January 8, 2009
Posted: January 8th, 2009 04:42 PM ET

From

PHILADELPHIA (CNN) - Twelve days before he leaves office, President Bush delivered his final policy speech, choosing to focus on his signature education reform law known as "No Child Left Behind."

But as he spoke, television networks – including CNN – carried another address happening simultaneously: President-elect Barack Obama's speech on the ailing US economy.

"At the end of the presidency, you get to do a lot of 'lasts,'” Mr. Bush noted in his remarks at a school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

"This is my last policy speech. As President of the United States, this is the last policy address I will give," Bush said.

"What makes it interesting is that it's the same subject of my first policy address as President of the United States, which is education and education reform."

Filed under: President Bush • President-elect Obama


Anonymous   January 8th, 2009 8:18 pm ET

Still a bevy of morons that support the WORST PRESIDENT IN HISTORY.

seabee   January 8th, 2009 8:13 pm ET

Cheney and Carl Roe should each have been handcuffed to the only chair in the room and made to be the ONES that listened LAST to bush. While everyone else listens to more important things like OBAMA and cleaning up the Bush/Cheney/Roe mess!!!

Yeah Right   January 8th, 2009 8:09 pm ET

Buh Bye!

Yay!   January 8th, 2009 7:58 pm ET

11 more days to go until sanity reigns again.

thank you networks for not cutting into the real news with this irrelevance.

Brent   January 8th, 2009 7:52 pm ET

Yeah, real interesting, retard.

Vic   January 8th, 2009 7:50 pm ET

Farewell, George Bush! You came in riding on a questionable win, with much support from your party. Well, what happened? You served eight years of dissolutionment, which always happens when one gains something he/she is not entitled to. Not being one of your supporters, both times, I, nevertheless wish you and Laura a good life in retirement. Being a near-Houston resident, I've been proud of your mother and dad through the years, and can't help but believe that they're glad your term is ending. Good luck and God Bless You!

fred   January 8th, 2009 7:46 pm ET

I honestly think Dubya was a great president. Americans are getting greedy and lazy, and that's why our economy is going downhill. We need something new. In the 90s, internet, cell phones, etc came into the picture, and the market flourished. Now, everyone has those things, and we need something else to take over. Factories being shipped oversees are jobs of the 20th century. We need to create new jobs, but not just more of the ones that are going oversees. We need new companies, and more entrepreneurs with great ideas. Those ideas could come from me or you, the American people. Don't blame Bush. His job was to keep us safe. He did that. The economy situation is NOT his fault. If you think it is, tell me WHY it is BUSH'S fault. And don't bring up the trickle-down theory. That has nothing to do with it. Other republicans that were successful leaders had that policy, and the economy didn't suffer. You all say Reagan was great, and Dubya was the worst president ever. Then you say McCain and Bush are alike. Then you say all republicans are alike. However, Reagan's popularity level was way up, and Bush's is way down. What's the difference? Maybe people just blame the president for whatever goes wrong, and praise the president for whatever goes right. Really, the people have more power over the economy than the president does.

JC   January 8th, 2009 7:45 pm ET

That's a good boy Georgie....now you can build your library starting with your favorite book, "My Pet Goat"

Flagship, NC   January 8th, 2009 7:36 pm ET

This man has done more damage to the United States than all of the terrorist we have been fighting, put together!!!

He has dis-honored the USA and it people.

He and his VP should be stripped of their Citizenship and dumped in some in some no-mans-land in central Africa.

ga   January 8th, 2009 7:32 pm ET

It was only by the grace of God that we haven't been attacked again. It had nothing to do with King George. He was the one who left our borders wide open for the cheap labor. We have no way of knowing who has entered this country, and what they brought with them. If you thank anybody for us being here today, then thank God. G W had nothing to do with it.

Moonbeam   January 8th, 2009 7:28 pm ET

Um..., he is still a President?!
Sorry, I can't respond properly, my shoes are too good!

Alex   January 8th, 2009 7:26 pm ET

PATRIOT Act... Let America Vote Act... No Child Left Behind... George Orwell was right!

Greg Lowe   January 8th, 2009 7:22 pm ET

No Child Left Behind has had the most negative impact on education of any so called "reform" that I have witnessed in my 30+ years of teaching.

Independent_me   January 8th, 2009 7:20 pm ET

The man is as dumb as a brick!

Down & Out in SF   January 8th, 2009 7:20 pm ET

Total failure... just please go away.

Quack, Quack   January 8th, 2009 7:17 pm ET

And now a word from our sponsors:

QUACK.....Bush is a lame duck. Who wants to hear him?

get real dude   January 8th, 2009 7:17 pm ET

I suggest you get ready to duck down Bush. I see a lot of bare feet in the room. lol...lol

jr the ..simpleton   January 8th, 2009 7:16 pm ET

.............as he leaves office..he turns …and sees..

..destruction of two countries!! Iraq and the United States!!!

..put that one in your resume…!!!

Lame Duck Snickerer   January 8th, 2009 7:16 pm ET

He's a snickerer–a lame duck snickerer.

Can we get our tax dollars back from the last 8 years. We want a do-over.

Laramy, NY   January 8th, 2009 7:14 pm ET

We've been listening to him for 8 years, and where did that get us. Thanks, but no thanks Bush, we've had enough. We're turning the page to a brighter future. See ya.

tony   January 8th, 2009 7:13 pm ET

our only saving grace is bush was sooo bad he hopefully made it impossible for jeb to run for for president.

Sherrol in Canada   January 8th, 2009 7:12 pm ET

Most people would probably say...."put a 'shoe' in it"!

get real dude   January 8th, 2009 7:09 pm ET

Sorry...they're just not that into you. See ya!

clifford   January 8th, 2009 7:08 pm ET

irene: You are wrong! Ted Kennedy wrote the current education bill and the total spent last year was $325 million. Throwing money at the problem and dumbing down the test scores to meet minority quota standards is not the answer either! Tenure most go as well the ability to fire poor teachers and let us not forget the most important factor of all. PARENTAL GUIDANCE!!

Salt & Pepper   January 8th, 2009 7:08 pm ET

From first speech to last speech being the same...good thing NOTHING bad went on in between the two huh!

Michael   January 8th, 2009 7:05 pm ET

Jan. 20, 2009 The end of an era................I mean error

clifford   January 8th, 2009 7:03 pm ET

nyindependent; Do you believe that tenure should be abolished! Should teachers be tested and those that don't meet the criteria be fired?

Proud American   January 8th, 2009 7:03 pm ET

Life is to short to waste any of it on a little Idiot. 12 more days.

shanky   January 8th, 2009 6:58 pm ET

Hopefully we will never elect another buffoon from the state of Texas again!

guarg   January 8th, 2009 6:56 pm ET

expect. Boy do I feel silly.

Bill, Streamwood, IL   January 8th, 2009 6:53 pm ET

A failure of a president talks about a failure of an eduicational policy.

No wonder most reputable news organization coverage was elsewhere.

Nia Hussein- Phoenix, AZ   January 8th, 2009 6:49 pm ET

let me guess his mom, the dog, Lara, and his daughters watched...

Mike Philly   January 8th, 2009 6:49 pm ET

Of course the networks didn't cover it. For crying out loud, the man was IN MY TOWN and I don't even care. He's a lame duck…and somehow by the grace of God we were able to make it to this point. (Sure, we're all broke and have no retirement savings…but here we are!)

Mike Philly   January 8th, 2009 6:48 pm ET

Of course the networks didn't cover it. For crying out loud, the man was IN MY TOWN and I don't even care. He's a lame duck...and somehow by the grace of God we were able to make it to this point. (Sure, we're all broke and have no retirement savings...but here we are!)

guarg   January 8th, 2009 6:47 pm ET

As a teacher, we would ecpect you to be able to Know which form of (K)new you are using.

boered1   January 8th, 2009 6:46 pm ET

@nyindependant

as an ex instructor I would say that maybe you should be a bit more careful in your work "NCLB is one of many Bush policies that has failed…just as many new it would." I believe you really meant Knew not New. Than again Since you teach in NY they still might be last I "hooked on 'fonics'" (please note it is an intentional misspelling!)

okay just had to say it I apologize if I hurt yours, or anyone else's feelings.

Perusing-Through   January 8th, 2009 6:45 pm ET

Bush is just too painful to watch.

Dean   January 8th, 2009 6:41 pm ET

Please do not blame it on Bush, blame it on yourself......

bushbgone   January 8th, 2009 6:41 pm ET

No Child Left Behind is yet another Bush disaster. Is there anything this guy did right? If there was, I must have missed it.

LM75   January 8th, 2009 6:41 pm ET

Free, free at last. We are free of Bush.

edex   January 8th, 2009 6:39 pm ET

Bush who?.......who is that again?

Lo   January 8th, 2009 6:37 pm ET

I was going to be cruel but i see many other Americans have beat me to it. But i will say that i do not respect G.W.B because it is his fault that a very close family memeber of mine is metally unstable after being in Iraq fighting an unjustice war. I hope Bush can live with all the pain, shame and death he has brought many Americans. GOODBYE ...SO LONG ...PLEASE NEVER RETURN!!!!!!

Vic of New York   January 8th, 2009 6:32 pm ET

Thank God!

Now go back to Texas and rot!!

Kevin B   January 8th, 2009 6:27 pm ET

Any chief executive that left his company in the shape Mr Bush is leaving the national economy, would and should leave in shame.

The stark contrast between PE Obama and Mr Bush is clear to see. Mr Bush you where in way over your head and It is truly ashamed the american public has to suffer for your partsian approach to governing the United Sates of America.

You leave the nation divided and in an economic malaise not seen in our lives, yes this has happened on your watch, so you will be held responsible by history and the majority of hard working americans, no matter what your minnions try to spin.

OBL clearly stated he wanted to bring the economies of west down, and I dare say your partisian zeolotry and inattention to detail has aided him in his stated goal.

I will never vote republican again as long as I live

nyindependent   January 8th, 2009 6:27 pm ET

As a teacher, I can't wait for a new chapter in America's history. NCLB is one of many Bush policies that has failed...just as many new it would. Ask almost any teacher, and they will tell you what a joke this so-called policy has been. Unfortunately, I won't hold my breath waiting for any real change to NCLB. This economy will be front and center for at least the first two years of Obama's term.

jr the ..simpleton   January 8th, 2009 6:26 pm ET

as he leaves office..he turns …and sees..

..destruction of two countries!! Iraq and the United States!!!

..put that one in your resume…!!!

Student of the Past 8 years   January 8th, 2009 6:26 pm ET

Yeah its almost over, and you failed miserably. Thank god you will not be staying back again for another semester. We learned alot of things during your Presidency and none of it was good. You have taught us lessons on lies, deception, greed, and fear among other things.
Goodbye and Good Riddens. The Village in Texas can now have their idiot back.

irene   January 8th, 2009 6:25 pm ET

Give us a break Bush. No Child Left Behind was another one of your failures. You forgot to fund it, but you sure did not forget to fund your rich cronies who stole the election for you. You can't go away fast enough!

Uncle Fester   January 8th, 2009 6:22 pm ET

One down, how many to go?

And to those (Janet) who continue to post about Bush keeping us safe:
There wasn't a second 9/11? That's obviously true, but it misses the point. First, we must remember that Al Qaeda terrorists are patient, deliberate planners who often wait years between strikes. Second, there was the first 9/11 – and it happened on Bush's watch. Without rehashing the entire 9/11 Commission Report, the historical record is pretty clear by now that Bush did virtually nothing about the repeated warnings to him that those cataclysmic attacks were coming.

Angie   January 8th, 2009 6:22 pm ET

Please!!!! go away. Hey anybody have another pair of shoes?
Shut up!!! begone!!

Don in Albuquerque   January 8th, 2009 6:21 pm ET

Go away, take your whole family with you and never, never, never come back!!!!!!!!!

Michael   January 8th, 2009 6:21 pm ET

**Janet-NY** Please crawl back under the car than ran you over and quietly go to sleep.

Gary of El Centro, Ca   January 8th, 2009 6:21 pm ET

Few watched because Obama spoke at the same time? Heck, few would have watched if his only time slot competition was Sponge Bob. There's more reality in the saga of Bikini Bottom than in anything Bush would say.

LGD   January 8th, 2009 6:20 pm ET

President Bush set a horrible tone in America...one that said corruption is okay, lying is okay, bugging is okay, killing is okay, deregulation is okay. The American people take their cues from those at the top. I don't know who I am more upset with, President Bush, the Senate or the bulk of the American populace that voted for him. God help us.

M.R. in L.A.   January 8th, 2009 6:12 pm ET

"What makes it interesting is that it's the same subject of my first policy address as President of the United States, which is education and education reform."

Yeah – that is interesting Dubya...it almost suggests you made no progress whatsoever.

Vicki5   January 8th, 2009 6:12 pm ET

It almost makes me feel sorry for him, but then I remember about all the trouble he is causing on his way out the door and all he has done in his presidency. Makes my stomach turn to think he could do so much HARM to the American people and not even say, I am sorry.

Proud American   January 8th, 2009 6:11 pm ET

LOLOLOLOL What a Idiot. 12 more days god help us to make it through

boered1   January 8th, 2009 6:09 pm ET

@Janet-NY you said "Even he already knew that unpopular the Iraq war would make his popularity hit the low. Thanks to Bush's efforts, any how, Americans have safely been in a beautiful land since 9.11, 2001."

I fel the need to counter that, I believe that he saw he was NOT going to win an Afghanistan, where he rightfully attacked, and so used the occasion to launch an attack on a country he believed he could easily defeat and one that he could convince the American people needed attacked. He chose Iraq, he disregarded intelligence that did not support his opinion, he ignored the people on the ground (Hans Blitz(?) and th UN weapons inspectors) and he convinced a large majority of Americans (I was not convinced and said so at the time) and the Congress (Actually as a president convinceing people to see things your way is one of your major jobs so I will never say he failed as President, I will only say his policies were wrong) that invasion was required. I truely believe he thought, when he stood on the deck of the carrier tht the war was over and he felt his reputation was made. Unfortunately reality took over and he ahd to squirm and twist to keep the support he had in order to keep his job and try his best to secure his plkace in history. I imagine he is not pleased with the overall results.

idiots

Paul C.   January 8th, 2009 6:09 pm ET

Like the old song goes, "hit the road Jack and don't ya come back no more no more no more no more no more"!!!!!!!!! After the most avaricious presidency we've every seen, what a relief to see the village idiot leave finally. Oh, and to the 27% sheeple with peanuts for brains, I respect the POTUS, but not when he was a phoney to begin with. Cheating in 2000 and lying his butt off for the last 8 years. Most politicians tend to lie but Bush's have led to the death and suffering of so many in this country and in Iraq. Ignore facts just like the German civilians did who ignored what their own government was doing in their name. But now that you've been reduced to a minority party that will remain there for quite sometime, you need to worry more about the country and restoring the GOP to it's once proud roots, before the neocon cowards kicked all the moderates out!

Voice of Reason   January 8th, 2009 6:06 pm ET

Even though I could not stand Bush as president, I always respected him as a man.

Most of us finally got what we've been waiting for...an end to the story. Now let Bush ride off into the sunset and enjoy the remainder of his life.

Hate is wasted energy.

guarg   January 8th, 2009 6:05 pm ET

NCLB. While it has some serious flaws, I will give it credit for one thing. When I first started teaching (1998 under Clinton) staff development was basically nap time and vacation time for many of the teachers I met. After 2001 and the beginnings of NCLB, things changed. Now I am a veteran teacher and have seen a few different districts reform under NCLB and even the coaches have to cancel their meetings and attend staff development.

The rest of the critics can whine all they want, but NCLB has worked in part. Now if we can do three more things with it (student accountability and properly funding it and realistic special education standards) then maybe america will be smart enough to move beyond the polarized two party system.

Ian   January 8th, 2009 5:58 pm ET

Left behind what?

Grumpy   January 8th, 2009 5:57 pm ET

Bye Bye Bush ... And take No Child Left Behind with you. =)

Ian   January 8th, 2009 5:55 pm ET

We pay more in taxes to the Department of Education in order to support this policy. The DOE gets paid first, then the money trickles down through the system. How does this benefit our children's education or the tax payer?

JW   January 8th, 2009 5:53 pm ET

THANK YOU MR. PRESIDENT for caring about our country's safety first and foremost and not about your approval ratings. I am praying that the new administration will not forget that terrorists do not take vacations or want to sit down and talk over a cup of tea. The US must always be aggressive in our pursuit and punishment of terrorists and not be so willing to go "soft" on them in hopes of winning popularity contests throughout the world.

AnaB   January 8th, 2009 5:51 pm ET

No Child Left Behind – what a joke.

Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah...   January 8th, 2009 5:51 pm ET

Here's two shoes for you–and I won't miss.

Art in California   January 8th, 2009 5:50 pm ET

Incredible that he thinks he did something good for the kids and education. While the title and concept sound wonderful, those educators who deal with the range of challenges in educating children know all too well that the standards set were not reasonable for "all kids" in school. Predictably some teachers and schools taught to the test rather than to the objectives and as such gains were not significant. Worst of all, the NCLB did not properly promote evidence based instructional methods even though they used some of that wording. Instructional models that have proven to be vastly superior were not made the standard and too much choice was left to teacher unions and old school educators.

Sit down George, rest, start packing. God be with you, so few others can support the damage you've wrought on the nation with your war of choice, your abandoning conservative principles and the reputation you brought on the United States.

Jessica, FL   January 8th, 2009 5:50 pm ET

So GW walks out of the White House and into the pages of history, where he will be forever known as the WORST PRESIDENT IN OUR HISTORY. Priceless.

King of NJ   January 8th, 2009 5:48 pm ET

No Bush left behind, in the White house that is.... peace out!

Just Go Already   January 8th, 2009 5:48 pm ET

The only child we don't want left behind is YOU. I hope Laura remembers to pack your little bags, take your stupid hand and lead you the heck out of our White House.

ConsiderThis, FL   January 8th, 2009 5:47 pm ET

The office of POTUS should be highly respected; and it will be, once again, when we have a president (OBAMA) that respects the office. Our disrespect for Bush is no different than his disrespect for the American people. You reap what you sow – it's the law of the universe and God only knows what Bush has truly sown. As for his "lasts", the "lawt" that I'm most excited about is the "LAST TIME A BUSH WILL BE IN THE WHITE HOUSE."

SOMEONE PLEASE THROW ANOTHER PAIR OF SHOES @ GW!!!   January 8th, 2009 5:47 pm ET

...who is listening?

this guy is irrelevant as my dog pooh! – puff, begone sob!!!!!!

Mike/Chicago   January 8th, 2009 5:45 pm ET

What about all the dead soldiers left behind in Arlington National Cemetary, or buried around the country, from Iraq? Those who scoff haven't lost a son or daughter. Those who agree, understand his complete failure as a leader. George W. Bush – America CAN'T WAIT TO LEAVE YOU BEHIND.

Bushwacked   January 8th, 2009 5:45 pm ET

Miserable failure.

N. Manetavat, MD   January 8th, 2009 5:44 pm ET

Confuseus said " One who never made mistake is who never done anything at all" Economy goes bad not from your policy. It's American peoples who spend too much on imports.
Good luck.

George   January 8th, 2009 5:44 pm ET

WHO CARES!!!!!!!!!!!

LYNETTE IN CA   January 8th, 2009 5:43 pm ET

This is not surprising news. I didn't know it was happening, but if I did, I wouldn't watch.

Buh-bye   January 8th, 2009 5:42 pm ET

See ya.

Don't leave any of your things behind, take them all as you will never come back to hurt another American.

PJP   January 8th, 2009 5:42 pm ET

I agree, go and enjoy yourselves!! The best to you and yours.

MB   January 8th, 2009 5:42 pm ET

Bye bye cowboy...see you on the ranch!! From the first "policy" speech to the last "policy" speech, nothing was done in between but you have branded our nation horribly. Pasture for you and not a minute too soon.

dee   January 8th, 2009 5:40 pm ET

Good bye and good riddance. I certainly hope you are losing sleep over the death, destruction and economic upheaval that you've cost.

Oh...BTW...there are a lot more kids left behind then there were when you took office. You were a miserable failure and history will judge you so.

Alan   January 8th, 2009 5:40 pm ET

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ....

Adios   January 8th, 2009 5:40 pm ET

Via Con Dios

Danny in Chicago   January 8th, 2009 5:39 pm ET

Awww......that just about makes me sad.....

Who am I kidding?

Get out old man – it's time to let the grownups take over!

:)

Matt   January 8th, 2009 5:39 pm ET

No Child Left Behind

Yeah, they wanted to make sure all the children were stupid so they would stick with the pack of uneducated lemmings that follows the GOP around.

Wont miss him   January 8th, 2009 5:36 pm ET

Thankfully, we are finally seeing the LAST of Bush. January 20th can't come quickly enough.

Proud American   January 8th, 2009 5:35 pm ET

Why waste 10 seconds of your life that you know you will never get back?

Cameron T. Nutt   January 8th, 2009 5:35 pm ET

*SHOE*

Janet-NY   January 8th, 2009 5:35 pm ET

I truly respect George W Bush who has fought against terrorists for justice, peace and freedom. Even he already knew that unpopular the Iraq war would make his popularity hit the low. Thanks to Bush's efforts, any how, Americans have safely been in a beautiful land since 9.11, 2001. The history will judge about Bush's efforts.

Working gal   January 8th, 2009 5:32 pm ET

I really do wish this man and his family well. He has put up with a lot of crap out of the Democrats. Sure, he's made some mistakes, mispoke occasionally, etc., BUT Nobama isn't even in office yet and has plans to spend trillions of TAXPAYERs' money and every Democrat seems to think that's just fine. Well, I'm a democrat and I don't think its just fine. I'm glad I did NOT vote for that one – you people thought Bush/Cheney caused a mess?? You just wait and see with this pompous idiot does to us.

CanIcallyouJoe   January 8th, 2009 5:32 pm ET

There is a reason that the US has a 'president' and not a 'dictator' – we're (trying to be) a democracy!! We DO NOT LIKE dictators, Mr. Bush!!!

GET OUT.

Go back to Texas, and when you get back there, close your mouth and STAY THERE. Do whatever you want – take away civil liberties, blow up military vehicles, establish another police state – as long as you STAY THERE.

We don't mind letting the zealots and racists have Texas for them to run around in, all loud and angry because of civil rights and other modern/normal concepts; Just as long as they STAY THERE.

Dayahka   January 8th, 2009 5:32 pm ET

A sad little man who's already an afterthought, keeps at it. This interminably disgraceful presidency is mercifully nears its end.

Pat J   January 8th, 2009 5:31 pm ET

Thank you, Sir, for your service to our country.

mary the clerk   January 8th, 2009 5:31 pm ET

Now kindly go rot in hell Mr Bush....you pathetic moron. As a president you were and are a complete disaster and a disgrace to our country. I hope the memories of the 4000+ gi's who died in Iraq for your lies, live on in your mind and haunt you until your dying moment...You horrible and sorry excuse for a man.

Mary

Fed up before it starts   January 8th, 2009 5:30 pm ET

Promise me that is REALLY your last policy speech!

clifford   January 8th, 2009 5:30 pm ET

Mr.President will you please answer the call from the White House at 3:00 a.m. for Mr. Obama I like my freedom thank you!

Zepp   January 8th, 2009 5:30 pm ET

And good riddance to the worst President in history.

Ben   January 8th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

You will be missed, I don't care what opponents and the media says about you. You took the fight to the enemy and the country hasn't had another take since. Thank you. You will be missed and I know that in a few years you will be looked back upon as the President that changed the world view on foreign policy and terrorism. God Bless

Amber   January 8th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

Fare thee well!

Next stop, Danbury minimum security prison if there's any justice in the world...

John S.   January 8th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

It speaks leagues about the current state of the US where the standing president gives his final policy speech and yet the media and the citizens can't be bothered to pay attention to it. I truly believe that in 20 or 30 years Bush will be considered amongst the worst presidents in US history.

Nanfisch   January 8th, 2009 5:27 pm ET

Who are the news media going to brow beat when George Bush et al is gone from Washington? Please, just let these people go in peace! The media would be better served to start focusing on our new President and his congress and really, really, take a closer look. They aren't perfect so I am certain you can find something to chew on for the next four years. I don't want to believe that the media is biased, but you've got to make me believe that and so far, you lose.

Morgan   January 8th, 2009 5:27 pm ET

Who?

Ken   January 8th, 2009 5:27 pm ET

If Bush gets on the plane to Texas after he leaves office, then indeed there will be "No Child Left Behind".

No Incumbents 2010   January 8th, 2009 5:25 pm ET

If history can paint Carter's presidency as a good one, I'm sure Bush's legacy will be just fine with time.

La Chatte   January 8th, 2009 5:25 pm ET

NCLB had nearly destroyed public education. The concept of judging the quality of education by standardized test scores is beyond bad. Shoving it down our throats WITHOUT FUNDING, then attempting to hold schools who already lack adequate funding is tantamount to criminal!

I will give you credit for protecting the oceans, but that's it. Everything else about your pathetic presidency is unacceptable. How does it feel to be a laughing stock, not only of the Dumocrats, but the Repugs as well? Even your buddy Karl mocks you.

Your 15 minutes should have never started in the first place. Go away.

Lisa Kudrow   January 8th, 2009 5:24 pm ET

Thank god Cant wait to you far far far away from Washington you jerk
This country is much better off now

Connie   January 8th, 2009 5:23 pm ET

Thank God...his LAST.

Joe Green   January 8th, 2009 5:22 pm ET

The whole world is watching! Oh wait, they aren't.

Seriously, though, I worry about this guy. He should be on suicide watch for the next few weeks.

After the movie "W" came out, it must be pretty embarrasing to be him.

And I'm sure he saw the movie, too.

richard   January 8th, 2009 5:22 pm ET

go to hell!!!!

John   January 8th, 2009 5:20 pm ET

Thanks Mr. Bush. There are still millions of us who support you, regardless of what the biased media would have us believe. Even CNN's title to this article is a slight-handed swipe at you. But you are still MY President and the President to many others who actually have a brain and can think for themselves. Thank you for keeping us safe these past 7 years.

Dale   January 8th, 2009 5:19 pm ET

Just go away.

Mike   January 8th, 2009 5:18 pm ET

I thought the program was "no dollar left behind".

Janet in Reno   January 8th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

Nothing to watch or listen to here – move along. We have heard and witnessed enough these past 8 yrs. Go to Texas and leave the American people alone.

Veronica   January 8th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

Good luck..and thank you for nothing

Wayne   January 8th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

Let's see now...we have a liberal media that thinks Obama was born in a manger -vs- a normal human who they've hated intensely for 8 years...
I believe the statement was something about how a lot of people watched Obama and a few people who couldn't get Obama on their tvs were forced to watch Bush; and they feign surprise!!!
I'll wager the Bush speech wasn't covered by the Obama loving media in the same way the Obama speech was covered – or was it covered at all?

Sandra   January 8th, 2009 5:16 pm ET

Yikes...

crabappl@psci.net   January 8th, 2009 5:16 pm ET

go to hell mr.bush and take dark vader with you.you have done more damage to our country.than the last presidents combined.SOME RECORD MR BUSH.LAST SPEACH. LAST LIE THANK GOD.IS HE GONE YET

ArielB   January 8th, 2009 5:15 pm ET

Well there you have it...same speech from beginning to end with no resolution.

Truly sad for our country.

Jeremy   January 8th, 2009 5:15 pm ET

"What makes it interesting is that it's the same subject of my first policy address as President of the United States, which is education and education reform."

No Georgie boy…what makes it 'interesting' is that no one gives a crap what you have to say. You're old news, just slink away like the coward you are.

Mike   January 8th, 2009 5:15 pm ET

Good bye and good riddance. Now stay "gone away."

jr the ..simpleton   January 8th, 2009 5:15 pm ET

as he leaves office..he turns ...and sees..

..destruction of two countries!! Iraq and the United States!!!

..put that one in your resume...!!!

boered1   January 8th, 2009 5:13 pm ET

he is still doing things? Not sure we can survive this! Why doesn't he go back to doing the job the way he started.. on vacation

idiots

pat defalco   January 8th, 2009 5:13 pm ET

yea but that was funny

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   January 8th, 2009 5:12 pm ET

Education reform?!?!?!?!?

Look what a disaster "No Child Left Behind" is in Texas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clinton Voter   January 8th, 2009 5:12 pm ET

He did what he had to do to keep us safe.
Thank you George Bush, history will be kind to you.

Felonious Monk   January 8th, 2009 5:11 pm ET

This policy needs to be renamed "America left behind."

HouseDiva   January 8th, 2009 5:11 pm ET

Jan. 20 cant come soon enough...I am soooo tired of Bush...the only news i want to hear about Bush when he leaves is that he is being investigated along with his crownies.

Michael   January 8th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

Nah, whats interesting is you choosing to talk ed. reform during the most savage economic storm ever. You're paralyzing incompetence will be your legacy.

Joe From Florida   January 8th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

Almost like nothing happened in between ..... Oh Yeah that's right nothing good did !!!!!!

Calvin Beckett   January 8th, 2009 5:08 pm ET

Don't let the White House door hit you where Barney shoulda bit you.

Patty in the CA mountains   January 8th, 2009 5:08 pm ET

No Child Left Behind has been a colossal failure....no wonder no one was watching....the focus of his pride in office has changed 3 times over the last as many days....so much for a legacy

CH in Maine   January 8th, 2009 5:07 pm ET

I don't see what he could add at this point. You know what? I'm done. no more comments on W unless he really messes up again or if the new administration finds even more Bushisms once they actually take control.

Ben   January 8th, 2009 5:07 pm ET

'At the end of a Presidency'......what music to my ears!

Mya   January 8th, 2009 5:07 pm ET

He's still here....??????

RealityKing   January 8th, 2009 5:07 pm ET

Bush's legacy will be great when compared to Obama's deficit spending depression four years from now...

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA   January 8th, 2009 5:06 pm ET

Get the "F" out, already!

TCM   January 8th, 2009 5:06 pm ET

But as he spoke, television networks – including CNN – carried another address happening simultaneously: President-elect Barack Obama's speech on the ailing US economy.

Why not? CNN has led the way of disrespecting the President, while being a part of the wave that ushered in a greenhorn....so, in four years, who will they be showing as Obama's giving his last speech?

It's sad when a media source, who's supposed to be fair and balanced, has driven the country so far toward a liberalism that it's endangered the core beliefs and structure of this nation....all in the name of ratings and sensationalism....

CNN – you have dishonered this nation.... go ahead and have some courage...post this, and learn from your mistakes

pam Eugene OR   January 8th, 2009 5:06 pm ET

Eight years later and still no progress with education. Our children are far worse off than they were eight years ago. No child left behind was a complete failure.
We spend more and our children get less.
You didn't do very well on this one Bush.
Thank God it is your last!

Saul virginia   January 8th, 2009 5:05 pm ET

Sorry every one i really need to post this here.

Talking about Exploitation, Sarah Palin did nothing but exploited John McCain and his campaign during the election. If you wan't any change of apolitical future, she should stop criticizing the media and stage engaging herself in serious education about the world.
I would have voted for McCain if it was not for Sarah, who was so self absorb but intellectually deficit in many subjects important to running the country. Most importantly, she lack the undertanding that America is made up of people with different races, backgrounds, experiences and believes, and requires a president and vice president that serves all people and not just people she is in the same party with.
The country is going through difficult times and the last thing we need right now is to focus on her and her feelings.

Lastly, She may have a shot if she stops being devisive and talk about real issues.

CNNGuy   January 8th, 2009 5:05 pm ET

THANK GOD! WE"RE FREE AT LAST!

Jeremy   January 8th, 2009 5:04 pm ET

"What makes it interesting is that it's the same subject of my first policy address as President of the United States, which is education and education reform."

No Georgie boy...what makes it 'interesting' is that no one gives a crap what you have to say. You're old news, just slink away like the coward you are.

patriot   January 8th, 2009 5:03 pm ET

Whatever...

Buckeye   January 8th, 2009 5:03 pm ET

No Child Left Behind is an unmitigated disaster, just like the whole Bush presidency has been. Thank God America will leave him behind on the ash heap of history.

Jeremy   January 8th, 2009 5:03 pm ET

hillarious. Good job CNN!

rich   January 8th, 2009 5:03 pm ET

LOL

Sandra   January 8th, 2009 5:02 pm ET

Can't believe Obama was allowed to give a speech at same time as PRESIDENT BUSH! Networks should be ashamed. I guess the American people paid for Obama to speak. I have no problem with his comments that he wishes to make, but he is not President yet and we owe President BUSH our respect. He is still the president of the United States. The President of the American people. Thank You:

Mike   January 8th, 2009 5:02 pm ET

Typical media.. cover the dems over the rep

rob10001   January 8th, 2009 5:02 pm ET

And just like everything else Bush touched, education is much worse off now than when he began.

Ken in Dallas   January 8th, 2009 5:01 pm ET

Putz.

Shari, NY   January 8th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

I don't know which is worse – the shoe throwing or the media "diss". Interestingly, his first and last address touched on education which begs the question: Why is the illiteracy rate in DC (right under his nose) so painfully high?

Steve   January 8th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

Goodbye to the worst administration in US history.

In Houston, TX   January 8th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

No Child left behind was a bad idea, we need to go back to The "It takes a village" program where lots of community programs in tutoring and keeping kids out of trouble. No child Left behind does not benefit anyone.

GOOD BYE   January 8th, 2009 4:59 pm ET

Best Wishes to you and Mrs Bush!!!

joe   January 8th, 2009 4:57 pm ET

I've been ready for Bush to give his "last speeches" since 2004.

I still to this day have no idea why people reelected him, only to let him continue to trash this country.

Thanks.

Marlon P!   January 8th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

She's stupid!! She's the one got herself in the game. Pee-wee leaguer in the majors, laughable!!

Maggie   January 8th, 2009 4:54 pm ET

HALLELUJAH!

No more insulting, condescending Bush speeches!

Cheryl from MN   January 8th, 2009 4:54 pm ET

:P
I could care less what he has to say any more.

Chuck   January 8th, 2009 4:54 pm ET

The imbecile Bush nees to do a disappearing act now, if not sooner.

Steve   January 8th, 2009 4:54 pm ET

And the hatred begins in 3..2..1!

Louis   January 8th, 2009 4:53 pm ET

...and the debacle that is Bush's presidency ends as it should, with a whimper.

Chuck   January 8th, 2009 4:53 pm ET

The imbecile Bush needs to do a disappearing now, if not sooner.

Jim   January 8th, 2009 4:53 pm ET

George who?

Nick - West Hills (L.A.), CA   January 8th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

Go ahead and work on your legacy, Dubya. It will be the hardest thing you actually work on. Try as you will, daddy still won't be proud.

And to the morons who will undoubtedly post the fact that "he kept us safe since 9/11", congratulations on being the Rove / Limbaugh sheep that you are.

They issue talking points, and you talk. get a spine, and think for yourselves.

Finally, NCLB. What a mess that turned out to be. It should be renamed "No Child Goes to College because Mommy & Daddy can't afford it"

Chuck   January 8th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

The imbecile Bush needs to do a disappearing act now if not sooner.

Tim E   January 8th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

No, sir, it didn't make it interesting at all.

linda in AR   January 8th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

DLTDHYITB* on the way out. And take that beautiful oval office rug with you. At least something of value will be in your lieberry.

*Don't let the door hit you in the backside

Meka   January 8th, 2009 4:50 pm ET

Bush's "Educational Reform" did nothing for the Millions of Children, or Teacher's!

NOW WE KNOW WHY NOONE CARED TO HEAR HIM SPEAK!

Chris Obama   January 8th, 2009 4:50 pm ET

You know, its funny when CNN doesnt cover the current President final policy speech, but when they boast out it, now that really cracks me up. Its best that we dont pay this guy anymore attention. He was a total failure anyway.

Meka   January 8th, 2009 4:50 pm ET

Bush's "Educational Reform" did nothing for the Millions of Children, or Teacher's!

NOW WE KNOW WHY NOONE CARED TO HEAR HIM SPEAK!

Steve   January 8th, 2009 4:50 pm ET

And the hatred begins in 3..2..1!

bobbie   January 8th, 2009 4:49 pm ET

***yawn***

Gracie   January 8th, 2009 4:48 pm ET

Please NO MORE SPEECHES, NO MORE PRESS INTERVIEWS
We're begging you Mr. Bushman.... ENOUGH ALREADY!!!

Proud American   January 8th, 2009 4:48 pm ET

LOLOLOLOL What a Idiot. 12 more days god help us to make it through.

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   January 8th, 2009 4:48 pm ET

I thought his policy was "No Millionaire Left Behind." Bush is a moron..... shut up and go away.

Angie-OHIO   January 8th, 2009 4:48 pm ET

is he still around. please shut up and begone.

ED   January 8th, 2009 4:47 pm ET

Thank you President Bush for keeping America safe! Many thanks from someone who knows you were a great President...

Mike S. New Orleans   January 8th, 2009 4:47 pm ET

Bye Junior. Go away.

Chief lagosboy, NJ   January 8th, 2009 4:46 pm ET

A farwell kiss from a Dog!

Larry in Houston TX   January 8th, 2009 4:46 pm ET

That no child left behind thing has been nothing but a Joke for the last 8 years !!! It's never worked / Never has / never will....

Why do you think Obama has to re-vamp the Education laws !!

DJ in TX   January 8th, 2009 4:45 pm ET

Why would President Bush (or Obama) give speeches at the same time. Unfortunately people are going to want to hear from the incoming President vs the outgoing one.

BTW – I have a friend that is a principal of a middle school. He says all "no child left behind" did for him was add more paperwork – not any money nor real improvement.

David Gregg   January 8th, 2009 4:45 pm ET

Hey, seriously, what is CNN's obsession with Palin? She was a complete political non-entity until McCain foolishly picked her as a running mate; the GOP got blown out in the election more than two months ago.....why do you feel the need to give us daily updates on this woman's every move?

Who cares?

Sidney P.   January 8th, 2009 4:45 pm ET

Thank God!

Tom   January 8th, 2009 4:44 pm ET

Finally, the Worst is almost over!!!

Jan Illinois   January 8th, 2009 4:44 pm ET

2 words Thank Goodness!!!!

freeman   January 8th, 2009 4:42 pm ET

To little to late

TAG   January 8th, 2009 4:41 pm ET

Got to still get in the last digs you can at George Bush..tell me, can he tie his shoe laces correctly for you "unbiased" so-called journalists and I use the term very loosely..I am over all of you and your network

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