December 16, 2008
Posted: December 16th, 2008 03:35 PM ET

From
Pres. Bush signed an agreement with the Iraqi government in Baghdad Sunday.
Pres. Bush signed an agreement with the Iraqi government in Baghdad Sunday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - As President Bush prepares to leave office and looks back over his tenure, he Tuesday continued to stand firmly by his decision to go to war in Iraq, calling the decision to send troops into harm's way the most important one he made he has made in the Oval Office.

"I listened to a lot of people before we went into Iraq. And I listened to a lot of people, including in my own administration, who said, 'it's just not working. Let's get out.' And I listened very carefully to them. And obviously, came to a different conclusion," President Bush told CNN's Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley during a tour of the Oval Office.

While he did not want to revisit his decision to go to war, Bush he was ultimately concerned about "whether or not we would succeed."

"I have worried about it in the past, in 2006 in particular. In Iraq, I was deeply concerned about whether or not we would succeed," he said. "A lot of people in Washington, were saying, let's get out now. And I obviously chose not to do that. But, that was a very difficult period," he said.

The president said he "considered all options" when it came to Iraq and contemplated leaving but said, "I could not live with myself, if I had chosen to just leave and leave behind the valor and the sacrifice of a lot of our young men and women. I would have never been able to face their loved ones."


Returning to Texas

Bush and first lady Laura Bush will head to Dallas after they leave Washington to live in home the president has yet to see firsthand. He plans to open up an institute at Southern Methodist University and will write a book he hopes will present a fuller picture of his presidency than perhaps some of his critics have portrayed.

"I would like to share my experiences, and I think it's going to be important for people to remember what the actual history of my presidency was all about. History tends to shift very rapidly people forget what the environment in which the decisions were made," he said.

Crowley, who started covering the president when he was Texas governor in 1998, asked whether he was still the same person he was back then.

"I didn't change my basic values," Bush said. "I loved my wife then. I love her now. I realize my most important job was to be a loving father, and it is still my most important job. I believed in an almighty then my belief has been strengthened. You've got to say I'm a little wiser. My knowledge of the world is more profound."

Looking forward to a historic moment

Even though his days in office are winding down, the president said he is "not sitting around doing nothing," especially with the transition to President-elect Barack Obama's administration underway.

Bush said he hopes Obama, who will become the nation's first African-American president, is pleased with his administration's efforts.

"We care about him. We want him to be successful, and we want the transition to work," Bush said.

Looking ahead to inauguration, Bush said he is thrilled to "have a front row seat in an unbelievable moment in American history. And I was deeply touched by a lot of people I saw on election night with tears streaming down their face and saying, 'I never, ever thought I would see this day coming.'"

Bush said his "faith in Democracy" made him sure that someday an African American would hold the office he has occupied for eight years, and he is certain more changes will come.

"I believe there will be a woman president," he said. "I am amazed to have watched, you know, Barack Obama come from basic, relative obscurity to now be the - soon to be the president of the United States. And he gives a lot of people hope. And that's good for the country."

Filed under: Iraq • President Bush


Alexander Hamilton   December 17th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

He is like a cum on a Kleenex floating a an ocean of raw sewer

Alexander Hamilton   December 17th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

8 years gone, and what do we have show for ?
he should join Madoff for bankrupting the country and all of hie ponzi schemes.

The Truth   December 17th, 2008 2:50 am ET

I was there also...Absolute pointless effort!

S   December 16th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

So sad. I was there for a year, there's nothing worth 4000+ American lives over there. Nothing.

Pam   December 16th, 2008 8:23 pm ET

He listened to a lot of people and came to a different conclusion. That sums up the entire 8 years of the Bush disaster.

Justice doesnt divide, it unifies   December 16th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

In the end we realized its much bigger than the war could ever be the US.

The question that is in front of us for the past 8 years, maybe even longer whn you look at Nixon and Reagan

"Does accountability exist in the United States any more",

This is the real terror.

chuck   December 16th, 2008 8:05 pm ET

THIS MAN IS A PATHOLOGICAL LIAR. BUSH,CHENEY AND RUMSFELD MUST FACE WAR CRIMES IN THE HAGUE. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED SO THAT OTHER NUT-HEADS DO NOT INVADE COUNTRIES WHEN THEY GET A DREAM OR BRAIN DISORDER.

linda from South Dakota   December 16th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

bush tries to condon his decision, but he was dead wrong in thisinvasion,, its cost many lives for which bush is responsiable and has to live with this his whole life,,, he was told NO but he did nt listen like many times before ,, ill be so glad to see him out of office,,,, he has done no good,, economy has gone wild and does he care? NO,,, he never has and never will,, he should have been impeached for his actions long ago,,,(along with his attitude)

Ohio   December 16th, 2008 7:57 pm ET

It's not too late: Impeach, impeach, impeach.

Let him do hard time. At the very least, revoke his pension.

Bill Charlotte,NC   December 16th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

He is a nut!

MK   December 16th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

He will lie until he is blue in the face. He wanted to go to war with Iraq because he wanted to avenge the death threat made against his father. He was all to happy to let the american people wrongly believe the connection between Iraq and 9/11. I agrued this point with a simple minded individual from the south who thought I was dumb to not "know" the connection between the two events. I am still angry there are people who bought that line of crap. Talk about sheep led to slaughter, Bush took the whole country.

Justice doesnt divide, it unifies   December 16th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

Admirable

Do You also have the courage to face the consequences of your lies to the American People, Your Vigillanti-ism that youve dubbed "pre-emptive strikes, an illegal war, your mis-carriages of due process, torture, your outing of government agents?

Or s it time to quietly retire in comfort and riches back at the ranch?

The truth shall set you free.....it shall also set us free.

Obama shall be "O-bum-a" and should never call himself a "Constitutional Lawyer" or "A man of the people" if He and his admin dont encourge a REAL investigation of the Bush/Cheney regime.......with penalties if people dyed for no reason.

This IS the cost of DUTY......This is the cost of Justice....This is the cost of Honor.....This IS the cost of any type of positive future for our children....Believe it or not We the People CAN handle the truth

Jeff in SF   December 16th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

Bush never has second thoughts because he didn't have the first thoughts in the first place. He might well have worried about "whether or not we would succeed" in Iraq since no one has ever defined what "success" there might look like. But don't lose any sleep over it, W -

Remy   December 16th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

Bush is defending his co-conspirators behind the Iraq invasion. Bush leaves White House with many secrets.

Justice doesnt divide, it unify's   December 16th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

Admirable

Do You also have the courage to face the consequences of your lies to the American People, Your Vigillanti-ism youve dubbed "pre-emptive strikes, your mis-crriages of due process, your outing of government agents?

Or s it time to quietly retire in comfort and riches back at the ranch?

The truth shall set you free.....it shall also set us free.

Obama shall be "O-bum-a" and should never call himself a "Constitutional Lawyer" or "A man of the people" if He an his adin ont encourge a REAL investigation.......with penalties if people dyed for n reason

DOC   December 16th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

Of course he stands by his decision. He made himself and the Carlysle Group lots of money with their war profiteering.

No justice...

DOC   December 16th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

Of course he stands by his decision. He made himself and the Carlysle Group lots of money with their war profiteering.

No justice..

Proud American from New England   December 16th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

CRIMINAL.

TREASONOUS.

DISGUSTING.

Wayne House   December 16th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Bush is a blatant dolt.

s   December 16th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

I think it wasn't even his decision to make. Hurrah for positive-face frontmen. :)

flyer   December 16th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

J
If Iran starts tossing nukes at us you can bet they will get back more than they gave. Now, do you know all the the information that the Gov. had that led up to the war? I will bet that there is a lot of things the people outside of the Gov. that were involved don't know. That means you and every body else.

greg   December 16th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Once we pull out our troops in Iraq, President Obama wants to take the fight to Afghanistan......hmmmmmmmmm.....wonder how many Obamabots will join in the fight.

alvino   December 16th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

And now with this agreement, "W" will put our troops under the leadership of the Iraqi military. What part of harm's way does he not ujnderstand?

Leslie   December 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Bush thing is stuck on STUPID. Not even worthy of calling a man or a human. Does stupid run in the family...or do you have to work to be that dumb?

Now you can tell us the truth...Barbara is your grandmother right?

LisaB   December 16th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

It's easy to send others into harm's way from behind your desk. If this was the time of George Washington, when the commander in chief was on the battlefield, I think this would be going down a different way.

Larry   December 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

To: j

When Iran comes knocking on our door and throwing nukes at us, he might realize his mistake, but then again, he'll probably find someone else to blame.

It's pretty obvious you have not served our country ,you are totally clueless that if we were not there ,we would have nukes thrown at us,the real question is will you and the Democrats realize your mistakes before it's to late,or do your normal MO and stay in denial,while you look for someone else to blame.

FreeNLovIt   December 16th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Bush has ushered us into the age of the Anti Christ. The propecy must be fulfilled.

The Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square   December 16th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

Hi this just goes to prove that Bush is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. It is sorry that so many Americans voted for him. I thought the American voter was smarter. Oh well

Let's throw Mad dog in a hard time prison. That is where he should go with about a 50 billion fine. Let's get tough with these wall street thugs.

FreeNLovIt   December 16th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

To J

The prophesy must be fulfilled. Bush is making the way for the Anti Christ to strike a deal and make peace with Israel. Saddam must fall to stabilize the MIddle East for Armageddon. The economy must CRASH toprovide transparencies. All cannot buy or sell without the mark 666. Who else to clean after Bush? Obama.

enoughalready   December 16th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Not only the worst president ever but also the stupidest. Geeez, do the country a favor & leave already!

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   December 16th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

The worst decision ever made by the worst US President ever.
Good-bye, W, good-bye!

Cori from Colorado   December 16th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

It's never about the loss of life, it's always about the priority of money, lots and lots of money, from oil of course. Bush could care less about the innocent victims, as long as he's getting paid. Now that he's left America in such a weakened state, who know's what's going to happen to this country. We're vulnerable now, and Bush still can't admit that those he listened to, were wrong.

Charles Atlanta   December 16th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

He might listened but he ignored the good advice. He is still not getting it.. Going to war is not an issue – human history has full of wars. But going to war without a proper reason and a firm goal is an issue. You have to set up a clear objective when going to war. And most of time, you have many different ways to achieve the goal without going to war or sacrificing lives. What is the objective of war on Iraq?

Vicki5   December 16th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Is no one else concerned about the "status of forces agreement" Bush, et al. are signing in the picture. I would like to see more press about the status of forces agreement please. From what I understand, it will put our troops in extreme danger. Please, more information from the press.

confused??   December 16th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

AT last! now we have 2 people who know why we invaded Iraq.

Bush and Cheney

Steve, New York, New York   December 16th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

This guy is unreal – I can't wait for him to go back to the "shooting gallery" in Texas, so he and his Neo-con buddies can spend the day, chopping wood, and figuring out how to continue waging war against Muslims. Too bad for them that their days in power are numbered.

Conservative James, Phoenix, AZ   December 16th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Open letter to Dubya:

If you stand behind your decision, then I dare you to go to Iraq and personally apologize to the families of the over 100,000 innnocent people that YOUR war killed, not to mention the 4000+ Americans.

You spineless waste of space.

Louis   December 16th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

No matter how earnest his intent, Bush deserves to be villified for a debacle that has killed so many and cost so much. We can only hope that history does not treat him kindly.

Ron Henry   December 16th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

When it came to Iraq, Bush said about leaving, "I could not live with myself if I had chosen to just leave, and leave behind the valor and the sacrifice of a lot of our young men and women. I would have never been able to face their loved ones."
My question is this: how can he face their loved ones in face of the fact that he took them into a war of choice under false pretense?

Pychic   December 16th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Good thing you dont have to be able to read,to write a book now days.I see a poor selling book in his future.

Doug in New Mexico   December 16th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

So the President stood by his decision to invade. He has stood by every decision. Now really, he couldn't say that the invasion had nothing to do with WMDs could he? He couldn't say that he and his cohorts were after the oil or that the purpose was to make Iraq a democracy or that he was after Saddam for attempting to kill his daddy. My My what a spectacle this has been, and such a tragedy.

billy-bayou   December 16th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

j
What are they waiting for j, the strong man to leave office so they can attack when one of their own is in charge in Washington. You wanted "change" now you are about to get it. will you be at ground "O" when it happens?

Patrick   December 16th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

He was right to invade, right to stay, and right to stay be his decision now. In 20 years this decision will not be questioned. Why are so many people so quick to try to bash someone for expanding freedom in the world? The ones who redicule him are the same ones who currently enjoy the freedom that we are trying to give to Iraq.

Wayne E.   December 16th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Why would bush not stand behind his illegal invasion of Iraq.... The oil companies and corporations which help him steal the office in 2000 , and 2004 have made a killing off of the blood of our soldiers and the destruction of our country...

This is Why the election was stolen for Bush and Cheney...

Accountability   December 16th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

Liar to the end

lovable liberal   December 16th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Bush never saw a mistake of his that he didn't think was totally one hunnerd [sic] percent righteous. Where did he get all the hot air to puff up his ego with?

Jon   December 16th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Of course. One of the most frustrating parts of this administration has been their inability to admit mistakes. Maybe they're afraid it'll show weakness, but to me denial is weakness. If Obama does nothing else positive in office, I hope he at least offers a little more introspection and personal responsibility.

Kim   December 16th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Talk about delusional. He considered NO options other than trying to be Daddy's macho cowboy, Of course he can't look the families of thousands of dead soldiers in the face. And he can't look the tens of thousands of wounded, unemployed, veterans with no medical care in the face. He has no clue what it's like to have a loved one deployed and in danger every second. I do; my son is in Iraq right now with a Purple Heart pinned to his chest. But, thanks to Bush we're providing free medical care, schools, infrastructure to an historically unstable country when we can't even feed and shelter our own. And don't even get me started on the war profiteering from all the Halliburton contracts.

Anonymous   December 16th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Thanks, please leave now...

DOC   December 16th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Of course he stands by his decision. He made himself and the Carlysle Group lots of money with their war profiteering.

No justice.

No incumbents 2010   December 16th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

j: Yes because Iran would never have done anything like that prior to our invading Iraq. By the way, who said Iran has nukes? That is strictly for electricity and power. That's like saying Sadaam had WMDs or that he thumbed his nose at the UN. I don't think we have to worry about Iran anymore today than we did in 1979.

Viet Vet   December 16th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

That's cuz you're the decider and the commander guy, YES SIR!!
I don't think you faced Cindy Sheehan- -you coward!

YOU are truly a MORON. May you rot in hell for your deeds.

pam Eugene OR   December 16th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

December 2008 as Bush continues to attempt to rewrite his history. Has anyone been watching the carefully organized campaign Bush has begun to erase his deplorable legacy? Mission Accomplished? Success in Iraq? Bush thinks he can change history so he won't be known as the worst President in history. He is wrong.
Bush is without a doubt the most horrific President this country has ever suffered. Even Barney, his dog, is making nice for the cameras. There is no defense for the lies, the half truths and the manipulation this horrible man has put this country through.
He is stubborn and arrogant to the end standing by the decision to take this country to an illegal war. Over 4000 Americans dead, billions in debt, out honor shamed and Bush stand by his decision.
I throw my shoe at this village idiot.
SHAME SHAME SHAME Bush. You can't be gone soon enough!

TyWebb   December 16th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Of course he stands by it.

Matt   December 16th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

I guess McCain wasn't Bush after all. Here we have Bush continuing to support his own bad decisions and fail to recognize the damage and pain he has caused...and yet, McCain recently pretty much admitted that Palin is a broderline troglodyte. It's never too late to grow I suppose.

Fenarkleman   December 16th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

In a fight between the goatee of NBC News Political Chief Chuck Todd and Wolf Blitzer's beard, who wins?

j   December 16th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

When Iran comes knocking on our door and throwing nukes at us, he might realize his mistake, but then again, he'll probably find someone else to blame.

Carlo, Raleigh NC   December 16th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

So let me get this straight.... Basically we invaided Iraq because we could, do I have that right?

David   December 16th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

What else is Bush going to say. He's lied to the American people for eight years, and now he simply lies to himself.

Worst. President. Ever.

dotmafia   December 16th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Of course he stands by it. He can't very well say now that it was a mistake, now can he? That would be too honest for someone like him. On a side note, I believe people should throw their shoes in front of him for the rest of his life as a sign of protest for all of the misery, death and destruction he's brought to this world. Humiliation is the very least punishment Bush should suffer.

Powell   December 16th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Only Powell is enjoying the fruits of his loyalty to both Clinton and Bush, as Bush's secretary of state. We only the see the snapshots, but God sees the whole picture, in hundreds or thousands of years. History will approval President Bush, after all. He, and not Obama, is still in control, and still on His throne.

sunshine   December 16th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

so your answer is to just keep on sacrificing more and more of our young men in women in a senseless war, shame on you mr. president and shame on the republican party.

matt, coppell, tx   December 16th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

go back to your hole and await your trial at the Hague you clown!!!!

Bill   December 16th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

If he had jumped off a cliff and survived, he would still defend his decision to jump. Thats how smart he is.

GA Independent   December 16th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Still has his head in the Iraq sand. It was all about besting "Daddy" and he made even worse of a mess. After 8 years you would think he would have learned something...

Bob from Pittsburgh   December 16th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Mr. Bush I am just beside myself..

What could I posible say to you sir?

I am speachless at your demented comments.

Bob..

Tom in Delaware   December 16th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Thanks for keeping the 550 Metric tonnes of Uranium Yellowcake out of the hands of Saddam and Al-Qeada.

Thanks for enforcing the rest of the UN Security Council Resolutions to compell Saddam into compliance.

It's tragic anytime nations must go to war but if you don't stand up for something, then you'll fall for anything.

The fallen soldiers of the US and our Allies can never be desparaged because ours was a just cause, despite the infamous distortions created by the Liberals and supported by the MSM.

When all one hears night after night is an American body count and nothing else, is it any wonder that this war has become so hated.

There were more Americans killed in single day at Gettysburg than there have been in over 5 years in Iraq and Afghanistan combined, but most people wouldn't know that because the MSM provides no context or contrast.

Case in point...everybody knows about the the 'shoe'...but nearly no one knows that Bush was there to sign the Status of Forces Agreement...it was just advertised by the MSM as a 'Farewell Tour'.

8,000+ Americans are murdered in our cities each year, but that's just 'normal'... MSM makes a 'breaking story' about every bombing in Baghdad, but leaves out the part that it was a mentally-challenged teenage girl who was remotely denoated because that might steel the resolve of the American people to act against real tyranny.

Harry Truman got a bad rap too, but boy do we love'm today.

Real Change   December 16th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Well let me ask you this George; you immoral F-. Tell me how you face the families of the ones who died AFTER you made that decision. After you already knew it was a mistake, but you still continued to leave them in there to die. How do you face THOSE families?

The truth is you would rather let them die than admit you made a mistake.

Jeez..Someone get me a shoe!!!   December 16th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

of course, I jest...

Ron   December 16th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Good. I stand by my decision that he should be impeached and prosecuted for war crimes and the illegal invasion of a sovereign nation based on baseless facts and innuendos.

Red, Red WHINE!!   December 16th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Thanks for letting us get attacked on 9/11 (couldn't even keep us safe from FOUR planes...how much of an idiot do you have to be?) and ruining our economy (you had a surplus when you took office you retard) and killing our women and children in your illegal wars! Thanks for instituting torture (I guess nazi Germany showed us how to do it right eh?). And thanks for the extremely positive image of America you have left us with (we're hated because you were such a meniacal dictator on the world stage!)

Good Riddance you piece of crap....please go to another country you trader!

Mecrob   December 16th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

I'm suprised that the decision to invade iraq was the most important decision he made...I thought it would have been whether or not to eat fruit loops or apple jacks for breakfast.

Steph   December 16th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Of course he stands by his decision! The man hasn't admitted to a single mistake so far.

JJ   December 16th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Just as Hitler stood by his decision to invade Poland.

Texas Teacher   December 16th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Of course, he does! Did anyone seriously consider otherwise for one moment? Not I!

Dick Cheney on questioning of their policies.... "so." They simply DO NOT care one whit what anyone including the public think of what they have done. Their machinations have absolutely nothing to do with the will or needs of the People. They did what they did in the name of the almight dollar! No regrets... pure and simple. And they will continue to do so, if they can get Jeb Bush in there next! Come on.... seriously!

Baccountable   December 16th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

The shoe-throwing incident in Iraq is an unfortunate, but fitting, capstone to the Bush administration's actions, policies and priorities. Mr. Bush deserves credit for the way he handled the momentary situation. However, the frustration expressed by the disgruntled Iraqi merely gives physical form to the frustrations building for the past eight years right here in America and around the world. Only a few weeks ago Senator McCain and Governor Palin, members of his own party, filled the airwaves with their own "verbal shoes". Mr. Bush may believe his actions were correct, but that does not make him right. What else can he say at this time? The damage is done.

Nelson Colorado Springs Co   December 16th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

If President Bush change his mine about it wouldn't bring back DEAD over 4300 have lost their lives. Bush said looks back over his tenure, he Tuesday continued to stand firmly by his decision to go to war in Iraq, calling the decision to send troops into harm's way the most important one he made he has made in the Oval Office.

G.R.I.T.S. - Girl Raised in the South   December 16th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Of course he's going to stand by his decision. No one ever wants to admit when they are wrong, nevermind being wrong on such a large scale. Besides, G.W. is too self-involved to really care about public image, regular non-donating citizens, dead soldiers, and the like.

The thing that gets me is that his buddies (and his father's buddies) including Cheney formed the PNAC (Project for the New American Century) back in 1997, pushing for the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. Clinton didn't go for it, so they finally got their boy to do it.

In order to satisfy the whims of a group of neo-con, greedy, war profiteers (Cheney, Wolfowitz, Kristol, Kagan, Bennett, Forbes, Rumsfeld, Scooter Libby, Khalilzad, Quayle, McCain, Woolsey, Armitage and more), G.W. went ahead and lied to the American people and invaded a sovreign nation that did not attack us.

By the way, another member of the PNAC is Jeb Bush, so don't think that apples fall too far from their trees.

I just wish for once he would tell the truth so that people can see the sick influence of the PNAC.

Mark   December 16th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

so w earlier said his biggest regret was the faulty intelligence (or lack thereof) on Iraq.

but on the other hand, bush says it was the right decision. I guess in his book, two wrongs do make a right.

35 days and counting.

Eli   December 16th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Bush defends the indefensible? Imagine our surprise.

Bridgette-PA   December 16th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

CNN, just exactly what did you expect the President to say?? "I made a bad decision to invade Iraq, it was a ploy because I only care about the oil and my thinking was blurred with greed and I tricked the American people into believing that they attacked us on 9/11"? Give me a break. Are you having a slow news day or something.

Minnesotan   December 16th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

The headline should read, "Bush stands by decision to Destroy America." This guy needs to be prosecuted once he's out of the White House. WORST PRESIDENT EVER! Bring on the lawsuits!

J. Dean   December 16th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

IS THIS IDIOT STILL TALKING.
WE DO REMEMBER THIS IDIOT TELLING US THAT THE IRAQ MISSION WAS A """"""NOBLE CAUSE""""""" . WHAT HAPPENED TO THE NOBLE CAUSE THAT GEORGE BUSH WAS ADVOCATING ????AFTER ALMOST SIX YEARS, OVER 4200 OF OUR BRAVE, YOUNG AND HEROES WERE SACRIFICED, BILLION OF DOLLARS WERE WASTED, AND THE ISSUE IS NOT OVER YET.
WE ALSO SAW HOW THE IRAQIS APPRECIATED GEORGE BUSH'S DECISION TO INVADE THEIR COUNTRY...... A PAIR OF SHOES THROWN AT GEORGE FOR A THANK YOU.
LET GEORGE BUSH CALL THIS HIS ""NOBLE LAGACY"". WHILE THE REST OF US, THE GOOD AMERICANS, CALL IT ""THE GREATEST BLUNDER OF THE MODERN HISTORY".
CAN'T WAIT TO WITNESS JANUARY 20, 2009.

Daniel   December 16th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Just when you thought he was starting to make sense...BAM!

IndiePA   December 16th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

He would. What did you expect? He's still an arrogant moron who is oblivious to the FACT that it was the wrong thing to do. 35 more days. Neither he nor his puppeteer, Cheney, would ever be capable of admitting to wrong-doing. His whole administration for 8 years is an example of this. Too bad the shoes missed!

Donna from Colorado Springs   December 16th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Bush is the most stubborn man on the planet! He absolutely will not admit that invading Iraq was a mistake. Of course, being a republican prohibits him from admitting to ANY MISTAKE! Case in point.......McCain and his refusal to admit his careless choosing of Palin!

Mary   December 16th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Well my husband who is deployed now for the 3rd time dosesn't agree ...I mean he joined the army to defend his country...but in a war that should not have been!!! ...Our children want to know when is "Daddy" coming home to stay....

SteveCO   December 16th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

What stupid lying waste of human life Bush is.

You're fooling nobody, Puppet Boy. Your V.P. browbeat the CIA until that agency started, unwillingly, to support Cheney's lies about nukes and WMD in general. You lied about where the WMD supposedly were near Baghdad. You preemptively attacked a nation that posed zero physical danger to the U.S. You didn't listen to a single piece of advice unless it came from a dumbed-down, redneck, war hawk spittle-spraying flag worshipper. You set the rest of the nation against you, accusing anyone who didn't believe your lies of "helping the terrorists". No one in the world except you thinks the war was a good idea. No one except you hasn't noticed that terrorists, and al Quada in particular, have grown far stronger then they were before your war crimes began. Good job, weenie.

Take a vacation until January 20th, you incompetent traitor.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   December 16th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Apparently, Bush still doesn't understand that there were no WMD and no connection to 9/11. If there was a reason to remove Saddam, it would have been for his father George H.W. Bush to do. That would have been the best time. Saddam contained Iran and the crazies there. I think this did some of the worst damage to the middle east that could have been done.

canadian pov   December 16th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Really!!! He could have listened to the people in his own circle that told him the intelligence was faulty and there was no proof of WMDs. He could have let the UN inspectors complete their work. He and his hawks were gunning for a war before he ever had a reason to make one up. So, Mr. President, can you look the loved ones in the eye now? Not just of the US soldiers that needlessly died but the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi families?

My favorite photograph is the one with Rumsfeld embracing Sadam after selling him American arms years before he became their enemy!

Hypocrites! So what?

cat   December 16th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

It time to bring our guys home and end this war. Bush should also request the release of the guy who threw the shoes at him...
There was no way War was going to be avoided with Iraq and as a result thousands of innocent people were killed. Forgiveness is what is needed at this time. It is not that mans fault that his dispair and grief has lead him into not careing what happens to hisself. enough to show his anger and emotions that raged inside of him.
It would be nice if America (Barack Obama) steped in to try to right this sistuation at the bequest of President Bush...We need to repair our relationship with our Iraqis Brethern, while it can be repaired.

LYNETTE IN CA   December 16th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

It's stupidity at it's finest. What else can he say? Certainly not, "I was wrong to do it!!!"

yasmine   December 16th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

of course he doesn't regret all the $$ millions he and Cheney made off the backs of the Iraqis...

Ryan   December 16th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

As the years go by I hope the hatred for George Bush goes away. This is a man that we voted into office and did everything in his power to keep us safe. Those of you that scream he should be tried as a war criminal are so blind it's sick. The United Nations wouldn't stand up to Saddam and we did. God Bless all of our soldiers who are fighting and who have died protecting us at home.

Chuck   December 16th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

No your kidding me. If he didn't, then he would be admitting to war crimes. DUH!!!

Gerry in Va. for Obama.   December 16th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

As for listening to "many" people, that number was probably 2, maybe three. Rumsfeld, Wolfawitz and Cheney and of course his own self. W wanted that war. It was suppose to turn out differently though. He always invisioned himself as the big tough Texas hero in all this "Bring um on" stuff and simply will not see him self as anything else no matter what has/is/will, be shown to him by anyone about anything. He simply doesn't have it in his mind to (or the mind to) accept anything else. I hope the citizens of the U.S. remember the singlemindedness that the whole Bush clan family, from daddy Bush down to Jeb Bush, when it comes time for the next Bush to run for an office. They are all alike. Actually it did seem to get worse under W then it was with his daddy so that would go to reason that JEB would be much worse then W..... OMG.... What a revolting thought.... Another Bush in a political office....NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!

Garfield   December 16th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

The irony of this whole incident is that Bush can't figure out why the guy did what he did other than to gain some notoriety.

Bush said…. The journalist was "looking for notoriety," Bush said, adding that authorities shouldn't "overact" in their treatment of him.

"First of all, it's got to be one of the most weird moments of my presidency," he said. "Here I am, getting ready to answer questions from a free press in a democratic Iraq, and a guy stands up and throws his shoe. And it was bizarre, and it was an interesting way for a person to express himself."

This pretty much shows just how insensitive and ignorant Bush is. Thousands of innocent Iraqi's have been killed because of his decision to invade Iraq, probably members of his own family. Yet Bush fails to see that the whole world is disgusted with him reflected by his approval ratings in the USA and the world. Thousands of Iraq's demonstrate in support of this man and Bush can't see it.

JANUARY 20TH CANNOT COME SOON ENOUGH SO WE CAN BE RID OF THIS TOTALLY USELESS PRESIDENT FOREVER.

From Indiana   December 16th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

God bless George Bush and his courage. Many mistakes were made but this is a man of conviction and honor. Iraqis should succeed from where they are at now. We should pray for Obama, he will have a full plate when he starts. Iraq is the least of his and our problems. There is much hope for Obama's fresh approach.

LF Oneto - VA   December 16th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

To recognize one´s mistake is a sign of integrity and courage -both of which you lack. You had your chance to prove your "patriotism" in Viet Nam but choose to stay home. You have no credibility. You will go down in history as a moron who has caused immense suffering to the people in Iraq. But since you don´t read -not even newspapers, you will live a happy life oblivious to the damage you have cause to this country.
Most people in the US and overseas just want you to leave office and never see you or hear from you again in our lives. You are just an idiot who has nothing to say that people might be interested in listening.

Phil, Ashburn, VA   December 16th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

And u will go down as the worst president of the US.

joey from sd   December 16th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

someone get this man a shoe!

BUSH BEGONE!   December 16th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Sure he does, he does not want to think that he sent over 4,000 people to their deaths.

Glad I will not be in his shoes come Judgment Day!

Hussein family   December 16th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

We wish he hadn't.

PTL in Texas   December 16th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Well, I am not expecting that he would show any regrets, even after leaving Office. If he did, there would lawsuits galore (both in civil and ciminal courts).

Laverne   December 16th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

The sad part about Bush is that he does not understand what he has done to this country and without understanding, he will never be able to admit his failures. Maybe, just maybe before he leave this world he will repent for what he has done!

j williamson   December 16th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Whatever!

Ron West Coast   December 16th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Bush and Dick Cheney are both crooks. Bush went to Iraq over the weekend supposedly to say " farewell ", but it was more likely to pick up two pallets of those many pallets of 100 dollar bills shipped to Iraq in 2003......
How fitting is was for him to pick up something else, in the form of " two shoes ", thrown at his wooden head .......
Yeah, I`m not suprised by him sticking by his decision to " Invade " Iraq.......

John Des Plaines IL   December 16th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

How can he do anything but stand behind the illegal invasion and occupation he initiated over his hand-picked, practically dictated by him, "intelligence"? He has to say it was the right thing to do since he started this whole agenda and manipulated this into existence. He and his friends have made a tidy sum off of the death and misery they instigated. He should be and hopefully will be tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity. We're counting down the seconds until he leaves office. They just can't tick away fast enough.

BB   December 16th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

W=Warmonger

Steven   December 16th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Uh, Sir, you were my commander-in-chief when I was over there. Young men and women are still dying. Staying the course just because if you "had chosen to just leave and leave behind the valor and the sacrifice of a lot of our young men and women." is not honorable. There's no justification for those who are still dying. One death is one too many.

History   December 16th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Only history can judge if he is right, or may turn out the best world leader that human beings have ever seen.

Polar Bears Against Palen   December 16th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

George W. Bush is a piece of garbage.

Sherrol in Canada   December 16th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Go away already!!

Jack   December 16th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Would anyone expect the "decider" to admit a mistake? Bush is sticking by his decision because it was one of his main objectives when he first got elected. Number one priority was getting a tax break for the rich, number two was to grab Iraq's oil.

Joyce   December 16th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

What I find apalling was Bush's reaction to the man who threw his shoes at him. He made a joke out of it. Not even thinking or considering what this man was protesting about. Why was the shoe thrown at him? Certainly, it wasn't a mere publicity stunt of someone who wants some air time – as he puts it.

That man knew he probably will go to jail as a result for how long no one knows. He risked it all simply because of the atrocities the Bush administration had done to his people. Just imagine the death toll daily that the Iraqis faced.

They might not have much during the Sadam years but they certainly had more then than now. And what about terrorism? There were no terrorist then because Sadam kept them as bay. Look where they are now – a haven for terrorism.

No matter how Mr. Bush sells this war, it was and will always be based on a lie. A deception. There were no WMD, there were no terrorist in Iraq. They had a dictator sure – someone who could have easily been dealt with without the necessity of a costly war.

I say free that man who threw his shoes. Many wanted to do the same. He deserves it. Instead of working hard in his last days to help the economy, he is busy trying to fool the world into believing he was a good president. That everything he did was justified.

Sorry, we don't have amnesia.

obama-mama   December 16th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Boy that's rich.

"I didn't change my basic values," Bush said. "I loved my wife then. I love her now. I realize my most important job was to be a loving father, and it is still my most important job. I believed in an almighty then my belief has been strengthened. You've got to say I'm a little wiser. My knowledge of the world is more profound."

He's wiser? What a bunch of bull. Another important job this joker took on was to be there for the American people and not give our money to Iraq. I do not hate George Bush but feel that he and Dick really ran this country into the ground.

I'll be back. Looking for shoes.

Joe   December 16th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

I stand by my believe that we MUST impeach him for it

(Former) Lifelong Republican for Obama, Columbia, TN   December 16th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Why is the news?!

Of course, Bush is going stand by his decision to invade Iraq. This man has demonstrated absolutely no ability to show remorse or admit that he was wrong. He is completely dirth of any ability to change and to evolve! This is why he is one of the worse presidents this nation has ever had to suffer with.

Karen - Missouri   December 16th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

I will never agree that we should have invaded Iraq. Never

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