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Bush Defends His White House Tenure

By DEB REICHMANN

posted: 3 HOURS 52 MINUTES AGO

comments: 7054

filed under: National News, Political News

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WASHINGTON (Jan. 15) - As Americans get ready to turn the page on George W. Bush, the president offered his own first draft of history, saying that while his policies have been unpopular there can be little debate about the results: "America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil."

In a farewell address to the nation Thursday night, Bush harkened back to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, a time when the public rallied around him and his approval ratings soared.

"As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11," Bush said in a prime-time address from the East Room of the White House. "But I never did."

Leaving office with the highest disapproval rating since Richard Nixon, Bush said, "You may not agree with some of the tough decisions I have made, but I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions."

A bookend to eight years indelibly marked by terrorism, two wars and recessions, the 13-minute speech was Bush's last opportunity to defend his record before leaving office on Tuesday. His next scheduled public appearance will be greeting President-elect Barack Obama on Inauguration Day.

Seemingly upbeat and confident, Bush called the inauguration of Obama, the first black president, a "moment of hope and pride" for America.

The nation's 43rd president remained defiant about his own record. He claimed foreign policy successes in Iraq and Afghanistan while crediting his administration for improving public schools, creating a new Medicare prescription drug benefit and finding more money for veterans. With the United States facing the worst financial crisis in generations — under his watch — Bush said his White House took "decisive measures" to safeguard the economy.

"Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks," Bush said. "And 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."

Bravado gave way to nostalgia as soon as Bush left the podium. He walked alone down the red-carpeted hallway toward the residence. Then he returned to the room — full of about 200 Cabinet secretaries and allies, advisers and friends — still on their feet, cheering. Bush and first lady Laura Bush greeted the guests. Across the room, their daughter, Barbara, wiped tears away with both hands. Her twin sister, Jenna Hager, touched her on her shoulder as their father said his goodbye.

Bush's presidency began with the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil and ends with the worst economic collapse since the 1930s.

"These are very tough times for hardworking families, but the toll would be far worse if we had not acted," he said. "All Americans are in this together. And together, with determination and hard work, we will restore our economy to the path of growth."

On national security, he highlighted his administration's efforts to equip the nation with new tools to monitor terrorists, freeze their assets and foil their plots. But he also acknowledged some of his controversial policies, including the terrorist surveillance program and harsh interrogation of suspected terrorists.

While there has not been another attack on U.S. soil, the number of terrorist acts around the world has increased, Iran has gained influence in the Mideast, North Korea still hasn't verifiably declared its nuclear work, anti-Americanism abroad has emboldened extremists' recruitment efforts and a safe haven for terrorists remains along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Bush said he leaves with a "thankful heart." He expressed gratitude to his family. "Above all, I thank the American people for the trust you have given me."

That trust, however, has eroded over the years. His approval rating soared to 90 percent after the Sept. 11 attacks, but he's leaving office as a new Gallup Poll puts it at 34 percent. That's up from 25 percent just before the November elections, reflecting a bump that presidents commonly get just before they leave office.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

2009-01-15 07:31:38

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Pop1023

11:43 AMJan 16 2009

I think as a pre-requisite to having Obama as your President -- EVERY Lib in here MUST attend a MANDATORY Politics 101 class -- a 2 week intensified program -- teaching them the realities behind politics and Presidents -- and THEN -- when we see you Libs in 2 weeks -- MAYBE we can talk to adults instead of 8 year olds !

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CHRISRYANS

11:43 AMJan 16 2009

MRM118 I agree with you but you forgot surrender your guns and give your hard earned money to somebody else that sits on their butt!

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Thoeweler75

11:42 AMJan 16 2009

With George W. Bush out of the White House I have only one word to say: Next!

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MRM118

11:42 AMJan 16 2009

Another defining liberal thought: Self-esteem is more important than actually doing something to earn it..................every child is told "good job".........no more competition on the field........we just play now and no scoring...........! Who is swallowing this garbage?

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Craymondw

11:42 AMJan 16 2009

When you have years of experience dealing and hiring people you soon learn how to read people and become pretty good at it. My gut feelings don't trust O'Bama, especially if I read his resume and found he has no accomplishments and was a socialist all of his life along with learning he transported bags of money to a muslim terrorist cousin residing in Kenya. Instead, I would escort him to the door and say: "good riddens."

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Mindportal1

11:42 AMJan 16 2009

There are 2 sides to every story and the liberal mainstream media has been ramming their anti-Bush rhetoric down the throats of the American people. for the past 8 years. Sadly, too many have swallowed the kool-aid. Obama will continue to get a pass on every gaffe and mistake.And if Obama screws up bigtime, the liberal media will just blame Bush even if there is no reason too.

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VMIpac

11:42 AMJan 16 2009

Truly Americans will have to thank President Bush for protecting America from foreign invasion. Other nations want America to topple because they also want to be a NUMBER ONE 1 country. Where in the world is better to live in and enjoy your FREEDOM the greatest asset an individual ever have in their life time.News media, Reporters, tell me where because you were and are today the venom and also a cure to our ailing system. Some reporters and media always emphasized good life which associated with greed. Greed is good if in right direction. Greed using the government by government officials are wrong. I encourage every Americans to protect our country at all times from sea to shining sea.

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IthacaMan04

11:42 AMJan 16 2009

MRM118 "Here's a good definition of a liberal: Save the whales, abort the children.........makes a lot of sense that thinking?" A CHILD HAS BEEN BORN. AN ABORTION ELIMINATES A FETUS. HERE'S A GOOD DEFINITION OF A CONSERVATIVE: SAVE THE FETUS, KILL THE FOREIGNERS OUR PRESIDENT DECIDES HE WANTS TO. MORALS AREN'T CUT A DRY FOR LIBS OR CONSERVATIVES.

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Tklinecrew

11:41 AMJan 16 2009

bpers, help me out here- explain how Bush sets the price of gasoline in a capitalistic system? If he could do that it would be socialism, wouldn't it?

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CASHFLOMA

11:41 AMJan 16 2009

MRM118 11:38 AMJan 16 2009 Another definition of a liberalSomeone who believes that businesses create oppression and governments create prosperity..............VERY WELL STATED

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