Farewell Addresses: George W. Bush
Few Presidents had the challenges that George W. Bush faced during his eight years in office, including a horrific terrorist attack on US soil, the greatest financial crisis since the depression, a devastating hurricane. Initially he enjoyed unprecedented support from the American people, but by the end of his term he left office with record low approval ratings. Despite this, he was consistent in his unwillingness to criticize his successor, and in his willingness to accept responsibility for all of the controversial decisions he had made.
Bush addressed the nation on January 15, 2009. He spoke at 8:01 p.m. in the East Room at the White House. Like many of his predecessors, he began by stating that in the past eight years it had been his honor to serve as President through most of the first decade of this new century, which he called "a period of consequence, a time set apart". He commented on how the inauguration of his successor, Barack Obama, "a man whose history reflects the enduring promise of our land". He said that it was "a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation" adding that he joined "all Americans in offering best wishes to President-Elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls."
Bush expressed his gratitude to Vice President Dick Cheney and to all members of my administration, as well as to his wife Laura "who brought joy to this house and love to my life", to "our wonderful daughters, Barbara and Jenna", to his parents "whose examples have provided strength for a lifetime" and finally to "the American people for the trust you have given me" and for "the prayers that have lifted my spirits". He said "I thank you for the countless acts of courage, generosity, and grace that I have witnessed these past eight years."
Bush reflected back to the most monumental day of his presidency, September 11, 2001. He said:
"This evening, my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house—September the 11th, 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."
Bush said that in the time since, "most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11. But I never did." He discussed the daily briefing he received and how the new Department of Homeland Security, the military, the intelligence community, and the FBI" worked diligently to "monitor the terrorists' movements, freeze their finances, and break up their plots." He noted how, "with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them." He continued:
"Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al-Qaeda and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school. Iraq has gone from a brutal dictatorship and a sworn enemy of America to an Arab democracy at the heart of the Middle East and a friend of the United States."
Bush acknowledged that there was "legitimate debate about many of these decisions." He said that "there can be little debate about the results", noting how the nation "has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil." He gave the credit for this result to "those who toil night and day 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." He said "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."
Bush contrasted American values with those of its enemies, who he described as "a small band of fanatics" who demanded "total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience, and marks unbelievers for murder." He contrasted this with America which "is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God, and that liberty and justice light the path to peace." He said that "in the long run, advancing this belief is the only practical way to protect our citizens." He said:
"When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror. When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism. So around the world, America is promoting human liberty, human rights, and human dignity. We're standing with dissidents and young democracies, providing AIDS medicine to dying patients—to bring dying patients back to life, and sparing mothers and babies from malaria. And this great republic born alone in liberty is leading the world toward a new age when freedom belongs to all nations."
Bush transitioned to what had been done to help Americans at home. He said:
"Across our country, students are rising to meet higher standards in public schools. A new Medicare prescription drug benefit is bringing peace of mind to seniors and the disabled. Every taxpayer pays lower income taxes. The addicted and suffering are finding new hope through faith-based programs. Vulnerable human life is better protected. Funding for our veterans has nearly doubled. America's air and water and lands are measurably cleaner."
Bush said that "When challenges to our prosperity emerged, we rose to meet them." He said that the nation had taken "decisive measures to safeguard our economy" in the face of a financial collapse. He acknowledged that "these are very tough times for hardworking families" but said that "the toll would be far worse if we had not acted." He predicted that Americans would "show the world once again the resilience of America's free enterprise system."
Bush said that "Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks" and he admitted that "There are things I would do differently if given the chance". But he said that he "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 of the tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions."
Bush predicted that "more hard choices for our country" lay in store for the future and said that these should be met with "some guiding principles." The first was for America to remain vigilant against future attacks of terrorist. He said:
"While our nation is safer than it was seven years ago, the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient, and determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard."
He said that this should not deter America from continuing "to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose." He cautioned against protectionism. He said:
"In the face of threats from abroad, it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led."
Bush said that in the past when he had "spoken to you about good and evil, and this has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two of them there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense—and to advance the cause of peace."
Bush quoted Thomas Jefferson words: "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." He said that he shared Jefferson's optimism. He said:
"America is a young country, full of vitality, constantly growing and renewing itself. And even in the toughest times, we lift our eyes to the broad horizon ahead. I have confidence in the promise of America because I know the character of our people. This is a nation that inspires immigrants to risk everything for the dream of freedom. This is a nation where citizens show calm in times of danger, and compassion in the face of suffering. We see examples of America's character all around us."
Bush said that he had invited some of these examples of character "to join us in the White House this evening." His guests included "Dr. Tony Recasner, a principal who opened a new charter school from the ruins of Hurricane Katrina"; "Julio Medina, a former inmate who leads a faith-based program to help prisoners returning to society"; Staff Sergeant Aubrey McDade, who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines; "Bill Krissoff—a surgeon from California. His son, Nathan—a Marine—gave his life in Iraq". Dr. Krissoff joined the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son. Although Dr. Krissoff was 60 years old—18 years above the age limit, Bush granted his petition for a waiver. Bush said that "In citizens like these, we see the best of our country—resilient and hopeful, caring and strong."
He concluded his address by saying:
"It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country, and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other—citizen of the United States of America. And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time: Good night. May God bless this house and our next President. And may God bless you and our wonderful country. Thank you."
Following is a video of Bush's farewell address:
Following the inauguration of Barack Obama, Bush and his family flew from Andrews Air Force Base to a homecoming celebration in Midland, Texas. They bought a home in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, where they now reside. He attended every home playoff game for the Texas Rangers 2010 season and, accompanied by his father, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington for Game 4 of the 2010 World Series on October 31, 2010. On August 6, 2013, Bush was successfully treated for a coronary artery blockage with a stent. The blockage had been found during an annual medical examination. He has refrained from criticism of his successors and maintains a collegial relationship with his fellow former presidents.
Bush addressed the nation on January 15, 2009. He spoke at 8:01 p.m. in the East Room at the White House. Like many of his predecessors, he began by stating that in the past eight years it had been his honor to serve as President through most of the first decade of this new century, which he called "a period of consequence, a time set apart". He commented on how the inauguration of his successor, Barack Obama, "a man whose history reflects the enduring promise of our land". He said that it was "a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation" adding that he joined "all Americans in offering best wishes to President-Elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls."
Bush expressed his gratitude to Vice President Dick Cheney and to all members of my administration, as well as to his wife Laura "who brought joy to this house and love to my life", to "our wonderful daughters, Barbara and Jenna", to his parents "whose examples have provided strength for a lifetime" and finally to "the American people for the trust you have given me" and for "the prayers that have lifted my spirits". He said "I thank you for the countless acts of courage, generosity, and grace that I have witnessed these past eight years."
Bush reflected back to the most monumental day of his presidency, September 11, 2001. He said:
"This evening, my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house—September the 11th, 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."
Bush said that in the time since, "most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11. But I never did." He discussed the daily briefing he received and how the new Department of Homeland Security, the military, the intelligence community, and the FBI" worked diligently to "monitor the terrorists' movements, freeze their finances, and break up their plots." He noted how, "with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them." He continued:
"Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al-Qaeda and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school. Iraq has gone from a brutal dictatorship and a sworn enemy of America to an Arab democracy at the heart of the Middle East and a friend of the United States."
Bush acknowledged that there was "legitimate debate about many of these decisions." He said that "there can be little debate about the results", noting how the nation "has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil." He gave the credit for this result to "those who toil night and day 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." He said "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."
Bush contrasted American values with those of its enemies, who he described as "a small band of fanatics" who demanded "total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience, and marks unbelievers for murder." He contrasted this with America which "is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God, and that liberty and justice light the path to peace." He said that "in the long run, advancing this belief is the only practical way to protect our citizens." He said:
"When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror. When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism. So around the world, America is promoting human liberty, human rights, and human dignity. We're standing with dissidents and young democracies, providing AIDS medicine to dying patients—to bring dying patients back to life, and sparing mothers and babies from malaria. And this great republic born alone in liberty is leading the world toward a new age when freedom belongs to all nations."
Bush transitioned to what had been done to help Americans at home. He said:
"Across our country, students are rising to meet higher standards in public schools. A new Medicare prescription drug benefit is bringing peace of mind to seniors and the disabled. Every taxpayer pays lower income taxes. The addicted and suffering are finding new hope through faith-based programs. Vulnerable human life is better protected. Funding for our veterans has nearly doubled. America's air and water and lands are measurably cleaner."
Bush said that "When challenges to our prosperity emerged, we rose to meet them." He said that the nation had taken "decisive measures to safeguard our economy" in the face of a financial collapse. He acknowledged that "these are very tough times for hardworking families" but said that "the toll would be far worse if we had not acted." He predicted that Americans would "show the world once again the resilience of America's free enterprise system."
Bush said that "Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks" and he admitted that "There are things I would do differently if given the chance". But he said that he "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 of the tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions."
Bush predicted that "more hard choices for our country" lay in store for the future and said that these should be met with "some guiding principles." The first was for America to remain vigilant against future attacks of terrorist. He said:
"While our nation is safer than it was seven years ago, the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient, and determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard."
He said that this should not deter America from continuing "to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose." He cautioned against protectionism. He said:
"In the face of threats from abroad, it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led."
Bush said that in the past when he had "spoken to you about good and evil, and this has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two of them there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense—and to advance the cause of peace."
Bush quoted Thomas Jefferson words: "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." He said that he shared Jefferson's optimism. He said:
"America is a young country, full of vitality, constantly growing and renewing itself. And even in the toughest times, we lift our eyes to the broad horizon ahead. I have confidence in the promise of America because I know the character of our people. This is a nation that inspires immigrants to risk everything for the dream of freedom. This is a nation where citizens show calm in times of danger, and compassion in the face of suffering. We see examples of America's character all around us."
Bush said that he had invited some of these examples of character "to join us in the White House this evening." His guests included "Dr. Tony Recasner, a principal who opened a new charter school from the ruins of Hurricane Katrina"; "Julio Medina, a former inmate who leads a faith-based program to help prisoners returning to society"; Staff Sergeant Aubrey McDade, who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines; "Bill Krissoff—a surgeon from California. His son, Nathan—a Marine—gave his life in Iraq". Dr. Krissoff joined the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son. Although Dr. Krissoff was 60 years old—18 years above the age limit, Bush granted his petition for a waiver. Bush said that "In citizens like these, we see the best of our country—resilient and hopeful, caring and strong."
He concluded his address by saying:
"It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country, and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other—citizen of the United States of America. And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time: Good night. May God bless this house and our next President. And may God bless you and our wonderful country. Thank you."
Following is a video of Bush's farewell address:
Following the inauguration of Barack Obama, Bush and his family flew from Andrews Air Force Base to a homecoming celebration in Midland, Texas. They bought a home in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, where they now reside. He attended every home playoff game for the Texas Rangers 2010 season and, accompanied by his father, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington for Game 4 of the 2010 World Series on October 31, 2010. On August 6, 2013, Bush was successfully treated for a coronary artery blockage with a stent. The blockage had been found during an annual medical examination. He has refrained from criticism of his successors and maintains a collegial relationship with his fellow former presidents.