November 11, 2008
Posted: 05:36 PM ET

From
 Bush reflected on his presidency Tuesday.
Bush reflected on his presidency Tuesday.

(CNN) — As his presidency nears its end, a reflective President Bush suggested Tuesday he regrets some of his more blunt statements on the war on terror over the last eight years.

"I regret saying some things I shouldn't have said," Bush told CNN's Heidi Collins Twhen asked to reflect on his regrets over his two terms as president. "Like 'Dead or Alive' and 'Bring 'em on.' My wife reminded me that, hey, as president of the United States be careful what you say."

The interview, aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid in New York City, came after the president addressed a Veterans Day Ceremony.

Shortly after the attacks of September 11, the president said of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden: "I want justice. There's an old poster out West that said, 'Wanted, dead or alive.' " Bush was also criticized in 2003 for his answer addressing insurgents in Iraq.

"There are some who feel like that the conditions are such that they can attack us there. My answer is bring them on," he said then.

The president said he wishes he had not spoken in front of a "Mission Accomplished" banner he declared an end to major combat operations in Iraq on May 1, 2003. The now-infamous moment occurred aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln only a month after U.S. troops in Iraq were deployed.

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Filed under: Barack Obama • President Bush • Transition 2008


hope   November 11th, 2008 7:52 pm ET

thank you president bush, i voted for you both times, but this time i had to vote for obama, i hope all will work together and get america back on her feet. good luck to you and your family, God bless you and God bless the obamas.

USA   November 11th, 2008 7:52 pm ET

He said what?

Wow.

Wow is all I can say.

Ruby   November 11th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

Well now that he made his money, and all his friends have their money, it's easy to let down the guard, no?

G.R.I.T - Girl Raised in the South   November 11th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

I too wish Pres. Bush well. I never voted for him, not even when he ran for governor of Texas. Thanks to the religious right commandeering the Republican Party and the conservative movement, I will never cast a vote for a Republican. I am certain that the next four years will see our nation rise again from the ashes left by the Bush/Cheney regime. While I do think that Pres. Bush would be fun to drink a beer with, I agree with Daniel who stated that Bush chose to surround himself with some truly evil people. If he had run as the centrist he should have been, and hired other centrists, things may have been vastly different. Instead, he chose big business and the military-industrial complex over the needs and the good of the American people he was sworn to serve. Good bye, President Bush, and good luck.

GoPalin   November 11th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

how can you know if he was gracious with the way the media pounded at us over the years "bush is awful!" all the time over every little things. he never got a break.. also there is a study that shows there was an increase in people earning more and more money from 9 percent (under clinton) to29 percent increase earning100,000 or more that number jumbed.. that showed people actually started to earn more money… now that Obama our next president, wait till it starts "it's allObama's fault" but of course our "honorable" media will not allow it to happen, they will model after chris matthew "it is my job to make this presidency a success". all those bush haters, you will look back and say "i miss that low tax cut under bush!" . with Bush, he is the kind of guy you want to take with you when you to battle, he will protect you. i am not so sure about Obama. i wish him luck.

axt113   November 11th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

The man who was too stupid for the Oval Office

Bush hater   November 11th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

I didn't vote for Bush, and I don't wish him well. He is a murderer of over 4,000 American troops and thousands of innocent Iraqies.

Emeka   November 11th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

why do you libs hate bush so much?

Laurel   November 11th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

George Bush may not be "evil" but his actions have caused incalculable harm, which fits part of the definition of evil. I don't think his intentions were to cause harm, but because of his arrogant ignorance [as my Dad would say] the end effect was the same. He also ignored the wishes of the rest of the world because he thought his way was the best. So he tried to make the United Nations irrelevant. Unfortunately, as the United Nations does not advertise, most Americans are unaware of the enormous amount of good that the United Nations does and has done, such as eliminating small pox and trying to eliminate Polio, in addition to their peace keeping missions, scientific missions and their humanitarian missions to help refugees etc, etc, etc. By ignoring the United Nations and attacking a nation that did not attack the United States, his use of torture [don't be mealy mouthed about it, call it what it is] and multiple other illegal activities, he could be considered a war criminal. So I just wish he would get what he is due – a jail cell.

John   November 11th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

I take it that he doesn't regret letting the Oil Companies gouge the consumers on Gas Prices either!!
50% price drop since he crashed the financial system!

Andrea   November 11th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

Wow…How about regretting the over 4,000 dead in a war that should've never been waged.

Chris   November 11th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

I wouldn't want to be him. Yes, he will have a lot of time to reflect. If it were just words spoken in error or haste, that would be one thing. How many have died because the words that were spoken were not true…

Bellingman   November 11th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

"Wish him well?" "Good man?" You've gotta be kidding.

No citizen is above the law, and despite any feelings of pity one may have for the President as a man, he should be prosecuted for his crimes to the fullest extent possible.

Respected legal scholars have argued seriously and persuasively that he and Cheney should be prosecuted for treason, which if convicted is punishable by death.

In my opinion, even that would be getting off easy, considering the immeasurable damage they have inflicted upon our country.

Obama 08   November 11th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

I don't have any ill will towards him, but I'm glad he is leaving!!

Derek   November 11th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Well, without Bush, there'd be no Obama. McCain would win in a landslide if Bush was even moderately popular.

Leslie Newman   November 11th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

I just hope he decides to vacation in Europe, and that while there, he is arrested for war crimes.

stockpile   November 11th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Bush made many bad statements, bad deciions, plus many acts of action of stupidity. As a republican I voted for him both times, the second term was my act of action of stupidity. Bush was arrogant as Cheney & I personally believe Mc Cain was of the same caliber. If Mc Cain wanted a women for V.P., he could have selected a qualified woman from the house or senate. With Mc Cain's health & if he would not survive his term I shutter to Think of Palin as President, without experience. Her being on SNL did not help. Personally; I have nothing to say against Palin I just felt she was not qualified & Mc Cain should not have put her in that position. No I did not vote Republican for the 1st time in 65 years. May be an act of acrion of stupidity but I feel the Country has a better chace this time around.

Charlie   November 11th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Good riddance to this narcissitic coward. Thousands and thousands of American deaths in Iraq, plus untold Iraqi lives lost. He's leaving in ruins our economy, and our standing in the world — he's even destroyed the GOP brand with his divisive, nihilistic politics! And he regrets the banner? Miserable failure. Don't let the door hit you where the good Lord split you!

Lynda Ridgefield, CT.   November 11th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Bush will regret that his favorable numbers went into the toliet!

He will also regret, that he was the worst president this country ever had.

GOOD RIDENCE!!!

Joe Regis   November 11th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

There will be no redemption for the Bushes, they are cooked.

There will be no praises of the Bushes for at least 10 years by the GOP or anybody seeking office.

This chapter in the history of America and the world is going to be tough to reverse. Obama needs full control of the Houses to be able to reverse the damages done every where.

Haywood   November 11th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

This is the most clueless man to have been in the white house in my 47 years on earth.
i am a republican and did not vote for him in either election.
i would still like to know about the military service he just walked away from.
Why did we attack Iraq?
Because he wanted to finish the job for his father… it was 100% personal as we have found NO WMD's and when ever we pull out, it will be a disaster as we have made the entire region more unstable through his short sighted policies.
I happen to believe Clark when he said "Bush was doing everything possible after 9/11 to tie it to Iraq".
His legacy is a punch line to a sad joke he'll never get.

J.L.   November 11th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

Wishing the Bush's well as they return to Texas. Never have been a big fan of his policies, but I appreciate the fact that he was sincere in his efforts for our country.

jxn   November 11th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

Where was this guy for the past 8 years? I'm glad he's gone but if he would have been more regretful of mistakes while in power, we would have all given him a lot more slack. That is why we need someone who is able to communicate to the people…we just didn't believe this man. I don't know if he is the guy to thank but I will anyway…THANK YOU for keeping us safe since 9/11, I'm willing to give him credit for that.

I'm ready for the change that we so desperately need though.

Bring on President Obama!!

I voted for Obama (not Bush 3)   November 11th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

Daniel, I completely agree with you. It's not really Bush that should be getting blamed, he was a decent, kind of stupid guy who ment well. Cheney is the one behind all of this. We really should not be counting down the days until Bush is out of office, but Cheney. Dick Cheney is probably one of the more evil polititions out there.

Howard Beasley   November 11th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

He probably regrets that part about promising to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Twice.

jaimetout123   November 11th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

As nightmarish as the past eight years of war, executive undermining of the separation of powers principle, war, economic collapse, war, war, and war have been, I have to agree with the other commentators who have expressed their willingness to admit that President Bush is, in essence, a decent (if intellectually stunted and lacking in judgment) man. In his governance he has been short-sighted, incompetent, and power-hungry, and to say that his presidency has been a colossal disaster of epic proportions is putting it quite mildly. It is more than fair to criticize his policies and actions, but those who would criticize him as a human being do a great disservice to the viability of such criticism.

I hope that Mr. Bush will in the future continue to be cognizant of his failures, as well as candid enough to admit to them. Such admissions do not diminish the problems he has either caused or exacerbated, but they do serve in some small way to redeem him as a human being.

Oregonian for Obama/Biden   November 11th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

As a die-hard Obama supporter, I cannot say that President Bush is a bad person. He may be a bit dim, and he may be surrounded by even dimmer or potentially radical people, but he is not the evil anti-christ he's made out to be.

I still don't think that justifies what he's done to our nation, but his failed policies are more of his idocity than what he wanted

wildofski   November 11th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

I also wish President Bush plenty of time to reflect, preferably from a
prison cell while serving a life sentence for war crimes against
humanity.

SLO BLu !   November 11th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

One moment of unrevealing candor in eight years does not a statesman make. Or even a mensch. When he acknowledges that this sloth and disinterest allowed Cheney to run free and wild outside the Constitution then maybe, just maybe, he gets some credit. However, none of us will live that long.

Hilary   November 11th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

It would have been nice if he could have revealed his "regrets" a little sooner. Doing it as he's leaving office feels kind of like a slap in the face.

WestCoastWoman   November 11th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

I suggest you read HUBRIS (The inside story of spin, scandal and the selling of the Iraq War) by Michael Isikoff and David Corn. BUSH is EVIL! He is a horrific man! The damage he has done to this country is down right shameful. I also fault Karl Rove, Cheney and most of the Bush administration. Out with the thugs, liars and haters and in with the new, honest and smart administration. God Bless America! Peace

Michael Sullivan   November 11th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

Stupid is evil when it's in the White House.
There's no excuse for President Bush's behavior these past 8 years.
None whatsoever.

TYSPOCK , COLUMBIA, MD   November 11th, 2008 7:39 pm ET

I cannot believe he does not regret the Iraq war, so many lives loss, so much unnecessary pain and suffering with nothing in return, our bravest men and women who sacrificed everything so this guy can look tuff for the world. I wish those we loss were all home to celebrate the holidays with their kids on their laps, or putting together toys for their kids, walking their daughters down the aisle, or just plain here for those who love them so dearly. They are heroes never the less. Mr. Bush may have had a personal beef with Sodom, but I do not think he had a right to use our troops to settle that beef. Oh well – he says he sleeps just fine so I guess he is a tuff guy after all, most people would have circum to guilt long ago.

Ignatz Farquad   November 11th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

Jail for Bush, war criminal and liar.

openhand   November 11th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

Some traitors sell their country out for ideals their country does not share, some sell out to their friends lust for wealth and power.

Thomas Mc   November 11th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

90% of the planet regrets that Bush ever walked into the Oval Office.

TruthWalksOnWater   November 11th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

I'm dreaming, right.? Bush admitting these were not good moves?
Obama is truly changing the world…one letter of the alphabet at a time

Pathrick Neid   November 11th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

On all but domestic spending, resulting in unbalanced budgets, history will be very kind to George Bush. The Obama devotees are about to get a date with reality when the anointed one adopts virtually all of Bush's approachs to the war on terror. Of course there will be changes at the margin in a "pretend" move to appear different but all the insiders will know, as they have all along, Obama will follow the blazed path and we will be the better for it.

Gia   November 11th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

He needed his WIFE to remind him to speak correctly? What is he, 4?

Kenyon   November 11th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

I am sorry, Bush now wants to make regrets, well his first one should have been fabricating evidence to go war in (which thousands of Americans have died not to mention the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi's that had to perish) Iraq and when anyone disagreed with the Al Queda-Iraq connection they were called traitors, when anyone dissented in opinion with this war they were against America and called unpatriotic. When Katrina hit he was aloof and could not be found… And Brownie did a heck of a job while a major U.S. city went under water. Bush has a lot of things he should regret and the one thing he should have regretted the most was running for the presidency to begin with… His whole presidency was a regret and mistake one which he can never take back!

Janice   November 11th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

this is exactly what went wrong with this man, It's all about him. He doesn't regret what he done to America he regrets a few things that he said. Not one mention of the dead or wounded soldiers, the horrendous shape that he has left us in. I regret that I ever heard of George W. Bush.

t. swift   November 11th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

anonymous   November 11th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

"I never voted for him but I always knew in my heart, he was a good man. It's too bad he's not surrounded by good people."

You'er definitely part of the problem.

Mark   November 11th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

Under President Bush, the evil governments of the Taliban and Saddam Hussein were overthrown and the latter justifiably executed. This would never have happened under a Democrat administration.

The economic crisis was caused entirely by liberal Democrat-backed lending policies that cannot be blamed on President Bush.

Democrats from Jimmy Carter to Bill Clinton to Barney Frank to Chris Dodd to Maxine Waters to Gregory Meeks to Barack Obama all pushed for financial institutions to give home loans to the poor or face charges of discrimination. The result was our current economic crisis brought on by years of failed liberal Democrat lending policies. How ironic that the guilty party has been granted authority to continue its damage to our economy.

Dianne   November 11th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

You may long for justice but the # 1 guy is not in a cave, he's enjoying life harboured by one of the sympathetic countries. Bombing Afghanistan isn't going to get him. He's laying low enoying life. Give it up and move on! The ECONOMY is the issue. In the end, if you allow the ECONOMY to go down, he wins!

Move on!

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA   November 11th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

There is a whole lot he should be regretting. He has no one else to blame for the sorry state of "everything" that he brought this country to since becoming president.

Thank GOD it is almost over!!!

Finistere   November 11th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

maybe he could spend time behind bars writing about ALL of the dumb things he said and did. Worst ever.

lars   November 11th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

it's too late for regrets. Bush & friends are directly responsible for the deaths of over 4000 americans & severely injuring 35000more. He is directly responsible for the deaths of over 500 000 Iraqis and over 3 million refugees. There is nothing to be said for him, his administration or his friends except for "good riddance". Only the dead can forgive him now.

uncle boopy   November 11th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

oh well, as long as he's sorry NOW…that makes all the difference…

independent   November 11th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

Oh Dubya, he can't help himself, he was born with a silver hoof in his mouth. Ann Richards, Gov Texas.(RIP)

The Stallion & The Champ vs. The Old Mule & Winky Half-baked Alaska   November 11th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

Only those two ignorant and pseudo-machismo comments, Georgie-boy? Puh-lease!!!

I Just Said Thanks, but No Thanks to Another 4 Years of g.o.p. corruption, arrogance and incompetence   November 11th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

His prancing aboard the carrier with the "Mission Acomplished" banner, showed his Arogance.
His negligence is responding to Katrina showed his Incompetence.
His politicizing the Justice Department by staffing the US attorneys office right wing Falwell Liberty Lawschoolers (Monica Goodling, et al.), showed his Corrpution.

We are a forgiving people, but Bush did a lot of damage to the fabric of our country and left Obama with a hell of a mess.

Jack   November 11th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

Interesting that George Bush "only" regrets a few (public) slips of the tongue when he was the "great decider" that brought this country to the brink of economic ruin!

George Bush squandered a $3 trillion surplus and ran up a bill for all of us to pay of over $10 trillion and he only regrets a few slips of the tongue.

Wow, this man has no shame, he has personally been responsible for ruining the lives of millions of families and he doesn't have a clue or he just doesn't care.

Glad to be Free   November 11th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

I don't really understand where the animosity towards The President comes from. We are a free country – he has helped keep it that way. We are able to speak our own minds, do our own things without interference from anyone. I just read where a blogger in another country got 20 years for just writing a humorous piece on one of their leaders. This is a great place to live. If you think about it, people are actually (literally) dying to get into this country and the only ones I see who say they want to get out are hollywood stars when the election doesn't go their way. I don't recall anyone actually leaving though and staying out. I support this country no matter who leads it and firmly believe there is nowhere else in the world where I would be better off.

Spider Dan   November 11th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

President Bush did something few Democrats and no liberal could ever do: find a difficult situation, confront it, and stick to his guns throughout. In spite of the most vile, immature, and fraudulent attacks made on this man, he never — once — reduced himself to the level of those waging those attacks.

President Bush withstood incredible political and personal pressure to succumb to the outrageous demands made by so many feckless and inane critics. I didn't agree with him on many issues, but his courage during this incredibly difficult time will be long remembered — long after these morons — that refer to him as an "idiot', etc. — are little more than residue in history's septic tank. History will be much kinder to President Bush than those aforementioned critics. America is not a weaker or lesser nation because of his administration; America is weaker and lesser because of the selfishness and vitriolic nature of his opponents.

If you think the Bush administration was hard to swallow, just wait until this pandering socialist and racist — recently elected to the office — has a chance to bankrupt the government and place targets on every legitimate American around the world. But, then again, this is CNN's blog, and no legitimate American expects anything less from these public comments than what we've endured for the past eight years.

Brenda in Detroit   November 11th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

This guy is too much. He didn't mention any regrets for letting people in Lousiana drown after Katrina, didn't mention lying to the American people which let to illegally invading a country that never harmed America. Didn't mention how sorry he was that he spyed on Americans, used the Patriot Act to intimidate us. Didn't mention that he regretted letting not capturing Bin Laden and the list goes on. America is so ready for a new chapter. Goodbye George. We want a fresh start and for that we look to President Obama.

Rachel   November 11th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

I'm just glad he's gone soon.

Ayo Eboda   November 11th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

NEVER MIND NOW IT IS TOO LATE MCCAIN WAS ONE OF THOSE OLD AMERICANS WHO MISLEAD U. WHERE IS HE TODAY? PEOPLE SEE U AS AN UNPOPULAR PRESIDENT YES BUT DONT JUST SIT DOWN AND WACTH WORK WITH OBAMA AND MAKE AMERICA GREATER SAFER AND BETTER. AFTER MCCAIN`S SPEECH I GAVE HIM BACK HIS RESPECT.

HOPE TO SEE GOV PALIN BACK ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL ONE DAY SOME DAY.

DC   November 11th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

Not a Bush fan, but I liked the "dead or alive" comment. I thought it captured the sentiments of the country at that time. He is from Texas after all. I believe history will show that he was a decent president rather than the exaggerated bumbling fool that is portrayed in the media.

Oh, and Scott, if you actually knew anything about our country's intelligence community you would know that 9/11 would have happened to anyone. It was just a matter of time. Our intelligence community and their systems for sharing information were inadequate and have been for years. So blaming Bush for 9/11 is just being a simpleton. How about credit for keeping America safe these past 7 years.

Al   November 11th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

Many regret what they told or did in past.

But the fact is, the aggression into Iraq took many lives. Something like a half million, if media will ever bother to count as humans not only our military, but also Iraqi civilians.

If one tells "oh, I did not want this, I'm not a criminal, but these bad guys tricked me into this… Cheney and cronies…" – well, now you are guilty too. And also all people who voted for you. Twice. Twice guilty.

Donkey Party   November 11th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

You know, I'm admittedly a California liberal Democrat, and by no means a fan of Bush (or Republicans in general), but I have to respect the guy for at least being able to comprehend the fact that he really made a mess of things througout his tenure, and also acknowledging the fact that America needs a change like Sen. Obama, and that it's good to be supportive of the President. Of course, there is the possibility that Bush's gracious behavior is merely a ruse, in an attempt to appeal to the public and historians that he was a gracious and humble man in his waning moments, and that he expressed a genuine desire to see the next President succeed. I mean, he's done plenty of bad things to give us reasons not to trust him, but on this instance, I'm inclined to believe he's being honest and genuinely sincere. I bid Mr. Bush the best of luck with whatever the future holds for him.

Alexis   November 11th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

It's been a long eight years, for America and the world. Better days are ahead of us. It will take a lot of climbing to get out of the hole this man and his cabal have dug for us, but we will do it.

planejane   November 11th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

I sort of feel sorry for him, because he has to go to sleep every night and the souls of the fallen and wounded and crippled of this unjustified and unneeded war are probably not giving him sweet dreams.

Besides that, hindsight is always 20/20 and while he and Cheney leave office laughing all the way to the bank, we shall hope that the future will guide the American people to make better choices when they have their election day. And in between elections, stand up and be heard for better schools, roads, clean water, fuel efficient cars… man, that would be nice.

Julio   November 11th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

Whenever you come to power beholden to the religious idiots..like Bush did ..it was only a question of time that such hypocrites will lead us down the hill.. The religious right gave Bush the feel that no matter what he does he will supported by these hypocrites …such false sense of confidence doomed Bush …faith is private thing but these hypocrites wear it & then come across as righteous that they are right & everyone is wrong … GOP has always been wedge/non-sense issues abortion, gays, intolerance, guns etc rather than the welfare of its citizens …OR better policies …It took 8 years of self serving attitude & to hell with others …Now he leaves the biggest mess for this country 2 wars, highest unemployment in nation, economic mess & a recession …Thank you President for the service …Hope you reflect on what you heaped on this nation …

Peter (CA)   November 11th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

I agree with you guys on these posts. Bush wanted to look tough but he was a "yes man" for the evil that is Cheney, Rumsfeld, and Wolfowitz.
He was not bright enough to make a difference so he talked tough and stuck his foot in his mouth.

Scott—problem with Bush is he looks only at the theater of it. It's about his statements and standing on the deck of the aircraft carrier in a flight suit. He just is not deep enough to think about and regret his actions. He was human in the moment….like when he went to Mississippi after Katrina and hugged the survivors but, as soon as he got on the plane, it was all gone.

Butch Pansy   November 11th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

He should be reflecting on his war crimes from a cell in The Hague. Surrounding himself with evil people is his choice; it reflects his own corruption and mendacity. He regrets his choice of words, not his actions. Shame on him!

Jim Nickel   November 11th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

I think he's mildly retarded and very reflective of the current Republican base.

Reverend JR Davis   November 11th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Yes, the Boy King will have plenty of time to think about his regrets while he's spending the rest of his miserable life in Federal Prison for war crimes.

Still for Hill   November 11th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

Lock him up! Do you think the families of our dead soldiers feel sorry for him?

Sean   November 11th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

freenlovit.. you must be blind. what do u expect? bush to come on national media and blast Obama and the democrats? come on. Our unjust war in iraq has blood in his hands. Innocent civilians are dieing there..as well as Our troops. we shouldn't have gone in Iraq at all! it's a stupid war without Honor! we have enough domestic problems here in America.

Nikki, Houston   November 11th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

He needs to spend extra time reflecting on all of the people who lost their lives during Hurricane Katrina, and his slow response to that disaster. What an idiot. Good riddance.

Ron , West Coast   November 11th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Hind-sight is always 20-20 …..
Happy Trails To You , until we meet again ,….. Happy trails to you , keep smiling until then …..

Geo. W ., and Laura remind me of Roy Rogers , and Dale Evans .
The only difference is , I liked Roy and Dale ……

i remember   November 11th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

What's with the "he's a good man" and "I wish him well" comments? Today is Veterans Day – have we already forgotten that Bush sent over 4000 of our troops to their deaths for a needless war he drummed up. Not to mention the wounded, the 100,000+ dead Iraqi's, the hate he has generated towards America. He doesn't mention any of this among his regrets, only things he said that he thinks made him look foolish. (And he still is lying about the Mission Accomplished sign, as if this was some accident that he was standing in front of it.)
This Veterans Day, I say "Lest we forget".

Pinky   November 11th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

This country will hurt for a long time from the horrible mistakes this administration has made. President Bush has had eight years to see and acknowledge his mistakes but he chose not to. I did not vote for him and could not understand the people voting again for him after the first four years when the handwriting was clearly o n the wall of what was to come. I do wish him and his family well. God bless America.

HP   November 11th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

Pres. Bush and his father have always been extremely gracious, I think Obama is cut from the same cloth as is Bill Clinton, Hilary and Nancy Pelosi could learn a thing or 2. case in point the unveiling of Clinton's portrait at the White House or congratulating Pelosi on becoming the speaker of the house.

Catherine   November 11th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

Too little, too late.

DallasNE   November 11th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

All three of those things reflect on Bush's judgement. The difference is that most of us knew at the time they were uttered that they were a mistake. Interesting that he has no regret over his State of the Union address claiming falsely that Saddam attempted to acquire yellowcake uranium from Niger nor the outing of Valerie Plame in retalation for exposing that claim as a lie. No regret about torture. Just regret over a couple of numbskull statements. Not much to applaud there.

scott williams   November 11th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

A million dead Iraqis, and he regrets some things he said. The banality of evil.

ctaylor   November 11th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

What people fail to realize is the great job Bush did in keeping us safe since 9-11. Another thing is the housing crisis fueled by the democrats and a few republicans meddling in the free market system caused the entire meltdown-adding fuel to fire was the speculation and nasty rumour mongering and proliferigating from the Bush hating crowd including those in the MSM-that increasingly caused panic in the stockmarket-causing even more problems-this is a manufactured crisis put in place years ago when fannie and freddie were created and the refused to be regulated-our future is a marxist president with a kangaroo whitehouse-you will wake up when your infatuation wears off and you all take a good long look at who you have elected this year-by then it will be too late -already foreign countries call us socialists and commies-I guess they are right. So congradulations all you commies and socialists-welcome to hopenchange.

Keena   November 11th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

God bless President Bush and his family. Although I've disagreed with most of his acts as Commander in Cheif, I acknowledge his hard work and effort to lead this country in the face of constant adversity. I also have great respect for he and First Lady Laura Bush's warm welcome for the Obamas. I pray that God brings his family comfort and peace regarding his term of service to this great country.

ericmiami   November 11th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

As a Vietnam combat vet, I had a special place below my heart for Nixon's lies to the American people. But Nixon wasn't dumb. George W. Bush will go down in history as the worst president. Too late for more lies and false remorse, George. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. That's the way the saying actually goes, George.

John   November 11th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

If you believe he was deceived by Cheney and Rove and was not in league with them, you are kidding yourselves.

He graduated from Yale and managed to be elected President twice, if what you say is correct he was not only ignorant he was also a coward for not using his position as President to implement his own policies.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 11th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

Bush is still president and hasn't yet captured bin Laden during his term, now people think President-elect Obama is going to capture him as soon as he takes over the job is simply wrong. I predict Bin Laden will be captured by Pakistan or Iranian forces and used to make a deal with the U.S.

Larry   November 11th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

Stupid or evil – the same thing in the end…..

Greed is not good   November 11th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

Yes that was probably his biggest blunder for acting arrogant like a dictator and boasting "mission accomplished".

The U.S. is not a fascist military dicatorship and he had no business putting on a flight suit and acting the way he did well before victory had been won. Adolf also bragged on German radio address that the Battle of Stalingrad had been won.

silverball   November 11th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

let's be honest without the nostalgia bs…the man is an IDIOT….he and his administration totally ignored WE, THE PEOPLE and acted as if they were dictators of a rogue nation….be honest with yourself and look at his record…now he dribbles a few "regrets"…(as if that banner was not part of their photo op….remember when they said that it was done by the sailors on the lincoln….NOT TRUE)…give me a break…20 jan can't come soon enough for our country….it will take more than a decade or more to repair the damage he and his administration has done….like EVERYTHING ELSE this pathetic person has touched in his life he has F#@KED it up….bailed out or protected by daddy and his friends…usually the saudis…do a little research and read some history of the fool…..

allone   November 11th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

Daniel, I reworded part of this cause I know my brother, sometimes we can get confused after the past 8 years in the Spin Cycle. "Georgie isn't an evil man, he's just kind of an idiot that was chosen and then surrounded by some legitimately evil people."

allan   November 11th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

the president is a war criminal. nothing less. he should be personally held responsible for lying to the world, at trhe U.N., to the congress, t the American people. He, the VP, Condi, Rumself… all of them should pay the consequences for their evil intent.

Jammie   November 11th, 2008 7:12 pm ET

Mr. President, I think you come from a descent family and your wife seems to be a loving and respectful person. As for you, you sir are "doing too little eoo less".

But I am glad to see you might…….just think you made a mistake or two!!

bill   November 11th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

I feel sorry for him, he got hoodwinked by Cheney, being pushed by him all the way.

Bob OConnor   November 11th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

I want to thank Mr. Bush for creating the environment that has allowed Barack Obama to be President (Elect).

Common Sense   November 11th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

Because of Obama's election, the American people look back at Bush and get that creepy feeling when one encounters an
ex-girlfriend/boyfriend;
"How in the world did I ever date you?"

M. WINNERS   November 11th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

America has only one regret – Bush was POTUS…

Stan   November 11th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

He remains an incompetent, corrupt simpleton who still fails to understand the misery he's caused. good man? Tell that to the millions who are dead, maimed, homeless, jobless because of him.

Sid Abraham   November 11th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Whatever…and good riddance.

John   November 11th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Even now the so called progressives only have hate for President Bush. Well after the vitriol and nasty spew over the last eight years I am going to embrace the hate and strongly resist your messiah.

As a preacher I can't name once said ' The chickens are coming home to roost". I got tolerance for you.

SWLiP   November 11th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

History will judge George W. Bush much more kindly than his contemporary detractors. He is a decent man who did his best to protect and defend us in a time of great peril. It is perhaps easy to forget that the Islamists would not hesitate to use the world's most horrific weapons against us given the opportunity to do so. That left him with no margin for error.

Those who complain that he is leaving the war against Islamic terror unfinished are being disingenuous to the nth degree. President Bush himself said repeatedly after 9/11 that this conflict would probably last a generation or more.

Jeff   November 11th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Too little, too late. I don't believe a word of it.

Splurge   November 11th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

Pretty short list he came up with there. Does he think god only listens to his words and not what's in his soul? He's in for a rude awakening.

gregory james   November 11th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

well if mr bush is a good man i donot want to see bad man !!! ARE YOU JOKING ME NO WAY IN HELL SIR ….

jerry warsing   November 11th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

All the MSM reported on bush was pretend and used to control the american people. F Bush and the Connecticut "ranch" on which he grew up!

Hopefully, he will emigrate to his 100,000 acre "ranch" in Paraguay, and remain silent and inconspicuous like his fellow Nazis from WWll have attempted to do.

I want to try to forget him!

oceanye

Logic   November 11th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

Historical amnesia makes light of some horrendous actions.

Logic prevents me from forgetting that there never was an "immanent threat from Iraq." GW Bush knew that, and yet it was sold as this. Logic says that his administration was undeniably deceptive when they chose to start the Iraq war on this basis that they could not wait to verify the presence of WMD.

In addition, logic undeniably shows a contradiction in Bush's mind about the threat of terrorism. He campaigned in 2004 for reelection, by scaring voters that we would be attacked by terrorism, and yet he appointed Brown, a clearly unqualified horse show lawyer, as the head of Federal EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Administration (FEMA). If Bush really thought that terrorism was a real threat to America, then why make a political patronage appointment to FEMA?

These two points have the consequence of thousands of our American GI's dead, and a huge mess-up in both Iraq and the Gulf Coast. It is sad that the media and the public cannot distinguish nice guy posturing & personality imagery from the real deliberations and consequences of the exercise of power. It's really nuts that Palin gets hammered by the media because of her personality, and yet she didn't cause mega-death and disaster, and Bush gets a shrug because his public persona easily shrugs off responsibilty & accountability.

Stephane MOT - Paris, f   November 11th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

No regrets for the few thousand dead GIs, the few tens of thousand wounded, the few hundreds of thousand dead Iraqi civilians in your illegal invasion ?

John   November 11th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

GWB is perhaps the fourth most cynical man in Washington. The first is Dick Cheney; the second is Karl Rove followed Justice Clarence Thomas.

Jason   November 11th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

He is as ignorant has he is stupid. What a retard. Hey Georgey did you go see W? It might be an eye opener for ya!

JessWonderin   November 11th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

POL-EZZZE . . . at this moment he is busy gutting environmental laws and granting favored "buddie" nice tax "relief" . . . how touching to have "regrets on the past" . . . HOW ABOUT TODAY?

It's also telling that the "Mission Accomplished" banner is now just there and "aimed at the sailors" – when in FACT it was printed delivered and hung by the WH advance team – in a VERY conspicuous space for "camera" cropping . . .

Sorry, the "poor me whine" is wasted when compared to the callous efforts to strip public protection in the environment, de-regulating Wall Street, economic and international failures compounded by the destruction of our Judicial System . . . .

Bikerdude   November 11th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

I regret that he ever became POTUS. He IS a mistake. He has failed at every turn and yet some of us felt comfortable in putting him in charge of our country. His failed administration will go down in history as the worst ever. It will take us decades to get out of this chaotic mess he has left behind. Good riddance George!

Anonymous   November 11th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

GWB is perhaps the third most cynical man in Washington. The first is Dick Cheney and the second is Justice Clarence Thomas.

Anonymous   November 11th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

"I never voted for him but I always knew in my heart, he was a good man. It's too bad he's not surrounded by good people."

Good people don't surround themselves with bad people.

Moonbay   November 11th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

Daniel's right. George is just an idiot, surrounded by people just like his mom and dad, and all the "uncles" he was surrounded with when he was a kid. Too bad we let those "family" members steal those two elections.

The Bush years are the worst kind of wake-up call to us that we MUST stay engaged in the political process; Sarah waits in the wings.

Thankfully, Obama seems invested in bringing "we the people" into the conversation. Already, he has inspired great numbers of Americans, and an entire new generation, to engage.

If George launches himself into humanitarian work for the rest of his life, he might be resurrected in the eyes of all of us who recognize who much this country has lost in these last 8 years… May it be so.

Cincy Voter   November 11th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

Well it's good that Bush can admit he has regrets, but it's time to get him out of the WH. Like now. Seriously.

Welcome, President Obama. I wish you could roll up your sleeves and get started today. :)

Erik   November 11th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

I don't want to hear regrets. I want to hear an apology. Bush's greatest mistakes weren't simple slips of the tongue. He has not been a good steward to our nation and he should man up and own that.

Reality   November 11th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

HAHA. Clinton did all sorts of dirty things when he left the white house. He and his staff took furniture, sabotaged computers, changed locks, etc., etc. When Bush says he will be "just as gracious" that must be what he means.

db   November 11th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

…Katrina, Valerie Plame, Donald Rumsfield, "My Pet Goat", Walter Reed, Guantanamo, ON AND ON…

I'm glad you finally seem to have discovered some sort of consience George- don't stop now while you're on a roll….

dan   November 11th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

He is apologizing ahead since he will soon be tried as a war criminal. He has blood on his hand may realize that his time as a free man is coming to an end.

Richard S   November 11th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

His wife had to remind that he needs to be careful what he says – like he didn't realize that himself? He is a little, ignorant, stupid man – a man who should never have been PODUS.

grada3784   November 11th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

A gross incompetent with a very serious daddy complex. As in egomaniac with an inferiority complex.

I just hope we've learned not to eleect another alcoholic, recoveribg or not, to the presidency. And I say this as a recovering alcoholic, who got sober the same year Bush saw the light. I know my own problems and there's no way you'd want that in the White House. But we got it with Bush.

RJII   November 11th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

Any regret for the hundreds of thousands of deaths and injuries you caused by lying about WMDs. Any regret dragging this country into Iraq based on that false truth and thus financially bankrupting the world.

Naw. He just needs to pack his bags creep out in the night, tonight preferrably.

Michael   November 11th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

It's nice that he is saying these things. It's hard, however, for a few gracious, well-meaning comments erase eight disastrous years.

Akinola - Houston   November 11th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

Over 2 million Iraqis are living in squalor in countries like Jordan, Syria etc. Girls are forced into prostitution just to be able to provide for their families. Over 100,000 Iraqis killed.

I have not one ounce of sympathy for this man. All he regrets is "Bring 'em on"? Give me a break! How about regretting taking us to a war of choice that has devastated the Iraqi people.

HE STILL DOES NOT GET IT!

mrb   November 11th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

I liked what William F. Buckley Jr. replied when asked what Bush's legacy to Bush will be. "I think his legacy is indecipherable"

Angie-OHIO   November 11th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

I'm sure bush has many regrets. But I'm truely glad he and cheney's rein of terror is over. they have destroyed this country and we have never had so many countries that dislike America. bye to you and your old boy wrecking crew. Thank God for President Obama. I know it will take him a few years to undo what bush/cheney has done, so I can wait. If we lived through the last 8 years we can hang on for a few more.

Mike Dallas   November 11th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

I know it is not gracious to beat up on someone, but I have been under the rule of this ego-maniacal tyrant for 16 years.

So, NO COMMENT

g ontario canada   November 11th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

why did he attack iraq who had nothing to do with 911 why did not 100% EFFORT into getting osama bin ladin afganistan alQAEDA would have been destroyed

Ted:Canada   November 11th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

BE NICE!
let the guy walk away with "some" dignity…

BIGGER PROBLEMS AHEAD

AMERICAN AUTO INDUSTRY —- GONE!!!!!

No baliout will help!
watch for radical change in the AUTO engine from abroad

GM gone totally – followed by FORD – if you do not create a totally "NEW" auto…..FIRST!

David   November 11th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

A little late for reflection, Mr. President.

Anita of georgia   November 11th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

The Administration of George W. Bush has been a complete failure. Don't take my words for it. Just look how many homes people has lost to foreclosure. Look at how many banks has had to close their doors. Look at how many jobs are being lost. Look at how many people has lost money in their retirement accounts, and people that are not retirement age, but has lost money in their 401K's. Look at the number of adults and children that does'nt have health or dental
insurance. By all means don't forget these never ending wars our military is still fighting, not just one tour of duty. but as many tours as needed. This economic crisis is effecting everyone, the young, the old, the rich and the poor. All Americans could tell he had did a poor job running this country, by just watching John McCain and the rest of the Republicans running for re- election avoid him like the plague.

Curt - Atlanta   November 11th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

NOTHING ACCOMPLISHED! – January 2001- January 2009

Good riddance Mr. Bush….

meme   November 11th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

I agree with everyone. Yes he surrounded himself with the wrong folks, he unlike President Elect Obama, didn't choose his administration wisely, and for the ones like Colin Powell, who was his own man which is why he resigned was probably the most sensible. However, I wish this idiot the best of luck, because he has made history, and not good history. However, Laura Bush is a charm she's sweet as American Apple Pie, I've always like her.

Phillip Bunn   November 11th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Bush and Cheney should be tried for war crimes. They can apologize on their way to prison.

Anonymous   November 11th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

He needs his wife to remind him what to say as a President of United States?! And Dick Cheney to tell him what to do, no doubt.
Arrhg, eight years of shame!

sol   November 11th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Why do I get this feeling that Bill Clinton might have put the Colombia deal on the table for Bush when Bush called him? Hmmmmm.

Wraith   November 11th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

This man is so irrelevant that I don't know why we're even discussing him anymore. History will record these past eight years as the most catastrophic presidency in history, and rightfully so. I defy anybody to cite one positive thing that this man accomplished during his presidency.

Go away.

Get lost.

Don't write.

Joe-6-Pack   November 11th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

FINALLY …….I JUST COULDN'T SEE HOW HE COULD HAVE NO REGRETS. HE HAD ALWAYS TOOK A STAND ABOUT NOT HAVING ANY REGRETS…….I THINK THE (OBAMA'S/USA/WORLD) CHANGE GOT TO HIM.

TheForse   November 11th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

I'm a proud supporter of President Bush- voted for him both times and I cannot say there is one thing I regret about his presidency. In fact, when he spoke tough against terrorists I applauded the loudest.

He's a decent, honorable man w/ great sensitivity. It's a shame the incoming Pres lacks those qualities.

Kriss-ATL   November 11th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

I didn't vote for Mr. Bush, but I like the guy. He can be arrogant, but he provided a lot of humor for us to keep is laughing when things were so bad that we couldn't cry. You couldn't create that character if you were paid to do so. I had a lot of laugh at his expense, and I will miss him, but God never fails, he provides Biden. His mistakes were many, but they are his to live with. I will still pray for him and really wish him all the best.

Bill   November 11th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Common, he cannot reflect. Thats beyond his intellect. Holding him responsible for the whole mess is like holding you cat responsbile to cook a meal. Its beyond.

Glenn Sand   November 11th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

I hated him then, I hate him now and don't trust him anymore than I would a 'pet' rattlesnake. His forgiveness will come from someone of way more divine light that me if at all. In any case, that's the forgiveness that he should seek, not mine because there is none in my heart. He's a criminal by anyone's measure and should be dealt with as such. Good riddance and may the fleas of a thousand camels infest his armpits.

Dingoangst   November 11th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

This is a purely evil man. I'm quite sure he has regrets, like the murderer that he is, getting caught is the main regret. Let the first degree homicide trials begin.

Virginia S. Lowe   November 11th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

No more Michael Chertoff. South Texas, Galveston, New Orleans and Houston should be dancing in the streets. We won't have to listen to his arrogant mandates as he marched over people's homes, property and the Constitution. Few administrative flunkies have ever treated all three with such disdain.

Daniel   November 11th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

To a few commenters, I don't understand how you can overlook that many of our current hardships have formed over years and decades prior to Bush's coming to the office. Much was even led and caused by Clinton, Bush Sr., Regan, and even Carter if you understand how to read history.

Though there is not much you cannot blame Bush for, you need to decipher trust from truth, what media tells you from what you really should know. His staff are not bad people. Some agree with certain degrees of what they were trying to do. I am one sympathetic to many of his policies and I know plenty of others that won't even discuss them.

Just imagine yourself in that office. Is it a place of power or entrapment? This is where I hope that Obama's positive tone can take hold. He does need to be fought against on some of his stances, but I will do so with respect. Life and liberty are too precious and we are a nation of shallow people to understand that depth.

Be well.

rosalvo   November 11th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Let's just all be glad that his term has finally come to an end. Just like he will have time to reflect on all the stupid comments he made, the people who voted for him should also reflect. So that in the future they don't make that mistake ever again!

vern   November 11th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

My feelings toward Pres.Bush are still the same.I feel that he had the right intentions,but as commander-in chief he was in over his head.

Bob   November 11th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

No. He's not a good man. He's a vindictive dimwit who failed at everything he ever did and there are hundreds of thousands of people dead as a direct result of his being elevated to the presidency. He and his buddies used fear as a weapon against the American electorate far more effectively than Bin Laden ever did. He is scum, and he's going to Hell.

dagnome, Las Vegas   November 11th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Our long national nightmare is almost over. This ineffective, untruthful (and un-elected) president has cost us our standing in the world, immersed us in two unending, expensive, economy-destroying wars, drained our national pride, made us a mockery in the world and sapped our national good will.
Dear Mr. almost-ex-President Bush, GO AWAY, and mope in some corner, secure in the knowledge that your eternal legacy will be "He was the President who got America into two wars that killed over 4,000 Americans, nearly destroyed Iraq, cost nearly a Trillion US dollars, tanked the American economy, and NEVER captured the true perpetrator of 9/11 – Osama Bin Laden – fugitive-at-large". Your administration SUCKED, and you have left us, as a nation, poorer economically and emotionally. But there's HOPE now – Obama.

Nara   November 11th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Yes W, these were mistakes you should have avoided. Hope you will be a little less arrogant from now on.

Sandy   November 11th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Too little, too late George.
As of today..4,193 DEAD and over 30,000 WOUNDED..Shameful.

"It is frightening how the actions of a single leader can have such drastic effects on the prestige of an entire nation."

~Ramman Kenoun

paul (staunch Moderate)   November 11th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Regardless of his reflections upon regreting "some things" he said, he allowed the country to end up hated by many former friendly peoples of the world. The disdain pointed at the people of our country was (really) directed toward us due to our electing him a second time. Too much of his "With us or against us" philisophical mentality continued to prevail in his foreign dealings. While history may lighten up in its view of his administration it will always find that he most certainly left us worse off than he found us.

Sam   November 11th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Where was THIS Bush for the last 8 years? I can't believe it took him this long to admit a mistake (and then, only minor ones). I'm glad he's almost gone… but I hope he'll do even more to ease the fears of right wing lunatics by continually reminding them that Obama is a decent man.

Whatever   November 11th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Bye Bush!!

jt   November 11th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Thanks God you're not gonna be there, Amen

Charlie in Maine   November 11th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

I've given this a lot of thought and I can think of three things that President Bush did that will help President Obama. The first thing was to make Colin Powell part of the Executive branch. This alowed people to see an African American run the State Department. The second (although I disagree with her on many points) was bringing in Condi Rice.

The third thing Bush did was mess things up so badly that even if Obama were not the gifted statesamn that he is, he would look good by comparison.

Thank you George W. you may leave now.

Bo from the ATL   November 11th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Why do people always wait to the end to show they have a heart and are not the evil people they are often perceived to be?I never voted for Bush but deep down I believe him to be a decent man.

Note to Barack: Do not surround yourself with people that have their own agenda's. I like what I see thus far, continue to use good judgement.

Kim   November 11th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Give me a break…George Bush is trying to get any extra positive press he can in his last couple of months in office. We are not about to forget anything, and he's certainly not going to convince me that he's a "good man" as another commenter said. No "good man" would envelop himself in the horror that has been our government for the past 8 years and be (1) oblivious or (2) innocent. Sorry Mr. President. I don't believe it for a second…and 5 minutes of decency from you isn't going to change my mind.

HB   November 11th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

President Bush really doesn't regret a thing!! He firmly believes that providence guided his hand and that future generations will revisit his presidency and declare it bold and successful. He is the prototypical right wing idealogue. Poorly educated, intellectually disinterested and messianistic. If the US is to avoid electing future demagogues, we must encourage a liberal worldly education and celebrate our elite scholars almost as much as our athletes. Since when did elite become a bad word.

Charles Freeman   November 11th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

George W. Bush was and is an abject failure as President. Good riddance and I hope he just disappears after January 20, 2009.

Steve   November 11th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

He's been an absolutely dreadful president, but I appreciate the fact that he's being gracious now.

BJ Moritz   November 11th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

He just doesn't get it. The mistake was not using those phrases regarding the war. The mistake was going to war in the first place under false pretenses and with essentially no strategy. Bush and his cronies lied to the American people countless times. Either he is too dense to recognize his serious mistakes, or too prideful to own up to them. My bet is that it's a lot of both.

James Wilson   November 11th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

Maybe you can go live out the experience you never had now Bush.

Try starting a business and run it successfully.

No Government loans this time to make you wealthy.

How you ever got (3) Three SBA Loans to drill dry holes and pay yourself a $200,000.00 a year salary is beyond me. Guess having Daddy in Government helps huh !

How many in your family live off the Government now ??

Ben in Dallas   November 11th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

It is too bad that GWB did not listen more to his human side and less to the mean spirited radical right. Each President has a chance to make history, as did GWB. Unfortunately, the shambles left by his administration will haunt the american people and the world for years.

May he truly rest in Texas. We need the break

garyoke   November 11th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

George W Bush is an ignorant, self-righteous, truly banal, yet evil man.

He and his cronie have done great – though not irreperable – harm to this country.

I hope he burns in hell.

Rapadio   November 11th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

After all, Bush was not tuly a bad guy. His biggest and unforgivable mistake has been to be driven by Dick Cheney and other hawks.

lipstickonapig   November 11th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

I didn't vote for the man either but who amongst is without sin. I just wish he would have governed like he spoke today…what a different country/world we would have today!

me   November 11th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

I agree the people surrounding him let him down…
I pray that u find peace within yourself

LeoTheDog   November 11th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Enough of the "he's a good man" comments!

No amount of humility at this point can reduce the harsh judgment historians will have of this man's presidency.

Sorry, George, but just like you were not persuaded by jailhouse conversions when you were governor, I will forever consider you the man who destroyed the greatest chance this country had at unity. Instead, you told us to shop and used that fateful day's event as a club to beat your political opponents over the head. You have blood on your hands, and you cannot leave office soon enough.

Mazzy   November 11th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

History will show that this man was the worst and most dangerous President in America's history. He had the change do bring the world together and 911 and he fugged it up and created new haters of America.

Nelsen   November 11th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

President Bush is a human being like the rest of us. He makes good decisions and bad decisions. Despite some of the bad decisions, he is still our president and we should accord him that respect. Obama is a human being like the rest of us. He will make good decisions and bad decisions. Despite some of the bad decisions, I hope we will acknowledge his as our president and be respectful.

Kate   November 11th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

It is nice to see such gracious comments from Bush. I only wish Bush could have been as reflective while he was in office and truly ponder what actions would be "good for the country" instead of brashly taking action and insisting his actions would be. Even so, as kind and honorable as his words are, I can't ignore that he is also busily signing vast numbers of executive orders that are setbacks in science, environmental protection and transparent government. Do actions speak louder than words? Yes.

Karen   November 11th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

While I am a strong supporter of Obama, I do think that the history will be less harsh to Bush than "W" is or people are at this time. He was a president in the most challenging time and his failure was partly due to factors over which he has little or limited control.

Perusing-through   November 11th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

My initial impression was to feel sorry for Bush. Bust then I thought about the following list of issues, and my sympathy went out the door.

[1.] – 4,300 U.S. service men & women dead in the ill-fated Iraq War.
[2.] – 30,000 U.S. service men & women wounded and physically impaired for life.
[3.] – 645,000 Iraq civilians killed in the crossfire between warring factions and U.S. collateral damages.
[4.} - 5,000,000+ Iraqi civilians uprooted from their homes and many leaving the country.
[5.] – two unending wars (Iraq & Afghanistan),
[6.] – economic meltdown,
[7.] – skyrocketing unemployment,
[8.] – disastrous energy policies,
[9.] – record breaking home foreclosures,
[10.] – unaffordable or no health insurance coverage,
[11.] – lost investments, pensions and retirement plans,
[12.] – never ending national debt,
[13.] – out-of-reach affordable education,
[14.] – lost of international credibility,
[15.] – shipment of high-paying jobs overseas.

angela   November 11th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Of course he has regrets NOW! After finally having to admit to himself that it was his administration and his policies that brought the repubs down in 06 and 08. Go back to Texas, Bush. Americans, as well as the rest of the world have had enough of your stupidity, partisianship, and total lack of leadership.

Gina   November 11th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Does he regret killing 100,000 people? His departure can't come fast enough.

dave harlow   November 11th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Hey folks, The guy stood up and did what he thought was right. He was not right all the time but dammit he still stood up in front of everyone and did it….can any of you say the same? I can not.

Duct Tape   November 11th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

I hope he saved the banner, it would be awesome hanging over the White House on election day.

Becky, Midwest   November 11th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Who cares? His days are numbered. He and Congress screwed the country over for oil. I can't believe these same Congress people got re-elected! Both democrats and republicans in Congress are equally guilty of the economic mess we are in. I'm tired of everyone blaming Bush, Rove and Cheney. They had a lot of help from the democrats. The dems gave in to Bush darn near on every single issue that Bush ever wanted. Idiots. But, they don't want to talk about that. SIck of all of them.

kcbob   November 11th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Someone saw Oliver Stones movie this weekend…..

Courtney F.   November 11th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Bye Bye George!!! It's time to get on your horse..and go back to Texas.. Finally a end of a error!!!

C   November 11th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

22% approval ratings have a funny way of forcing idiots to reflect. He is the worst president ever – end of story.

jay   November 11th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

I always knew Bush was a good man and would have been a better president if he had good people around him.
The big head Carl Rove and Dick Cheney are the evil men who did not care about Bush but themselves.

kcbob   November 11th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

His biggest regret should be thinking he was ready tfor the office.

Being able to win isn't the same thing as being able to lead.

Kathy   November 11th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

I honor President Bush for his honesty about his regrets. I can imagine in this time of transition there is alot of reflecting going on at the White House. I like many Americans are ready for change in the White House, and look forward to the new Administration. President Bush is right when he says an Obama presidency is good for America.
President-Elect Obama is no different from any other good father, of course his top priorities are all his girls. It is wonderful to see the entire family.

AKRON, OHIO OBOMA SUPPORTER   November 11th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

President Bush made a lot of mistakes, but I think the country should just focus on having a new president oboma and let by gones be by gones there nothing anybody can do to bring back the last eight years, america must focus on the future. Good luck and best of wishes President Bush and Lord bless our new president to bring change to america

3strikes   November 11th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

in 2012, the new slogan america will be taking up is "nobama change failed, republican reform needed"

John   November 11th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

We are going to need a sense of humor to face Bush's legacy.

Ken   November 11th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

Bush better suck up to Obama! My wish for Obama would be for his administration and Justice Dept. to investigate many of the things that the Bush adminstration has done. Investigate agressively, and let the chips fall where they may. The American people deserve to fully know how this country has been abused the past 8 years. I don't want to hear about this vague concept of "healing" — I'll be healed when the truth of the last 8 years finally comes out.

jc   November 11th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

1. Who knows what role he had in 9/11

2. Started a war because of it, and went into Iraq on false terms

3. We're in debt because of him due to the wars and his defense spending

4. Our reputation nationwide was shattered

5. His links to the oil industry are hard to ignore, as are the links of Iraq to oil

5. Unregulated free market left us with a shattered economy

6. For all we know, the masterful bailout of 700 B was all in the master plan–money that will all go to his republican banker buddies. Not a loan…a bail out.

7. Welcoming Barack to the white house with this renewed, innocent, "i'm the victim" spirit of American greatness does not and should not let us forget what a horrible president this guy is.

Nick Parga   November 11th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Now with the good will of the pasing error we most organized to make a permanent change on the overpopulated world by looking faster for new source of energy and transportation and get rid of many nuclear destruction. Nick

mr herrera manuel   November 11th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

i dont know why dick cheney was elected for vp bec eveybody knows and i
know he have big racist feelings racist should not have a place on politic
s on a diferce country like this

caywen   November 11th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

This should improve his approval ratings, showing his personal side and his approval of the character of the next President.

The Bush administration is an example in failure to execute paired with the desire to execute the wrong things. But I think it's important to remember that Bush is a decent guy at heart, just like McCain is.

Of course, it's far easier to admit that now that Obamas are moving in :-)

StacyGA   November 11th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

I think he allowed others to set the agenda instead of taking the lead as he should have done! This shows that he had no ideas of his own. Good riddance to the worst president in recent history. On a more personal note I think he is a fairly decent person, but not leadership material. He is not intelligent enough, PERIOD. What I want to know is WHY so many of my fellow Americans voted for this loser TWICE???!!!. It truly defies logic and is the reason why we need EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT in this country.

gregory james   November 11th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

mr bush go wright to hell sir an burn ok

Mike   November 11th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Is Bush developing a conscience, or is it re-growing the more time he spends away from Rove?

Americans   November 11th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

We have 2 regrets…

VOTING FOR YOU TWICE.

DP in CA   November 11th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Bush says: "I am proud to be the commander in chief of people who are so selfless and so courageous that they would volunteer to serve our country in a time of war," he said. "I'm proud when I see people feed the hungry. I'm proud when I'm in Africa and see volunteers helping those citizens dying of HIV/AIDS."

Bush… Is there anything YOU did as president that you can be proud of, or is your pride limited to things OTHER people did, that you had NOTHING to do with?

Shannon   November 11th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

that's it, no regret for the tens of thousands of dead in this illegal war, I guess that's why you're so unpopular Mr Bush.

anyonmous   November 11th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

« Back to mainPrevious article:
Can John Edwards make a comeback?Next article:
Poll finds most Americans welcome Dem control

Concerned Texan   November 11th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

I never voted for Bush either, but it always seemed he had the wrong type of advisors in his administration. The people that he surrounded himself with were self seekers to say the least. They never seem to address the needs of the people of the country. They spent more time using the peoples tax dollars to discredit people like Valarie Plame (sp) and her husband instead of addressing the state of the union.

3strikes   November 11th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

NO WAY!

NO HOW!

NO BIDEN!

NOBAMA!!!

take that nobama democraps

carol   November 11th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Of course we all say things we shouldn't have said and I'm sure President Bush is no exception….but you do have to watch what you do say especially in such a high profile position.
He will have time to remember many things he shouldn't have done or said but that will be for him to have to live with as he leaves office next year.
I didn't vote for Bush last time and McCain this time as I think their policies are all wrong….we need a new direction and leadership and I feel we will get that when President elect Obama is sworn in next year.
I do wish however President Bush and his family all the very best in their new lives and wish God's blessings on President elect Obama and his family as they start their new journey.

Craeg P; BC, Canada   November 11th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

It is easy to feel benevolent and forgiving to an outgoing president, but I don't think that Bush deserves my respect. I wonder how many hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost or ruined because of his thoughtless and illegal decisions. I can not think of a single accomplishment that would be attributed to him, the most powerful person in the world.

reminiscing and promise   November 11th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

The peaceful, usually gracious, transfer of power that is taken for granted in the US. It is rightfully applauded and should emulated worldwide. Elections are real. The people speak, and show remarkable good sense, eventually. Refreshing. It works.
My issues with Mr. Bush were not his lack of cordiality, but his lack of intellectual curiosity that led to incomplete and simple, but disastrously ineffective, solutions to very complex issues; his substitution of loyalty for competence as prerequisites for apolitical service; his confusing being stubborn and being steadfast,;and his administration's attempts at executive power expansion at the price of constitutional civil rights.
This high hopes this nation, and the world, sees in the new president is in part that Mr. Obama has shown every indication of being the opposite–smart, thorough, depth, respectful, and introspective. Yes, attention to political reality is necessary, but rational respectful governance and prioritization will be refreshing as we face critical economic issues not seen since FDR and the US reclaims its special international place squandered in the prior eight years.

Ms. B in California   November 11th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

I wish he would have thought about the consequences of his actions WHILE things were happening instead on the way out the door. The epitomy of his tenure was when he said six months ago that he hadn't heard of gas going up to $4 a gallon three weeks before it went up to $4 a gallon. That is how he ran this country, always three weeks behind and never caught up to what was the present. On the positive side, I personally think that as a person, Bush probably is a good ol' guy, but that wasn't what we needed in the White House. We needed a leader that would had stopped the helicopter during Katrina and picked a few folks up on the way instead of doing a Presidential "Fly By". That is how I will always remember him, the President who "Flew By" every catasterphe.

I LOVE OBAMA   November 11th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

How come I am starting to like Bush more now that he is about to be out of office? Lol why didnt act/say things like that before so everyone didn't think he was such a bone head?? Weird..

Limbaugh is my Saviour   November 11th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

We adore you George,and your boss Cheney.We made a fortune in the last eight years and can now go to Dubai and live like Kings.

Shall   November 11th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

I am glad to see President Bush has attempted to make this transition as smooth as possible and is displaying a lot of positive characteristics. Although I do not feel that he did all of the things he could have done to lead our country in the right direction, I do believe that at heart he isnt a bad person nor did he intentionally try to put Americans in compromising situations

max (NY)   November 11th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Well it takes a man of charaters, of wisdom and of great philosophy, especially a president, to recognie his errors and denounce them publicly. That's the real Mr, Bush which was outshadowed by Mr. Bush, the President. Hoorah! for him.

JIM ADAMS   November 11th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

He has got to be kidding. He is why most americans have no use for politicans as a rule. His poor wife and children to have to bare this burden is just sad.

I understand failing and doing something wrong, but to go around telling other people how to live a moral life while not doing it yourself insults my inteligence.

STAY AT HOME AND LOVE AND RESPECT YOU WIFE.

mr herrera manuel   November 11th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

hey bush you should regret how arrogant you was against latinos becau
se they are the one who make a big diference when is voting time you ne
ver see more gop presidents in the white house is long is you live,bec la
tino vote would keep growing faster and faster every four years

Patrick   November 11th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Bush you had the ENTIRE WORLD behind you after 911. Obama now has it… Let's see which president accepts this good will and runs with it to benefit the US. Can you guess?

SJC   November 11th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

This is "way too late". Bush may have salvaged his presidency if he acknowledged these mistakes soon after they occurred. Instead he stubbornly maintained his stances and created additional justifications to his failed policies.

The moment it was officially declared in 2004 that there were no WMD in Iraq he should have stood before the country and apologized for his grave error. Instead he insisted he would do it all over again. No sympathy here considering the 4100 dead and 35000 injured.

Luigi ina California   November 11th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Too little, too late. Mea Culpa time for the Bushman. Croc tears all around.

keeth in california   November 11th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

It is bitter-sweet to say, "Thank you, Mr. Bush, for giving us Barack Obama. Had you not screwed up so badly and surrounded yourself with such incompetent people, you would not have set the stage for Obama to succeed you. And he will succeed,… spectacularly!"

Lisa   November 11th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

I was waiting for the Misson Accomplished statement, that's one I will never forget. Also I will never forget when he said "Well he did try to kill my father" referring to Sadaam Hussein.

1. Dumbest statement by Bush
Mission Accomplished

2. Well he did try to kill my father.

3. Bush " I'm not really wooried about Bin Laden"

xddy4u   November 11th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Mr. President-Elect, DO NOT watch these news outlets, nor listen to their advice. Already, before you even take office, they are trying to stir things up. WATCH YOUR BACK. The News medai IS NOT your friend.

Chris F.   November 11th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Why don't he regret the millions of jobs America has lost under his regime and outsourced overseas. He has supported this and sold the workers of America out to Big Business wants. He should of protected this country not just from terriorist but globalization. His policies have put us on the brink but I do believe we can get by because we are Amiricas and we will overcome.

julio   November 11th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

President Bush I wish you well.

Tip my hat!   November 11th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

If I think about it, I have to give this man some respect….earned. He was faced with being in charge of one our our country's worst events ever: 9/11. At the end of the day, sitting on the side of the bed with, literally the weight of the USA on his shoulders, how he must have struggled with making the right decisions to protect Americans. What a heavy…heavy burden that must have been. Criticize him, his "in" to the WH, his policies etc., but you have to think about what he has gone through in the name of "Mr. President". I don't envy him and I certainly don't agree with many of his policies, but the Christian in me knows that he had a heavy burden to bear and it must have broken his heart when that happened. Imagine how he must be saying to himself…"If only…".

Let us not dog the man out…let's give him the respect that he deserves and if you don't think you can, take a minute and put yourself in his shoes. Imagine that it was YOU carrying the burden of the heartache and safety of millions of Americans. I genuinely feel sorry for him.

God bless him for making decisions that he thought were right…even if they weren't.

Now…moving forward….Obama/Biden! It's a New Day in America!

Richard A. Spomer   November 11th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

You all are ignoring the fact that President-elect Obama can think he is a stud and get laid by some female, and you all will let him get away with infidelity because you are selfish and dishonest.

Dave   November 11th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

I love hearing about how much of a family man Obama is… he is really not the stereotype Democrat.

What I want to know: did Bush and Obama pray together?

;-)

Clinton Supporter   November 11th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

Cheney, of course, was his life insurance policy.

No one would dare eliminate him with Cheney waiting in the wings…

Briana the college student   November 11th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

I think is ready to go as much as we are ready for him to leave. I don't think George Bush is 100% evil I hope he can live the rest of his life peaceably.

Gene   November 11th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

See.. if the people at Fox News and their viewers were anywhere near as gracious as Bush is being… then I wouldn't have anything to say about Republicans in general..

But.. so far I keep seeing venom spit out of Fox and their viewers.

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   November 11th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

however, there is a video still circulating that shows President Bush being asked if he'd made any mistakes. He looked surprised, appeared to be thoughtful and then said that he could not think of any mistake he had made.

Either with age comes wisdom or he is trying to work on his legacy. Too little – too late.

Clinton Supporter   November 11th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

I think Laura Bush is the best thing that ever happened to this guy.

He's not evil. He has many good traits. His heart is in the right place.

He is NOT intellectually curious – and this is his downfall.

No one is happier than I am that he is finally, FINALLY going away.

I'd say he was dumb, but I would also have to say that the American people were even more DUMB to elect him a second time.

WHAT WERE YOU PEOPLE THINKING?!?

Speider   November 11th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

A bit of clarity in the end does not explain or forgive where he has led us. Speaking of family, does he understand the families who have been torn apart by the two wars we now wage?

Curtis - Marietta, GA   November 11th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

If Mr. Bush was this forthcoming and gracious during his tenure, I would have approved of him. It was his horrible decisions and his stubborness to change those decisions that always got me. At least I can see that he's not completely ignorant, but that he just did some stupid things and surronded himself with people who didn't see what they were doing was wrong.

giniajim   November 11th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

These are nice comments by Pres. Bush. With everything that has gone on in the last eight years, he is a nice guy. History will judge his, and his administration's, performance, and I don't think it will be pretty. But for this moment: well done Mr. President!

Susan   November 11th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

I cannot figure out why anyone in their right mind would want to be President of the U.S., no matter how good of a person you are, the Pres. becomes nothing but a scapegoat! I hope that doesn't happen to Pres. Obama.

indy chris   November 11th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

I hope obama prosecutes the entire administration. treasonous bastards.

Christian   November 11th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

If he has true regrets he will behave honorably as he leaves office and finally cooperate with the investigation of the Justice Dept. and the Valarie Plame leak, producing all the e-mails and not having those close to him hide behind exec. authority. Also he will not pardon scum like Scooter Libby. I guess we will see if he has regret for his behavior or only regret that the American people held him accountable.

Minnesota   November 11th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

The man can't even tell the truth about that "Mission Accomplished" blunder even after EVERYONE and their mother knows it was his administration that put that up!!! Ugh!

Just like McCain's "fundamentals of the economy are strong" comment that he then contorted into the fundamentals meant "our workers" and how dare we criticize our work force!!

OMG these people are waaaayyyyyy to predictable.

Please America…. never again!

Peter   November 11th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

I regret John McCain did not win the Republican presidential nomination in 2000. That is the first step GOP goes down…to let a clown to represent them… And Palin is famale version of Bush without a famous father…

dj from Connecticut   November 11th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

Well as they say, when one door closes, another opens! Let's hope Obama opens the right door into the right direction! There is a tremendous burden weighing heavy on his shoulders and the world is watching every move he makes. He needs and deserves whatever support we can contribute.

Anonymous   November 11th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

He is tetling the truth!!!

Rick from San Diego   November 11th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

If Bush had approached his presidency in the same manner in which is took control and spoke immediately after the 9/11 attack, he would not be facing such criticism. Instead he wanted to get revenge which is never a good reason to go to war. Instead he abused his position and caused the rest of the world to think less of the US. I hope the new administration will be able to restore America's credibility and reputation in the world. We are the most powerful nation, but we need to use that to bring peace, not war.

maurice   November 11th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

cott November 11th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Mr. Bush, how about regretting that you failed to live up to your promise, which you made at the center of Ground Zero, that those who did this would be brought to justice. Here we are over 7 years later, and Bin Laden is still alive, a veritable poster boy for those "who get away with it". Truly pathetic. Why Americans don't rise up and demand satisfaction is appaling. Harry Truman once said, "The buck stops here". The same applies to Bush, 9/11 happened on his watch, we entered two wars which we are still in, and he's leaving with nothing accomplished while Bin Laden is enjoying his tea and crumpets in the Pakistani mountains. Pathetic. _____________________________________________________scott sorry to tell you this but bin laden actually happened on clintons watch 1st. clinton also had the chance to take bin laden out but didnt. read your history. although i dont agree with bush on everything and wouldnt vote for him again. he is the president and that i will respect. just as obama will be the president and that i will respect. so scott perhaps your the 1 who pathetic

Chela   November 11th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

You know, given that Bush didn't do much campaigning for the election of McCain (because of the toxic nature of his presidential legacy), it may be true what he says about believing the election of Obama is good for our country. He certainly doesn't like McCain …

And how about hearing from the folks who really were in charge these last 8 years: Cheney, Rove and Norquist? I agree with Daniel on this one – I think Bush was no more than a puppet at the hands of the true "Axis of Evil".

Dee   November 11th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

You folks who continue to insist the GW is an "idiot" need to look in the mirror.

mya   November 11th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Awwww, That's nice Georgie, we'll take it from here…!!!!

Sarah   November 11th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

You did Laura proud, George. Good for you. She and our country deserved better than what you gave. Maybe you will be forgiven some day.

Maybe you can instill such goodwill in the cowardly rednecks, racists, and neocons who hold you so dear.

Michelle   November 11th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

I wish President Bush would have made more inroads to help people here in the US who are suffering from HIV/AIDs. I also wish he would do something now to help the growing number of veterans who have physical and mental illnesses that they will never recover from as a result of this senseless and unnecessary war. I'd like to hear him comment on these things. There's a an interview we'd all like to see.

JJ   November 11th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

We can certainly blame plenty of things on Bush (see Iraq War, Bin Laden and wiretapping). Of course, people feel differently about those issues depending on their views and beliefs.

That said, why is everyone pinning the economy squarely on Bush's shoulders? Really, I didn't realize the President of this country had total control over the corporations and consumers of this country! Come on people, you might not like many of his decisions as President, but he didn't cause this recession.

Maybe we should place more blame on ourselves and see how we as Americans have gotten used to spending outside our means and buying everything on credit.

Pam   November 11th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Hey George, where's binLaden?

Mike   November 11th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Well said President Bush. Enjoy your retirement. Now Republicans please wake up and realize your mistakes. Come back in 2012 with a man of the people like Bobby Jindal. No Corporate Billionaire Romney. No neocon, negative, divisive Sarah Palin.

jr california   November 11th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

WOW… most genuine things i've ever heard come out of his mouth. i'm shocked, in a good way. he finally seems like a real person.

michael   November 11th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Wow, where have you been? The way you carry yourself now is much more palatable.

FAYE, NV   November 11th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

That was a nice speech from Bush I am sure he has many regrets and wish he did many things differently.

Enjoying life to the fullest! :)   November 11th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

That's very nice of him. Maybe it will get written into the history books and all will turn out well just like it did for SCROOGE!

California Gold   November 11th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Bush has made so many cringe worthy remarks, blunders and stupid statements. It's become the hallmark of his Presidency. His place is history.

Enjoying life to the fullest! :)   November 11th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

That's nice of him. Maybe it will get written into the history books and all will turn out well just like it did for SCROOGE!

FreeNLovIt   November 11th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

I never voted for him but I always knew in my heart, he was a good man. It's too bad he's not surrounded by good people.

Jane Barrett   November 11th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

The only time I actually support Pres Bush was when he said Dead or Alive and Bring it On. After that he was just ineffective and destructive, witness our economy and world affairs.

tom   November 11th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Why couldn't he have been as gracious to the United States people.We were nothing more than statistics and fodder to make the rich richer.We can only blame ourselves the man is an idiot.And we let him stay what was our alternative–Cheney?

Scott   November 11th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Mr. Bush, how about regretting that you failed to live up to your promise, which you made at the center of Ground Zero, that those who did this would be brought to justice. Here we are over 7 years later, and Bin Laden is still alive, a veritable poster boy for those "who get away with it". Truly pathetic. Why Americans don't rise up and demand satisfaction is appaling. Harry Truman once said, "The buck stops here". The same applies to Bush, 9/11 happened on his watch, we entered two wars which we are still in, and he's leaving with nothing accomplished while Bin Laden is enjoying his tea and crumpets in the Pakistani mountains. Pathetic.

Daniel   November 11th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Georgie isn't an evil man, he's just kind of an idiot that chose to surround himself with some legitimately evil people. Even if he does feel these regrets, I wonder if we'd be hearing them if his approval rating was at 40%.

"No More Bush!" Forget that, it's "No More Cheney, No More Rove!"

Hopeful for Tomorrow   November 11th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

President Bush is going to have plenty of time to reflect. Any decent man will acknowledge the mistakes they've made. Hindsight is 20/20. I didn't vote for Bush but I wish him well.

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