George W. Bush Quotes (675 quotes, page 5)

“I must say, I'm a little envious. If I were slightly younger and not employed here, I think it would be a fantastic experience to be on the front lines of helping this young democracy succeed. It must be exciting for you … in some ways romantic, in some ways, you know, confronting danger. You're really making history, and thanks.”

George W. Bush

Videoconference call with U.S. military and civilian personnel http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN1333111120080313?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews about the challenges of the war in Afghanistan (March 13, 2008)
2000s, 2008

Way , Democracy , History , Thinking

“We celebrated a little early at the White House this year, on quatro de Mayo, with a fiesta on the South Lawn. With the mariachi music, folklorika dancing and an ample supply of Mexican food. For a little while, it was just like being in Texas again.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, Radio address (May 2001)

Food , Music , Dance , Housing

“If you think the terrorists would become peaceful if only America would stop provoking them, then it might make sense to leave them alone. This is not the threat I see. I see a global terrorist movement that exploits Islam in the service of radical political aims — a vision in which books are burned, and women are oppressed, and all dissent is crushed.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2005, Address to the Nation on Iraqi Elections (December 2005)

Women , Books , Peace , Thinking

“Some say it is unfair to hold disadvantaged children to rigorous standards. I say it is discrimination to require anything less–-the soft bigotry of low expectations.”

George W. Bush

Campaign speech to the NAACP (2000).
2000s, 2000

Children

“We flew to Crawford that night and were up at dawn the next morning for what Laura had termed "the afterlife." I was struck by the calm. There was no CIA briefing to attend and no blue sheet from the Situation Room. I felt like I had gone from a hundred miles an hour to about ten. I had to force myself to relax. I would read the news and instinctively think about how we would have to respond. Then I remembered that decision was on someone else's desk.”

George W. Bush

Source: 2010s, 2010, Decision Points (November 2010), p. 475

Thinking , Decision , Reading , Night

“President Obama's got plenty of critics, and I'm not going to be one.”

George W. Bush

Interview with Matt Lauer http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nbc-news/40073863#40074095 (2010), aired 8 November 2010.
2010s, 2010, Interview with Matt Lauer (November 2010)

“On United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the United States reaffirms its commitment to the worldwide elimination of torture. Freedom from torture is an inalienable human right, and we are committed to building a world where human rights are respected and protected by the rule of law…Throughout the world, there are many who have been seeking to have their voices heard, to stand up for their right to freedom, and to break the chains of tyranny. Too many of those courageous women and men are paying a terrible price for their brave acts of dissent. Many have been detained, arrested, thrown in prison, and subjected to torture by regimes that fail to understand that their habits of control will not serve them well in the long-term.”

George W. Bush

June 26 http://usinfo.state.gov/dhr/Archive/2005/Jun/27-499670.html
2000s, 2005

Women , Men , World , Law

“A doctor in rural South Africa describes his frustration. He says, "We have no medicines. Many hospitals tell people, you've got AIDS, we can't help you. Go home and die." In an age of miraculous medicines, no person should have to hear those words.”

George W. Bush

State of the Union (28 January 2003) http://www.vlib.us/amdocs/texts/bush012003.html
2000s, 2003

People , Age , Home , Help

“I also have a message for all Americans: The capture of Saddam Hussein does not mean the end of violence in Iraq. We still face terrorists who would rather go on killing the innocent than accept the rise of liberty in the heart of the Middle East. Such men are a direct threat to the American people, and they will be defeated.”

George W. Bush

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

Men , People , Heart

“In recent weeks, we have taken bold steps to prevent a severe disruption of the American economy, which would have a devastating effect on other economies around the world. We've promoted stability in the markets by preventing the disorderly failure of major companies. The Federal Reserve has injected urgently needed liquidity into the system. And last week, I announced a decisive action by the federal government to address the root cause of much of the instability in our financial markets, by purchasing illiquid assets that are weighing down balance sheets and restricting the flow of credit. I can assure you that my administration and our Congress are working together to quickly pass legislation approving this strategy, and I'm confident we will act in the urgent time frame required.”

George W. Bush

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

World , Confidence , Failure , Decision

“In such times as this, we look for sources of strength to sustain us. And in this moment of loss, you're finding these sources everywhere around you. These sources of strength are in this community, this college community. You have a compassionate and resilient community here at Virginia Tech. Even as yesterday's events were still unfolding, members of this community found each other; you came together in dorm rooms and dining halls and on blogs. One recent graduate wrote this: "I don't know most of you guys, but we're all Hokies, which means we're family. To all of you who are okay, I'm happy for that. For those of you who are in pain or have lost someone close to you, I'm sure you can call on anyone of us and have help any time you need it."”

George W. Bush

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

Pain , Family , Guy , Communication

“If you're a single mother with two children—which is the toughest job in America, as far as I'm concerned—you're working hard to put food on your family.”

George W. Bush

Speech to the Nashua Chamber of Commerce in New Hampshire (27 January 2000), quoted in Fort Worth Star-Telegram (28 January 2000) "Campaign 2000 Highlights From The Campaign Trail Yesterday" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j76bLFbpuLQ#t=0m27s
2000s, 2000

Children , Family , Food

“My plan reduces the national debt, and fast. So fast, in fact, that economists worry that we're going to run out of debt to retire.”

George W. Bush

Presidential Radio Address (24 February 2001) http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2001/02/24/national/main274334.shtml
2000s, 2001

“You were founding members of the mighty SMU Mob, bouncing like mad and watching in wonder as your then-Student Body President, Señor Lobster, danced with joy after all those Pony victories right here in Moody. And you'll think back to those carefree fall game days on the Boulevard – though I don’t recall seeing too many of you in the football stadium.”

George W. Bush

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

Game , Thinking , Victory , Joy

“Now comes our time of testing. Our measure is taken, not only by what we have and use, but what we build and leave behind. And nothing this generation could ever build will matter more than the means to defend our nation and extend our peace.”

George W. Bush

1990s, A Period of Consequences (September 1999)

Peace , Time

“A generation on the verge of being lost, have been found.”

George W. Bush

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

“We found the weapons of mass destruction. We found biological laboratories. You remember when Colin Powell stood up in front of the world, and he said, Iraq has got laboratories, mobile labs to build biological weapons. They're illegal. They're against the United Nations resolutions, and we've so far discovered two. And we'll find more weapons as time goes on. But for those who say we haven't found the banned manufacturing devices or banned weapons, they're wrong, we found them.”

George W. Bush

TVP Interview http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/g8/interview5.html, Poland,
2000s, 2003

World , Time

“America and our allies are fighting a new kind of war against a different kind of enemy. This conflict places great demands on the men and women of our armed forces, including our Guard and Reserve. They've met every test; they've risen to every challenge. The war also places demands on those of us in government. We took an oath to protect our country. We have a solemn responsibility to support the service men and women who defend us in the field of battle.”

George W. Bush

Remarks During Signing of Defense Bill http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A42299-2004Aug5.html (5 August 2004).
2000s, 2004

Women , Men , War , Support

“There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil. This is a tribute to those who toil day and night to keep us safe – law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, homeland security and diplomatic personnel, and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Our nation is blessed to have citizens who volunteer to defend us in this time of danger. I have cherished meeting these selfless patriots and their families. America owes you a debt of gratitude. And to all our men and women in uniform listening tonight: There has been no higher honor than serving as your Commander in Chief.”

George W. Bush

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

Women , Men , Family , Law

“…Hunt asked me the question one week before the campaign, and basically it was, are you going to do something about Rumsfeld and the Vice President? And my answer was, they're going to stay on. And the reason why is I didn't want to inject a major decision about this war in the final days of a campaign. And so the only way to answer that question and to get you on to another question was to give you that answer.”

George W. Bush

The President's reasoning for telling reporters in the Oval Office that the current Defense Secretary, Donald H. Rumsfeld, would be staying on, although Bush had already selected potential replacements. Given at a news conference http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2006/11/20061108-2.html (November 8, 2006)
2000s, 2006

War , Way , Question , Decision

“When I take action, I’m not going to fire a $2 million missile at a $10 empty tent and hit a camel in the butt. It’s going to be decisive.”

George W. Bush

Spoken at a September 13, 2001 meeting with the four senators from New York and Virginia. Reported in "A President Finds His True Voice", Newsweek (September 24, 2001)
2000s, 2001

Decision

“…The battle against the Sunnis - Sunni extremists - some of them Saddamists, some of there are al Qaeda, but all of them aiming to try to drive the United States out of Iraq before the job is done.”

George W. Bush

Press conference New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/20/washington/20text-bush.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1166734888-gpZmokkpM7BcfwqOc9fJqQ WZZM News http://www.wzzm13.com/news/local/grmetro_article.aspx?storyid=67311 WhiteHouse.gov http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2006/12/20061220-1.html (December 20, 2006)
2000s, 2006

“One of the things I've found in Congress is that most people recognize that failure would be a disaster for the United States. And in that I'm the decision maker, I had to come up with a way forward that precluded disaster. In other words, I had to think about what's likely to work. And so I worked with our military and I worked with Secretary Gates to come up with a plan that is likely to succeed. And the implementor of that plan is going to be General Petraeus. And my call to the Congress is, is that I know there is skepticism and pessimism, and that they are -- some are condemning a plan before it's even had a chance to work. And they have an obligation and a serious responsibility, therefore, to put up their own plan as to what would work. I've listened a lot to members of Congress. I've listened carefully to their suggestions. I have picked the plan that I think is most likely to succeed, because I understand, like many in Congress understand, success is very important for the security of the country.”

George W. Bush

Press Conference http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/01/20070126.html introducing General David Petraeus as the new commander of the Multinational Force Iraq (January 26, 2007)
2000s, 2007

People , Way , Failure , Understanding

“But all in all, it's been a fabulous year for Laura and me.”

George W. Bush

12/21/2001 White House release: President Highlights Administration's First-Year Accomplishments http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/12/20011221-2.html
2000s, 2001

“We're fighting on many fronts, and Iraq is now the central front. Saddam holdouts and foreign terrorists are trying desperately to undermine Iraq's progress and to throw that country into chaos. The terrorists in Iraq believe their attacks on innocent people will weaken our resolve. That's what they believe. They believe that America will run from a challenge. They're mistaken. Americans are not the running kind.”

George W. Bush

Speech in Portsmouth, NH http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2003/10/20031009-7.html (October 9, 2003) These lines have sometimes been attributed to Paul Wolfowitz, who was reported to have said them the next day, perhaps quoting the President's speech.
2000s, 2003

People , Fight , Country

“I was sitting outside the classroom waiting to go in, and I saw an airplane hit the tower. The TV was obviously on. I used to fly myself and I said, "There's one terrible pilot."”

George W. Bush

Quoted in Elisabeth Bumiller (2001-12-05) "A Nation Challenged: The President" New York Times. Colloquial English allows Bush's remark to be interpreted as "I saw that an airplane had hit the tower."
2000s, 2001

Waiting , Flying

“We got a leader in Iran who has announced that he wants to destroy Israel. So I've told people that if you're interested in avoiding World War III, it seems like you ought to be interested in preventing them from have the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon.”

George W. Bush

Press conference http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/10/20071017.html (17 October 2007).
2000s, 2007

War , People , World , Knowledge

“My fellow citizens, at this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2003, Invasion of Iraq (March 2003)

People , World

“In the 21st century, the world needs a confident and effective United Nations. This unique institution should build on its successes and improve its performance. Where there is inefficiency and corruption, it must be corrected. Where there are bloated bureaucracies, they must be streamlined. Where members fail to uphold their obligations, there must be strong action. For example, there should be an immediate review of the Human Rights Council, which has routinely protected violators of human rights. There should be a stronger effort to help the people of Burma live free of the repression they have suffered for too long. And all nations, especially members of the Security Council, must act decisively to ensure that the government of Sudan upholds its commitment to address the violence in Darfur.”

George W. Bush

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

People , World , Confidence , Decision

“Defending our nation is just the beginning of our challenge. My third goal is to take advantage of a tremendous opportunity – given few nations in history – to extend the current peace into the far realm of the future. A chance to project America’s peaceful influence, not just across the world, but across the years.”

George W. Bush

1990s, A Period of Consequences (September 1999)

World , Peace , History , Chance

“In a single instant, we realized that this will be a decisive decade in the history of liberty, that we've been called to a unique role in human events. Rarely has the world faced a choice more clear or consequential.”

George W. Bush

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

World , History , Decision

“And as a result of the United States military, Taliban no longer is in existence.”

George W. Bush

Speech in Springfield, Ohio, September 27, 2004 http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2004/09/20040927-4.html
2000s, 2004

“(He) … said he'd like to be there but "One, I'm too old to be out there, and two, they would notice me."”

George W. Bush

Speaking to military in Afghanistan, " Bush's Battlefield Envy http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/blog/2007/09/17/BL2007091700952_pf.html" Washington Post, (September 17, 2007)
2000s, 2007

“America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. Tonight I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, A Great People Has Been Moved to Defend a Great Nation (September 2001)

Death , War , Children , Age

“Yet today our military is still organized more for Cold War threats than for the challenges of a new century -- for industrial age operations, rather than for information age battles. There is almost no relationship between our budget priorities and a strategic vision. The last seven years have been wasted in inertia and idle talk. Now we must shape the future with new concepts, new strategies, new resolve.”

George W. Bush

1990s, A Period of Consequences (September 1999)

War , Age , Future

“Mister President and Madam first lady, distinguished guests, and residents of Goree Island, citizens of Senegal, I'm honored to begin my visit to Africa in your beautiful country. For hundreds of years on this island, peoples of different continents met in fear and cruelty. Today, we gather in respect and friendship, mindful of past wrongs and dedicated to the advance of human liberty.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2003, Hope and Conscience Will Not Be Silenced (July 2003)

Friendship , People , Fear , Beauty

“The last time I visited the Capitol, I came to take an oath. On the steps of this building, I pledged to honor our Constitution and laws, and I asked you to join me in setting a tone of civility and respect in Washington. I hope America is noticing the difference. We are making progress. Together, we are changing the tone in the Nation’s capital. And this spirit of respect and cooperation is vital, because in the end we will be judged not only by what we say or how we say it, we will be judged by what we are able to accomplish. America today is a Nation with great challenges, but greater resources.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, Address to Joint Session of Congress on Administration Goals (February 2001)

Law , Hope , Change , Time

“In the final days of the San Francisco Conference, the delegates negotiating the U. N. Charter received a visit from President Harry Truman. He acknowledged the enormous challenges they faced, and said success was only possible because of what he called an unshakable unity of determination. Today, the world is engaged in another period of great challenge. And by continuing to work together, that unshakable unity of determination will be ours. Together, we confront and defeat the evil of terrorism. Together, we can secure the Almighty's gift of liberty and justice to millions who have not known it. And together, we can build a world that is freer, safer, and better for the generations who follow. Thank you.”

George W. Bush

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

World , Justice , Evil , Success

“As we look at these challenges, we must never give in to the belief that America is in decline, or that our culture is doomed to unravel. The American people know better than that. We have proven the pessimists wrong before — and we will do it again.”

George W. Bush

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

People

“I will put a high priority on detecting and responding to terrorism on our soil. The federal government must take this threat seriously – working closely with researchers and industry to increase surveillance and develop treatments for chemical and biological agents.”

George W. Bush

1990s, A Period of Consequences (September 1999)

“Overcoming hopelessness requires addressing its causes: poverty, disease, and ignorance. Challenging these conditions is in the interest of every nation in this chamber. And democracies are particularly well-positioned to carry out this work. Because we have experience responding to the needs of our own people, we're natural partners in helping other nations respond to the needs of theirs. Together, we must commit our resources and efforts to advancing education and health and prosperity.”

George W. Bush

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

People , Health , Education , Disease

“The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I've directed the full resources for our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, A Great People Has Been Moved to Defend a Great Nation (September 2001)

Justice , Law , Search , Intelligence

“This crusade, this war on terrorism is going to take a while.”

George W. Bush

Remarks on the south lawn of the White House (September 16, 2001) http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010916-2.html
2000s, 2001

War

“Captain Brown was correct: America's space program will go on.”

George W. Bush

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

“What we're trying to do with this reinforcement of our troops is to provide enough space so that the Iraqi government can meet certain benchmarks or certain requirements for a unity government to survive and for the country to be strong.”

George W. Bush

Meeting with Cabinet http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/02/20070205-2.html (February 7, 2007)
2000s, 2007

Strong , Country

“I traveled to Baghdad to personally show our nation's commitment to a free Iraq, because it is vital for the Iraqi people to know with certainty that America will not abandon them after we have come this far. The challenges that remain in Iraq are serious. We face determined enemies who remain intent on killing the innocent, and defeating these enemies will require more sacrifice and the continued patience of our country. But our efforts in Iraq are well worth it, the mission is necessary for the security of our country, and we will succeed.”

George W. Bush

Radio Address http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2006/06/20060617.html, June 17, 2006
2000s, 2006

People , Travel , Effort , Personality

“The music of Marian Anderson and other African-American artists has greatly enriched our quality of life and created one of our Nation's most treasured art forms. As universal and original expressions of the human experience, their body of work, both past and present, entertains, inspires, and thrills countless people around the world.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, Black Music (June 2001)

Life , People , World , Art

“I haven't had a sip of alcohol since 1986.”

George W. Bush

Interview with Matt Lauer http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nbc-news/40073863#40073863 (2010), aired 8 November 2010.
2010s, 2010, Interview with Matt Lauer (November 2010)

Alcohol

“The last time I spoke here, I expressed the hope that life would return to normal. In some ways, it has. In others, it never will. Those of us who have lived through these challenging times have been changed by them. We've come to know truths that we will never question: evil is real, and it must be opposed. Beyond all differences of race or creed, we are one country, mourning together and facing danger together. Deep in the American character, there is honor, and it is stronger than cynicism. And many have discovered again that even in tragedy — especially in tragedy — God is near.”

George W. Bush

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

Life , God , Truth , Hope

“You helped our nation celebrate its Bicentennial in 17- [hastily corrects himself] in 1976. [Queen gives him a sharp look and mutters inaudibly] She gave me a look that only a mother could give a child.”

George W. Bush

Speech to Queen Elizabeth II http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/05/07/bush-to-queen-you-helpe_n_47847.html during her visit to the White House. (May 7, 2007)
2000s, 2007

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