September 4, 2007
Posted: 09:06 AM ET

President Bush made a surprise visit to Iraq on Labor Day

(CNN) – A new book about President George W. Bush claims former deputy chief of staff Karl Rove discouraged the president from naming Dick Cheney as his running mate, and suggests Rove objected to nominating former White House counsel Harriet Miers to the U.S. Supreme Court.

In the book, “Dead Certain: The Presidency of George W. Bush,” to be released Tuesday, journalist Robert Draper describes dissent among some of the President's closest advisers even before Bush reached the White House. CNN was able to purchase a copy of the book on Monday.

On selecting Cheney as the vice presidential running mate in 2000, Draper, paraphrasing Rove’s thinking, writes, “Selecting Daddy's top foreign-policy guy ran counter to message. It was worse than a safe pick – it was needy.” But, Draper writes, “Bush didn't care. He was comfortable with Cheney.”

Draper claims that when Rove raised objections about Miers, he was "shouted down.” The book also claims that Chief Justice John Roberts suggested Miers as a possible Supreme Court nominee.

Kathy Arberg, a spokeswoman for the Court, categorically denied this passage, telling CNN, "The Chief Justice did not suggest Harriet Miers to the president. The account is not true."

The White House had no comment on the book as well as any specific allegations.

In researching the book, Draper interviewed President Bush six times. He includes some very intimate details about the president’s life. Bush is quoted as saying that “self-pity is the worst thing that can happen to a presidency.” But the president is quoted as saying first lady Laura Bush reminds him that "'I decided to do this.'"

Draper says President Bush also admits that he cries. “I've got God's shoulder to cry on. And I cry a lot. I do a lot of crying in this job. I'll bet I've shed more tears than you can count, as president," Bush told Draper.

After he leaves office, President Bush is quoted as telling Draper that he wants to build what he calls a "Fantastic Freedom Institute" in Dallas. He describes it as being a place where young leaders can come, write and lecture.

But first, Bush tells Draper, he wants to make some money to "replenish the ol' coffers,” noting he can make "ridiculous” money on the lecture circuit.

“I don't know what my dad gets. But it's more than 50, 75 [thousand] … Clinton's making a lot of money," the president is quoted as saying.

– CNN Correspondent Mary Snow

Filed under: President Bush


Carmine Fazzari, West Hempstead, New York   September 20th, 2007 5:05 pm ET

I have a question for those who think Mr. Bush is this sincere, patriotic do-gooder - when are you sending your kids off to Iraq insupport of this great historical figure?

this man is a mumbling stuttering drooling imbecile who could screw up a cup of slice of toast.

And by the way, I voted for his father (once) and Clinton (twice) so I'm NOT biased against President Fredo. I wish his brother Jeb would run.

Dick Bacon, Alaska   September 7th, 2007 9:04 pm ET

Poor Bushy Bush LOL!! Poor poor baby. You need to do more than just cry honey. lol!

Rick, Chicago Illinois   September 7th, 2007 8:44 pm ET

Steve Price, Durham, North Carolina,

I'm calling dibbs NOW …

If I decide to run for President in 2024, YOU are my VP!

Steve Price, Durham, North Carolina   September 6th, 2007 7:45 pm ET

— Sounds like this book does a lot of unsupported trashing of President Bush.
Posted By Edward Hamilton, Miami, FLe : September 3, 2007 7:27 pm

 “In researching the book, Draper interviewed President Bush six times.”

— What a great president. One of the bravest and strongest we've had in a long time. God bless him.
I also wish him well in his career post-presidency, and I bet he's got some great stories and lectures to tell once he's free from the responsibility (and burden) of being leader of the free world.
Posted By Will, Norfolk Virginia : September 3, 2007 7:48 pm

Some thoughts:
1 – Are you of sound mind; above the age of twelve; have an I.Q. above say, 60 ? You’re not a little old lady are you ? Should I even say anything - I feel bad even thinking about criticizing your statement – as if I’m considering telling a child there’s no Santa Claus .
2 – I want to hear back from you after you attend the “lecture”. If you still say he’s a great man, and you are of age, and not mentally handicapped in any way, I would like to punch you – maybe just on the arm, but really hard .
3 – Two questions: When you say “… strongest we’ve had in a long time .” 1) How old are you – what’s a long time to you ? … and … 2) What do you mean by strong ? If you mean: reckless, blind, arrogant, ignorant, clumsy, simple-minded, morally bankrupt, superior, disdainful, openly greedy, manipulative, unable to recognize truth when it bites one on the ass, and subject to outright dirt-baggery, then I’m with you .

PROBABLY THE WHOLE BOOK IS A PACK OF LIES,
Posted By HAWK,TEXAS : September 3, 2007 8:10 pm
YES ! He’s really a GENIUS !!! He’s cleverly and wonderfully disguised himself as a complete moron in order to disarm the liberals . Genius ! GENIUS, I SAY !!! muahahahaha !

George W. Bush is a hero and a great man. We are very blessed as a nation to have such humility, steadfastness, principle, and courage in a President.
I don't know if this book is any good because it is new, but I hope many books are written and read about one of America's greatest hero's.
ThirstyJon
freedomthirst.com
Posted By ThirstyJon, Freedomville, IL : September 3, 2007 8:13 pm

I don’t know how people have confused humility with what I have seen, since the campaign running up to Election 2000, as a combination of: Karl Rove’s careful distancing of Bush from the free press; nothing substantive to say (but rather conservative or religious buzz words and fear-mongering); a penchant for mis-speaking, rambling on about nothing, and/or saying just, plain, stupid things .

As for principle, I would like you to explain yourself there .

Just curious – the town you live in isn’t really called “Frenchville, IL” is it ?

It's very easy for people to assume the worst and be negative. Your hatred blinds you from the facts. The President has done what he has thought best and the fact that he cries often just shows he has put his heart and soul into all of his decisions. Wait 20 years and this President will be judged completely differently.
Posted By D., philadelphia, PA : September 3, 2007 9:47 pm

Ahhhh – the historical legacy . I will bet you every dollar I ever make from now till I’m dead, that as time marches forward we will learn of more acts of a morally, ethically and legally questionable nature surrounding the W presidency . It won’t take twenty years, but the picture will only continue to get worse by the time one score of years has passed . With passage of time come memoirs, comes historical research . The passage of time adds perspective to things – makes small mistakes look like obvious supidity . I predict time will not be kind to the W era . We will not escape the critique of history’s cold gaze either . How will you and I answer our children’s questions as to how We the People allowed so many mistakes, so many bad decisions to be made, as to how the scoundrels got were put in office twice ?

In The Pink Texas » Blog Archive » Freedom’s Just Another Word for Nothin’ Left to Do   September 6th, 2007 3:57 pm ET

[...] W is already well into the daydreaming stage of plotting the strategery of his retirement. In Dead Certain: The Presidency of George W. Bush, former Texas Monthalite Robert Draper provides an in-depth look at George W. Bush's term of [...]

Artur,Toronto,Canada   September 5th, 2007 7:39 pm ET

“I've got God's shoulder to cry on"

I'm asking bush: who's your God? after what you did so terrible and destroyed millions of lifes,you are monster in human body,may God forgive you.

jason smith oneonta, ny   September 5th, 2007 10:48 am ET

we've all done a lot of crying since GW stole the election, albeit for different reasons….

pgh, New York City, New York   September 5th, 2007 8:33 am ET

"Wow! Look at all the angry whiners on this posting. I'd like to know where each one of you were the day we invaded Iraq. Were you this angry then? I doubt it. I'll bet you were waving a flag and proud of our men and women who responded to their call."

You're partly right, yet mostly wrong. Yes, I was (and remain) deeply proud of our men and women in uniform. And, yes, I also wave the flag. But, as with so many others, I gave this President the benefit of the doubt over his stated reasons for going to war. That so many of those reasons were manufactured out of whole cloth provides all of the justification I or anyone else needs to condemn this President.

And, finally, it's disingenuous in the extreme to imply that that one cannot support the troops without blindly supporting the President's disastrous policies. As they say down in Crawford, "That dog won't hunt".

Carrie, Hailey, ID   September 5th, 2007 2:29 am ET

Hmmm…Just what DOES Bush cry about? That he can't think? That he can't speak? That he didn't honestly win either election? That he betrayed democracy? Betrayed our country? Our military? His constituents? That he is completely unqualified for his job? That he's the worst president in the history of this country? I've been crying too…since Nov. 2000. For our lost democracy, our uneducated populace, my children's future, my friends children's future, our world's future, for our brave soldiers who were sent to die for his lie, and on and on and on…oh, and for the trees destroyed to make this wasteful book. As for the lecture cicuit, what idiot would pay hear this moron "speak"? I can hear more cohesive, thoughtful, provocative, insightful speaking at our local Grade School. Finally, something to make me smile!!!

Dave, Palm Springs, CA   September 5th, 2007 2:04 am ET

CNN fails to mention the most telling Bush quote:

About Iraq, Bush says he's trying to hang in until … the Republican presidential candidates can feel comfortable with a continuing commitment. At the same time, he's over in Iraq hinting that maybe troop withdrawal can begin soon.
While Americans are dying at near record numbers, and Iraqi deaths are escalating, bush is stalling. Unbelievable.
.

Neal, Atlanta, Georgia   September 5th, 2007 1:07 am ET

Did I just read a comment from a Republican from San Francisco? How delightfully untrendy.. Way to think for yourself.. An uncommon and pleasant suprise from that area!

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI   September 5th, 2007 12:23 am ET

George Bush a facilitator for democracy in Iraq?

Facilitators are asked, appointed, and/or hired to assist others.

Who asked, appointed, or hired George Bush as a facilitator for democracy in Iraq? I believe it's a bit far fetched to suggest George Bush facilitated with anything concerning Iraq. Unless, you consider a facilitator as someone who bombs a nation into submission.

If that statement wasn't so ridiculous it might even make me smile!

w19, Redding CA   September 4th, 2007 9:38 pm ET

All those here who cry about this Bush and what he did to the world: here is your chance: vote for Obama for (a) change.

Big Ben Rock Hill SC   September 4th, 2007 9:00 pm ET

DEAD CERTAIN

Bush is dead certain and our causalities in his war are just as dead.

BM   September 4th, 2007 8:56 pm ET

Wow, what a bunch of Bush-haters! You are pathetic. Same ol' rhetoric spewed from the same crowd. Go get a job.

Stef   September 4th, 2007 7:06 pm ET

Oh, please spare me! After he's wrecked our economy, got us into an unnecessary war, and still hasn't found the elusive Osama bin Laden, among other things, Bush now tells us he cries, too? On cue, Mr. President? Now that we're the laughingstock of the entire universe, what is there left to wreck? Oh, yeah… New Orleans.

Doing a heck of a job, Bushie. :P~

Jo, Idyllwild CA   September 4th, 2007 6:53 pm ET

Wow, one postive comment amongst a myriad of winers. It's rather unfortunate.

Henry Tucker, GA   September 4th, 2007 6:33 pm ET

I have to laugh when I hear people complaining about Katrina.

Katrina was Darwin's theory of removing some of the idiots. If you build BELOW sea level and ignore ALL the warnings of a Cat-5 Hurricane - your house will be flooded and you will be risking your own life! No amount of government, money, or warning can save ignorance.

Here's a WILD idea… if you don't like the recovery effort (of rebuilding a town BELOW sea level)… MOVE!

Ryan Lansing, Michigan   September 4th, 2007 6:08 pm ET

The Fantastic Freedom Institute sounds like a place superheros hangout at in a bad comic book

Mia, Stafford, VA   September 4th, 2007 5:25 pm ET

I cannot believe some of the comments I'm reading:

"You are a bad Christian, if you have a problem with President Bush" - WHAT!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME

"He is the BEST President, because he sticks to his guns" - That's also known as a FOOL, one who refuses to change direction when they know they are lost

I knew that Mr. Bush was going to start this war before he was ever elected. He was on the campagin trail and said "He (Saddam) tried to kill my Daddy…" I knew then we would be going to war with Iraq, and if people paid attention they would have known that too. 9/11 was his excuse.

Mr. Bush may be crying, and he should be. This is a sad time in American History. We are divided as a country, we've alienated many of our friends, and we are in a war where there are no winners.

As a former Marine, we know that people can be for the troops and against the war. Only small-minded people think otherwise. While we have lost many soldiers to this war, and many many more have been wounded, the Iraqi's lives have been turned upside down, with no HOPE, water, food, jobs, security or anything close to normalcy coming in the very near future.

Please don't forget that Mr. Bush was GIVEN the presidency in 2000, and 2004 was questionable. Personally, I really fear what lies ahead with these electronic voting machines, with no paper back up. Who in there RIGHT MIND would purchase that type of equipment or think it is a good idea? I know… Republicans, so they can steal more elections.

How would anyone who agrees with paperless voting feel if their banks went paperless? Where is the accountability? But why do I ask these question, accountability has not taken place for quite some time…

Rick, Chicago Illinois   September 4th, 2007 5:22 pm ET

David San Francisco,

I love all you patriotic, "chest thumping" Americans. Too bad it's all just a really poor act reeking with hypocrisy - especially since it uses (your incredibly RECENT newfound) patriotism as a basis.

"What were we told after all these attacks? Don’t worry about it. Everyone’s happy…enjoy the pseudo-dot com economy. And then absolutely nothing was done about these attacks.

Bush took over and he addressed our problems. He didn’t ignore them. He became the leader that this country needed. He cannot speak very well, but he is a leader."

Dubya addressed our problems by: giving 43 million to the Taliban (you know, the guys who harbored Al Queada?) then going on vacation before 911, attacking the WRONG country who didn't attack us (at a cost of over 3000 troop lives and hundreds of BILLIONS of dollars), for weapons he was told that he didn't have (by the very people looking for those weapons), and thus has yet to find Osama (the guy who DID attack us) after promising he would?

Then again, its hard to find a guy when you're "truly not that concerned about him", call off U.S. troops who had him pinned down in Tora Bora and then dismantled the spy agency in charge of finding him!

Yep .. he's s true leader! LOL!

Oh, and speaking of chest thumping patriotism, what did you other (big, bad, chest-thumping) republicans who had control of Congress from 1995 to 2001 do about terrorism BEFORE 911?

Answer: You complained about Clinton’s proposed anti-terrorism measures before passing watered down versions of them in ’96. Even though Clinton believed they were “too weak”, you guys didn’t want your freedoms curtailed and “didn’t want a police state”. Then you screamed “Wag the Dog” and “No WAR for Monica” when Clinton sent missiles over to at least TRY to take out Osama on 8/20/98. And NOW you guys are the very same ones crying like babies since 911 “Why didn’t Clinton do anything?”

And what were some of the repub senators’ responses the VERY DAY Clinton bombed Osama’s camps in Afghanistan and Sudan on August 20, 1998?

Answer: Rod Grams of Minn. invoked the movie “Wag the Dog”, Dan Coates of Ind. and (former attorney general) John Ashcroft of Missouri both questioned Clinton’s judgment, and Arlen Spector also questioned the timing of the attack on Osama! Other republicans like Peter King (N.Y.) moaned and groaned about not being “consulted” before the attack.

LOL … the truth still stinging?

Tell us, where was all your patriotic "chest thumping" when you and other republicans were MORE concerned with playing politics via the authenticity of DNA stains on a blue dress than protecting this country from terrorism?

Any answers for us?

I think we'd ALL like to know David!

RJ, AZ   September 4th, 2007 5:21 pm ET

To those saying "Well, he did win the election in 2000 and 2004″ I feel I should remind you that Gore won the popular vote in 2000, which IMHO should be the ONLY vote that matters. Bush won the "My bro is governor of the deciding state and I have a loophole using electoral votes and hanging chads" vote. Why do we have electoral votes again?

Rocco, Wellington, fl   September 4th, 2007 5:13 pm ET

His words, history will judge his presidency! If I were him I would purchase LOTS of tissues.

Henry Tucker, Ga   September 4th, 2007 4:20 pm ET

To all those libs who wrote in about how you've been crying since President Bush was elected the first time…

WE KNOW. You've been crying, belly-aching, screeching, and basically having a tempor-tantrum.

When you're finished, you may join the rest of the grown up in a sensible dialogue about issues. Otherwise - continue with your proverbial timeout. We'll continue electing LEADERS as opposed to Bush-bashers like Hillary, Edwards, or Jr State Legislators like Obama.

andrew s rostolder hillsdale nj 07642   September 4th, 2007 4:09 pm ET

wait untill this clunker see how history judges him. he will know what real crying is.

Raman, Plano TX   September 4th, 2007 4:04 pm ET

To Errol, Bangalore India

To your objection "abuse of power".

US and President George Bush made an error in judgement by sending US Defence Forces inside Iraq based on faulty intelligence.

The above erro was immediately rectified by
1) Declaring end to War on Iraq four years ago
2) Restore land of Iraq to people of Iraq though democratic process

Coming back to "abuse of power (by USA)".

Under current circumstances in Iraq (chaos, death and destruction inside Iraq by segments of Iraqis, al-qaida, jihadis to hash out territorial issues) US can abuse its power by "Withdrawing its defence forces from Iraq".

US is not abusing its power by staying in Iraq. US would actually abuse its power by "Withdrawing its defence forces from Iraq".

No other country in the world has the monetary budget to support stablization effort in Iraq. US has on various occassion asked for all United Nations countries to come forward collectively and contribute to stablization effort in Iraq.

In fact US Congress and People of United States would be more than happy to let the world shell out the cash for Iraq. US economy as of now is under tremendous pressure to support its troops in Iraq.

Time to wake up, Errol.

Bea, Hoboken, NJ   September 4th, 2007 3:59 pm ET

I too have cried a lot, I have cried for:

-All our servicemen and women who have died and for the 30,000 who have come home wounded and maimed.

- The iraqui children and other civilians who continue to die by the hundreds.

-Our allies who have been bombed thanks to our interference in Iraq.

-The dozens of reporters who lost their lives or were wounded covering this war.

-And for all of those who will perish before this foolish war is finally over.

As for Bush et al. I don't shed a single tear!!!

vish   September 4th, 2007 3:33 pm ET

HOW CAN AVERAGE MIDDLE CLASS, OR EVEN LESS THAN MIDDLE CLASS PEOPLE EVEN BE CONSERVATIVE? DON'T THEY REALIZE THAT THROUGH TAX CUTS THE RICH ARE NOT FUNNELING ANY MONEY BACK TO THEM BUT INSTEAD HOARDING IT FOR THEIR PRIVATE JETS AND SUBMARINES AND YACHTS? WAKE UP.
Bush is the modern era version of King Henry VIII. For those of you in the south, it is clear your education system is lacking based on your moronic statements, so I will let you all do the research yourselves.

Raymond, El Paso TX   September 4th, 2007 3:30 pm ET

If this man was Pinocchio we'd never have to cut another tree!

Iraq weighs heavily on Bush, the President cries a lot,..   September 4th, 2007 3:19 pm ET

[...] Bush in new book: 'I do a lot of crying in this job' [...]

M, Washington, D.C.   September 4th, 2007 3:09 pm ET

I love it when people blame the President for the deaths in Katrina. Did he tell people to stay in their homes when a Category 5 hurricane was headed their way? I'm from Florida, and when a hurricane is headed for your state, common sense tells you to leave. My parents didn't leave during Charlie. They had severe damage to their home. Did they blame the government and our President? NO. It's time Americans start realizing there are consequences for your actions (or lack thereof).

Raman, Plano TX   September 4th, 2007 2:56 pm ET

To thelonious, Seattle, WA

To answer your "Oh, and "freedom is not cheap"? I like a clever bumpersticker as much as the next person, but not when its an empty slogan being used to justify the deaths of tens of thousands."

Come to think of it, let us go by how a Capitalist evaluates "value of freedom".

Is it OK to pay tax 33% and be alive and have a growing business?

Even though people in Iraq are dying, on a closer look it seems people in Iraq are hashing out territorial issues inside Iraq.

And when territorial issues are hashed (without recourse to lawful process of courts) using the law of fist and might, death and destruction is bound to take place. And this situation in Iraq is not different from a similar situation in developed nation (Death and destruction happens even in developed nations when territorial issues are hashed using fist and might).

Eventually, Iraq situation will stablize. The issue before USA and President George Bush is "Are we involved in territorial issues inside Iraq?".

The simple answer is "No".

Jane, New York, NY   September 4th, 2007 2:53 pm ET

"Fantastic Freedom Institute?" sounds a lot like Zoolander Center for Children Who Can't Read Good

Errol, Bangalore India   September 4th, 2007 2:48 pm ET

To Raman, Plano TX : September 4, 2007

Honestly I have no words to explain your ignorance. Now your analogy of comparing once situation to another is ridiculos. Look at the gravity of each situation and then pass comments. I am not comparing democracy practiced in different countries but rather abuse of power.

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI   September 4th, 2007 2:42 pm ET

To those praising Bush as such a Great Leader and President tell me this:-

Why did he make the statement publicly to a reporter before the Iraq Invasion that, If somebody had put a price on your Dad's head (referencing Saddam Hussein) wouldn't you want to do him justice?

If the WMD's were the purpose of the war in Iraq and they still haven't been found, why put Saddam to death?
That helped the situation how?

Why did Bush begin the hunt for Osama and then move into Iraq when it was reported by many that Osama was in Pakistan?

And what was the purpose of bombing Iraq near out of existence and killing innocent Iraq Civilians? WMD'S? (Still currently at Large)

And why are American and Nato troops in Iraq now?

I can answer that one for you. They are there to clean up the mess that Bush made. The mess meaning the devastation and unrule his War brought to Iraq and it's people. Iraq had more stability and more peace before Bush.

And just as a footnote. Terrorism is still alive and well!

So the purpose of the current War in Iraq (which is really not a war but a clean up project and oh yes, a Peace Keeping Mission) is?

Christian, Tampa FL   September 4th, 2007 2:36 pm ET

Isn't that lovely… Everyone's crying over the Bush presidency! I would have more sympathy for him if there weren't so many mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters also shedding tears in multiple countries because of the Administration's mistakes, hubris, and actions.

Bukky, Baltimore, MD   September 4th, 2007 2:35 pm ET

I've been crying since 2000 since this idiot was "elected". I was too young to vote but I still saw that he was full of crap and this whole system was BS! BS! BS!

And for all the blind people that are talking about all the "great" things this man has done for the country. PLEASE I beg you name JUST ONE. Say it, don't generalize. People will say "freedom" The revolution gave us freedom, Civil War for the rest of us and but wiped out most of those freedoms with the patriot act.

Other people will say he brought "God" back to the country. I believe in GOD but god and religion does not belong in the goverment.

People keep seeing that this country was founded by and on faith and religion. This is PARTLY true, the Mayflower LEFT Britain BECAUSE they were OPPRESSED by the churches interferance and involvement with the state. The founding father MADE IT A POINT TO SEPARATE THE CHURCH FROM THE STATE PRECISELY FOR THIS REASON.

NO-ONE is telling you not to believe as you choose. The point of the founding fathers is that I should not have to believe OR FOLLOW YOUR INTEREPRATIONS of what you THINK God wants.

We should not have to live by the rule of the "Moral Majority" not only because the moral majority is neither, but also because there is no such thing, and to do so would make this country no different than Iran.

Michael F, Fort Worth TX   September 4th, 2007 2:26 pm ET

Dear Mr Bush,

When you said, "I, George W Bush…so help me God" the first time, we ALL did a lot of crying!!!!

Sincerely,
U.S. America

Joliene, Newark, DE   September 4th, 2007 2:22 pm ET

He is THIS country's president and therefore if you are American he is your president. He earned respect by giving him self to a thankless job. I don't like him, I don't agree with his positions on a lot of things but the negativity is getting outrageous. This is a democracy and we can vote. Vote a different way in '08 but I think we should respect the person put in charge for now. I am not saying go overload with the respect but the position does deserve some and it should be shown. People don't sit if the president stands and they call him Mr. president no matter the situation because the OFFICE deserves that respect. It was given that respect by the founders!
To outlaw stupidity that is a horrible comment. I am educated (earning a Ph.D in chemistry) and I am disgusted by Hitler and his logic. I am not a fundamentalist but I believe in democracy and there is nothing we can do until a new election takes place. So what good is disrespecting an office. Stand and say what you disagree with, stand and say what you think is wrong with his policies, but don't stand and throw mud. It does nothing. I am sorry but you are sadly mistaken if you think people who look at situations with out hate are "non-thinking" or have "mushed-brains".

Ed,Ellenville,New York   September 4th, 2007 2:21 pm ET

Yeah he got control and turned a petty problem into WW3.That's real leadership!You have to be retarded to think that he "addressed" anything in an intelligent manner since he took office.Supporters of bush are simply delusional from repetitious dogma being shoved down their throats.

RB   September 4th, 2007 2:14 pm ET

Nothing compared to the crying America and Freeedom are doing because of his misdeeds and arrogance.

No real American weeps for this man.

Rick, Chicago Illinois   September 4th, 2007 2:06 pm ET

Raman, Plano TX,

"Rick, refering to "feat" you have to put President George Bush's situation in context."

I already put his situation in context in my above post. Feel free to re-read it if you need to. And, while you're at it, read the other posts as well. There's a reason that a vast majority of the posts disagree with your assessment of your wonderful leader.

"I am sure that Mullahs of this world have issued thousands of Fatwas against President George Bush and his team and Defence Force's officers and soldiers who are operating in field.
Now if you only knew what a Mullah's Fatwa is? Not many people can sleep after one is issued against them.
Clearly President George Bush made some error of judgement (could have been prevented if transparency to review decisions was in place, but Presidents do have to make decisions on their own - that is why we elect them as President)."

Transparency? All this could have been prevented if Dubya decided to listen to the people he ignored and ignored the people he kept listening to.

He DESERVES those Fatwas since he decided to attack a country that didn't attack us based on WMDs he was told Saddam didn't have - at a cost of hundreds of BILLIONS of dollars, 3800 troop lives and roughly 75,000 Iraqi civilian deaths in the process. When you go out of your way to put yourself in a bad situation, then REPEATEDLY go out of your way to make it WORSE, you don't get to blame other people when bad things (like Fatwas) happen.

Why WOULDN'T the historically tribal Iraqis freely support a secular, American-made, puppet government, that they never asked for, aligned with Israel of all things, when it’s forced on them at gunpoint, to be America's new proxy in the region while it's trying to privatize their oil … and all this by the same foreign government that bombed their entire infrastructure (sewage, water systems etc) to bits, let their anti-Saddam uprising get slaughtered by Saddam after it abandoned them in 1991, and levied sanctions that killed a million Iraqi children?

"As to winning war in Iraq, price to achieve democracy has always been high (from days of French revolution to this war in Iraq). I am sure when Iraq returns to normalcy, maybe thirty years from now (hopefully sooner), people will look back upon this time as nothing more than "turbulent times"."

And I am sure maybe thirty years from now (hopefully sooner) that ALL people will look back on Dubya as the WORST president in this country's history.

thelonious, Seattle, WA   September 4th, 2007 2:06 pm ET

Jim from Tulsa wrote:

"The critics on this page have blamed Bush for failing to nab UBL and for the deaths of the soldiers sent to nab UBL. Can't have it both ways, boys. Yes, lives have been lost, but our country is safer now than it was on September 10. Freedom is not cheap."

These statements are the epitome of jingoistic ignorance. Nobody is complaining about the "deaths of the soldiers sent to nab UBL". The deaths they're worried about are the deaths of the soldiers sent to Iraq, a country with no connection whatsoever to 9/11 or UBL. A pursuit, by the way, which has diverted resources from Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the real "War on Terror", if such a thing exists in any meaningful sense, should be fought.

"Our country is safer now than it was on September 10." What is that statement based on? Anything? By my count, its almost 6 years since 9/11, but there were 8 years between the first Trade Center bombing and the 9/11 attacks. So where do people come up with these proclamations of safety?

Oh, and "freedom is not cheap"? I like a clever bumpersticker as much as the next person, but not when its an empty slogan being used to justify the deaths of tens of thousands.

Mindy Chatsworth, Ca.   September 4th, 2007 2:03 pm ET

To JR Denver, Co -

You are the reason this fool of a president got re-elected. What utter nonsense on your part! Where do you get off lecturing the rest of us on how to behave or whether or not we have a right to disagree with our president invading a sovereign nation that did not attack us on 9/11. Your pomposity is obvious and insulting. Freedom is not free - oh really? And we need someone like you to tell us that? Yes, we have to fight for freedom, but let's be sure to fight the right war in the right country against the REAL enemy. Iraq was not and never has been our enemy. The people who attacked us on 9/11 are in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That would be Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. You remember him, don't you? That's the guy that this genius president famously said was "Wanted - Dead or Alive". Nice, huh? Well, he is still out there, probably laughing his head off at us for abandoning the war in Afghanistan to go off on this folly of invading Iraq. The Taliban has emerged stronger than ever and Al Qaeda now has a base of power in Iraq, courtesy of George W. Bush. Only a total moron could have devised such an insane strategy.

Please spare me from your condescending blather. We have an obligation and a duty to speak out when we disagree with our government's actions. It's in the Constitution. Why don't you pick up a copy and actually read it sometime. It might prove quite enlightening. Until then, lay off the rants about freedom. You don't have a clue what it's really all about.

Anonymous   September 4th, 2007 1:44 pm ET

David San Francisco,

Yes, those list attacks did occured under Clinton's watch. However relatively few Americans died. There wasn't a worldwide mandate to take out the Taliban, Bin Laden and his network by force like there was after 9/11. They are are still around and by the way, they are getting stronger.

Clinton was his effort did stopped a lot of attacks. The 2000 New Year Eve attack could had killed thousands. However it was discovered and stopped. People only seems to remember the attacks that occured and not the many that were stopped under Clinton's watch.

Oh yeah, and your list? I don't see one that occured on AMERICAN SOIL. If you want to list the one on foreign soils, Bush's list would be larger by many folds. Heck, there's at least one every single day.

Lyons Steve   September 4th, 2007 1:33 pm ET

/***
George W. Bush is a hero and a great man. We are very blessed as a nation to have such humility, steadfastness, principle, and courage in a President.
***/

Courage? This is the man who deserted from the National Guard.
Humility? This is the idiot that marched around ship's deck in crotch-framing flight pants while declaring "Mission Accomplished."
Principle? This man has turned off portions of the Constitution because 3100 Americans died on one day. Turning off the same Constitution you swore to "protect and defend" is the cowardly action of a fascist.
Humility? HAhahahahahaha.

Whew. Good one.

Mr. Vikram Chicago, IL   September 4th, 2007 1:15 pm ET

Bush's historical record:

1) Longest Econmic Expansion
Highest budget deficit ever, 9 trillion in debt. Highest trade deficit.

2) 9/11 Stewardship,
Used the high emotions to mislead the country. Main culprit still missing.

3) Afganastan Democracy
Where is Osama ?

4) Iraq Democracy
At what cost ?

He is talking about spreading democracy but impeaching on human rights, allowing torture, denying heabus corpus, constitution is just another inconvenience for him.

He is letting terrorists win. He is doing what they want, destroy the american way of life.

5) Largest Tax Cuts
To his buddies in oil companies, corporates.

6) Shortest Recession.
Not his doing, can he even spell recession.

7) No Child Left Behind
Will give this to him, a decent idea

8) Most Diverse Administration
Group think, full of bushies, no one has any credibility or character, think Rowe, think Ashcroft, Gonzeles, miers, cheney.

9) Largest Home Ownership *all races
Americans workers are most productive in world.

10) Highest Rated *look it up
And lowest rated too.
The world hates US because of what bush has done. After 9-11 the we had solidarity, people felt for us, but today they despise us.

Evil begets evil. We ought to hold ourselves to a higher standard.

George bush wants to bring good with doing evil. He deserves to do more than cry

Raman, Plano TX   September 4th, 2007 1:09 pm ET

To Outlaw Stupidity Mobile Alabama

You cannot compare Bush-Iraq situation to Hilter-WWII situation.

There are notable diffrence between Bush-Iraq situation vs Hilter-WWII situation:
1) Bush never intended to occupy Iraq
2) Bush's decision was processed thorugh democratic process before it was implemented
3) Bush has never professed genocide or dictatorship.

US led by President George Bush made an error in judgement to allow defense forces into Iraq based on faulty intelligence.

However US has returned the land back to its rightful citizens through democratic process.

Maliki is head of a democartic state of Iraq - though flawed democacry (you cannot wish for perfect democracy in Iraq after three years when countries like USA, UK, France, Russia, Spain etc are still trying to fix flaws in their democracy after hundreds of years).

There is no use bashing President George Bush, beacuse his current role is not to run Iraq. His role in Iraq in conjuction with coalition partners, is to provide support to Iraq Government.

Mrs. America   September 4th, 2007 12:56 pm ET

I don't think he cries. To cry you have to feel. To feel you have to be aware of something to feel. He is oblivious to the destruction he has caused to human beings and to the United States of America. I don't think he cries.

David San Francisco   September 4th, 2007 12:45 pm ET

Someone asked what did Bush do to earn our respect during his presidency.

How about he acknowledged and addressed the problems that faced us? Instead of ignoring them and hoping they would go away.

Bombing 1993 World Trade Center
Bombing of USS Cole
Bombing in Tanzania
Bombing in Kenya
Bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudia Arabia
Bombing of our Israeli allies by Saddam

What were we told after all these attacks? Don’t worry about it. Everyone’s happy…enjoy the pseudo-dot com economy. And then absolutely nothing was done about these attacks.

Bush took over and he addressed our problems. He didn’t ignore them. He became the leader that this country needed. He cannot speak very well, but he is a leader.

Raman, Plano TX   September 4th, 2007 12:43 pm ET

To Errol, Bangalore , India

It is erroneous on your part to continue to potray situation in Iraq as "War in Iraq".

The "Iraq War" has been over for about four years now.

USA and coalition partners have helped people of Iraq created a democracy.

US and coalition forces in Iraq are in currently engaged in supporting Iraq government's administration.

Like I said before it may take another thirty years for situation to stablize in Iraq. But that is the price of democracy.

I mention following without intent to be malicious or derogatory to democracy in India:

Few years back you had a dacoit phoolan devi in Indian Parliament who was later slain by her opponents. Now this happened after more that 50 years of practicing democracy in India.

Democacry in Iraq is in Nascent stage and let us all do our part to let it grow in a mature democracy.

It is fruitless blaming US President George Bush. He has been a facilitator for democracy in Iraq and does not dictate how Maliki and iraq leaders operate democracy in Iraq.

Raman Vig   September 4th, 2007 12:30 pm ET

To Outlaw Stupidity Mobile Alabama

Cannot compare Bush to Hitler. Hitler opted for genocide, imperialism and ditatorship.

USA and by extension President George Bush made error in judgement to let Defense Forces go into Iraq.

Notable difference bewteen Germany of WW-I and WW-II and USA is that USA never intended to occupy Iraq (Maliki has been elected through Democratic process - though flawed democratic process - you cannot expect perfect democracy in Iraq even when democracy in nations like USA, UK, France, Germany, USSR etc is not perfect).

USA has always returned the land back to its rightful citizens.

So please stop honking and comparing Bush and War in Iraq to Hitler and WW-II.

Anonymous   September 4th, 2007 12:14 pm ET

Some of you Bushies are asking for respects for Bush? Why should I should respects for a little man I do not respect.

How he came to power was a complete disgrace to democracy. Being selected and crowned to power by five of his father loyalists is not how a representative republic should be. I have avoided calling this man "President" since day one, but he is not a president, he is a king.

Once in office, he have failed one thing to the next. He have reduced this country's civil liberties. He proposed an admendment to the Consitition which for the first time will take away freedom. He have damanaged our images around the world. He have refused to accept scienfic findings because afterall everything his God tells him must be correct.

David, Gilbert Arizona   September 4th, 2007 12:13 pm ET

Joliene,

Respect is earned. It is not automatically afforded to someone simply because of their position. I am not saying I do not respect President Bush. I am saying I don't automatically respect the man simply because he is the President. He has to earn my respect just like anyone else would.

Salomon, central Florida   September 4th, 2007 12:13 pm ET

Orphans and widows of the Iraq invasion have reasons to cry! The thousands made homeless by Hurricane Katrina over 2 years ago have reasons to cry! The growing American lower class have reasons to cry! What are your reasons for crying Mr. President?! Not enough millions in your piggy bank!

Mike, Atlanta   September 4th, 2007 12:11 pm ET

LOL. The rest of us have cried a lot over your Presidency, too, sir.

Posted By VM, San Diego, CA : September 3, 2007 7:00 pm

I laughed at this. But you're so true!

Lisa, Richardson, TX   September 4th, 2007 12:08 pm ET

Dead Certain that he is an idiot.

David, Arlington, VA   September 4th, 2007 11:55 am ET

Fantastic Freedom Institute? Is that seriously the name he'd use? It sounds like something out of Marvel Comics.

Ed,Ellenville,New York   September 4th, 2007 11:55 am ET

Respect is earned not bought.Little pinhead bush deserves nothing but contempt and so do his supporters.Anybody that bigotted to not see bush's genocide for their imaginary leader's whim shouldn't be allowed to vote.I call for IQ tests to establish voting rights!

Bush new Book: I cry a lot « The Errant Æsthete   September 4th, 2007 11:48 am ET

[...] new Book: I cry a lot (CNN) – A new book about President George W. Bush claims former deputy chief of staff Karl Rove [...]

Cary Lowell, IN   September 4th, 2007 11:45 am ET

OK, OK, we get it ! You voted for a loser in '00 and '04 and won't give President Bush the credit for winning because it's attached to your own ego.

xtina chicago IL   September 4th, 2007 11:44 am ET

Why not discuss the issues instead of making personal attacks? Wouldn't debating, not attacking make us more UNITED ? Insults and negativity would DIVIDE us; debating without attacking might UNITE us.

If people disagree with the President's Iraq war, what would the proper response to Ismalo-fascism be? If you disagree with the President, what would you do to protect us from our enemies?

Outlaw Stupidity Mobile Alabama   September 4th, 2007 11:40 am ET

Joliene - Your logic is great!
If you lived in WWII Germany I guess you would proudly say that Hitler was your Fuher. Mush for brains is dangerous and its non-thinking folks like you that contribute to "our" country's downward spiral.

Errol, Bangalore , India   September 4th, 2007 11:37 am ET

Americans should be careful while electing a president. Another Moron like Bush and the world is bound to doom. Bush shedding a tear will be a once in a life time scene ever. Too bad American public got it DEAD WRONG in 2000 and 2004. Being the most powerful does not being the most wise. Ypu gotto know that the world is a much bigger place than USA. God Bless America.

Pam A Summerside PEI   September 4th, 2007 11:34 am ET

anon, Minneapolis MN
"I think the president has done a great job and has the right to cry because of an incompetent and pitiful American public that apparently don't appreciate freedom or how we got it."

Freedom? Last time I checked Osama and millions of Terrorists are still at large. Millions of Iraquis and Afghanistans have died. Many more are still homeless. Thousands of American and Nato Military members have lost their lives. Iraquis enjoy less freedom now than they did when Saddam reigned. Billions of dollars have been spent on a War initiated by President Bush for no valid reason. The WMD's are also still at large. Oil and Gas prices have soard. Nato Countries have also suffered economically due to the Bush War. Terrorist attack are still being carried out.

And we are we supposed to be appreciateive to President Bush for our freedom? As they say, all freedom has a price. And many have paid dearly.

Cable King Pittsburgh Pa   September 4th, 2007 11:31 am ET

Jolienne,

Just for the record - HE'S NOT MY PRESIDENT - you have no right to speak for me!

John St. Louis, MO   September 4th, 2007 11:30 am ET

Something tells me this man could find the cure for AIDS, end world hunger, and remove poverty for ever and it STILL wouldn't be enough.

Anonymous   September 4th, 2007 11:24 am ET

Everyone should be crying with him…he's the worst president I can remember!

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI   September 4th, 2007 11:19 am ET

Joliene Newark,DE

"no matter your thoughts on his policies and the way he has done his job He is our PRESIDENT. He deserves some respect."

I respect your opinion but where I come from you have to earn respect. It is not something you receive according to your position, background, origin, or economic standing, even if you happen to be a President.

In my opinion, internationally and nationally President Bush by his own doing has earned only criticism and disdain as a leader. As a Leader of a Nation you can't manhandle and dictate to your party faithfuls, opposition members, Nato Allies, forget your citizens and veterans in time of need and irresponsibly leave your military without acceptable equipment to defend your nation and be looked upon with respect.

He might of had a tough job over an eight year duration but he called the shots and proclaimed himself "The Decider."

spinstopper   September 4th, 2007 11:13 am ET

Bush's historical record:

1) Longest Econmic Expansion
2) 9/11 Stewardship
3) Afganastan Democracy
4) Iraq Democracy
5) Largest Tax Cuts
6) Shortest Recession
7) No Child Left Behind
8) Most Diverse Administration
9) Largest Home Ownership *all races
10) Highest Rated *look it up

Bet you libs are crying too..

Anonymous   September 4th, 2007 11:06 am ET

for those of you saying…"he never found bin laden". They did find him on more then one occasion but to limit fatalities to innocent bystanders he was not attacked. No one is perfect and since we do not have his job or have to make his decision let us give him a break. If we don't agree we are welcome to voice our opinion but by bashing him it makes people look ill informed and ignorant. I don't think 65% of people know enough to make an informed decision let alone enough to know if they approve of the president or the war in Iraq.

Joliene, Newark, DE   September 4th, 2007 10:54 am ET

no matter your thoughts on his policies and the way he has done his job He is our PRESIDENT. He deserves some respect. He did not rig elections and he was voted in by the American people and I don't care what you do in office, giving all of yourself for 8 years to a tough job where there is only criticism deserves respect, even if I disagree with some of the decisions.

Lee, Smyrna GA   September 4th, 2007 10:37 am ET

Bill in AZ,
"It is scary how many stupid Bush bashers are out there."
It's even more frightening that Bush supporters are still around.
Change is on the way!

Bubba, Swainsboro Ga   September 4th, 2007 10:30 am ET

I say it's a lie. He regrets nothing. I doubt he's cried in his entire privileged life, and I doubt he can read well enough to author a book. Rove wrote it for him.

Anonymous   September 4th, 2007 10:26 am ET

Darn shame that the Clinton Administration couldn't get Bin Laden when THEY had the chance. I find it fascinating how all you losers that hate Bush can't see past the ends of your liberal noses. Bin Laden will be captured or killed before '08. Then that pretty much seals the fate of the left in this country and their cut-and-run surrender war policy!!!

RJ, AZ   September 4th, 2007 10:16 am ET

It is scary how many stupid Bush bashers are out there.

It is far more scary at how many unthinking, loyalist Republicans there are out there that are willing to ignore how utterly damaging this administration has been to…well…everything in order to blindly follow their party. I'm sure if you did a study you'd find that the number of Bush bashers is in direct proportion to how screwed up the Bush administration is at the moment.

Cable King Pittsburgh Pa   September 4th, 2007 10:12 am ET

Crying? Isn't that a human response? There went the book's credibilty for moi!

Ron, Indianapolis, IN   September 4th, 2007 10:11 am ET

Freedom of speech allows comments to be made about our president without fear of retribution. However, it is very apparent that there are some complete idiots in this country, made evident by the thoughts posted in this blog. How quickly people forget that it was President Bush who had the courage after 9/11 to go on the offensive and not wait for another attack on US soil. War is never popular and I find it comforting to know that we have a president who is not so cold that he can't feel the pain and stress of his office. I pray daily for this man of God to have continued strength and wisdom in all of his decisions.

Chris Moen, McLean VA   September 4th, 2007 10:05 am ET

If I was Mr. Bush I really won't hope much for other leaders attending his so called "Fantastic Freedom Institute", rather I will first try and learn thow to give a proper speach in public.

His 8 years in office have been a total joke and a disaster.

RD (New Orleans)   September 4th, 2007 10:05 am ET

I think Bush would make a great speaker because I know every word out of his mouth isn't a lie. A polished speaker can tell you he's firing you and most of you would like it because he said it cleanly. I rather a person from the heart than an airbrushed candidate. Too bad, we will rarely see that again in this country.

People have accused him of many things, but it cracks me up when they accuse of him of playing politics. If he is so dumb and political as they say, then why does he do things on conviction rather than political stunts to improve his sagging ratings.

Biff, Boise ID   September 4th, 2007 9:58 am ET

"I don't feel no ways tired." ….yeah, now there's a solution for all you liberals. How sad!

Name, City and State   September 4th, 2007 9:05 am ET

I like the Bushes.

Toronto, Canada   September 4th, 2007 8:56 am ET

I find it funny, that all of the president's supporters on this board are from texas. Aren't you guys like the fattest state in the USA? Shouldn't Bush have worried more about internal problems such as this then going off to needless wars? Everyone here thinks he is a joke, and thinks its an absolute joke that he got elected the second time around, no matter how bad kerry may or may not have been.

roger, conway sc   September 4th, 2007 8:45 am ET

I wonder why your prez (I did not vote for him either time)decided to suddenly be so open…this administration has been the most secretive ever…must be a politcal move…I enjoy the comments blaming CNN typical GOP always blaming someone else for their failures…the right wing christian,conservative, republican party are corrupt & hypocrites they were given a chance to lead this country and failed with their family values cruisade, invaded the wrong country, health care has gone down the tubes, social security remains uncertain, have created a hatred toward all americans from the entire world need I go on…it is time for a change

Raman, Plano TX   September 4th, 2007 8:43 am ET

To Rick, Chicago Illinois

Rick, refering to "feat" you have to put President George Bush's situation in context.
I am sure that Mullahs of this world have issued thousands of Fatwas against President George Bush and his team and Defence Force's officers and soldiers who are operating in field.
Now if you only knew what a Mullah's Fatwa is? Not many people can sleep after one is issued against them.
Clearly President George Bush made some error of judgement (could have been prevented if transparency to review decisions was in place, but Presidents do have to make decisions on their own - that is why we elect them as President).
As to winning war in Iraq, price to achieve democracy has always been high (from days of French revolution to this war in Iraq).
I am sure when Iraq returns to normalcy, maybe thirty years from now (hopefully sooner), people will look back upon this time as nothing more than "turbulent times".

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI   September 4th, 2007 8:41 am ET

Well, certainly President Bush is the first Leader to publicly seek sympathy as a cover up for his numerous failings as a Leader. However, I would bet Bushes' crying spells have much more to do with the world's criticism of him as a leader than it does with his compassion for the atrocities he brought upon the world. And then of course, George Senior cries every time he makes a public appearance so it seems to be an inherent trait!

And let's remember it is not only American and Iraqui parents who have lost their sons and daughters as a result of Bush's Rush to War. There are also many British, French, Canadian and Nato military members who have lost their lives as well.

I would ask Will from Norfolk, Thirsty Jon and Dee from Troy to please enlighten us as to what qualifies George Bush as one of the Greatest Presidents of America? Apparently their image of Bush is very different from the image of those around the world who perceive the Bush Presidency and leadership as a complete failure.
In fact, I don't recall a US Presidency that created as much division, animosity, and contempt on an international level.

matt   September 4th, 2007 8:39 am ET

If this meant to draw sympathy, it's not working.

http://political-buzz.com/

anon, Minneapolis MN   September 4th, 2007 8:36 am ET

Wow! There are some shallow thinkers out there! I think it's amazing how many people can't think for themselves but rather suck in everything that the media reports as the gospel. If you want to talk about impeaching someone who has done what needs to be done to protect YOUR freedom….. WHAT'S YOUR SOLUTION? Barrack Obama? Should we invade Pakistan? Everyone wants to criticize, but when it comes down to having their own idea, they have nothing. And probably would have done nothing after 911, while we get hit with more and more terrorist attacks. I think the president has done a great job and has the right to cry because of an incompetent and pitiful American public that apparently don't appreciate freedom or how we got it.

Jon, Pittsburgh, PA   September 4th, 2007 8:30 am ET

Amazing there are still people that support this president. Conservative principles are one thing but, this administration has made a huge mess in many areas. Fighting terrorism that THEY created in Iraq is the biggest mess by far. As we speak on this blog, the Taliban are strong again thanks to our failure in Afghanistan. The poppy production is greater now than before we invaded, with a large percentage of the profits going to the Taliban and Bin Laden. This is shameful. And those that support this adminstration should be ashamed. Bush will not make much as a speaker, sorry.

Firefly, Boston, MA   September 4th, 2007 8:25 am ET

I'm reading these response and thinking about how much I agree with the person who said Bush would be a hit on the comedy circuit. Right on.

But you know, I also think of that John Mayer song, "Waiting for the World to Change". The lyrics reflect the defeatist attitude that lots of us have - that people like Bush, Cheney, Rove, etc. are the people who have the power. I disagree. We also have the power. And it's in our power to at least do all the due diligence we can on the 2008 candidates. I honestly don't think that politicians give credit to the American voters today. We should absolutely see a day when they fear what will happen if we find out what liars they are. Because right now, they don't fear the consequences. Look at the presidential travesty that has just happened… and it keeps on happening, it's just amazing how unchecked and unashamed politicians are about the justice they trample daily. If they lie about who they are during the campaign, then they lie - but at least we'll know that we've done our part to attempt an educated vote.

Bill, Shawnee, OK   September 4th, 2007 8:20 am ET

So Bush is looking forward to making money giving speeches after he leaves office, huh?

At least we're not the only ones looking forward to His Royal Embarassment leaving office!

Hopefully our next president will realize that "Democracy By Force" is not only an oxymoron, but a costly and dangerous pipe dream!

Micheal, Kent, Seattle   September 4th, 2007 8:14 am ET

I have a question for the seemingly endless amount of people who give President Bush so much support. What has he accomplished during his Presidency that warrants us supporting him to the end?

Roscoe, Madison, CT   September 4th, 2007 8:11 am ET

It's hard to understand. The very same genius voters that put Mr. Bush in office for, not one, but two terms, have the audacity to turn tail and deride not just his Presidency but his personal integrity and competence. What's changed? Certainly not the war, we knew that would drag on for years. That's what wars do.

John, Long Island - New York   September 4th, 2007 8:08 am ET

Jeez, … G. Bush is such a good man - i could bet my pennies (seriously) that I would truly want to have a friend like him by my side… But.. its just that he's not built as the most "able" politician.. Shame really - how unfair this world is. True some of his judgements - namely the Iraq War (which led his demise in every corner of his presidency); and I can't comprehend why he made such a foolish decision, but other than that he's been amongst the average presidents (there have been bad ones i assure you). Everyone is coming on him like this is too much though I think. And I guess that is really the foul thing about the job of presidency - its not just for anyone *sigh*

Rob Neudeck, Princeton, NJ   September 4th, 2007 8:07 am ET

Quote:

"It is scary how many stupid Bush bashers are out there.
Posted By Bill Phoenix AZ : September 3, 2007 10:07 pm"

Yes, I agree. It's up to about 75% of the US population. Even higher when you consider thinking citizens.

M, Washington, D.C.   September 4th, 2007 8:04 am ET

I'm sure if we voted for the lot of you making comments, the world would be peace, love and happiness. The President had to make some hard decisions, some most of us would NEVER be able to make. Do you think he sits in office and thinks, "what is the best way to destroy this country?" And who wouldn't want to make money after they were President??

As a soldier myself, one of my greatest memories of 9/11 (if you can have those) was how "together" we were after the terrorists struck on our soil. That camaraderie seems distant now. Everyone expects a quick fix, that we should leave Iraq tomorrow and that Bin Laden will be caught tomorrow and hung. Guess what? If your blessed Clinton would have taken care of him when he had the opportunity, maybe we wouldn't have been in this situation.

Bill Charleston SC   September 4th, 2007 8:01 am ET

It does my heart good to finally see President Bush's supporters begin to emerge into the light of day. If he could run again in 08, I'd vote for him again. Look at the crop of candidates we have to choose from, on both sides. Find me one with more class, with more empathy for the common man, with more guts, than George Bush. You can't do it folks. Worst president ever? I don't think so. In my opinion the character this man has displayed in his tenure as president will go down in history as legendary. 30 years from now, republicans will be likening themselves to George Bush the way today's republicans do with Ronald Reagan. Godspeed Mr. President, you have my support!!

Larry Booty, Easley, SC   September 4th, 2007 8:01 am ET

Only one small comment. Whenever you refer to the President of the United States you should call him President Bush not Mr. Bush. This shows a complete disrespect of his position. Regardless of what political party you belong to this should never happen.

Joe   September 4th, 2007 7:55 am ET

Just imagine how much the rest of us cry with you there!!!!

RC, Round Rock, TX   September 4th, 2007 7:52 am ET

It's quite conforting to know that most of you could do his job better and judge him for not doing it the way you would have handled it.

We, as a country, are just as much to blame (he was elected) OUR country to be run and corrupted by PROFESSIONAL POLITICIANS. Of course he is going to make money speaking, because the same people that voted for him are going to want to see and hear him speak.

Similar to Paris Hilton, Britney (not role models, and spoiled rich people) everyone despises them but boy can they rake in the money.

Thomas Cunningham, St. Petersburg, FL   September 4th, 2007 7:49 am ET

Were errors made in the liberation of Iraq? Absolutely; every wartime U.S. president has made errors; it comes with the territory.

However, we are prevailing in Iraq not due to the support of liberal Democrats, but in spite of them. They've made every effort to undermind President Bush's authority during wartime. For example, we had Abu Ghraib crammed down our throats as if the terrorists being held there had their heads cut off, while in reality they were photographed nude and embarrassed a little. No one was murdered at Abu Ghraib. Most importantly, we've shown the world that we are a good people since the perpetrators of the Abu Ghraib scandal were appropriately punished.

A man who doesn't cry is a very foolish man. Liberal tactics have always been the same: Call your political foe stupid. They did it to Dan Quayle, Ronald Reagan, and Gerald Ford, just to name three.

In my view, history will be very kind to President Bush. Success is never an accident; we haven't had an attack on U.S. soil since 09/11/2001. God bless George W. Bush, and God bless America.

Your Reality   September 4th, 2007 7:49 am ET

OBL FREE = HISTORICAL COLLOSSAL FAILURE

Posted By Your Conscience : September 3, 2007 7:42 pm

—–

Yeah, it's a shame Clinton didn't do enough to catch him when he should have, leaving him "for the next guy" to deal with.

Mary, Beaver, PA   September 4th, 2007 7:44 am ET

Michael Fallai, Phoenix AZ, asked the question that all of us need to ask George W. Bush. It is the question that should dog him for the rest of his life: Where is bin Laden? Perhaps a follow-up question would be: Why didn't you direct your attention to finding him and bringing him to justice instead of attacking a nation that had nothing to do with 9/11? America wants an answer!

Mr. Vikram Betal, IL   September 4th, 2007 7:43 am ET

In response to Posted By Jr., Denver, CO : September 4, 2007 2:27 am

Where was I when Iraq war started, I was being called unpatriotic, traitor, wimp by the president, the media and everyone who was blinded by the president's fear mongering.

What has this president done? lets see.
1) Had 9-11 under his watch (partially to blame for)
2) Failed to capture Osama bin laden
3) Misled the country to wage a useless war.
4) Failed to control the aftermath.
5) Create world instability.
6) Criminally outed Valarie Plame for political motive. Successfully covered it up.
7) Divided this country with religion, so called family values and polarized.
8) Failed to act on Sudan, where there is an actual crisis.
8.1) Failed to react to Katrina, even after 4 years 9-11, showing how un prepared we are.
9) Fired US attorneys because of political motives.
10) Impeached on our freedom by warrant less wiretapping of phones.
11) Fear mongering, creating facist state, reminds me or Hitler, and sith.

Ron, Pittsburgh, PA   September 4th, 2007 7:43 am ET

"There's no crying in politics! There's no crying in politics!"
- Tom Hanks

Besides, everything this man has said or done has been staged-managed and pre-digested. There is no way on God's green earth that he's ever cried.

ann, ellicott city, md   September 4th, 2007 7:33 am ET

Mr. Bush is a man of courage, faith and strength, and I have been proud that he's my president. May God bless him, now and always. p.s. His ranch in Crawford is a lot "greener" than Al Bore's home in TN.

Mr. Vikram Betal   September 4th, 2007 7:17 am ET

Crying does no good for what he has done. He has blood on his hands, of hundreds of thousands of men women and children.

He should consider harakiri.

S, Orlando, FL   September 4th, 2007 7:07 am ET

M.L. - Manhatten, NY - Trotting out the old talking points, eh? Not everyone who hates this guy is a liberal. In case you haven't been following the polls for the last two years, about 65% of the country can't stand this disgrace of a president. Are you saying that all these people are liberals?

Maybe in 20 years the people who still support this horrid little man will wake up from whatever bizarro world they live in and finally get a clue. I'm not optimistic though.

mike NYC NY   September 4th, 2007 7:04 am ET

I sure am glad this billionare president feels the need to expolit his presidency to make yet, more money. Can we get someone in office who isn't from big oil? Or already filthy rich? These people have the wrong priorities. I like it when he said "Jesus told me to invade Iraq". Does he think we are stupid? What an emabarssment.

Crocodile Tears, India   September 4th, 2007 6:56 am ET

3000+ Americans dead, atleast 100,000 Iraqis dead in past 4 of voilence — Bushy you MUST cry for sure (if you honestly look at your face in the mirror). All these just for the EGO or false sense of Power and Pride. Saddam did not have WMD and more importantly — there wasnt shia sunni deaths to the extent that we see now. What you did by toppling Saddam was to bring Alqaida into Iraq from Afghanistan and other countries — CRY. If there is one percent honesty hidden somewhere in your heart, you must cry

Sherry Milledgeville, GA   September 4th, 2007 6:49 am ET

Draper??? Who is that? Since when have we started believing everything that was written in books? Anybody can publish a book!!

Listen at how you guys are speaking of "THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA"! What has happened to AMERICA?

If each of us had 1 week to walk in his shoes (any Presidents shoes), I am sure we would cry occasionally also.

Let's all pray for our Soldiers, our President as well as, our country.

I don't like war, but I feel war "there" is better than war here. Stop and think about 9/11. Remember???? Hello AMERICA!!! Remember???
Some people are so busy bashing until they can't stop and see the real picture. Let's see what happens when a DEMOCRAT gets in there! That is why we are where we are now. Our Soldiers are having to clean up behind a Democrat!! If Clinton had of taken care of business like he was elected to do, instead of "taking care of his PERSONAL business" then our country, our Soldiers, and our President would not have the burden on them.

God Bless America!

Mz Candace, Las Vegas, NV   September 4th, 2007 6:31 am ET

So George W. cries alot. It makes one wonder if his tears are truly heartfelt and for what reasons they are shed; but then again crying seems to run in the family.

Ed,Ellenville,New York   September 4th, 2007 6:20 am ET

This blog illustrates very clearly the mental retardation and resulting religious indoctrination that are taking our country down the road to theocracy.The US is NOT A CHRISTIAN NATION!Anyone who says it is,is a traitor and should be exiled immediately.This is not Iran.As for you subversives that give thanks to a superstituos figure,I think you'd better take Fred Thompson's advice and check yourselves into a mental facility.Pretty soon we'll have the medical technology to weed out these threats to our democracy."god's warriors" are soon to be bellevue's finest residents.

John, NYC NYC   September 4th, 2007 6:04 am ET

I appriciate his honesty, but talking about making money after his presidency etc when we're messing up in Iraq, Afghanistan and maybe Iran is just scary…

Jeff S., Centerville, OH   September 4th, 2007 5:58 am ET

Yep, he'll be crying alot more after he leaves office–all the way to the bank for the people crazy enough to invite him to "speak".

Don, Akron Ohio   September 4th, 2007 5:52 am ET

The President sounds overmatched and unstable to me.

swpz in Howell, MI   September 4th, 2007 5:29 am ET

"Dan in Mountain View, CA"….Some Christian you are….I thought Christians believe in Jesus Christ not George W. Bush?!? GWB is nothing but an imposter, who uses Christ's name and rakes in money and admiration from "blind fanatics" who don't even know how to discern who Christ really is and what HE stands for. Bush can tell you folks anything and you will believe it. Bush is the devil in disquise. I am astonished to hear anyone defend this man's actions…how blind can you people be?

Jose Escalora, Arizona   September 4th, 2007 5:15 am ET

We have to understand Bush crying in the light of his next statement about replenishing the old coffers. He cried because his old coffers were being depleted while he is a president. But he will no longer cry after his term because he can already replenish his account. It is a simple as that.

Come on, do you really expect him to cry over those poor 600 thousand Iraqis and more than 3000 American soldiers who are now dead because of his war?

It is now clear that the war is about oil and money. President GWB just love money.

William   September 4th, 2007 5:15 am ET

Worst President Ever.

Len, NZ   September 4th, 2007 4:52 am ET

Bush is just a big women's blouse, I hate that guy and I am from a country who sends medics to Afghanistan and Iraq, his decisions are made and then drags my country into the conflict making travel precarious for my country men, when he is gone I won't shed a tear. I will be happy that 8 years of tyranny is over. A Kiwi observer