Open thread: Bush’s farewell address; Update: Video added
posted at 7:30 pm on January 15, 2009 by Allahpundit
8 p.m. ET across the dial. He leaves on a gracious note of Hopenchange:
Obama is “a man whose story reflects the enduring promise of our land,” Bush said in excerpts of his 8:00 pm (0100 GMT Friday) address, his last public appearance before welcoming his successor to the White House on January 20.
“This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation. And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls,” said the outgoing president.
We’ll update with video later.
Update: Here’s the transcript of the prepared remarks. “Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.”
Update: Here’s the clip.
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Can’t happen soon enough!
benny shakar on January 15, 2009 at 7:32 PM
Yes. By all means, let’s rush to swear-in Carter 2.0. Yay!
amerpundit on January 15, 2009 at 7:34 PM
Classy guy.
therightwinger on January 15, 2009 at 7:36 PM
I’ll miss you sir — God bless you President Bush.
Benny, can’t you for just one day keep your hatred to yourself? Are you that narcissistic?
Richard Romano on January 15, 2009 at 7:36 PM
+1
… and Laura
Y-not on January 15, 2009 at 7:37 PM
Good riddance.
sethstorm on January 15, 2009 at 7:37 PM
Funny that is what I am thinking about the Obama Administration leaving power (It will happen one day soon I hope (and change
William Amos on January 15, 2009 at 7:38 PM
I believe you are looking at January 2017.
sethstorm on January 15, 2009 at 7:39 PM
I’m getting really sick of the word hope.
Disturb the Universe on January 15, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Huh? Marxism, secrecy, lies and fraud, combined with the neo-Pravda press, as a means to achieving enough power to destroy the US? I must have missed that in the “promise of our land”.
progressoverpeace on January 15, 2009 at 7:41 PM
1-20-13, the end of an error
Sekhmet on January 15, 2009 at 7:41 PM
The office where I work is nearly vacant. All of the liberals here in Seattle have already gathered at the local watering holes in order to get drunk, cheer, and shout nasty things at the incoming television transmissions.
My collie says:
Actually, I just wish they’d STAY at the pub, like…forever.
CyberCipher on January 15, 2009 at 7:42 PM
You know……..
……. now at the end, I wish he would let the MSM and the Democrats have it full barrel.
From the NYTIMES printing Security Secrets to Harry Reid saying the war was “lost”……….
…… more so, I wish he “connect the dots” to the current financial crisis starting with a flawed “social engineering” concept of the Community Reinvestment Act under Jimmy Carter, to Bill Clinton giving it “teeth” to “force” to lend money to people who could not pay, and how it festered for years, building and building and building until it broke our economy……….. all backed up by our hard earned tax dollars.
He should fire back at Reid, Pelosi, Dodd, Kennedy, Kerry, et al now while everyone is watching for who and what they are, and not wait for his book……..
……… the mess we are in is not a single party issue, but the seeds were laid by the Democrats, and as the “leader” of the Republican party, saying so will at least bring the discussion to the table, as will our ability to see which political leader has the stones to take the ball and run with it.
Vent, say “good-bye”, yes………. you are a good and decent man,
……… but in your last words, I would like to hear a pardon for Ramos and Campion.
Seven Percent Solution on January 15, 2009 at 7:42 PM
Prediction:
You will NOT see this (ex)president traipsing around the world, demeaning and disrespecting his county and interfering with Foreign Policies of future presidents he happens to disagree with, in an egoistic attempt to untarnish and polish HIS legacy.
He’s got way too much class for that.
franksalterego on January 15, 2009 at 7:43 PM
January 2012
William Amos on January 15, 2009 at 7:43 PM
I’m gonna get that bumpersticker….”1-20-2013 Obama’s last day”
LtE126 on January 15, 2009 at 7:43 PM
Hear, hear.
progressoverpeace on January 15, 2009 at 7:44 PM
You seem to insist on making the same error.
FIFY.
sethstorm on January 15, 2009 at 7:45 PM
George Bush couldn’t have asked for a better successor. Absolutely every move Obama makes will make Bush look like a damn fine president.
sherry on January 15, 2009 at 7:45 PM
A mixed record, but if Algore had won in 2000 we’d have a standard of living somewhere between Somalia and Nepal. If Kerry had won in 2004, we’d all be speaking Arabic and stoning gays.
Cicero43 on January 15, 2009 at 7:45 PM
No border control, no defense of his easily defensible actions, no explanations of his war strategies in fireside-type chats, which meant no connection with the American public on the most important issue of our time, no defense of Scooter Libby being railroaded by a kangaroo court farce, no support for Compean and Ramos, and VAPIDLY calling Islam “a religion of peace” (when GWB doesn’t have the slightest clue about the true imperialistic dogmas of violence-borne Islam and should have said nothing if he knows nothing, rather than muddying the ideological battle with this kind of p.c. fluff)… a VERY mixed record.
And Obama is a Chicago machine political tyro hack who is unqualified for the presidency, but it sure sounds nice to praise America’s electing this naive leftist doofus just because his deadbeat dad happened to part black.
Thanks for too little, George.
profitsbeard on January 15, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Let’s talk in six months you ignorant bastard.
I’ve been thinking about this since GWB announced he was going to give this 15 minute talk to the American people. Uneducated morons like benny may not remember this but Bill Clinton staged a whole series of events including a scripted departure from Andrews AFB that intended to say look at what you are losing. GWB, like most other Presidents, is going to speak for 15 minutes tonight, turn over power on Tuesday (in this case to a filthy bastard intent on destroying America), he will get on a plane and head for Texas. A class act unlike the Clintons.
highhopes on January 15, 2009 at 7:46 PM
Welcome back Carter 2.0. Osama-Obama will live up to expectations.
tarpon on January 15, 2009 at 7:46 PM
Should we all go out now and buy our “Countdown Till Obama’s Out of Office” calendars?
Every time we had clients in from Europe at least one member of their group would have to buy one of the Bush Countdown calendars and giggle gleefully. I calmed myself by silently chanting “Double-digit unemployment” to remind myself that this feeling of superiority is really all they have.
Of course, now that bad regulatory decisions and bailoutmania have united to destroy the U.S. economy, I’m not sure what will keep me from punching them in the face.
JadeNYU on January 15, 2009 at 7:46 PM
God bless you GW Bush……you are a great President!!!!
All freedom loving people love you and know you did good!!
dec5 on January 15, 2009 at 7:46 PM
I’d think that was out of a security concern, not so much of him having something he doesn’t.
sethstorm on January 15, 2009 at 7:47 PM
Agreed. The likes of which we will not see in a long time.
sherry on January 15, 2009 at 7:47 PM
Thankfully America has learned to reject Reagan 2.0 and to make sure it never comes.
sethstorm on January 15, 2009 at 7:48 PM
It’s like some demented paradox… do I cheer that the Compassion Conservative RINO that cut the party’s throat is leaving, or do I temper it with the dread of Barack “2 trillion (with a T) in yearly deficits” Obama on the horizon?
Lehosh on January 15, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Obama is “a man whose story reflects the enduring promise of our land
That even an unqualified, egotistical, pandering clown can get elected POTUS if they’re the “right” color. Joy.
And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls,” said the outgoing president.
Sorry Dubya, but my best wishes go to my fellow Americans who weren’t elected President, may you survive the coming storm.
Bishop on January 15, 2009 at 7:48 PM
It’s funny how the lefties keep calling the talk radio stations demanding that conservatives “give Obama a chance” when they can’t let go of their Bush Derangement Syndrom even as he leaves office.
Disturb the Universe on January 15, 2009 at 7:48 PM
That’s what happens when an utterly unfit guy comes behind you. Obama likes the trappings of the Presidency (motorcades, secret service, etc.) but he isn’t a leader. He doesn’t have the ability to craft sensible public policy. In six months he will be as discredited as Carter.
highhopes on January 15, 2009 at 7:49 PM
The best thing about Bush’s last day is that it makes Obambi’s last day one day closer.
Although I don’t know whats come over Pres. Bush these last few months.
ctmom on January 15, 2009 at 7:49 PM
A lot of that was just diversion and cover, while they looted the White House clean.
progressoverpeace on January 15, 2009 at 7:49 PM
Dear President Bush: Thanks for keeping us safe since 9/11. I’ll miss you and your lovely lady. A true class act.
Rosmerta on January 15, 2009 at 7:50 PM
I know you rarely crawl out of your mother’s basement except to attend Obama rallies, but it’s currently January 2009. Four years from now isn’t 2017.
amerpundit on January 15, 2009 at 7:51 PM
Go with celebrating the end of Bush.
sethstorm on January 15, 2009 at 7:51 PM
Same problem…we have to go to the Netherlands at least once a year. Long story, but we are among Art collectors. The conversations are too much for me and my mouth, my husband must “silence” me. Now, I think I will have to skip he business trip or I’ll piss off all the patrons!
beththebaker on January 15, 2009 at 7:51 PM
Sethstorm and Ben-wa, your tears will be delicious in, I guess, six months.
Sekhmet on January 15, 2009 at 7:51 PM
I’d think that was out of a security concern, not so much of him having something he doesn’t.
sethstorm on January 15, 2009 at 7:47 PM
There aren’t too many liberals who have the seeds to try and assassinate Bush; the word “courage” to the left is simply an utterance by Dan Rather, it has no real meaning to them.
Bishop on January 15, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Thanks for Roberts and Alito – the gifts that will keep on giving.
Wethal on January 15, 2009 at 7:52 PM
You are so correct. He was just the guy who fit the suit in this Axelrod/Cecil B. DeMille production they called a campaign. I think foreign leaders (with the exception of the socialists) will discredit him roughly and quickly. Hopefully after that, we just watch him spiral.
sherry on January 15, 2009 at 7:53 PM
2017 is when he will turn the office over.
The GOP needs to do some overdue penance for forsaking the Midwest.
sethstorm on January 15, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Not the technically best photo, but the story behind it says so much about the man, and it’s how I’ll choose to recall him. He has quite a heart… http://tinyurl.com/yrgw9
mbo213 on January 15, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Bush accepted what he was handed and didn’t complain. If anyone thought their world would remain the same after 9/11 they were on drugs or just your ordinary, garden variety Lib like Benny S. We’ll see if BO can do the same. I doubt it.
BTW, how does one swear in a zero?
Cody1991 on January 15, 2009 at 7:54 PM
A lot of that was just diversion and cover, while they looted the White House clean.
progressoverpeace on January 15, 2009 at 7:49 PM
Have Bush’s people ripped all the “O” keys from the White House keyboards as Clinton’s people did with the “B’s” before they left?
No? Huh, go figure.
Bishop on January 15, 2009 at 7:54 PM
It’s a good feeling that he’s done. And he’s taught the country a valuable lesson about trusting in “compassionate conservatism”. People scoff at the notion these days and it has everything to do with Bush’s run. And no, I’m actually NOT talking about Katrina. You know the moment where it flipped? Terry Schiavo. The American people got a taste of what “compassionate conservatism” could mean in their own lives and it wasn’t pretty. Pretty much gradually downhill from there.
DeathToMediaHacks on January 15, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Courage to a liberal is picking up a stray dog in the street. To an LA liberal, it’s ordering off the regular menu.
beththebaker on January 15, 2009 at 7:55 PM
I’ll be most saddened by the idea that Dick Cheney is going.
progressoverpeace on January 15, 2009 at 7:55 PM
When who will turn the office over? Surely not the Carter 2.0 we’re about to inaugurate. One term only lasts four years.
amerpundit on January 15, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Just wait, Shrillary’s team is going to do that on the way in and blame it on Bush!
progressoverpeace on January 15, 2009 at 7:56 PM
+1
Good point.
sethstorm on January 15, 2009 at 7:56 PM
On the other hand, it’ll probably be fun watching them get all disillusioned with PEBO (or PBO by that time) when they realize that he has no intention of keeping most of the promises he made to get elected.
And, while he won’t be trying to build the America I’d like to see, political necessity is going to keep him from getting anywhere near the America that they’d like to see.
From experience, nothing is more vicious that lefties that are turning on one of their own. It would make for great theater if it weren’t the country I love cought in the middle of the madness.
JadeNYU on January 15, 2009 at 7:56 PM
I would wish for something like the crowing of Miss America…”if you can’t perform these duties, than a Republican will take your place”.
Considering this was a beauty contest, swear him in like the beauty that he thinks he is.
sherry on January 15, 2009 at 7:56 PM
That would be at the end of a two-term Obama presidency.
For what the GOP has done for selling itself out to every third world interest over our own, it needs that kind of penance.
sethstorm on January 15, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Now that`s a bumper sticker.
ThePrez on January 15, 2009 at 7:58 PM
talk about a man who had to put up with so much bs. i hope history will be kind to you.
vinllo on January 15, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Pretty much gradually downhill from there.
DeathToMediaHacks on January 15, 2009 at 7:54 PM
We’re about to get a one trillion dollar taste of liberal compassion, on a recurring yearly basis.
You think Schiavo freaked people out.
Bishop on January 15, 2009 at 7:58 PM
ummmm, ok…..
Noneya on January 15, 2009 at 7:58 PM
My husband and I joke that 20 Jan 09 is the beginning of a great error, one that we will be suffering from for years to come.
I’m not the biggest fan of President Bush, but I do respect him – and he respects his country. I can’t say the same about the next guy who will occupy the Oval Office. I’ll miss Cheney too, but for all the wrong reasons (if you’re hated by that many liberals, you’re doing something right!).
Anna on January 15, 2009 at 7:59 PM
Here we go……………….
Seven Percent Solution on January 15, 2009 at 7:59 PM
No I can just tell time and politics better than most.
Obama is going to be a one termer. Is nothing that proves to me otherwise.
This country is still going downhill economically and Obama is getting ready to give it a big push down.
William Amos on January 15, 2009 at 8:01 PM
I hope you don’t mind when your car is keyed…or worse.
angryed on January 15, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Then why has he capitulated to the entirety of the Far East?
That’s how 2006 and 2008 turned out the way they did.
sethstorm on January 15, 2009 at 8:01 PM
+1
With all the promises they made, the Democrats simply have to choose to whom to break their promises:
The mostly apathetic majority who can be riled into a stampede with little or no provocation
Or
The very leftist sitzpinklers with no jobs they need to convince the ignorant and stupid that the best way to vote for Obama is to pull the “straight ticket” lever.
The GOP will do well to put the Dems in as many no-win situations as they can.
Sekhmet on January 15, 2009 at 8:01 PM
I hope he is not apologetic
Bullhead on January 15, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Ah, see there’s the flaw in your math. You’re figuring on a second term. Not going to happen.
Republicans were thrown out of office in disgrace back in ’76, too. They were going to pay for their corruption and lies, alright….. Until 1980 when the nation got tired of Carter and 44 states voted him out of office and gave Republicans the Senate.
amerpundit on January 15, 2009 at 8:01 PM
quick, get your shoes ready……
Noneya on January 15, 2009 at 8:02 PM
President Bush brought honor back to the White House and the Office itself. Remember the horror show that was the Clintons? My boys were in their early teens when Clinton was impeached. Try explaining to a 14-year-old that the President’s idea of “sexual relations” is a bit nuanced, and that the President is actually a slimebucket. We never had to worry with GWB that there might be an intern under his desk.
And Laura Bush is a first-class First Lady. No flying ashtrays or lamps on her watch.
IrishEi on January 15, 2009 at 8:02 PM
The libs I HAVE to deal with worship Jimmy Carter as the best president and Post-president. As a Jew, it makes we want to go for the jugular…I have a feeling that Obama will have a “calming” effect on them -even if he doesn’t make the America they think they wanted under Bush , he will give them the America that they have “always wanted”
beththebaker on January 15, 2009 at 8:03 PM
Considering this was a beauty contest, swear him in like the beauty that he thinks he is.
sherry on January 15, 2009 at 7:56 PM
Yeah. Ya know, he is just a beauty queen. Worse than an empty suit. Good point.
/not to mention Chicago Daley machine scum
Cody1991 on January 15, 2009 at 8:03 PM
And be sure to throw them heel-first at Noneya
Sekhmet on January 15, 2009 at 8:03 PM
so now that Obama won i suppose we will all be speaking chinese and riding bikes in 4 years?
Noneya on January 15, 2009 at 8:04 PM
We’re blessed to witness a giant step towards finally restoring Honor and Dignity to the White House.
benny shakar on January 15, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Dems would like to get rid of cars and put us all on bikes right now – stop the global climate from changing and all …
In four years, if dems do what they want, only the rich will have bikes.
progressoverpeace on January 15, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Obama deserves the same chance the Left gave Bush.
Sekhmet on January 15, 2009 at 8:06 PM
God Bless You President George W. Bush………
…….. may he grant you the peace you deserve for carrying the burden of our country for these past years.
I, and my family, will be eternally grateful.
Seven Percent Solution on January 15, 2009 at 8:06 PM
…until 2006, when America woke up and decided to disassemble what was left of Reagan’s ideology.
You’re not figuring in that there’s been about 30 years of bad blood in the Rust Belt. One term won’t fix it all.
sethstorm on January 15, 2009 at 8:06 PM
The lack of class and grace on the part of liberals never ceases to amaze me.
Slublog on January 15, 2009 at 8:07 PM
don’t forget Competence….
Noneya on January 15, 2009 at 8:07 PM
I believe I heard the same thing not long before Billy Jeff had an affair with an intern and lied about it.
amerpundit on January 15, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Save money – buy the eight year version.
benny shakar on January 15, 2009 at 8:07 PM
She needed the ashtrays.
SnarkVader on January 15, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Hmmm….I think you might be a bit senile…though I can understand the confusion.
This isn’t Bush being sworn in after Clinton destroyed all the honor and dignity of the office. This is Bush saying goodbye after having restored that honor and dignity.
You might want to get a checkup to make sure everything’s alright.
JadeNYU on January 15, 2009 at 8:08 PM
History will prove George W. Bush to be one of our greatest Presidents. The Bush haters can look back at President Clinton who was a sex pervert and then look ahead to President Obama who will be responsible for the demise of America. We will see who has the last laugh!!
Sailor on January 15, 2009 at 8:08 PM
I second that — Obama will not serve two terms.
Richard Romano on January 15, 2009 at 8:08 PM
Thank you Mr President for keeping me and mine safe for the last 7 years,Also can we please keep your wife as First Lady she has so much more class than the other one,plus she doesn’t look angry all the time.
tee866 on January 15, 2009 at 8:08 PM
Sadly I think Benny and shitstorm are right. O-bambi will win again in 2009 and win big. The country will be in a depression but it won’t matter. The MSM will still blame it on BOOOSH. And given the fact that Americans are by and large a very stupid people, they will think it’s true. After all they thought O-bambi was a centrist. They will believe anything.
angryed on January 15, 2009 at 8:09 PM
Yeah. I remember Bill Clinton. Cigars aren’t just for smoking anymore — but what does pedophile sex in the oval office have to do with anything?
CyberCipher on January 15, 2009 at 8:09 PM
Tell me about. One thing is for certain… in the past 8 years the level of discourse has lowered to despicable level because of people like benny shakar and noneya.
terryannonline on January 15, 2009 at 8:09 PM
The GOP lost elections because the Left has a rabid, unexplained paranoia of Dick Cheney? No, we lost because we were running Liberal-Lite candidates.
Step back and take a deep breath. Oxygen is good for the brain.
Anna on January 15, 2009 at 8:09 PM
I thought it was “eight to ten years”. What moron said that, anyway?
progressoverpeace on January 15, 2009 at 8:09 PM
Thank you Mr President. Enjoy the rest of your years and relax :)
Ugly on January 15, 2009 at 8:09 PM
Not going to happen outside the South.
I know they won’t be around here in Ohio much, they helped cause the situation they find themselves in.
sethstorm on January 15, 2009 at 8:09 PM
1.20.09- GWB Mission Accomplished.
You entered office with a recession from the Clinton administration. You kept that economy strong despite the atrocities of 9/11/01 that threatened it. You kept the nation safe from further terrorist attacks hatched during the Clinton years when terrorism was simply dealt with as crimes. You freed millions of Iraqis and you made the tough decisions when those around you were less certain.
God Bless You GWB and God Bless America now that a filthy ambiguous bastard like Obama is going to take over.
highhopes on January 15, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Hey Nobody, Ben-Wa and Shitstorm, what the frak do you want for your juvenile behvior the last eight years, a medal?
Sekhmet on January 15, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Oh so the fact that the UAW destroyed the auto industry over the past 30 years is Bush’s fault too? Makes sense I guess. If Bush can create hurricanes he can do anything.
angryed on January 15, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Even Gail Collins had some kind words for W. today:
:)
benny shakar on January 15, 2009 at 8:11 PM
What does pedophile sex have to do with anything? are you a catholic priest or something?
Noneya on January 15, 2009 at 8:11 PM
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