George W. Bush Quotes (675 quotes, page 13)

George W. Bush: 675 quotes11 likes

George W. Bush Quotes

“Our war against terror is proceeding according to the principles that I have made clear to all. Any person involved in committing or planning terrorist attacks against the American people becomes an enemy of this country and a target of American justice.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2003, Mission Accomplished (May 2003)

“Families is where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream.”

George W. Bush

Speech in La Crosse, Wisconsin, (October 18, 2000) http://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/26/opinion/in-america-at-last-the-issues.html 2000s, 2000

“Repressive rivals, along with skeptics here at home, misunderstand something important. It is the great advantage of free societies that we creatively adapt to challenges, without the direction of some central authority. Self-correction is the secret strength of freedom. We are a nation with a history of resilience and a genius for renewal. Right now, one of our worst national problems is a deficit of confidence. But the cause of freedom justifies all our faith and effort. It still inspires men and women in the darkest corners of the world, and it will inspire a rising generation. The American spirit does not say, “We shall manage,” or “We shall make the best of it.” It says, “We shall overcome.””

George W. Bush

And that is exactly what we will do, with the help of God and one another.
2010s, 2017, Speech at "Spirit of Liberty: At Home, In the World" event (2017)

“Imagine what it's like to be a young person living in a country that is not moving toward reform… While your peers in other parts of the world have received educations that prepare them for the opportunities of a global economy, you have been fed propaganda and conspiracy theories that blame others for your country's shortcomings.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2006, United Nations General Assembly speech (September 2006)

“You live in a land that is compassionate and decent. Because we believe in the rights and dignity of our own citizenry, we are committed to defending the rights and dignity of people everywhere. America has liberated millions around the world from tyranny and terror. We’ve helped turn the tide against deadly disease in places like Africa. In our hearts we believe all are created equal under God. The liberty we prize is not America’s gift to the world, it is Almighty God’s gift to humanity. At home, there are thousands of platoons in the Army of compassion working to honor those beliefs. No matter what your career path, enlist. When you help another, you enrich your heart, and you strengthen the fabric of our collective goodness. Many of you have already made service a priority in your lives by volunteering during winter, spring, and summer breaks; and completing more than one-hundred community projects through Engaged Learning. I thank you for recognizing the timeless truth: of those to whom much is given, much is required.”

George W. Bush

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

“See, free nations are peaceful nations. Free nations don't attack each other. Free nations don't develop weapons of mass destruction.”

George W. Bush

Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 3, 2003 http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2003/10/20031003-4.html 2000s, 2003

“The capture of this man was crucial to the rise of a free Iraq. It marks the end of the road for him, and for all who bullied and killed in his name. For the Baathist holdouts largely responsible for the current violence, there will be no return to the corrupt power and privilege they once held. For the vast majority of Iraqi citizens who wish to live as free men and women, this event brings further assurance that the torture chambers and the secret police are gone forever.”

George W. Bush

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

“…One of the things I have discovered is, in Washington, D. C. most people understand the consequences of failure. And if failure is not an option, then it's up to the president to come up with a plan that is more likely to succeed.”

George W. Bush

Speech to the House Republican Conference http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/01/20070126-3.html (January 26, 2007) 2000s, 2007

“Too many doctors are going out of business. Too many OB-GYNs aren't able to practice their…their love with women all across this country.”

George W. Bush

http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1870938_1870943_1870953,00.html Poplar Bluff, Mo.], September 6, 2004
2000s, 2004

“One purpose of the USA Freedom Corps will be homeland security. America needs retired doctors and nurses who can be mobilized in major emergencies; volunteers to help police and fire departments; transportation and utility workers well-trained in spotting danger.”

George W. Bush

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

“No, I think you have to earn your way into politics. I don't think that anything is ever given to you.”

George W. Bush

[2014-11-09, Television series, Face the Nation, CBS], quoted in [2014-11-09, George W. Bush: ‘You have to earn your way into politics,’ nothing ‘is ever given to you’, David Edwards, Raw Story, http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/11/george-w-bush-you-have-to-earn-your-way-into-politics-nothing-is-ever-given-to-you/, 2014-11-22]
2010s, 2014

“We are gathered in the cause of liberty; this is a unique moment. The great democracies face new and serious threats – yet seem to be losing confidence in their own calling and competence. Economic, political and national security challenges proliferate, and they are made worse by the tendency to turn inward. The health of the democratic spirit itself is at issue. And the renewal of that spirit is the urgent task at hand.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2017, Speech at "Spirit of Liberty: At Home, In the World" event (2017)

“Well, I'm reading about the battle of New Orleans right now. I’ve got an ecolectic [sic] reading list.”

George W. Bush

Responding to questions about his current reading, in interview with Brian Williams of NBC News, (August 29, 2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNIOmbm3KYg&feature=related 2000s, 2006

“It's more of a theological perspective. I do believe there is an Almighty, and I believe a gift of that Almighty to all is freedom. And I will tell you that is a principle that no one can convince me that doesn't exist.”

George W. Bush

Statement on the justification for the Iraq War http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/19/AR2007071901957.html (July 20, 2007) 2000s, 2007

“The bill Congress sent me would take away one of the most valuable tools in the war on terror -- the CIA program to detain and question key terrorist leaders and operatives.”

George W. Bush

President's Radio Address http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/03/20080308.html, regarding the President's veto of a bill that would have banned waterboarding as an interrogation technique (March 8, 2008) 2000s, 2008

“The best way to help children is to help their mothers live long to raise them.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2014, U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Spousal Program (August 2014)

“When it comes to the desire for liberty and justice, there is no clash of civilizations. People everywhere are capable of freedom, and worthy of freedom.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2004, Speech to United Nations General Assembly (September 2004)

“…I believe that we're going to win; I believe that -- and by the way, if I didn't think that, I wouldn't have our troops there. That's what you got to know. We're going to succeed.”

George W. Bush

In response to a question concerning Bush stating two months prior "Absolutely we're winning" in Iraq and then saying in the Washington Post "We're not winning, we're not losing." Press Conference http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2006/12/20061220-1.html from the White House Indian Treaty Room (December 20, 2006) 2000s, 2006

“Frankly, I think it's bad for former presidents. I like the model of President Ford and my dad. When they got off the stage, you get off the stage. It's somebody else's turn, and I don't think it's good for the country nor the presidency for me to be criticizing my successor, and I don't intend to do that. Nor do I intend to be giving you my opinion, on the latest issue. So you're not going to see much of me, and I'm perfectly content with that. I'm a happy guy, I really am.”

George W. Bush

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

“I don’t know. You have to ask them. I’m not a hater, and so sometimes it’s hard for me to understand why somebody hates somebody. It could have been because of my policies, maybe they didn’t like my religion. I don’t know. I’m sure there’s a myriad of reasons. That’s what happens when you’re the president. It can either bother you or not bother you. I chose… I really am. I’m honored to have served. I’m glad I served, and I gave it my all, and that’s all you can do at life. I got back; and this sounds corny to some, I understand, but when I looked in the mirror, I know I didn’t sell my soul for the sake of any short-term politics or popularity. I think that’s important.”

George W. Bush

Interview with Bill O'Reilly http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2011/feb/08/bill-oreilly/bill-oreilly-tells-obama-he-also-asked-bush-about-/ (November 2010), Fox News. 2010s, 2010

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is a difficult moment for America. I, unfortunately, will be going back to Washington after my remarks. Secretary Rod Paige and the Lt. Governor will take the podium and discuss education. I do want to thank the folks here at Booker Elementary School for their hospitality. Today we've had a national tragedy. Two airplanes have crashed into the World Trade Center in an apparent terrorist attack on our country. I have spoken to the Vice President, to the Governor of New York, to the Director of the FBI, and have ordered that the full resources of the federal government go to help the victims and their families, and to conduct a full-scale investigation to hunt down and to find those folks who committed this act. Terrorism against our nation will not stand. And now if you would join me in a moment of silence. May God bless the victims, their families, and America. Thank you very much.”

George W. Bush

Remarks on After Two Planes Crash Into World Trade Center https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Remarks_After_Two_Planes_Crash_Into_World_Trade_Center (11 September 2001) 2000s, 2001

“Civilized people everywhere have recognized that terrorists threaten every nation that loves liberty and cherishes the protection of individual rights. Respect for human dignity and individual freedoms reaffirms a core tenet of civilized people everywhere.”

George W. Bush Proclamation 7513

Proclamation 7513 (December 2001)
2000s, 2001

“In this chamber are representatives of Georgia and Ukraine and Lebanon and Afghanistan and Liberia and Iraq and other brave young democracies. We admire your courage; we honor your sacrifices; we thank you for your inspiring example. We will continue to stand with all who stand for freedom. This noble goal is worthy of the United Nations, and it should have the support of every member in this assembly.”

George W. Bush

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

“Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job.”

George W. Bush

Speaking to FEMA head Michael D. Brown, following Hurrican Katrina at Mobile Regional Airport in Mobile, Alabama http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2005/09/20050902-2.html. — September 2, 2005. 2000s, 2005

“"Hello, what's your name?"
"My name is Mr. Fischer, what's your name?"
"Bush. I'm Mr. Bush."”

George W. Bush

Source: Dialogue with German foreign minister and Vice Chancellor Joschka Fischer during his visit in Germany, 24. February 2005 http://www.taz.de/pt/2005/02/24/a0197.nf/text

“Fellow citizens, we have been called to leadership in a period of consequence. We have entered a great ideological conflict we did nothing to invite. We see great changes in science and commerce that will influence all our lives. And sometimes it can seem that history is turning in a wide arc, toward an unknown shore. Yet the destination of history is determined by human action, and every great movement of history comes to a point of choosing.”

George W. Bush

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

“Our public interest depends on private character, on civic duty and family bonds and basic fairness, on uncounted, unhonored acts of decency which give direction to our freedom. Sometimes in life we are called to do great things. But as a saint of our times has said, every day we are called to do small things with great love. The most important tasks of a democracy are done by everyone. I will live and lead by these principles: to advance my convictions with civility, to pursue the public interest with courage, to speak for greater justice and compassion, to call for responsibility and try to live it as well. In all these ways, I will bring the values of our history to the care of our times.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, First inaugural address (January 2001)

“A commander in chief sends America's sons and daughters into battle in a foreign land only after the greatest care and a lot of prayer. We ask a lot of those who wear our uniform. We ask them to leave their loved ones, to travel great distances, to risk injury, even to be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. They are dedicated. They are honorable. They represent the best of our country, and we are grateful. To all the men and women in our military, every sailor, every soldier, every airman, every coast guardsman, every Marine, I say this: Your mission is defined. The objectives are clear. Your goal is just. You have my full confidence, and you will have every tool you need to carry out your duty.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, Invasion of Afghanistan (October 2001)

“You know, I think an interesting construct that General [Peter] Pace uses is, "We're not winning, we're not losing."”

George W. Bush

In response to the question “Are we winning in Iraq”? Interview with the Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/19/AR2006121900886.html (December 20, 2006) 2000s, 2006

“The loss was sudden and terrible, and for their families, the grief is heavy. Our nation shares in your sorrow and in your pride. And today we remember not only one moment of tragedy, but seven lives of great purpose and achievement.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2003, Columbia space shuttle disaster (February 2003)

“Multilateral organizations have responsibilities. For 8 years, the nations in this assembly have worked together to confront the extremist threat. We've witnessed successes and setbacks, and through it all a clear lesson has emerged: The United Nations and other multilateral organizations are needed more urgently than ever. To be successful, we must be focused and resolute and effective. Instead of only passing resolutions decrying terrorist attacks after they occur, we must cooperate more closely to keep terrorist attacks from happening in the first place. Instead of treating all forms of government as equally tolerable, we must actively challenge the conditions of tyranny and despair that allow terror and extremism to thrive. By acting together to meet the fundamental challenge of our time, we can lead toward a world that is more secure and more prosperous and more hopeful.”

George W. Bush

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

“Well, no… He is the wrong father to appeal to for advice. The wrong father to go to, to appeal to in terms of strength. There's a higher Father that I appeal to.”

George W. Bush

Response to reporter Bob Woodward's inquiring as to whether, prior to the 2003 Iraq invasion, he had sought any advice from his father, George H. W. Bush. (The latter, during his own presidency, had led a successful invasion of Iraq in the 1991 Gulf War, while also resisting calls to press on to Baghdad and overthrow its leader, Saddam Hussein.) Words quoted are as recalled by Woodward during his one-on-one White House interview with Bush in 2003 or early 2004, and later recounted by Woodward in a 2004 interview with 60 Minutes. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/04/15/60minutes/main612067.shtml 2000s, 2004

“I know some in Washington would like us to start leaving Iraq now. To begin withdrawing before our commanders tell us we are ready would be dangerous for Iraq, for the region, and for the United States. It would mean surrendering the future of Iraq to al Qaeda. It would mean that we'd be risking mass killings on a horrific scale. It would mean we'd allow the terrorists to establish a safe haven in Iraq to replace the one they lost in Afghanistan. It would mean increasing the probability that American troops would have to return at some later date to confront an enemy that is even more dangerous.”

George W. Bush

Press Conference http://2001-2009.state.gov/p/nea/rls/rm/2007/88222.htm (July 12, 2007) 2000s, 2007

“We can do better in Washington, D. C. We can have new leadership in Washington, D. C., leadership that will lift this country's spirits and raise our sights. George P. knows what thousands of other youngsters know, that just because the White House has let us down in the past, that doesn't mean it's going to happen in the future. George P. joins us in a campaign that's going to restore honor and dignity to the White House.”

George W. Bush

Interview http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0009/23/se.02.html with CNN Anchor Kyra Phillips (September 23, 2000) 2000s, 2000

“We call upon the international community to join with us in helping to realize a better future for the Iraqi people.”

George W. Bush

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

“The last time we met in this chamber, the mothers and daughters of Afghanistan were captives in their own homes, forbidden from working or going to school. Today women are free, and are part of Afghanistan's new government. And we welcome the new Minister of Women's Affairs, Doctor Sima Samar.”

George W. Bush

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

“Are the peoples of the Middle East somehow beyond the reach of liberty? Are millions of men and women and children condemned by history or culture to live in despotism? Are they alone never to know freedom, and never even to have a choice in the matter? I, for one, do not believe it. I believe every person has the ability and the right to be free.”

George W. Bush

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

“Our own generation is in a long war against a determined enemy — a war that will be fought by presidents of both parties, who will need steady bipartisan support from the Congress. And tonight I ask for yours. Together, let us protect our country, support the men and women who defend us, and lead this world toward freedom.”

George W. Bush

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

“Jazz, often called America's classical music, so influenced our culture that Americans named a decade after it. Like the country of its birth, jazz blends many traditions, such as African-American folk, rhythm and blues, French Creole classical form, and gospel. Through the creation and performance of music like jazz, black Americans were better able to exchange ideas freely across racial and cultural barriers. Before our Nation made significant strides in truly promoting equal justice and opportunity for all, black and white musicians in the genres of jazz, blues, and country played together in jam sessions, recording studios, and small bands. In many ways, their art preceded social change, allowing black and white musicians to meet as equals and to be judged on their musical ability, rather than the color of their skin. Their music also provided an outlet for African Americans to speak passionately and brilliantly to the rest of the Nation and the world.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, Black Music (June 2001)

“I love freedom of speech.”

George W. Bush

Said in reference to a protest by Greens member Bob Brown during his address to the Australian Parliament as Brown was ordered to leave the parliament. October 23, 2003 http://theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/23/1066631538204.html?oneclick=true 2000s, 2003

“Freedom is universal.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2011, Q&A with Former President George W. Bush (January 2011)

“Because he's hiding.”

George W. Bush

Asked why his administration had been unable to locate and arrest Osama Bin Laden. (16 January 2005) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A12450-2005Jan15.html 2000s, 2005

“Do you have blacks, too?”

George W. Bush

Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso claimed that Bush said this to him in a meeting in mid-2002. As quoted in Der Spiegel http://web.archive.org/web/20020803023339/http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/0,1518,196865,00.html (3 August 2002). Attributed, Private/attributed

“May God bless you all.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2003, Columbia space shuttle disaster (February 2003)

“All life is precious.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2011, Q&A with Former President George W. Bush (January 2011)

“Our identity as a nation — unlike many other nations — is not determined by geography or ethnicity, by soil or blood. Being an American involves the embrace of high ideals and civic responsibility. We become the heirs of Thomas Jefferson by accepting the ideal of human dignity found in the Declaration of Independence. We become the heirs of James Madison by understanding the genius and values of the U. S. Constitution. We become the heirs of Martin Luther King, Jr., by recognizing one another not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. This means that people of every race, religion, and ethnicity can be fully and equally American. It means that bigotry or white supremacy in any form is blasphemy against the American creed. And it means that the very identity of our nation depends on the passing of civic ideals to the next generation… Self-correction is the secret strength of freedom. We are a nation with a history of resilience and a genius for renewal.”

George W. Bush

Remarks at Bush Institute Summit, "The Spirit of Liberty: At Home, In The World" at the Bush Institute Summit in New York City https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2YlVZxu_L0 (October 2017), as quoted in The Washington Post http://archive.is/jl9AF#selection-2115.0-2135.112 (October 2017) 2010s, 2017

“My fellow Americans, this day has brought terrible news and great sadness to our country. At 9:00 a. m. this morning, Mission Control in Houston lost contact with our Space Shuttle Columbia.”

George W. Bush

A short time later, debris was seen falling from the skies above Texas. The Columbia is lost; there are no survivors.
2000s, 2003, Remarks after Columbia space shuttle disaster (February 2003)

“What you do is as important as anything government does. I ask you to seek a common good beyond your comfort; to defend needed reforms against easy attacks; to serve your nation, beginning with your neighbor.”

George W. Bush

I ask you to be citizens: citizens, not spectators; citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens, building communities of service and a nation of character.
2000s, 2001, First inaugural address (January 2001)

“But the stakes for America are never small. If our country does not lead the cause of freedom, it will not be led.”

George W. Bush

If we do not turn the hearts of children toward knowledge and character, we will lose their gifts and undermine their idealism. If we permit our economy to drift and decline, the vulnerable will suffer most.
2000s, 2001, First inaugural address (January 2001)

“A great nation does not hide its history. It faces its flaws and corrects them.”

George W. Bush

Address at the Dedication of the National Museum of African-American History & Culture, delivered 24 September 2016, National Mall, Washington, D.C. reported in the American Rhetoric Online Speech Bank. As Archived https://web.archive.org/web/20200221020146/https://americanrhetoric.com/speeches/gwbushafricanamericanmuseum.htm from the original https://americanrhetoric.com/speeches/gwbushafricanamericanmuseum.htm on 21 February 2020. 2010s, 2016