to respond to someone else. I agree with you….compared to other wars, Iraq was managed extremely well.
jimmy the notable on December 9, 2008 at 7:38 AM
Also, you managed to call my by my name like 4 times at the start of your comment, but then called me johnny at the end…maybe try writing sober next time.
jimmy the notable on December 9, 2008 at 7:58 AM
Amen, brother!
mwdiver on December 9, 2008 at 8:04 AM
I watched the ABC interview with W last night and I’m still proud that I voted for him. I would vote for him again. He is a good, decent, honorable man of faith–nothing like the wishy-washy incompetent we’re getting in January. History will be kind to W. His list of accomplishments is long. And maybe me, Barney, and a few others are the only ones left who REALLY still love him, but I do. I think he’s great.
PoliticallyIncorrectSandy on December 9, 2008 at 8:06 AM
GW did a lot of things right. The first right thing he did was to uphold his constitutional duty to protect and defend this nation. Were there issues on which I disagreed with him? Of course. Many. However, I choose to give him his due. He will be regarded as one of America’s greatest presidents who suffered from a Democrat-caused financial meltdown at the end of his second term. Meantime, hat’s off to you, sir. Good job, well done.
SilentWatcher on December 9, 2008 at 8:09 AM
Not at all. He (or she) was simply giving political advice, and that advice was correct as far as it went. It is to Bush’s credit that he resisted the pressure, and I imagine the pressure was considerable.
docob on December 9, 2008 at 8:15 AM
“Now let me be clear – I suffer no illusions about Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal man. A ruthless man. A man who butchers his own people to secure his own power. He has repeatedly defied UN resolutions, thwarted UN inspection teams, developed chemical and biological weapons, and coveted nuclear capacity. He’s a bad guy. The world, and the Iraqi people, would be better off without him.”
–Barack Obama, October 2, 2002
Be careful what you wish for… Because, someone with some actual balls may just step up, throw political expediency out the window, and do the job you don’t have the guts to do.
Thank you, George W. Bush, for one less problem for the next president to have to deal with.
May history treat you well.
franksalterego on December 9, 2008 at 8:38 AM
He did what was right, not always popular, not always or ever politically expedient.
Thank you Mr. President for your service and your conviction, rarely do we see a politician willing to do whats right.
Viper1 on December 9, 2008 at 8:39 AM
The advice was nonsense. Iraq was the GOP’s war. If the GOP had lost in Iraq the MSM and the media would have reminded the American public of that fact forever.
Basilsbest on December 9, 2008 at 8:45 AM
Think how much more he could have accomplished had he had a decent Congress to work with. They fought him at every turn. And remember, they still haven’t passed a defense budget for 2008. Imagine how long it will take them to fund 2009. What if the rump media had been behind their president? He had a lot going against him. He showed good character. And while no one agreed with him 100%, we’ve gained a lot in our war against terror and he’s the first president who has addressed the problem in the manner in which it should have been addressed. People will start to realize his accomplishments when they find just how important it is to have a huge ally in the Middle East, where once there was a ruthless dictator perfectly capable of getting himself a stash of WMDs. And don’t forget his humanitarian programs for Africa! I’m going to miss him!
scalleywag on December 9, 2008 at 8:46 AM
i wish Bush would be an asshole to the media. Lord knows they deserve it by what they did to him.
kelley in virginia on December 9, 2008 at 9:29 AM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »