George W. Bush Quotes (675 quotes, page 11)

“This is an impressive crowd — the haves and the have-mores. Some people call you the elites; I call you my base.”

George W. Bush

Speech at the Al Smith Dinner for charity (October 20, 2000), as quoted in "Bush And Gore Do New York" (CBS) http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2000/10/18/politics/main242210.shtml (October 20, 2000); also in Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11.
2000s, 2000

People

“Well, you know, I think a lot of people are in this fight. I mean, they sacrifice peace of mind when they see the terrible images of violence on TV every night.”

George W. Bush

NewsHour interview http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/white_house/jan-june07/bush_01-16.html with Jim Lehrer in response to the question “Why have you not asked more Americans to sacrifice something?” regarding the Iraq War (January 16, 2007)
2000s, 2007

People , Peace , Thinking , Fight

“Steadfast in our purpose, we now press on. We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. And in this great conflict, my fellow Americans, we will see freedom's victory. Thank you all. May God bless.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

God , Freedom , Victory

“We must face the reality that millions of illegal immigrants are already here. They should not be given an automatic path to citizenship; that is amnesty. I oppose amnesty. There is a rational middle ground between granting an automatic pass to citizenship for every illegal immigrant and a program of mass deportation. And I look forward to working with Congress to find that middle ground.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2004, Signing of Secure Fence Act of 2006

Reality

“Our cause is just, and it continues. Our discoveries in Afghanistan confirmed our worst fears, and showed us the true scope of the task ahead. We have seen the depth of our enemies' hatred in videos, where they laugh about the loss of innocent life. And the depth of their hatred is equaled by the madness of the destruction they design. We have found diagrams of American nuclear power plants and public water facilities, detailed instructions for making chemical weapons, surveillance maps of American cities, and thorough descriptions of landmarks in America and throughout the world.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

Life , World , Fear , Water

“Yo Blair, how are you doin’?”

George W. Bush

George W Bush to Tony Blair, on G8 summit, July 17th, 2006 - when left their microphone on by mistake http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006330165,,00.html
2000s, 2006

“This is Preservation Month. I appreciate preservation. It's what you do when you run for president. You've got to preserve.”

George W. Bush

Speaking at observance of Perseverance Month, Fairgrounds Elementary School, Nashua, NH, January 27, 2000 http://articles.latimes.com/2000/jan/28/news/mn-58586
2000s, 2000

“We must speak the truth about terror. Let us never tolerate outrageous conspiracy theories concerning the attacks of September the 11th; malicious lies that attempt to shift the blame away from the terrorists, themselves, away from the guilty. To inflame ethnic hatred is to advance the cause of terror.”

George W. Bush

Remarks by the President to United Nations General Assembly http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/11/10/ret.bush.un.transcript/index.html?_s=PM:US (November 10, 2001)
2000s, 2001

Truth

“Once we have funded our national security and our homeland security, the final great priority of my budget is economic security for the American people. To achieve these great national objectives — to win the war, protect the homeland, and revitalize our economy — our budget will run a deficit that will be small and short-term, so long as Congress restrains spending and acts in a fiscally responsible manner. We have clear priorities and we must act at home with the same purpose and resolve we have shown overseas: We'll prevail in the war, and we will defeat this recession.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

War , People , Home

“In achieving this vision, we plan to work in close partnership with international institutions, including the United Nations; our Allies and partners; and bilateral donors. If conflict occurs, we plan to seek the adoption, on an urgent basis, of new United Nations Security Council resolutions that would affirm Iraq's territorial integrity, ensure rapid delivery of humanitarian relief, and endorse an appropriate post-conflict administration for Iraq. We will also propose that the Secretary General be given authority, on an interim basis, to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people continue to be met through the Oil for Food program.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2003, A Vision for Iraq and the Iraqi people (March 2003)

People , Food , Partnership

“As you watch the developments in Baghdad, it's important to understand that we will not be able to prevent every al Qaeda attack. When a terrorist is willing to kill himself to kill others, it's really hard to stop him. Yet, over time, the security operation in Baghdad is designed to shrink the areas where al Qaeda can operate, it's designed to bring out more intelligence about their presence, and designed to allow American and Iraqi forces to dismantle their network.We have a strategy to deal with al Qaeda in Iraq. But any time you say to a bunch of cold-blooded killers, success depends on no violence, all that does is hand them the opportunity to be successful. And it's hard. I know it's hard for the American people to turn on their TV screens and see the horrific violence. It speaks volumes about the American desire to protect lives of innocent people, America's deep concern about human rights and human dignity. It also speaks volumes about al Qaeda, that they're willing to take innocent life to achieve political objectives.The terrorists will continue to fight back. In other words, they understand what they're doing. And casualties are likely to stay high. Yet, day by day, block by block, we are steadfast in helping Iraqi leaders counter the terrorists, protect their people, and reclaim the capital. And if I didn't think it was necessary for the security of the country, I wouldn't put our kids in harm's way.…Either we'll succeed, or we won't succeed. And the definition of success as I described is sectarian violence down. Success is not, no violence. There are parts of our own country that have got a certain level of violence to it. But success is a level of violence where the people feel comfortable about living their daily lives. And that's what we're trying to achieve.”

George W. Bush

President Bush Discusses War on Terror, Economy with Associated General Contractors of America http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070502-2.html (May 2, 2007)
2000s, 2007

Life , People , Way , Feeling

“The federal government and all our agencies are conducting business. But it is not business as usual. We are operating on a heightened security alert. America is going forward, and as we do so, we must remain keenly aware of the threats to our country. Those in authority should take appropriate precautions to protect our citizens.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, Freedom and Democracy Are Under Attack (September 2001)

Business , Country

“From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth. Across the generations we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government, because no one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2005, Second Inaugural Address (January 2005)

“American foreign policy must be more than the management of crisis. It must have a great and guiding goal: to turn this time of American influence into generations of democratic peace.”

George W. Bush

1990s, A Distinctly American Internationalism (November 1999)

Peace , Time

“Retirement security also depends upon keeping the commitments of Social Security, and we will. We must make Social Security financially stable and allow personal retirement accounts for younger workers who choose them.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

Dependency , Personality

“Admiral Kelly, Captain Card, officers and sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln, my fellow Americans, major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed. And now our coalition is engaged in securing and reconstructing that country.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2003, Mission Accomplished (May 2003)

Country

“Americans who have lost their jobs need our help and I support extending unemployment benefits and direct assistance for health care coverage. Yet, American workers want more than unemployment checks — they want a steady paycheck. When America works, America prospers, so my economic security plan can be summed up in one word: jobs.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

Health , Support , Help

“When challenges to our prosperity emerged, we rose to meet them. Facing the prospect of a financial collapse, we took decisive measures to safeguard our economy. These are very tough times for hardworking families, but the toll would be far worse if we had not acted. All Americans are in this together. And together, with determination and hard work, we will restore our economy to the path of growth. We will show the world once again the resilience of America's free enterprise system. The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country, and there are some guiding principles that should shape our course.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2009, Farewell speech to the nation (January 2009)

World , Family , Decision , Time

“Why don't they ask [Saddam's intelligence chief, Tahir Jalil Habbush] to give us something we can use to help us make our case”

George W. Bush

to prove he had WMD
from Ron Suskind, The Way of the World, p. 364 https://books.google.ca/books?id=AhVMo1UTXbcC&q=%22can+use%22#v=snippet&q=%22can%20use%22, on Bush's frustration at the results of secret meetings between British intelligence and Saddam's intelligence chief, Tahir Jalil Habbush (early January 2003)
2000s, 2003

Intelligence , Help

“Members of Congress: however we feel about the decisions and debates of the past, our nation has only one option: We must keep our word, defeat our enemies, and stand behind the American military in its vital mission.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2006, State of the Union (January 2006)

Feeling , Decision , Past

“I hear there's rumors on the internets [pause] that we're going to have a draft. We're not going to have a draft, period.”

George W. Bush

2nd Presidential Debate, October 8, 2004 http://www.debates.org/pages/trans2004c.html
2000s, 2004

“Today, having come far in our own historical journey, we must decide. Will we turn back, or finish well? Before history is written down in books, it is written in courage. Like Americans before us, we will show that courage and we will finish well. We will lead freedom's advance. We will compete and excel in the global economy. We will renew the defining moral commitments of this land, and so we move forward, optimistic about our country, faithful to its cause, and confident of victories to come.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2006, State of the Union (January 2006)

Books , Faith , Confidence , History

“Thank you. God told me to wear it.
That's a joke.”

George W. Bush

Responding to a compliment on his suit from European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso (November 2005) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4421818.stm
2000s, 2005

God

“We're going to get bin Laden. Dead or alive, it doesn't matter to me.”

George W. Bush

12/14/2001 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1711874.stm Bush's words elsewhere was that he is "determined" to capture Bin Laden dead or alive, and is confident about succeeding http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1711717.stm
2000s, 2001

Dead

“In the long term, we’ve got to defeat an ideology of hate with an ideology of hope. There’s a reason why people like [al-Qaida leader Osama] bin Laden are able to recruit suiciders, because if you don’t have hope, you’re attracted to an ideology which says, it’s OK to kill people and kill yourself.”

George W. Bush

Sept. 11, 5 years later: 'We stand together' http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14780747/ (September 11, 2006)
2000s, 2006

Hate , People , Hope , Suicide

“I fully understand it takes time for free societies, truly free societies to evolve. I don't expect instant success.”

George W. Bush

Interview on Middle East Television Network, February 18, 2004 http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2004/02/20040218-10.html
2000s, 2004

Understanding , Time , Success

“I thought the Iraqis were Muslims.”

George W. Bush

Meeting with three Iraqi-Americans before the invasion of Iraq, regarding a potential conflict between followers of Shia and Sunni Islam. See Peter Galbraith (2006), The End of Iraq: How American Incompetence Created A War Without End.
Attributed, Private/attributed

“I happen to be one of these guys that when you say something, you better mean it.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2011, Speech at the Gerald R. Ford Foundation (2011)

Guy

“People say, "He's the most popular guy in Russia." I say: "Yeah, I'd be popular too if I owned NBC."”

George W. Bush

As quoted in "Is Putin Popular?" https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/03/is-putin-popular-c/ (2018), by Jay Nordlinger, National Review
2010s

People , Guy

“In this moment of opportunity, a common danger is erasing old rivalries. America is working with Russia and China and India, in ways we have never before, to achieve peace and prosperity. In every region, free markets and free trade and free societies are proving their power to lift lives. Together with friends and allies from Europe to Asia, and Africa to Latin America, we will demonstrate that the forces of terror cannot stop the momentum of freedom.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

Peace , Way , Freedom

“My call tonight is for every American to commit at least two years — 4,000 hours over the rest of your lifetime, to the service of your neighbors and your nation. Many are already serving, and I thank you. If you aren't sure how to help, I've got a good place to start. To sustain and extend the best that has emerged in America, I invite you to join the new USA Freedom Corps. The Freedom Corps will focus on three areas of need: responding in case of crisis at home; rebuilding our communities; and extending American compassion throughout the world.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

World , Home , Communication , Freedom

“But some governments will be timid in the face of terror. And make no mistake about it: If they do not act, America will.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

“This is, above all, the age of liberty.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2003, Address to the National Endowment for Democracy (November 2003)

Age

“The question is, who ought to make that decision? The Congress or the commanders? And as you know, my position is clear — I'm a commander guy.”

George W. Bush

On who should decide when to increase or decrease troop levels in Iraq
President Bush Discusses War on Terror, Economy with Associated General Contractors of America http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070502-2.html (May 2, 2007)
2000s, 2007

Guy , Question , Decision

“It makes no sense to tell the enemy when you plan to start withdrawing. All the terrorists would have to do is mark their calendars and gather their strength -- and begin plotting how to overthrow the government and take control of the country of Iraq. I believe setting a deadline for withdrawal would demoralize the Iraqi people, would encourage killers across the broader Middle East, and send a signal that America will not keep its commitments. Setting a deadline for withdrawal is setting a date for failure -- and that would be irresponsible.”

George W. Bush

President Bush Rejects Artificial Deadline, Vetoes Iraq War Supplemental http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070501-6.html (May 1, 2007)
2000s, 2007

People , Failure , Sense , Country

“I hadn't heard that…. I, frankly, have been focused elsewhere, like on gasoline prices.”

George W. Bush

Explaining, first, that he hadn't heard gas prices were climbing to $4, then explaining he was focused on gas prices in response to a question of what groups fund his library; press conference, February 28, 2008 Watch video http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/28/bush-falsely-claims-hes-focused-on-gas-prices/
2000s, 2008

“This evening, my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house. September 11, 2001. That morning, terrorists took nearly 3,000 lives in the worst attack on America since Pearl Harbor. I remember standing in the rubble of the World Trade Center three days later, surrounded by rescuers who had been working around the clock. I remember talking to brave souls who charged through smoke-filled corridors at the Pentagon and to husbands and wives whose loved ones became heroes aboard Flight 93. I remember Arlene Howard, who gave me her fallen son's police shield as a reminder of all that was lost. And I still carry his badge.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2009, Farewell speech to the nation (January 2009)

Love , World , Soul , Housing

“We've come to this moment through patience and resolve and focused action. And that is our strategy moving forward. The war on terror is a different kind of war, waged capture by capture, cell by cell, and victory by victory. Our security is assured by our perseverance and by our sure belief in the success of liberty. And the United States of America will not relent until this war is won. May God bless the people of Iraq, and may God bless America. Thank you.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2003, Remarks on the Capture of Saddam Hussein (December 2003)

God , War , People , Success

“The enemy in Iraq believes America will run, that's why they're willing to kill innocent civilians, relief workers, coalition troops. America will never run. America will do what is necessary to make our country more secure.”

George W. Bush

Speech in Birmingham, Alabama, November 3, 2003 http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2003/11/20031103-7.html http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70914FA35540C778CDDA80994DB404482
2000s, 2003

Country

“Saddam's defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions demanding the disarmament of his nuclear, chemical, biological, and long-range missile capacity has led to sanctions on Iraq and has undermined the authority of the U. N. For 12 years, the international community has tried to persuade him to disarm and thereby avoid military conflict, most recently through the unanimous adoption of UNSCR 1441. The responsibility is his. If Saddam refuses even now to cooperate fully with the United Nations, he brings on himself the serious consequences foreseen in UNSCR 1441 and previous resolutions.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2003, A Vision for Iraq and the Iraqi people (March 2003)

Communication

“The state can do what they want to do. Don't try to trap me in this state's issue like you're trying to get me into.”

George W. Bush

Governor Bush on gay marriage, Larry King Live (February 15, 2000)
2000s, 2000

“Multilateral organizations have made bold commitments of their own to fight disease. The G-8 has pledged to match America's efforts on malaria and HIV/AIDS. Through the Global Fund, many countries are working to fight HIV/AIDS, malaria, and T-B. Lives in the developing world depend on these programs, and all who have made pledges to fight disease have an obligation to follow through on their commitments.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2008, Address to the United Nations General Assembly (September 2008)

World , Disease , Effort , Fight

“Secondly, you are blessed to live in the greatest Nation – ever. Here you can strive and succeed as far as you dare to dream. It says something about our country that millions around the world are willing to leave their homes and families and risk everything to come here and realize the American dream. Their pursuit of that dream invigorates our national soul. It renews our country’s character. And it adds vitality to our culture.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2015, Remarks at the SMU 100th Spring Commencement (May 2015)

World , Family , Dreams , Home

“We do not torture.”

George W. Bush

November 7, 2005. http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/11/07/bush.torture.ap/ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4415132.stm
2000s, 2005

“These sources of strength are also in the faith that sustains so many of us. Across the town of Blacksburg and in towns all across America, houses of worship from every faith have opened their doors and have lifted you up in prayer. People who have never met you are praying for you; they're praying for your friends who have fallen and who are injured. There's a power in these prayers, real power. In times like this, we can find comfort in the grace and guidance of a loving God. As the Scriptures tell us, "Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2007, Virginia Tech Prayer Vigil (April 2007)

Love , God , People , Faith

“Both those men are doing fantastic jobs and I strongly support them.”

George W. Bush

In reference to Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney in an Oval Office interview http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/11/01/bush.cheney.ap/, one week prior to accepting Rumsfeld’s resignation (November 1, 2006)
2000s, 2006

Men , Support

“Last month, at the grave of her husband, Michael, a CIA officer and Marine who died in Mazur-e-Sharif, Shannon Spann said these words of farewell, 'Semper Fi, my love'. Shannon is with us tonight. Shannon, I assure you and all who have lost a loved one that our cause is just, and our country will never forget the debt we owe Michael and all who gave their lives for freedom.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

Love , Freedom , Country , Forgetting

“Sometimes, words have consequences you don't intend them to mean”

George W. Bush

14 January 2005
http://www.cnn.com/2005/ALLPOLITICS/01/14/bush.regrets.ap/index.html
2000s, 2005

“America must always reject racial bigotry, anti-Semitism, and hatred in all forms. As we pray for Charlottesville, we are reminded of the fundamental truths recorded by that city’s most prominent citizen in the Declaration of Independence: we are all created equal and endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights. We know these truths to be everlasting because we have seen the decency and greatness of our country.”

George W. Bush

Joint statement with https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/08/16/republicans-denounce-charlottesville-violence-president-trump-comments/572378001/ George H. W. Bush (August 2017), as quoted in "Politics: Both Bush presidents just spoke out on Charlottesville — and sound nothing like Trump" https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2017/08/16/both-bush-presidents-just-spoke-out-on-charlottesville-and-sound-nothing-like-trump/?utm_term=.0ef03a83ed2f (16 August 2017), by Cleve R. Wootson Jr., The Washington Post
2010s, 2017

Truth , Country

“We're facing a radical ideology with inalterable objectives: to enslave whole nations and intimidate the world. No act of ours invited the rage of the killers — and no concession, bribe, or act of appeasement would change or limit their plans for murder.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2005, Address to the National Endowment for Democracy (October 2005)

World , Rage , Change