As much as i don't like Bush , this is most likely the smartest choice he ever made.

Now GW Bush wants to be truthful?!?! I think the truthfulness of Obama and his campaign coupled with Bush's last year as president allowed him to be truthful about his addiction.

Going on my 6th year of sobriety, I commend the president (who I loath) for opening up about this. It always bothered me that he never talks about it because he can potentially do alot of good to the hopes of struggling addicts.

I like Bush

Trying to be honest now that he is leaving office. To late.

He is right: ANY addiction is hard to overcome whether it is alcohol, tobacco, drugs, over-eating, sex, gambling, even exercising. Good for him and the rest of the people that overcame their own addictions

You're a great example GW! Four more years!!!

That is sucks, bro! I always thought it'd be sweet to hork down a beer with the man.

Interesting… Obama comes clean about his past abuses and opponents try to slam him for being open and honest about his past mistakes. So now Bush comes clean about his past abuses. Lets see how many of these same folks slam him. I bet they all praise his honesty.

Who cares just get out of office please

Spare me the sentiments Mr. Bush. Your past addictions are the least of our concerns right now.

What about the Coke addiction? Not the bubbly, caffinated version…

As much as i don't like Bush , this is most likely the smartest lie he's ever told.

fixed that for ya jim.

Good for him. I'm not a fan of his presidency, but if more Americans beat their addictions like he has, and exercised like he does, healthcare costs would come down without any additional legislation.

It's easy to blame Big Pharma, insurance companies, doctors, lawyers, etc. for America's high healthcare costs (and they all deserve some blame). What about the 3/5 of Americans are either overweight or obese? You think that might have something to do with it, Michael Moore?

Homer Simpson - "Hey, it's easy to blame ourselves, but it's even easier to blame others!"

I don't like him either, but I have to admire his honesty. He is an inspiration to those who struggle with addiction and think their life is over.

The last thing I am is a fan of Bush, but candor fits him well. I believe that overcoming a problem like this is a strength moreso than a weakness.. It is very true that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. I hope his story of overcoming his addiction to become the most powerful man in the world for 8 years can help others see that there is life after addiction.

That being said, "Affections for exercise". Haha. Never was a wordsmith.

HIGHER POWER!!! THANK YOU MR. PRESIDENT FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE STRENGH AND HOPE WITH AMERICA!! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BELSS YOY!!!

Bush became a different person after the Neocons got close to him. I hope he is telling the truth about drinking.

Did he drink any of the wine at the dinner he had with Wolf Blitzer?

Lair.

Great! Now all he has to do is come clean about all the lousy things he did while in office. Good start, though.

I don't kow Jim. We might have been better off if he had been drunk the whole time. I question his sobriety though. But say he has been sober, ever heard of a dry drunk, it can be worse. Best choice for Americans….term limits

Finally, it took him 8 years to admit it. I still don't like him, but I now have a bit more respect for him.

"Knee-Walking Drunk"?!?!
There's a country music lyric if ever I've heard one…

I'm always annoyed by statements like this displaying some special ability to quit an addiction. Are we this weak as people, really? I always hear about how hard it is to quit smoking, drinking, overeating…whatever. It's so boring to hear drunks talk about "clarity" and fat people "struggle" with food….and what's more annoying, the non-smoker, or the guy with "jitters" cause he needs a Cig in his/her mouth?

Yay, I'm glad he's not an active drunk anymore…..he was able to overcome his struggle and accomplish ruining so many great things about this country.

Your Kidding right??? NOW he comes out. Was I the ONLY one who caught during his FIRST run for president that he was a DRUNK and in fact arrested and charged with a DUI and when he was asked about it blew it off with a " It was in my reckless youth" THEN we found out he was 40 when he did it!!!!!!!!

I think all of you sheep owe the rest of the world a HUGE apology for blindly electing this boob. I KNOW we will never get it. He never admitted mistakes either.

no you're not, you're the WORST president this country HAS EVER SEEN!

I love the way the idiot talks about his alcohol abuse, but says nada about his cocaine addiction.

Typical.

at the risk of sounding cold, WHO CARES? W is just trying to tug at our heart-strings so his legacy isnt TOTALLY in the crapper, which is where it sits now.

For those who are educated on the subject, Bush is a prime example of a dry drunk. His statements alone show he doesn't understand the disease. It's not something you grow out of, or "cure". It's a lifetime problem. He obviously never worked on the underlying problems in his life, and still acts out like a beligerent, self-willed drunk. Work the Steps Mr. Bush!

22 years later we have the hangover.

faith based programs are the only addiction recovery programs that really work. this is why celebraties are in and out of rehab on a regular basis. $40,000 per month luxury resorts don't change hearts and break addictions. only through changing one's heart through a relationship with the Creator can one truly find the peace and strength necessary to achieve victory over addiction.

Celebrate Recovery is a faith based ministry founded upon Biblical principles that restored my relationship with Jesus Christ and has enabled me to break free from years of daily addiction to substances.

in fact, there are studies that demonstrate that Biblically based prison recovery ministries have a much higher rate of success than secular based programs.

people may hate bush for all kinds of reasons, but he is 100% correct on this one.

Good for Bush to have chosen to overcome this.

As much as I don't like Bush, I don't believe him! Being completely smashed all the time might explain some the the absolutely moronic decisions he has made.
Not as much as say.. .the FACT he is a cocaine user. Not ex, current. Take a look at his more popular speeches… the way he over reacts to things. I know a coked out person when I see one.

Since switching to Tequila & wine coolers, hes a changed man.

Perhaps now he should work on his addiction to power.

Why would I believe these words, given his record of lies in the past eight years?

It's so nice to know that out of a possible million people infinitely more qualified to be president, we were saddled with a former alcoholic.

I've always thought he would've been better suited to run some Texas-based rehab center or church/charity group — not the President of the United States.

Hallelujah! I think it's wonderful that President Bush is allowing himself to be vulnerable in order to help others who are suffering from addictions. Although, they are difficult to deal with and challenging to overcome, it can be done. Each of us has a story to tell of things we have experienced in our lives. I believe it is our responsibility to share those experiences with others in order to offer hope and encouragement to them. I applaud President Bush for his honesty and willingness to offer others what he has experienced himself.

Please cue the angry-liberal diatribes about how the world would be better off if he would have kept drinking.

Spoken with humility like someone who has personally battled with the disease of addiction.

Last night, the President remind me of my Faith in life and the Republican Party, after being caught up for a moment in the Endorsement of Obama and feeling inspired by some of his words. Bush's unwaivering beliefs brought me back to solid ground and restored my Faith in him and My Party.
His addiction was put on him for a reason and he has shared this with us and I for one know the truth in placing a higher power into ones life.
I believe when all is said and done History will show him in his greatest strengths.

Why is this "smart" to reveal something that he should have revealed years ago?? It's called lying to the people.
What's next, he's going to reveal that we should not have gone into Iraq?
I see him doing the same thing that his father did in 8 years from now, pleading with the American public to restore his reputation in a book entitled, All The Best, George Bush: My Life and Other Writings II."

I guess with all the other politcal sheninigans going on George needs to get some camera time too. A wonderful photo op.

It has been written that Mr. Bush drinks non alcoholic beer, which is not recomended to former alcholics, since it contains some alcohol.

If he drinks NA beer, he cannot say that he has not had a drink of alcohol in the last two decades

Oh - Is this some sort of Obama endorsement???

While having a lot of issues with the President, I applaud his candor on his past, just as I applaud Senator Obama and others who have "fessed up".

Well - now that he has become a 'better man' for having overcome the addiction to alcohol, and has abstained from same - I wonder if he can become a 'best man' possible, and imbibe in the fruit of the grape, in a responsible manner? proving that one CAN enjoy the fruits of nature - when an addiction is truly under control? and continuing to depend on that 'higher power' for support!!!

What is he trying to do, take away from the dramatic primaries? Who cares about what he has done or is going to do except for the time he has left.

So he WASN'T drunk when he decided to invade Iraq?

Well - now that he has become a 'better man' for having overcome the addiction to alcohol, and has abstained from same - I wonder if he can become a 'best man' possible, and imbibe in the fruit of the grape, in a responsible manner? proving that one CAN enjoy the fruits of nature - when an addiction is truly under control? and continuing to depend on that 'higher power' for support!!!

You don't think he drinks? I bet his wastebasket is full of Budweisers every morning. Look at that face and tell me he isn't hung over.

Wow…maybe he would have made better decisions for our country if he was still drinking. Just a thought.

Most people have some direct or indirect familiarity with the struggle against alcohol and/or drugs. Changing one's life, becoming clean and sober, and trying to remain that way begins and is sustained by humility.

Consequently, it is difficult to take seriously Bush's claims to sobriety, since it is his arrogance - or that 'cowboy swagger' which he substitutes for mature and wise leadership - that has thrown this country so far off course.

I sincerely commend Mr. Bush for overcoming his addictions. It's ironic, however, that he gave up the booze and then somehow went on to become our president; the fact of which pretty much makes me want to drink everything in sight.

I guess he will try anything at this point to seem more human since his approval rating is below that of any president ever in U.S. history. The only problem is he was the only one that did not admit he had a drinking problem. Nice of him to catch up with the truth.

As much as I do like Bush, this is just another demonstration of his very good judgement.

I can't stand the guy, but if it helps someone else out there try to put a halt to their addiction, good.

The "and all that" part of Bush's sentence refers to cocaine, of course. Too bad the national media played nice and didn't follow up on the story of Bush going AWOL during Vietnam in order to avoid the new drug testing - we could have avoided 911/Afghanistan/Iraq/recession etc. if only they would have done their job.

who cares??..he is drinking blood now

What about the press reports in recent times that have spilled the beans on his frequent recent booze ups?

He is 'coming out' on honesty when you drink and party….. Can anyone guess which Democratic candidate Bush is going to endorse? Hmmm… can you?

Thought to ponder … This man often times has trouble constructing a sentence and is notorious for sounding like a fool. Can you imagine the conversations he has when he is loaded?

Last night I went through my phone book and sent over 126 people text messages to support Barack Obama in their state Feb 5. I also encourage them to send it to 10 different people to spread the word on the importance of voting on Feb 5. I think supports on this site should do the same thing as well. Make a comment about why you support Obama and send to everyone in your phone book. We all can do something to keep the REVOLUTION alive.

OBAMA 08

Sure. Right. We believe you. There were WMDs in iraq, too.

Sorry, but when leading experts call President Neumann a "dry drunk", and he acts like a total lying moron for 7 1/2 years in office, and a lot of us saw this coming, you have to sit back and take his words with little weight.

I think he is still addicted but now is the war in Iraq….

There's no way anybody could convince me that he still doesn't drink. Most of his decisions are not very rational.

I hope Bush's message of his alcohol abuse serves in helping a family member as well as their families who are struggling with this problem. Especially those children who are suffering everyday due to their parents alcohol abuse. Let Bush's message serve as one of hope and love.

This sounds like Hillary's "I found my voice moment" to me. Good for him for showing he actually has a truthful, human story to share after the stale, recycled load of B.S. and lies he unloaded on us at his last State of the Union address.

As evidence of the last 7+ yrs, who said he quit in the first place !!!!!!!!

This is the smartest choice, and a hard one at that, he has ever made. I commend him for "beating" his addiction to alcohol. It is a hard row, and many never make it out of the depths.

I used to see him drink non-alchohol beer for a short time after he gave up the real deal.

Too little too late. We all knew it two elections ago. He has nothing to lose as he's lost so much as it is. Add it to the list of other half truths and lies.

Did he come clean about his drug use too? Has he now embraced a drug enforcement program that treats users as addicts rather than criminals? No? Oh, then nevermind.

Maybe his drinking binges affected his ability to make sound decisions yet to this day.

I think G Bush is the worst president in recent memory. But when someone opens up like this, you have to respect them.

I think it's brave, courageous and shows a deeper level of leadership when our leaders show others that they can overcome their similar problems. I have to admire him for this.

I don't know why more politicians don't understand that honesty really wins people over.

It is hard to believe that he has really quit.

Too little too late. We all knew it two elections ago. He has nothing to lose as he's lost so much as it is. Add it to the list of other half truths and lies.

I hope his honesty (for once) will help someone who may be struggling.

Although I think most everyone knows about GWB's problem, opening up like this is the right thing to do every now and then. Now I can only wonder what's in it for him. Somehow, I just can't see GWB doing or saying something if there weren't something in it for him.

Great, we had an alcoholic C student as our President….with a record. Is anyone else ready for change!!??

Obama '08!

What about the femented mare's milk (alcohol) he drank on his trip to Mongolia a year or two ago? What, it doesn't count if it's not in the U.S.? What happens in Mongolia, stays in Mongolia!

Yada Yada Yada………..

Anything to TO "PLASTER" Mr Bush ONE MORE TIME……………..

It's sickening to listen to those "

Have you ever heard of the condition known as a "dry drunk"? It is where the alcoholic stops drinking without treating the underlying causes. He no longer abuses alcohol but the personality disorder that led to it remain. And that is why George Bush is a lousy president. I'm sorry for his supporters and also for the rest of us who had to endure his presidency.

Wow… at least one truth in the 7 years he's ruined our country…

I need a drink.

Wow, look at the hateful liberals on this board! No wonder the hatefule liberals who run CNN chose to feature this story!

What garbage. There are multiple videos that have surfaced of the President, clearly inebriated — and they are current to boot. In one of them, he is clearly drinking beer, in another, he is at a graduation party. I am a Republican, I voted for the man, but his lies are astounding.

Between Bush and Cheney, they share 4 DUIs. Given their horrible (yet sober) policy and decision-making over the past 7 years, maybe they should have stayed on the sauce!

Okay GW. Really impress us. Open up about your past cocaine use…

Lesley -

Bush graduated with a better college GPA than Kerry did. But you don't care. You just hate anyone who isn't on your side of the partisan divide.

Just as this born again Christian who says he is devout does not seem to display any aspect of religion into his life, I question is sobriety fully.

You would think this would have inspired him to change the DUI laws. Instead of destroying their families and life with ridiculous fines and sentences that only line the pockets of the Government, people should be forced to seek treatment for their addiction. Only after failing to obtain treatment should someone be severly punished. Even elected leaders fail to correct bad legislation even though they know better. FYI: I have never had a DUI but seen the Government destroy others.

Soryy that most want to still "batter" Mr Bush when those speaking (as well as most who are thinking) are SOOOOOOOO much more guilty of WHO KNOWS WHAT!!!!

Can't one appreciate the man's honesty???????At least he's man enough to try and discourage our "KNOW IT ALL" critics (YOUNG AND OLD) from falling on their faces in self destruction.

T

Sober maybe, but he has been a distructive president. Alcohol once simplified his world, now it is his impenetrable self-certitude. Instead of being able to see the complexity of the world, he has handled difficult and complicated situations by engulfing himself in the flag and yelling "Jesus" and intimidating and, well, thinking up stuff. Who has been the better for his conversion save him and his? One more year and or one more pretzel.

That explains his lack of brain cells

all the biting, cynical, childish comments on here remind me of why i can't listen to pushy liberals even talk anymore. grow up, people! he was speaking to and encouraging people who are experiencing a struggle with this very real issue. something that ANYone can struggle with. only a pushy, angry person could DIG to find a way to criticize him in this particular story.

WHAT ABOUT HIS COCAINE ADDICTION. CADDIES AT PEBBLE BEACH SAY HE WAS QUITE A NOSE PACKER IN HIS DAY. HE MIGHT AS WELL COME TOTALLY CLEAN.

I LOVE PRESIDENT BUSH… AND AM PROUD TO SAY I VOTED FOR HIM AND STILL WOULD.

THESE PEOPLE WHO LOVE SAYING THEY LOATH HIM..
YOU JUST LIKE SAYING THAT BECAUSE YOU THINK ITS THE THING TO SAY, AND BLAME THE PRESIDENT FOR EVERTHING..

HE IS NOT A MAN TO HATE.. I CAN CERTAINLY THINK OF OTHERS..

So was Iraq a drunken mistake?

lets see if Mitt Romney slams Bush for his honesty on his past drug/alcohol problems like he did with Obama…. doubt it

What is the difference? Obama smoked pot and GW is a drunk and coke head.
These are the people we elect!

In my view, President Bush is a decent man who has done the best he can under very difficult circumstances. History will be kind to him for preventing additional terrorist attacks on U.S. soil after 09/11/2001 and spreading democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan.

There are those who wouldn't give our Chief Executive a fair chance if their lives depended on it. If you don't believe that, just read many of the other postings on this blog. Why such people cannot debate issues without personal attacks is beyond my comprehension. Ya'll can't even be polite to each other (i.e., Obama and the Clintons).

Lesley dont forget that he got "Ivy League" C's, which, lets face it, is much worse than a normal C anywhere else!

At least he is honest, can't say that for the Clinton family. Don't even try to say they are. I trust a Clinton about as far as Mini-Me can throw one. Edwads08

FOUR MORE YEARS!!
FOUR MORE YEARS!!
……..i wish…………

GO BUSH!!

No mention of the cocaine?

It always amazing me that the American people can be so vicious about their president of any party.

Do they really believe all our problems can be blamed on a president? Our whole system evidently has problems. Our Senate and Congress hold a lot of the responsibility.

I admire anyone that can admit they have had problems, and have now overcome them. Everyone has some kind of problem that needs to be overcame, and if they don't admit that, they are lying to themselves, as well as everyone else.

George Bush is our President, and I respect that office.

Good for Bush. My brother currently is struggling with alcohol addiction - which is very hard to overcome. I wish more politicians, celebs, etc. would admit their struggles with addiction.

Obama sucks.

So now he wants to be truthful with the country? Why? He's lied about everything else! Can he come out and admit to being a coke head? Having daddy help him skip out on Vietnam and then not even having the balls to show up to that job? Being a war profiteer? Starting an illegal war? Buying and stealing a Presidential election? Laundering money through un-bid contracts? Making choices as our "leader" that personally benefit him and his friends? Bush, you need to do your country the greatest service possible and step down as President and then admit to all of the above! Only then would I come to have even an ounce of respect for you.

Now there is no excuse for his impaired judgement!

I despise Bush's policies and have a hard time find anything about him to like. However, this is one thing about him I can understand as I have been that person competeting for a loved one's attention… frequently losing out to alcohol. Good for him that he is dealing with it (as we all know, it never goes away, you just learn to deal with it). And that is about the only thing I can applaud George Bush on. At least he's somewhat human though.

He acts like a dried-out drunk, not someone who has addressed his problem. Too bad, both for him and his family, that he didn't get the help he needed long ago. His wife and children suffered as a result.

I think GW was a great man,husband and president. I can't wait to see what Hill and Bill can do, or Obama. Edwards08

Lesley of Baltimore………..how about Obama's own words that he was almost a pothead in his early years? That will tell the whole USA how Obama backers really are!! If Rezko was a Clinton supporter, him being remanded by the judge yesterday, will be on the headlines printed in RED.

I've always knew that the president is a good man.
Thanks for sharing your past problems with honesty and courage.
Shame on those who condemn him in the first place.

Maybe if he spent the past 7 years being this open and honest he wouldn't have a 28% approval rating.

I have to say GW is a great person. I would be a little nervous speaking in public, but hey, after a 12pac anyone can do it. Look at GW. We have all heard him speak, or attempt to speak. What an idiot.

LESLEY,
ARE YOU PERFECT??
IT SHOWS MATURITY WHEN YOU CAN ADMIT YOU HAVE MADE MISTAKES IN LIFE AND YOU ARE WILLING TO HELP OTHERS WITH YOUR STORY REGARDING THEM.

LESLEY B. DID YOU GRADUATE FROM YALE? AND BECOME PRESIDENT. THEN DON'T JUDGE..

Good for Bush! Hopefully, he will inspire people with addictions.

Obama 08!

WOULD YOU ALL HAVE RATHER HE DID WHAT BILL CLINTON DID IN THE OVAL OFFICE, WHILE WE ARE PAYING HIM TO DO OUR BUSINESS..

NOW, WHO HAS REALLY DONE DISGRACE TO THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT…
NOT GEORGE W BUSH.

President Bush owned up to the drinking and driving incident when he was a young man. If you look at all the young and old people who drink and drive now — they are just lucky they haven't been caught, but it will catch up with you — it's very hard to criticize a President or anyone else who was able to reform a bad addiction. And it is a lesson for all the young people in this country who usually start drinking and smoking in high school and even earlier. Parents who drink and drive set a very poor example for their children.

President George W. Bush is a good and moral man. He has kept our country safe from attacks that were predicted after 9/11. Why is it so difficult to give a President like George W. Bush credit a job well done.

Tell me please, what would your strategy have been after 9/11? Would you have said to the terrorists "please don't kill us"???? It's easy to put down or characterize someone else when you don't have to experience and you don't know what's going on. How many of you would want to be President of our US? How many of you who complain and call President Bush a bad president, would actually give your life for our Country? I have three cousins in Iraq

Man, I love this guy. Best president of the USA since Lincoln. I say we vote him in for another 4 years like we did with that handicapped guy. Vote Bush in 2008!

Just get out of office, who the hell cares. And they showed the state of the union over prisonbreak. Gotta be kidding me. I was pretty pissed i had to watch that garbage congress crap.. Yeah get up and clap when he completes a sentence.

I despise him as President, but I am glad that he is using his struggles to help others in the same situation. I only wish he said this earlier- he could have helped a lot more people by saying, 'Hey, I did it and I became President. Fight your addictions.'

To S Williams:
Naivete is not a reason to respect a loser like GWB.

Obama '08

Best of wishes to the President for his personal health.
Wish he were a better leader for us and the world. I couldn't bring myself to watch the State of the Union last night - first one missed in nearly four decades.

Obama's truth is inspiring in more ways than we might know.
Obama '08

What about his addiction to horrible policy and lying for war?

It would have been better for his legacy if we found out that he had been drinking the last 7 years.

Now that he's clearing things up, can he tell us where he was while he was supposed to be serving in Alabama?

Good grief, something that he did 20 years ago. Lets keep bring it up and up.
All the presidents and the presidents men have, smoked and drank something to excess. Did the fooling around with women while in the Whitehouse. Been in a murder situation. Lets hope they can all keep clean once in office no matter who it is.

I wonder how many will realize that his whole shift to a control-oriented, rule-based, black-and-white evangelical worldview stems from his need to overcome this addiction through a simple and easy to grasp.

Now we have all paid the price.

His alcohol abuse isn't nearly as disturbing as his cocaine abuse, which no one seems to care too much about.

Bush is the worst thing to happen to the United States since President Jackson

When will he admit that he was a horrible President?

He is president because CNN kept us busy talking about little nonsensical issues like the snub ..

Please!!!!!!! I haven't heard such slurring since my college days!

I think he fell off the wagon about 5 or 6 years ago…

Let him that is without sin cast the first stone. How can anyone of the neysayers here bash him for what he has done and said and then applaud Obama. They BOTH had addictions and chose the higher road.

I applaud you President Bush.

On your CNN Headline News station you have stated and shown the picture a number of times of what appears to be Barack Obama turning his back to Hillary Clinton. Your news commentator by the way she reported it made it sound like it was a deliberate snub. MSNBC gave a more balanced reporting of the incident and also mentioned Obama's objection to the way it was reported. Sen. Claire McCaskill also came to Sen Obama's defense stating that she had just tapped him on the shoulder and he had turned in response to her. Pictures do not always tell the TRUE story. They can be made to twist and distort what is really going on. Please be more truthful and responsible in what you say and in the way you report the news. It doesn't help the country when things are continually being distorted. You should strive to be an agency of integrity and not sink to the level of falsehood where you mislead the public. Thank you.

“I understand faith based programs. I understand that sometimes you can find the inspiration from a higher power to solve an addiction problem,” he added.

No…no you don't. AA and other "higher power" programs have no proven effectiveness whatsoever. In fact, they won't even let anyone do studies on their methods to prove their (in)effectiveness. There is simply no statistical difference between 12-step programs and going cold turkey. Nothing in the 12-step programs has any scientific or clinical validity. It can be chalked up to will power or placebo effect when it is effective…and that's the sad part. People managed to quit, yet they're encouraged to see themselves as helpless and weak, turning it all over to a "higher power" that you just sorta have to trust is a) there, and b) gives a rat's backside about you being a drunk.

Pamela, this is a political blog, not "Hey, lets see what Pamela has to say." No one cares about your brother but you.

I just wish he would have given up his addictions to lying and his need for power so he could admit to them as well in his last few months in power (Thank God)

Interesting how I posted a comment earlier today about Bush's alleged cocaine abuse, and that post was deleted. Guess CNN doesn't believe in free speech….

I don't like Bush or his policies…but I'm with him as a fellow recovering alcoholic…

Great, we had an alcoholic C student as our President….with a record. Is anyone else ready for change!!??
______________________________________________________________

Seriously, I can't believe you even put those two sentences togehter. What change is Mr. Obama bringing? The same addiction problems, the same lack of experience, same Ivy league education, same unite the country speech, same likeable personality. Hmmm, me starts to see a pattern here.

Sounds like another President-in-Training to me.

I'm not a Bush fan, but I do know that on various occasions during his terms and even when he was first campaigning, he made similar references. Even the harshest media folks observed that he was really moved when talking with folks who were facing addiction issues.

While I don't believe Bush is, or ever has been, a member of any 12-step program, he intuitively understands the 12th step–that recovering people keep what their sobriety by sharing their story with other alcoholics without judging them.

As a person who had some long-term sobriety but who subsquently spent most of Bush's presidency in a long, secretive relapse, I'm grateful to the man. I'd never vote for him–but I appreciate these rare moments when the bravado drops and Bush shows that he's just another guy trying to stay sober one day at a time.

Well GEEZE - wish he'd been half as honest about the WMD's -
His 7 yrs of war machine policies have driven more people to drink than he can remotely know.

I am sorry, but this report reminds me of a discussion I had with my 4 YEAR OLD about making a mountain out of a mole hill and leaving her complaints for bigger and MORE CONCERNING issues.

At a time like this, really, let’s focus on the real ISSUES, not whether or not a candidate gave another their back!

Does negativity have to be infused even on candidate public displays of courtesy?

Let’s not act like my 4 year old Yajaira and stick to the issues or TIME OUT for you!

Best regards,
Maddy

I sure am glad he doesn't have alcohol clouding his judgment.. We would really be screwed.

HE IS SUCH A LIAR- IT DOESNT MATTER WHAT HE SAYS AT THIS POINT - HE WILL BE REMEMBERED AS THE WORST LEADER IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. OUR COUNTRY CAN ONLY BENEFIT FROM HIS DEPARTURE FROM "OFFICE" - HE IS AN ARROGANT, INCOMPITENT, BULLY. GET OUT.

Doing the backstroke? Well, considering you said you'd leave your legacy up to history and you weren't worried about it. You certainly seem to be a bit more human right now. I'd say on the scale of evolution your now into the range of the cockroach.

I agree with the comment by "Addict" that our country should "embraced a drug enforcement program that treats users as addicts rather than criminals". I am not an addict, but I see that our system isn't working. Lawyers and the court system are making big money from human pain and suffering. People need help. they don't need robbed! They (government,courts,lawyers) have quite a business going on, don't they???

I like George W.

BUSH BEING A ALCOHOLIC DRUNK IS THE LEAST OF HIS PROBLEMS.

So disingenious.
He was a cocaine abuser and later alcohol.

Bye-bye…glad to see you go.

I have never been as ashamed of my President as this man makes me feel.
Not Reagan, nor Eisenhower, or even Nixon - okay, I'll take that back, Nixon was the devil incarnate.

If he stopped drinking then I stopped eating several years ago and am surviving on air. Look at his bleary eyes, slurred speech, forgetfullness and all around bone-headedness - that my good people is an active alcoholic running your country.

Maybe he should start drinking again since he is useless and has already gone down as the WORST president in history.
It is going to take us at least 2 years after he is gone to reverse everything that he put in and the laws he broke.

“I understand faith based programs. I understand that sometimes you can find the inspiration from a higher power to solve an addiction problem,” he added.

AA and other such programs simple replace one addiction with another. Belief in an invisible cloud daddy can be just as damaging to your personal well being and that of others as alcoholism. At least you get a good buzz from a drink, what has god done for you lately?

I say he's a liar and a grunt. No one who was sober would have done what he's done and said what he's said. Worst president ever.

WOULD YOU ALL HAVE RATHER HE DID WHAT BILL CLINTON DID IN THE OVAL OFFICE, WHILE WE ARE PAYING HIM TO DO OUR BUSINESS..

NOW, WHO HAS REALLY DONE DISGRACE TO THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT…
NOT GEORGE W BUSH.

————————————————————————————————-

Hmmm lets see, smoothly running country, America well liked around the world, surplus budget - yup, I'd rather let the prez have an occasional BJ if it helps him do a good job.

I honestly believe that Obama will lead this world into the apocolypse. You can put this one away for the archives. The world will not survive with this guy or any democrat in office. The white horse is fast approaching and Obama is riding.

hail to the chief…another great moment in presidential speeches…

NOW HOW INSPIRATIONAL IS OBAMA?!! COME PEOPLE WE GOT TO COME CLEAN- THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE!!!!!!

….

I'm not sure what this has to do with the poor performance in office and I don't see the connection either.

In any case he lacks the ability to control his drinking. The Alcohol did not drink him, HE drank the Alcohol and I am glad he is finally able to resolve and reconcile whatever drove him to it.

GOOD LUCK Mr. President…

But your administration really made a MESS of this country.

You should go back to drinking at least you would have an excuse for screwing up this country so bad!!!

WOW! There are still Bush supporters out there? I'm surprised after all evidence points to the fact that this man is the worst US president in history. He makes Nixon look like a freaking Boy Scout by comparison.

To address some of the more "right"-leaning comments, yes, none of us are perfect or addiction-free. However, (other than many misled voters), none of us are responsible for repeatedly lying to the nation and cloaking our every move in secrecy. Oh yeah, and this good "Christian" man also has the blood on his hands of tens of thousands of Iraqi men, women and (here's the catch), CHILDREN based on doctored evidence of WMDs and the neocon's pre-emptive "war".

"You just hate and loath our president." Of course. Shouldn't you? Many worldwide do.

You Bush Haters have never gotten over the fact that Bush won the Presidency TWICE!!!!! You all have an ADDICTION TO….HATE. Go get some help. You're going to need it when Mitt Romney takes the oath of office. I feel sorry for you. What a life you must lead.

The tone of so many people on here make me realize how far we've sunk. If not for our kids, we'd really be messed up now.

How about the COCAINE, George? Ready to fess up about that too? Didn't think so. How about the businesses daddy funded that you ran into bankruptcy? Don't wanna talk about that either? How about your record of not showing up for National Guard duty? Your 3 arrests? (Only president in US History with an arrest record) How about the lies about just about everything you have spoken about since your campaign? How's your record on pollution George?

Miserable failure, George. The only people who have benefitted from your bungling presidency have been your buddies and your daddies' buddies and Cheney's buddies in the big corporations. You have violated the Constitution, been responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of people to satisfy your personal ego…George, you belong in jail, not in the White House.

California - Clinton leads 49% to Obama's 33%

the addictions are no big deal really - it's the terrible and corrupt job this "president" has done. and before the bush lovers jump all over me - i'm no liberal. as for the jesus freak, who states that only "Faith based" recovery programs work - keep your dogma in the church please

New York - Clinton leads 56% to Obama's 28%

Margaret H. this is for you.

You think the fact that the president will spend 2 trillion dollars in Iraq when American bridges are collasping, good people are getting turned away for health care, social sercuity will not be there for me (but I have a hunch you'll get your's Marge), global warming is an after thought, not up holding any restriction on big corporations when it comes to emmissions, trade, or send jobs over sea (child labor), 9/11 huh? who sat in his chair for 15 minutes and read a book to little kids after hearing about it, oh yeah that's great, quick leadship, plus the CIA, FBI and other agency not being connect to local agencies like FireFighters, Cops, ect, what about the fact the rich are getting richer and the poor poorer, how bout the morgage crisis because the government allow loose regulations, how about the epedemic of mental illness in this country (handing out pills is not the only answer but Bush's cronies in the phameceutical industry are loving it), TAX CUTS are fueling the rich, what about a Flat tax (80 million or 80,000 the same percentage of taxes should be taken about), how about all the sexual scandals in the repulican party (you anti-gay marriage republicans seem good at brushing these things off), the MN bathroom incident, the young kids (can't remember what their called), I mean come on I get so fed up with ya.. all.. "southern slang" pretending to be the party of moral decentcy. (spelling?) We are the party of respect and honor of all cultures and believes.

So, it is you my friend who needs to do some educating! 'southern slang' again.

PEACE
Obama/Edwards 08

liar liar pants on fire

go away GW

Alabama - Clinton leads 43% to Obama's 28%

Stop deleting my posts on the latest polling evidence - CNN's hidden agenda again.

***************************************************************************
Some of these comments show true insight into the human condition.

Some of these comments make me wonder out loud…
"why do we let stupid people vote".

***************************************************************************

If only he overcame his addiction to lying sooner

So, is he saying he could have done a worst job if he had still been drinking? Or that if he was still drinking he wouldn't have became president and the world would be a better place? Should we be promoting alchoolism as a way to keep morons out of power?

Oh please. I am a hardcore Dem and I am man enough to admit that it takes balls to come out and make what critics will call very un-presidential comments. In fact…he almost sounds like…GASP…a NORMAL person.

This, and the visit to Saudi Arabia (slap in Big Oils face) and the fight against Pork Barrel Earmarks has made Bush go up a few notches in my book.

You negative nellies need to lighten up.

Ok, now that is over with. Quit tinkering with the economy and go drink a beer with a buddy. We probably would have been better off if he had drank a little more often.

This guy lies about everything and has his entire life. Why should we believe him now? For sure, he has had alcohol since he was 40. Just shut up and evaporate back to Crawford. Of course, it's our fault he is still around. He belongs in prison.

Rick
Port Orange, Fl.

Margaret H.
You said it best. Thank you.

TO; Villaine: BILLL CLINTON IN THE OVAL OFFICE CAN'T COMPARE TO THE DAMAGE IDIOT BUSH HAS DONE.. HE HAS BEEN A DISGRACE TO THE PRESIDENTS OFFICE.

I find it shocking how poor the US media are at scrutinising the candidates or covering negative news on their preferred candidate. The removal of posts that show the true picture seem to happen with a regularity on sites such as CNN's that you have to believe there is another agenda going on.

For example, myself and others tried to post the latest polls that show Clinton will win big on Super Duper Tuesday - yet all of them have been pulled. Another example is the fact they allow comments from Obamaites on the various endorsements he has received from the likes of the Kennedy's but do not allow comment on similar endorsements for Hillary.

By the way those polling figures in the Super Duper Tuesday states do not look good for Obama.

As much as i dislike Bush and although he is the worst president in history, i have to admire and respect his honesty regarding his addiction. Alcohol addiction is not something you can cure overnight, but it can take up to a lifetime. I'm glad that he was able to come clean and "somewhat" get his mind right.

Anybody who believes that Bush hasn't had a drink since he quit however many years ago, is either stupid or drunk. By the way, has it occurred to any of the bright lights on this message board who support "this worst president of all time" that he has replaced booze with pharmaceuticals? How telling that he quit drinking because it interfered with his exercise. This is one boozy narcissist.

Yes Villane. Ill take a martial affair over an unprovoked war of aggression any day of the week.

Ok, he was (is?) a drunk. Same can be said for President Grant….except Grant neglected to dodge the draft. What an idiot (Bush, not Grant)

Mr. Bush,

Wow, congrats on being honest for perhaps the first time in your life.

Signed,
Who Cares

Ahem…Better man for it? How much worse could he have possibly been?

I concur wth Carl. The country will not exist, because I could see him selling out faster than GW tried to. EDWARDS08

He may have stopped drinking but he never calmed the demons that made him blow up frogs w/firecrackers as a kid or his "Daddy" issues or a whole life of someone always bailing him out when his butt was in a crack or kept him out of Vietnam or put on Harkin Energy Board once Poppy became Prez. The boy's got issues from being raised a rich brat. He was born on Third Base but went through life like he hit a triple to get there. It ain't just the booze. Too bad the whole country & the world had to pay for his character flaws.

This man has driven this country into a ditch and it will take several years to recover from the destruction caused by him and his cronies. Now, we have to pay the price and suffer…hold onto yourself and get ready for a rough ride.

Oh, and AnyDemocrat/08

It's amazing that all of the Obama supporters are turning this article into something political. The fact is, that this story is about a man speaking of his struggle to overcome addiction and he has done so. I am not a supporter of President Bush and his policies, but am proud, as someone who has struggled with substance abuse, that he has overcome his problem. To the Obama supporters: This article should stand as somewhat of a light at the end of the tunnel for those struggling with addiction. In other words don't use someones admission to addiction and their success story as something political to benefit Obama. Please, just leave politics out of this.

Oh Bush, no one cares!
it's just a vein attempt to be noticed above the Democrat's Primaries!

Speaking of which - See what happens when you have a President who is saved from his substance abuse afflictions by God. America can't afford another self righteous moron in office.

Sorry Obama

As much as people can't stand GW, give him credit, it is now an easy thing to do. I have been sober for nearly 6 years. Did it on my own, no meetings, nothing. I read through dozens of comments left about him coming clean on this. This isn't something new people!!! This is common public knowledge he is talking about. It just shows how people in this country are just clueless!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe picking up a book or watching something other than reality TV and a few of you would know a little more about the president, and about what goes on in the world, in general. You talk about him being clueless, the responses to his remarks only reinforce how clueless some people are in the US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE THE PEOPLE OF NORTH AMERICA, ARE IN THE GRIPS OF THE MOST BRUTAL WINTER PATTERN OF THE CENTURY, WHY ARE POLITICIANS STILL TALKING ABOUT THE JUNK SCIENCE OF GLOBAL WARNING. THIS IS ONLY A POLITICAL MONEY GRAB. IT'S SO POLITICAL THAT TRUE SCIENTISTS ARE AFRAID TO TELL THE TRUTH. TELL PEOPLE LIKE AL GORE TO STOP THIS NON-SENCE AND GET THERE HANDS OUT OF YOUR POCKETS. THIS KIND OF NON-SENCE WILL SURELY BANKRUPT US THROUGH THE AXSORBINANT ENERGY COSTS.

WHAT ABOUT THE COKE??

Too bad he didn't keep drinking!!! Then he would have just been a stupid drunk and not the president who ruined the USA.

I cannot stand Bush's policies and his ineptitude. He is hands down the worst president in my lifetime on so many levels.

Giving up the drink, however, was probably the best decision he ever made. Good for him. And, good for Laura for issuing the ultimatum.

Bush is on the poor me's now ? ? ?

Oh so now that he is leaving office he is being transparent - wow. You have a bunch of stuff to come clean on Georgey Boy - second thought - just go away!

Dear Villane - you have got to be kidding me….former president clinton lied under oath. People go to jail for that. Your hero has the distinction of being on the list (very short list) of impeached presidents. I am sure you are proud of that to!

As for a surplus budget…I was in the intel community under Clinton. He cut the defense budgt a million times over to get the country into a surplus, but at what cost? He weakened America and was the catalyst for 9/11.

President Bush has spent the past 8 years trying to clean up 8 years of Democrat mistakes. Get real! If you want the goverment to take care of you and not rely on yourself to do that, then by all means vote Democrat. If you think people should have some personal responsibility and learn to take care of themselves, then please vote republican.

If you dont vote, then just shut up and go away, your opinion is then irrelevant.

This man is a typical frat boy, full of bullying, and now whining. I have NO respect for him, not as President, not as a son, not as a brother, not as an uncle, not as a husband, not as a father, and certainly NOT as a man. He's a lying coward and if he asked me for advice, I'd tell him to leave the country and take the Bush Family Crime Syndicate with him.

Driving drunk is much better than presidenting drunk.

War criminal. CNN..there is your story.

Just last Friday, we buried a family member who died of alcohol poisoning. This society covers and condons this wicked addiction. Good for you Mr. Bush for showing that alcoholism doesn't care who or what you are.

Past drinking? Do you really think he stopped?

To All,
Even if you dont like his decisions at least respect him for coming out and talking about it. I havent heard the Clintons come out and say Bill is a sex addict and both Clintons are Pathelogical Liars. And the last time I checked in 1999 when Bill bombed Iraq all the liberals werent up in arms about his claim's he made of MWD. Oh wait I forgot what the Clintons say are only truthful facts

GOOD JOB MR PRESIDENT, SINCE 911 WE HAVE NOT BEEN ATTACKED IN THE UNITED STATES.SOMEBODY MUST BE DOING THEIR JOB. THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT FOR MAKING SURE WE ARE ALL SAFE . ALSO GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS WHO ARE FIGHTING TO ENSURE OUR WAY OF LIFE AND FOR PROTECTING US FROM THE EVIL PEOPLE WHO WISH US HARM. .REMEMBER FOLKS, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
LM

Just what exactly does he mean by "affections for exercise"????? How sad is it that the majority of American people voted him in twice!

Shortly before the 2000 presidential vote, news reports revealed he had been arrested in 1976 for driving under the influence of alcohol near his parents' home in Kennebunkport, Maine.

“Alcohol can compete with your affections. It sure did in my case — affections with your family, or affections for exercise,” Bush told the ABC News interviewer last month.

And the cocaine….?

I am not Bush supporter, and most likely will never be a Bush supporter, whether it be Jeb or Laura (watch out Hillary?), but I do commend him for this. With myself having to deal with relatives who abuse alcohol, I appreciate the President to open up and talk about it. It is not easy to do.

Good for you Mr. Bush - both for quitting and for showing us that if you put your drinking problems behind you, that you can be president of the free