Only Bush-supporters can find some kind of irrational "logic" in ignoring the FACT that he had 8 months to prevent 9/11 and FAILED and instead praise him because he supposedly didn't allow a SECOND attack. It would be great if just once one of those delusional supporters would try to claim that our borders are safe from potential terrorist foreigners walking into our nation EVERYDAY.

This is just more of the same ol same ol…

SPIN… SPIN.. and then when you think it's over… You get even more SPIN…

Bottom line is like always with every president.. Those of you who like Bush think he can do no wrong… those of you who hate Bush think he has never done anything right…
Meanwhile our country gets more and more divided.. But then again that's what politics does.. this country is in real trouble if we dont come together as 1 nation..

What bugs me about this issue is that the sort of issues in his life that sent him running for the bottle are quite different from those that affect those folks. It's a sad irony that a lot of his policies have created a need for them to drink in the first place.

Opens up? That is the most over-reaching statement a rooky reporter can make. Grow up and report issues kid, you're on the wrong path. Opened up? LOL

So Tom, Who do you believe? the press?

L Dollar, That's what alcoholics do; blame someone else for their drinking.

A hearty THANK YOU to President Bush for doing what's right and for serving as president for 8 years regardless of what some of these thankless bloggers say. Time will prove you were one of our best presidents. Your agression against the terrorists has kept them off our soil since 9/11. Thank you for your courage which flies in the faces of the cowards.

This nation would have been better of if he stayed too drunk to ever run for public office

His actions while in office certainly do not reflect any sort of sobriety. If this is how he leads while sober, I'd hate to see what he would have done if drunk.

I THINK THAT HE HAS BEEN DRUNK THROUGH HIS ENTIRE TERM!

I'm just wondering what any of this has to do with the current national debate and/or the problems that confront us today?

Bravo, Mike T. And let me add, he does have his secret police lined up-they work for Blackwater and answer to NO ONE. They were on patrol in New Orleans after Katrina, and who knows where else they are?
And I view Gitmo as an internment camp-no lawyers, no communication, no charges, no Geneva Convention rights-just torture. Sounds like WWII, huh?
Read "The End of America" and see just how fascist we have become under Bush and Cheney. Then watch PBS' "Cheney's Law" and see the havoc they have wreaked on the Justice Dept. THEN tell me you believe Bush has done a good job, is a nice guy, and you wish he could stay.
There is also an Executive Order in place allowing Bush to declare martial law and suspend elections in case of a "national emergency." Anyone think there is another attack planned for say, October?

Anyone who uses the word "liberal" in a pejoritive sense is just a stooge of the mindless right wing that pushed Bush into the Oval Office.

The word "liberal" means free. If America isn't for freedom, what's it about?

Oh, and I'm sure Jesus would be VERY proud.

It's funny how much I hear all the right wing talking heads invoke Reagans' name and how wonderful he was…why aren't they talking about Bush 1 or 2?? They can't even decide who they want for our next president, I guess the choices are very bad, not one Reagan in the bunch!!

Stand up guy. Too bad that no matter what he does, close-minded opinionated liberals will still hate him and cry about everything he does. Which is a a real shame, because he has actually done more for this country than any leader in modern history – given the winning of 2 wars and the 7 year protection of the US without any terrorist attack beyond 9/11…
——————–
This is a joke, right? 9/11 happened on Bush's watch. Before him, there was no attack on American soil, period.

Done alot for the country? Sure, if you count the national debt your great-great-great grandchildren still will not have paid off, the fact that we owe China more than our country is worth, the outsourcing of millions of jobs, the importation of millions upon millions of illegal immigrants, the near collapse of the US economy, and the erosion of your civil rights with warrantless wire taps, secret military prisons, and government sanctioned torture. I will have to give him credit for stopping short of secret police and internment camps, though.

George W Bush will go down in history as the worst US president EVER – even worse than Jimmy Carter – and that's pretty hard to do.

Tejano Straight Talker – That is Bush's number 1 problem!

HE
DOES
NOT
CARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So Bush loves GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS, as long as they're FAITH BASED. Okay, I'll ask my representatives to attach the word "GOD" to all social welfare — and then the Republicans will vote for it. Hey, whatever it takes.

I love this President! Keep comin' back!

You're the better man for not having a drink in 20 years? I think we should all celebrate this tea-totaling success story by going the next 20 years without electing another Republican. Just think how well off we'd be without the abject ignorance and evil that party has brought to the fold these last eight years.

Wendy, NC: I vote and my opinion is relevant! I think you exaggerate a bit about slashing intelligence budget a "million" times in order to have a surplus. Ha!….I'm not much in the mood to defend Bill Clinton, but G.W. Bush has spent the last 8 years cleaning up the Democratic mess???…oh, so that's what he's been doing??!! .he sure has some strange ways of getting things accomplished.

Stand up guy. Too bad that no matter what he does, close-minded opinionated liberals will still hate him and cry about everything he does. Which is a a real shame, because he has actually done more for this country than any leader in modern history – given the winning of 2 wars and the 7 year protection of the US without any terrorist attack beyond 9/11…

Iu love Bush is the person I'd love to see he is my president for a very long time

Jan…anyone of sound mind would rather have the President cheating on his wife than binging on alcohol while acting as The Decider. If you think the office of the president has been disgraced more by Clinton than Bush, you are clearly not thinking right.

Jeff you stated what Clinton did to his wife!! What about Senator Vitter, Senator Craig, Mark Foley, Rep. Bob Allen? Now McCain who had sex with a maid of his? They should all practice what they preach….

Is there anyone who loves George Bush who can also spell?

Not one thing Bush has said is honest..He denied these allegations since he has been in office…One of the comments in here said GW 4 more years…Grabbing the razor blade now to slit my wrists if that were to happen…Another 4 more years LIES? Not!!!!!!!!

He is also addicted to shopping. He likes to spend money that he doesn't have.

Too bad he didn't give that one up before he became Pres, eh?

George is a really cool dude…knowing before he opened up about this to help others, that the foreign Euro-money backed hard core hate mongoring communist/jihadi luvin' Leftista crowd would crucify him over it, he did it anyway…as if to say "who cares what you think? I'm going to actually HELP some folks here, and not just bray on about stuf and never accomplish anything like you leftistas hate mongors do.."!!! That took guts, and an honest desire to help others. He has always done what is right and not what some European financed "poll" suggested/demanded he do. Principles. Courage. Honesty. Integrity. All of which are things the Leftista hate-activists don't EVER understand…

WE LOVE YOU GEORGE!!!! WOOOO HOOOO!!!

Yeah, I was a drunk, as well. Quite thankful, I am, to have put it aside in favor of life.

Now… for all you Bush-bashers – y'all need to get some life, too. Not quite sure why each of you venom-spewing, authority-hating, conviction-disrespecting, BIG gov't-loving, mother-lusting fools insist on being so mean-spirited.

The next President will not be the much improved version of which you may dream. There is no one who can possibly make you happy – other than yourself.

What happened to his Cocaine Addiction?

We could care less about Bush and his personal struggles. What about the struggles of American parents, wives, husbands, children, other family members, and friends of U.S. soldiers fighting, dying, and being maimed in Iraq-fighting a war that Bush himself knew he was going to undertake the very first day he was sworn into office? Whose dealing with their fears, their pain, their struggles? In case Bush hasn't noticed, people are dying thanks to him. And there appears to be no end in sight.

His so-called defense of America is a joke, and a sick one at that. He knows nothing about national security. If he did, he would know that national security begins at the border-which has become a turnstyle next to Mexico. We are overrun with illegals, many of whom are criminals and drug traffickers. That's not racism-its fact. Bush is OK with this but an-already contained Iraq 10,000 miles away is the "real" threat? How absurd. George Bush and his allies like John Mccain have a lot of blood on their hands in Iraq. I don't know how these people sleep at night.

wait, so if someone had just encouraged his drinking he wouldn't have been our president?? what a chance, i mean he was already down someone just let him fight his way back… greater good people, sacrificing one mans life for the wellbeing of our nation is pretty much our motto, right?

bush is just another man trying to do his job, far from the worst president this country has ever seen (does anyone remember how "awesome" harding, garfield, and hayes were?)

The most unfortunate thing about Bush is that HE has singlehandedly made alcoholics out of MILLIONS of Americans during the last 8 miserable years…

Thank you for keepig the liberals sputtering all over themselves these past 7 years President Bush. You are a better man.

What a bunch of freakin idiots … the above bloggers I mean.

Thanks for eight great years. Lower taxes, strong military and outstanding leadership. Not to mention you fulfilled the #1 priority of a president, you kept up safe!!
—————————————————————————————–
Kept us safe?? Where were you on September 11, 2001? Were you reading "The Pet Goat" with Bush?

No one should be DELUSIONAL enough to think Bush has kept us safe from a SECOND ATTACK unless they believe Bush has kept our borders safe from any foreigners sneaking in.

The lower taxes have resulted in a 50% increase in national debt. Is anyone foolish enough to think they owe 50% more than before and this is GOOD???

Get back to reality instead of blind support without thinking.

LOO, Thanks, I shall use you as a personal advisore, or spiritual advisor.

We all know he used to drink in the past and now he is sober, so why is headline news??

I QUIT DRINKING 7 YEARS AGO JUST SO I WOULDN'T RUN INTO HIM AT THE LIQUOR STORE.

He's been honest about his problem from day 1 people! Read or watch the news!

As much as you all dislike him and his "power hunger". has it not worked? have we been attacked since 9-11

listen to my calls, put out surveillence, do what you have to to keep us safe!

God help us if a democrat comes to office.

Losers all who criticize. What have you done to succeed in life. President Bush is far better than his predecessor.

If its not drinking what does explain him???

Wow, I am shocked at the majority of comments above. How can people make fun of someone with an addiction? Bush has had many failings as President. However you are all showing your failings as human beings by treating his alcoholism as political foder.

BTW -Bush has discussed his issues with alcohol long before now. This is not new news.

Too many people here are equating GWB and honesty…that is an oxymoron.

JAN/FLORIDA @ January 29, 2008 2:34 pm ET

"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."

Jan…anyone of sound mind would rather have the President cheating on his wife than binging on alcohol while acting as The Decider. If you think the office of the president has been disgraced more by Clinton than Bush, you are clearly not thinking right.

And I do not buy for a second that he is no longer drinking and (still) addicted to cocaine. Any expert on substance abuse will tell you from a few simple observations that he is well into relapse.

I don't believe he stopped drinking or getting high….

He would have to be in some type of altered state to make some of the decisions he has made….

Unless, he is just that dumb.

I am amazed at the hate. You can disagree with the man on many things. To call him "liar" and all of the hateful things makes me wonder if the "cure" to his presidency as shared by his supporters through their hate, is worse than the ills.
Shame on you who use his honesty about a personal problem to dump on him and make yourselves look like hateful nutcases.

to aaron;

you obviously have never spoken to a member of AA or attended a meeting. Do NOT trash something you know nothing about.

I'm not a huge fan of President Bush…but my hat is off to him to talk about this issue publicly…its good for people to hear.

L
I
A
R

Glad to see that Bush feels it's necessary to bare his soul at this
stage of the game.

President Bush spoke about how he overcame his addiction to alcohol through renewed faith in God. Most of the people posting comments have criticised President Bush for all sorts of real and imagined faults during his administration that has nothing to do with alcohol addiction. This shows that its not President Bush who needs help but the crazy, deranged people making all the weird and angry comments.

NicNas:
No you aren't the only one that remembers that. That is NOT why I didn't vote for him I just don't like him or his daddy. I was shocked when he got elected and more so when so many people were so dumb as to reelect him.
After spending over 30 yrs bartending I thought I had seen a lot of stupid things but that was the dumbest.
There are times when he was on TV that I would have believed he was hung over. Some of the things he has done has had me wonder if he didn't relaps. I hope not. I have had alcoholics in my family and it is very tough.

Sure wish he would resign

Good for him!

He didn't overcome his addiction, he just switched the intoxicant from booze to religion.

Hey britney spears:

You are britney spears indeed!!!

This is the most important news today for you, CNN?

Too little, too late. Bush= American Psycho!

To : Pat, you 110% hit it right on the nose!

Mr. Bush should reflect on the fact tghat some people have a "problem" with drugs that happen to be illegal, and end up in prison, or at least with a record for the rest of their lives. He and other politicians should man up and end the un-American war on drugs, starting with the absurd penalties against marijuana. Does anyone even remember why that stuff is illegal?

Funny how people criticize the man for being honest, after comparing him to Ob(s)ama, but no one realized that cocaine is an ILLEGAL drug, alcohol addictions are hard to overcome, but no laws were broken. An honest guy, stop telling him to get out of office and what-not. And don't leave comments if you do not know how to spell, that just shows how ignorant you really are.

In AA, they say you can take away the booze but you need to address the underlying character defects if you want real peace.

Its a tradition….Drug and Alcohol abuse within the Presidency

Bush=Alcohol
Obama= COCAINE – oooooo)

I suppose he could have lied like Bill Clinton and claimed, "I put alcohol in his mouth on many occasions, but never swallowed". ("I smoked weed but never inhaled")

So GW has been on the wagon for 20 years ?
Lets hear the truth about that pretzel a few years back.

The phrase is "the truth, the WHOLE truth and nothing but the truth". So you crawled out of a booze bottle. Now tell us about your cocaine use. Or would the right wingnuts who love you go screaming from the room?

This man has been lying and cheating all of his adult life and if anyone really thinks he has stopped drinking I've got a bridge in Brooklyn Id like to sell you. As governor of TX he was known for sitting around with Rove smoking cigars and drinking brandy. I believe that was after his come to Jesus experience…

It seems as if Mr. Bush, in light of his past problems with alcohol addiction, might want to consider ending our absurd and expensive "war on drugs" and treat the habitual use of addictive drugs as a medical and social problem, instead of a criminal one.

Wow, it's amazing how many people here think he did the right thing by fessing up. What, it took him 7.5 years to do this? It totally blows my mind how many gullible Americans there are out there who buy his BS hook, line and sinker. Thank God I didn't vote for him, I'd be moritified. I mean really, do you even listen to the man talk? Or attempt to?

So what about the Cocaine? I notice that sometimes you get twitchy and as a social worker who works with drug addicts it is a sign of use and or immediate withdrawal. Are you still using? Where you drinking when you choked on a pretzel?

My guess is that the guilt for the 1/2 million lives lost in your lies over Iraq will catch up to you at some point leading to one hell of a relapse. And frankly I'd say you deserve to be haunted.

As dumb as he is, giving up alcohol may be the smartest thing he's ever done.

Never had a drink in the last two decades? I guess I have to reconsider my running hypothesis as to why George W. has been making poor decisions for the last 7 years.

What could be worse than a drunk???

A reformed drunk with religon as a crutch!!!!!!

"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. "
—————————————————————————————————-

Jesus is his booze now. Thirst quenching, judgement imparing, brain cell killing Jesus…..

I would have prefered Bush as a drunk rather than the criminal and national disgrace that he is. It would be far more meaningful if he could ADMIT the intentional, deliberate, and well-documented LIES he employed to drag us into a war that has cost over a hundred billion dollars and wasted tens of thousands of lives. The idiot deserves no credit for "speaking out about his personal issues" since that only detracts from the reality that what he really deserves is to be tarred, feathered, and dragged through the streets of DC before returning to the ranch to wallow in the shame of his miserable presidency. Most of our allies feel that W was re-elected by a "nation of ostriches", and despite the clear wake-up call of the Nov. 2006 congressional elections, it's amazing how Bush's few remaining apologists are still in a state of deep denial, and still have their heads in the sand.

And what about all those stories about him hitting the whiskey again? I guess they are all falsehoods spread by liberals or Al Quaida.

Great, he destroyed our country because his brain function was impaired with the cells he destroyed drinking alcohol. Think about that before you vote Obama in, you know he has a history of something much worse than alcohol, it'd be great to see what his damaged brain could do to the country, fun.

His addiction to LYING is much worse!

You've left the country in ruins, swindled BILLIONS for your Saudi Masters (secret energy deals, highest oil prices in history, fake war to run up the price), and corporate friends. Administered the largest influx of illegal third world foreigners in our history. Responsible for a FAKE war for profiteering (although you couldn't fulfill your sweet heart duty stateside, thanks to DADDY).

JUST leave the Nation alone so that we can rise the filth off from your administration.

"caesar" – Wake up, pal. President Bush didn't LIE about his drinking. He talked about it well before he became President the first time he won. Wake up.

Well, we all knew there HAD to be a reason the man has very few brain cells left. Blew 'em all out drinking and snorting. Good bye and good riddance!

I think I got a little tear. Sniff-sniff. NOT!!! Who cares about about what you did before presidency (even thogh it was childish and irrational). You're crappy leader now and forever, and should have learned from your past mistakes in poor choice making, and did a better job in running the country, much less yourself.

Well good for him. I wonder how many Americans/Soldiers have become alcoholics due to his mishandling of our government? Or better still, I wonder how many soldiers would of liked to make it to 21 to have that first legal drink?

Children and drunks always tell the truth! He would have been a much better president if he had kept on drinking!

""I doubt I'd be standing here if I hadn't quit drinking whiskey, and beer, and wine and all that."

it's enough to make you wish that he'd kept drinking.

All alcoholics know this, when a person stops drinking they inturn stop growing and maturing. If the president started drinking at 16 years old and stoped when in his late thirties he is now mentaly approx. 18 years less than his present age. OK how come there have been no comments concerning his mental ability by qualafied personnel! Also if he GW kept his same attitude and behaviors after stoping drinking he would be a dry drunk. His ratical behavior is always with him and the attitude he can do no rong remains. As a reformed drunk with 20 years clean GW acts like a dry drunk and thinks God is with him. SAD isn't

TO JAN AND MARGARET:

JAN: Bill disgraced himself. George disgraced the Nation.

Margaret: Tell me please, what would your strategy have been after 9/11?
Well I dunno ummmmmm maybe try a diplomatic avenue first like before BOMBING A COUNTRY TO BITS for NO VALID REASON! Uhhhhh that's one thing that comes to mind. Ummmmmm OR Maybe attack the country where the Master Mind was actually holed up instead of a country that had nothing to do with it!

Oh and Be Sure you give thanks to Bush for taking out Bin Laden ohhhhhh no I guess you can't thank for him CAUSE HE TOOK OUT HUSSEIN INSTEAD ! OPPPS WRONG DECISION AGAIN!!!! What a Guy that Bush is !!!

What a totally honest man. It's refreshing to see honesty in the White House. After 8 years of Bill Clinton, it has been wonderful! I wish he could run again, but he can't, so I'll vote for the next best thing – McCain. President Bush is a straight talking guy and he's put many a terrorist in his place. When he says he's the "Decider", dang right he is. Not you nor I. The President of the United States IS and always will be the Decider. Good for you, President Bush, for not listening to the sheep that followed the Clintons all these years and are now jumping ship! We love you!

Thanks for eight great years. Lower taxes, strong military and outstanding leadership. Not to mention you fulfilled the #1 priority of a president, you kept up safe!! I'm glad we had you in the White House these last eight years during a time we needed strong leadership. He did it his way and didn't give a "rip" what anybody said. Way to go Bush!!

CNN, how long does it take to moderate a submission? My has been out there for an hour without putting it on the blog? Thank you.

Bush gives us drunks a bad name.

Now if only he (and the rest of America) could understand the similarity between religious fanaticism and substance abuse, maybe we would understand that terrorist motivations are a little more complex than pure evil.

Then perhaps we could address the roots of the problem instead of fighting long, difficult wars trying to eradicate the symptons.

"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"

================================================================
Give Bush credit for a job well done?????
A good and moral man?????
Kept our country safe?????

Well, Margaret H, we all know that there are at least three of you left in this country that support the Moron.

Same old talking points….."No more attacks since 9/11″…..blah, blah…..the fantastically popular and successful war on "terror"….blah, blah….three cousins in Iraq….blah, blah, blah……

Wake up and smell the coffee Margaret. Terrorists can and will strike this Country again at the time of their choosing. The absence of attacks doesn't mean they've forgotten us, or that they stand in awe and fear of your preternaturally selected president. The two attacks on the World Trade Center were seven years apart…..

Bush has made this country and this world a far more dangerous place with his misguided and arrogant foreign "policy". He has turned a huge budgetary surplus into a huge defecit like a teenager with a credit card. He heads one of the most corrupt and incompetent administrations in history. He has ignored and trounced basic human rights and personal freedoms. He has violated International peace treaties and conventions.

And for this he deserves our thanks?

The people at Faux news just love sheeple like you…..

Georgie boy…look what could have happened if you kept on drinking. Many soldiers would be alive today, our deficit would be drastically less, and above all we wouldn't be so divided today. Good Bye…so long and good riddance!!!

You are still a disgrace to this country. Some of the people on here who praise you as being one of the best Presidents

As a gigantic titan in the art world, I have to say, I commend this great man for facing his demons and winning. He's remarkable and will be missed by the artistic community.

"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. "
—————————————————————————————————–
People DON'T GO TO JAIL FOR LYING UNDER OATH if they are highly-placed REPUBLICAN OFFICIALS.

Many Republicans apparently don't believe adultery is worth removal from office or else we would not have Republicans Sen. David Vitters and Sen. Larry Craig still in office.

Many Republicans don't believe that being GUILTY of two counts of perjury, one count of obstruction of justice, and one count of making false statements to federal agents is worth even ONE MINUTE in jail.

Let's cut out the HYPOCRISY. Why did they spend $50 million to impeach Clinton?

Clinton was one of only two presidents impeached. How many presidents were forced to RESIGN for criminal activity?

I loved your commend "tillzen" and I agree with you.

If he started this war when he is or was sober, we would have been better off if he stuck with the bourbon.

Good for him. I loathe his politics but hopefully he helped some people today.

OH Please he is trying to get your sympathies before leaves the white house. trying to bring up approval rating before he leaves by telling you a sob story about alcoholism. don't listen to him.

To bad his willingness to act as a role model to the nation in this regard had a limited impression on his family.

Wish he had admitted he was still drinking, would have explained a lot of stuff.

Can't imagine with all the lies and coverups of the past 8 years that he's coming clean on this.

What are all these comments about finally coming clean? This admission was replayed over and over by the press during both elections. You whiners seem adamant that nothing positive could possibly come from anyone you disagree with. I'll bet you'll spend you incentive check and cry like a stuck pig when the tax breaks go away.

I`m one of the vast, ever increasing % of those who were much better off in the Clinton years than in the years when Jr. and both houses of congress were controlled by Republicans.

Well contrary to what the previous person states, the majority of voters didn't vote for him twice. He received the majority of electoral college votes but thats it, in 2000.

As for his "sobriety" how can anyone believe a word he says? He's lied to the world about 9 million times what makes anyone think that he wouldn't lie about his life changing sobriety? He's lied about reasons to invade Iraq and kill 4000 Americans, he's lied about wiretaps, he's lied about pretty much everything, so often his credibility is shot. I know there are stories from secret service people that cast doubt on his sobriety, and those of course may be fabricated and false. But what his Dubya ever done to warrant the benefit of a doubt?

I say he's still a drunk moron, though instead of driving his car into a hedge, hes driven an entire country into one.

It's great and all that he's kicked his problem, but what about the millions of Americans that he's driven to drink?

Well contrary to what the previous person states, the majority of voters didn't vote for him twice. He received the majority of electoral college votes but thats it, in 2000.

As for his "sobriety" how can anyone believe a word he says? He's lied to the world about 9 million times what makes anyone think he wouldn't lie about his life changing sobriety? He's lied about reasons to invade Iraq and kill 4000 Americans, he's lied about wiretaps, he's lied about pretty so often his credibility is shot. I know there are stories from secret service people that cast doubt on his sobriety, and they may be fabricated and false. But what his Dubya ever done to warrant the benefit of a doubt?

I say he's still a drunk moron, though instead of driving his car into a hedge, hes driven an entire country into one.

How hypocritical are the bloggers who scorn President Bush. They can whitewash Clinton`s infedelity and lying,Obama`s drug use and the buyout or sellout, whichever you want to call it of the reps in Washington. Wake up people,get a life

its very common for people broken by addiction to recover by turning to religious born agains trading one drug for another. Weakened clouded minds that don't get to hung up on facts and external reality, the president is a text book of the mental type.

Lordy, Lordy, Lordy!!!

Yeah, he choked on pretzels, remember…

Wow, lots of hater-types out there. Relax, sit back and watch good things happen over the next eleven months… Beats being bitter while doing nothing…

You people are so jeolous of Bush. He has accomplished more than any of you could ever imagine. You have your small little apartments and inconsequntial lives. Get over it . But you can sit in front of your computer at your low paying job and your bottum lip curled, and just type away You are so unhappy. He has it all.
BUSH08
We could only wish, instead vote Mitt

This is a campaign season for candidates and this Ticker is supposed to be about the campaign. So why are we reading here about a lame-duck President's past alcoholic indulgences? Doesn't CNN want to make the already little liked President all the more disliked bybrining this story for readers to comment on? Who cares what Bush did decades ago? We care about the future, not the freakin past. Get over it, you morons at CNN!

bush has had 20 years to come clean and help others—instead now when he's leaving office? I guess it's the only thing he can be proud of—-he's squandered our future and our children's future and made the U.S. the nightmare of the world. He makes me sick—

Obama admitting that he smoked pot = bad example to the youth of America

The president admitting that he was addicted to alcohol to the point that it was controlling his life = a noble story of the perils of alcohol,and how you can replacing one crutch (alcohol) with another (religion).

???
I'll never get neo-cons.

Let's not give him too much credit for his honesty…..this man has been one of the most dishonest presidents in history.

Kids, let that be a lesson to you: Keep drinking, and you'll end up just like Bush—a babbling idiot who can't pronounce words correctly and can;t do anything right!

Hey George:
It's never too late to learn how to spell!

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 world. Bravo.

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.

And the cocaine….?

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.

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

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

Past drinking? Do you really think he stopped?

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.

Driving drunk is much better than presidenting drunk.

War criminal. CNN..there is your story.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

WHAT ABOUT THE COKE??

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.

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Mr. Bush,

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

Signed,
Who Cares

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)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Margaret H.
You said it best. Thank you.

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.

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.

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.

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?

If only he overcame his addiction to lying sooner

***************************************************************************
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".

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

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

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

liar liar pants on fire

go away GW

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

….

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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

“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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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'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.

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

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 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)

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

When will he admit that he was a horrible President?

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

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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

Obama '08

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.'

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.

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!

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

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.

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

Obama 08!

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..

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.

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

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.

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

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 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.

Now there is no excuse for his impaired judgement!

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.

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.

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.

No mention of the cocaine?

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

GO BUSH!!

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

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

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).

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

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

So was Iraq a drunken mistake?

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..

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.

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.

That explains his lack of brain cells

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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

I need a drink.

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

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.

Yada Yada Yada………..

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

It's sickening to listen to those "

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!

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

Obama '08!

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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?

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?

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

who cares??..he is drinking blood now

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!!!

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

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.

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!!!

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".

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

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

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

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."

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Perhaps now he should work on his addiction to power.

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

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.

Good for Bush to have chosen to overcome this.

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.

22 years later we have the hangover.

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!

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.

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

Typical.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Lair.

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?

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

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.

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.

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!"

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

fixed that for ya jim.

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

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

Who cares just get out of office please

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.

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

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

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

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

I like Bush

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.

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.

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