January 12, 2009
Posted: 10:10 AM ET
Pres. Bush gave his last official press conference Monday morning.
Pres. Bush gave his last official press conference Monday morning.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Addressing reporters in his final news conference before leaving office, President Bush admitted Monday to several mistakes during his tenure in office.

"Clearly putting a 'Mission Accomplished' (banner) on an aircraft carrier was a mistake," Bush said. "It sent the wrong message."

"Obviously," the president continued, "some of my rhetoric has been a mistake."

Bush also said that he should have pursed a comprehensive immigration overhaul after the 2004 election, instead of Social Security reform. Bush argued that Congress did not have the political willpower to tackle Social Security at the time because the program was not facing an "imminent" funding crisis.

Bush defended his widely-criticized decision not to visit Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.

Bush said that if he "landed Air Force One in New Orleans or Baton Rouge" shortly after the hurricane, "law enforcement would have been pulled away from the mission." The media, Bush claimed, would have then asked how he could have
"possibly have flown Air Force One into Baton Rouge" when "police officers that
were needed to expedite traffic out of New Orleans were taken off the task to
look after you?"

Bush said he was "disappointed with the tone in Washington" and that he had "tried to do his part" to change the political environment for the better.

But "the rhetoric got out of control," Bush said.

Asked about the federal bailout, Bush said that President-elect Obama has not yet asked him to request the release of the remaining $350 billion in TARP funds.

Bush said he has no intention of doing so unless Obama asks him to do so.

Turning to the the situation in Gaza, the president said that a "sustainable cease-fire" could only be accomplished when "Hamas stops firing rockets into Israel."

Bush said that the "choice is Hamas's to make." He also stated that the best way to get a sustainable cease-fire is to "work with Egypt to stop the smuggling of arms into… Gaza.

"Countries that supply weapons to Hamas have got to stop," Bush said.

Turning to the question of his plans after leaving office, Bush said, "When I get out of here, I'm getting off the stage. I believe there ought to be one person in the klieg lights at a time."

Filed under: President George W. Bush


Ex-Republican   January 12th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

Jim Colbert January 12th, 2009 11:37 am ET

I just thank God a republican was in office when we were attacked. And I pray that while Obama is building windmills and solar panels, we don't get attacked again. If nothing else Bush kept the country safe after the miserable Clinton years of soft on terrorism.
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lol…it's BECAUSE that guy (dubya) was in office that we were attacked. If ANYONE else were in office, we wouldn't have been attacked. Logic of terrorist goes like this: Incompetent idiot in office, we can send four planes in and do what it took 6 aircraft carriers and 400 planes to do back in 1941. Only four planes and they achieved an arguably harder hit against us then we suffered in Pearl Harbor…how do you spell FAILURE? BUSH!

Carter, also an idiot, atleast protected us at home better then Bush did!

Ha ha, Bush is the epidimy of FAILURE!

VON BISMARK,Vienna.   January 12th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

Maybe the worst mistake is the on-going war in Gaza with his explicit support.The global condemnation of this war could not send a stronger message!The repercussions will take a long time to end.
BUSH IS WORSE THAN IDI AMIN!

Logical   January 12th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

Ommy January 12th, 2009 11:48 am ET

Two words: Bush Derangement Syndrome.
————————————————————————————————
I think you meant 3 words .. LMAO

Robin   January 12th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

Matt,

How about the World Trade Center in 1993. Clinton.

He was offered Osama Bin Laden, but he did not want to "tarnish" his image. I will never forgive him for that. If you lost people 9/11/01, you would understand. Until then SHUT UP!

Denise   January 12th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

Bush said that if he "landed Air Force One in New Orleans or Baton Rouge" shortly after the hurricane, "law enforcement would have been pulled away from the mission." The media, Bush claimed, would have then asked how he could have "possibly have flown Air Force One into Baton Rouge" when "police officers that were needed to expedite traffic out of New Orleans were taken off the task to look after you?"
This is one of the most asinine comments to date. Are you serious landing Air Force One? What about providing food and sustenance. The people of New Orleans didn't need politics. They needed action…which was lacking. And yeah take the buses and move them out of the city and take them where. The neighboring cities didn't want them. Yet England Air Force Base was available. And many of the people are still displaced. And the only comment was on Air Force One. Are you serious? Bush is trying to save face, plain and simple.

US Citizen   January 12th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

MK and Chuck: You 2 (and the others that think like you) are absolute idiots!!! The president (any president) CAN NOT SEND TROOPS INTO ANY STATE–IT'S AGAINST THE LAW!!! It's up to the state governor to request troops from the president in a situation such as hurricane Katrina. The Democrat governor of Louisiana FAILED the people of Louisiana! The Democrat Mayor of New Orleans FAILED the people of New Orleans! Those are the people who should be held accountable for dead bodies floating in streets, hospitals, and homes!

Stephen in Bedford, TX   January 12th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

Some of the mistakes Bush did not mention – surrounding himself with hardcore partisan "yes" people like Karl Rove, Dick Cheney and his own "Rommel" Rumsfeld.
His pre-occupation with Saddam Hussein destroyed any support that we had as a result of September 11, 2001.
He was arrogant, reckless, full of righteous indignation toward the rest of the world and he reflected poorly on the United States of America.

Apples for sale   January 12th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

We are having a block party.Everyone is bringing some old shoes to burn.

AnaB   January 12th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

Desperado

Soon Nobama will take over and we will all be saved. You think its bad now. Wait to see what its like in the next 4 years

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

I love how people like you can see into the future. I'm not a fan of Bush or his administration, but I respect the office of President because that is what I was taught. I voted for Obama and I stand by my vote. I don't think he is any more than a man, not a messiah, not a celebrity but a man who got me excited for probably the first time in my life about politics. I did my research during the campaigns, didn't just go by what I was told or saw on blogs or TV. I guess I will never understand such much hatred on these kinds of blogs. I have learned that some people are not happy unless they have something to complain about.

Marissa from Illinois   January 12th, 2009 12:06 pm ET

Jim Colbert. Yes There were no Further Attacks on American soil after 9.11 But you seem to forget George BUSH was the president on 9.11 and had been for 9 months. 9./11 happened UNDER HIS WATCH

Jack in Florida   January 12th, 2009 12:06 pm ET

To little to late…………………….just go away

Nisha   January 12th, 2009 12:06 pm ET

What a shame ?

MikQuick   January 12th, 2009 12:05 pm ET

There is not enough space on any server or enough ink in the world to list all of Bush's mistakes. He got in, facilitated making money for his companies and for his buddies – with that smirk on his face the whole time and now it's thankfully over. How does your bank account balance/portfilio worth compare to 8 years ago? I'd like to see a before and after comparison for Bush's worth/holdings, Cheney's worth/holdings – matched against a comparison for same of an ordinary american.This was 8 years of manipulation for the financial benefit of Bush and his cronies. He was just such a buffoon that the the comedy of it all was distracting. No defense necessary here – we (at least I) don't want to hear anymore of it. A decent man would simply apologize for the whole darn thing…think that'll happen?

P. Mathew   January 12th, 2009 12:05 pm ET

"Bush said he was "disappointed with the tone in Washington" and that he had "tried to do his part" to change the political environment for the better."

What hot air. Bush's detrimental rhetoric and the "you're either with us or against us" mentality are what divided America and ruined good relationships with the rest of the world.

Confused   January 12th, 2009 12:05 pm ET

I a confused by this whole Bush kept us safe thing. During the Clinton years there was 1 attack on american soil and a couple abroad. During the Bush years there was a worse attack at here, a dozen abroad, and 2 full scale conflicts that lost more more people than 9/11. The only thing protected during the Bush years was Iraq oil and what did we get for help and security, oil prices sky rocketed. I am confused.What did Bush protect us from?

Jim Steele   January 12th, 2009 12:05 pm ET

Gee, George. I guess what you're trying to say is that if everyone in Washington has simply done what you asked and never questioned you, the tone would have changed and everything would have been fine. I forgot that as Americans, we're all supposed to shut up and do exactly as we're told.

Someday a Blue ND   January 12th, 2009 12:04 pm ET

As much as I despise him, and think he's looking to make himself look good in the eyes of history, I will say I agree about him not going to New Orleans. It wouldn't have just been secret service, it would have been a lot of local security too. He probably could have issued a statement to that effect when it was happening, though.

Here in AZ   January 12th, 2009 12:04 pm ET

Somehow, a bit too late and way too little. But it's better than anything we will ever get from Cheney.

jenn   January 12th, 2009 12:04 pm ET

If only Bush had admitted his mistakes while he still had the power to do something about them! That is Bush's biggest flaw–his inability to admit when he was wrong and change direction. So much sorrow could have been avoided if only Bush had been willing to say "I'm sorry, I was wrong, let's try something else."

I am certain, though, that the Bush apologists ranting and raving on this thread will continually denounce Obama for admitting mistakes and engaging in course-correcting. Some people never learn.

patriotson   January 12th, 2009 12:04 pm ET

If I jailed everyone I didn't agree with, then I would have free reign of this country. Usually you need to commit a crime to be put in jail, thankfully.

This country's constitution started getting walked on with Bush, and is now continuing into the Obama Regime. The constitution will have the new role of congressional toilet paper with liberals controlling everything. Welcome to the United States of Socialism America. If you voted for Bush or Obama, you are responsible.

William, from Cali!   January 12th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

We all have made mistakes…Own-up to them and move on! Thank You! Mr. President I wish you all the best and may God, always bless America! and keep her safe!

Glenda   January 12th, 2009 12:02 pm ET

I want to thank President Bush and his wife Laura for their service to our country. They are true patriots.

Virginia   January 12th, 2009 12:02 pm ET

I, for one (and in the minority for sure) am proud of Mr. Bush. I felt that he followed his heart, his Lord, and his gut. We need more of that in America. Yes, I was disappointed that we went to war in Iraq, and hated to see it come. But it has and now we must deal with it, as we have for the last 5+ years. But things could be worse, like that war being brought to us on our homeland, which is just what al-qadea (sp?) wanted. But bin Laden didn't get it, did he? No! Because Mr. Bush kept us safe, and I venture to say that before long, all of the terrorists will be lined up at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue begging for a chance to negotiate with us. NO to TERRORISTS and God help us all for the next four years. We will need it and I will heed it!

God bless you George and Laura, and thank you for what you have done!

suzi badrena   January 12th, 2009 12:02 pm ET

Bush sees the world through the eyes of a 6 year old, completely self centered everything according to how things affect him..fine for a 6 year old, but pretty horrific for a president, and look at the results!

He should be tried for war crimes along with Cheney and Rumsfeld by a world court and then we could look ahead with some degree of self respect..

Donna   January 12th, 2009 12:02 pm ET

A day late and a dollar short, doncha think?

Chris   January 12th, 2009 12:01 pm ET

Republicans are so funny with the foolishness that they believe….what would they do if Rush Limbaugh weren't there to tell them how to think?

Very few of them seem to have a clue about the real world.

arice11   January 12th, 2009 12:01 pm ET

Bush does not control the weather. When nature pelts a city built right next to an ocean, it's not the president's fault.
How dare you blame a man for an event that can't be controlled by humans.
We should respect the office of the President. But that doesn't mean we have to kiss up to his politics.
Now Obama! There is someone who people are kissing up to.

Kevin A   January 12th, 2009 12:01 pm ET

The Bush supporters are just too much. If Obama fails, it will be his fault. If he succeeds, it will be the actions of Bush trickling down. You people can't see the forest for the trees. The man is a FAILURE at EVERYTHING he has ever done. His 8 years in the White House are no different! Miserable Failure!

Donna   January 12th, 2009 12:01 pm ET

The character of a good leader is one who makes a decision and modifies it as circumstances and new information become evident. Mr. Bushes' hard-headedness is the plumb line on which history will judge him. It is too bad that he surrounded himself with power hungry men, who appeared, in my opinion, to be out of touch with America and that he did not listen to the advice of seasoned men, like James Baker and Colin Powell, who were balanced and aware. Because of this, he will be judged in the negative.

Matt   January 12th, 2009 12:00 pm ET

@ Texas2

The economy was sinking prior to the Dems having congrol over Congress. Moreover, since 2006, the Republicans have filibustered like it's going out of style and Bush set a record for vetoes. Lying about who is at fault for Congress going stagnant for the past 2 years won't get you anywhere. Check the Nov. 4th scoreboard to remind yourself that the people did not believ the Republican lies and transparent political games. It's time for yrou ilk to get a new message.

Anne   January 12th, 2009 12:00 pm ET

How sad. If the comments posted here reflect anything, it is what the Bush Presidency has done best: bring out the hatred in America and divide us even further amongst ourselves.

I am saddened by the lack of respect for each other. You respect others as much as you respect yourself. It says a great deal about our country and the leadership we have been under.

A person with no conscience never makes mistakes.

francine, Shannon   January 12th, 2009 12:00 pm ET

I am not American but as someone looking in on Bush's presidency I would like to correct the outgoing pres. He said that he made mistakes…correction: His entire tenure as the president was a mistake. That's how the world saw it and judging from the polls so did 70 some percent of Americans. I truly do not understand how anyone, Democrats or Republicans could have approved of this president.

lovable liberal   January 12th, 2009 12:00 pm ET

What a steaming pile of lame excuses!

The good news: He doesn't plan to take a public role.

robert   January 12th, 2009 12:00 pm ET

Mr Colbert you are as guilty as Bush as to why so many people hate Bush.
You "got it done" alright, 4000 Plus Americans, countless Iraqi'civilains, but your poor Republican a– was safe (you think!)
Ther hasn't been any more attacks on our soil because the first attack woke the morons in DC up, and now as Republicans always do when they create a mess they want rationale people to believe theye are the ones to thank!
Thats why so many republicans were elected in November right?

sandy   January 12th, 2009 12:00 pm ET

I doubt that he would b admitting this if he were not going out. He hopes to sugar coat it?????

Michael Sperry   January 12th, 2009 12:00 pm ET

After reading Texas 2: Tthank God that I'm not from Texas; it appears to be filled with fools and fearmongers.

Proud Republican   January 12th, 2009 11:59 am ET

You democrats are ridiculous, you act like no democratic president has ever done anything wrong…People make mistakes, we learn from these mistakes and sometime pay the price for them, personally I feel president bush did a fair job with everything that happened during his term. Now why dont you calm down and stop juding so fast (considering that is what democrats like to imply that republicans do too often).

kd   January 12th, 2009 11:58 am ET

Lisa in FL….give Obama a chance. Also, your ignorant spouting would hold more weight if you learned to spell.

Roger   January 12th, 2009 11:58 am ET

Thank God he is fianlly leaving!!

ros   January 12th, 2009 11:58 am ET

Bob..hate to break it to you my friend, but not just democrats think GWB is/was the worst president many independants, and even some republicans do too. I'm sure he left a warm fuzzy feeling when he vetoed the veterans bill, or ignored the Katrina victims, presided over the worst terrorist attack and kept reading my pet goat, or just did not say or do anything about the economic recession(correction..said there wasn't one)….Its just that most American see incompetance and we don't like it!

DOC   January 12th, 2009 11:58 am ET

I wonder if Mr. Bush will actually get prosecuted for those actions that he did not deem a mistake although there are laws that say those actions were wrong.

Then again, when you're in bed with the "lawmakers" what difference does it make?

America has been conned. Will the con continue?

Noah   January 12th, 2009 11:58 am ET

Liberal idealists will soon see Obama making the same "mistakes' they accuse Bush of. Obama was the anti-war candidate who promised to pull troops out of Iraq immediately. Now we see he will keep them there through 2011 . He is also going to increase the troop level in Afghanistan by over 20,000 troops. That should bode well with all the anti-war nuts who voted for him. He has said he is going to keep the bush taxcuts in place despite telling us during the election that he would repeal them. Once a man actually becomes President and is fully aware of the power he holds and the reality that America's security is in his hands, it's amazing how conservative they all become

Katrina   January 12th, 2009 11:57 am ET

God Bless you President Bush and your family. Thank you for all you have done for us in your 8 years of service especially for keeping us safe. Your on cool cat.I really loved your reaction when that guy through his boots at you. Like I said "your one cool cat"

Tom in S.A.   January 12th, 2009 11:57 am ET

Remeber that GW was our first president when most of us started using the internet regularly and gave us a chance to voice our opinions about anything on the blogs. It's to bad a lot of you get your news from the blogs vs doing some of your own research. There have been way to many posts that show just how ignorant some of you are. On the flip side there are good posts, those that don't spew the hatred, right or left, and the only ones worthy of paying any attention to.

Jon   January 12th, 2009 11:57 am ET

He had to burn the country down to save it.

a little sad   January 12th, 2009 11:56 am ET

@Jim Colbert January 12th, 2009 11:37 am ET

Whether you liked the way we got it done or not, we have not been attacked on our soil for over 7 years. Don't think for a second that the terrorists will be coming back, while we are busy adding to the debt.

________________________________________________

Whether you liked the way it happened or not, Clinton kept us safe from foreign attacks on our soil for 7 years, from 1993 through 2000.

Bush on the other hand let this happen just 10 months into his presidency. With forewarning, but his administration was so intent on not doing anything like Clintons' that they would not even listen to the intel they had.

Clinton managed to keep us safe. managed to arrest the terrorists (jailed, unlike Ben Laden) and still uphold the constitution.

I like Clinton's track record better.

the idiot   January 12th, 2009 11:56 am ET

Reading Jerry Kelly comments you can see what Bush means, in fact most of the dumbcrats on this page. The idiot (idion to Proud American) beat them twice and they just cannot get over it.

Lee for Obama   January 12th, 2009 11:56 am ET

The office of the presidency deserves respect. George W Bush is neither a moron nor an evil man. I believe he is misguided and closed minded, but he truly believes that he did his best with some very difficult situations. In my opinion his policies were wrong and often appealed to the worst in us as a nation…fear, revenge, anger. We have an opportunity now to change. Barack Obama said that the change will come from him, but it must also come from us. Let's not arrogantly choose a scapegoat for the position we find ourselves in today (no matter how deserving). Let's acknowledge that we have been ruled by our lesser selves for some time now and reject that behavior. Each and every one of us needs to step up, stop complaining and turn this mess around. I was not born here but I am a naturalized citizen for ten years. I have traveled the world and I still believe in the promise of this nation and its people. Let's do this!

Jon   January 12th, 2009 11:55 am ET

Shoe-throw on his last day, anybody?

lady in the know   January 12th, 2009 11:55 am ET

If you think we had a bumpy ride with Bush, just you wait. Everyone is ready to hang this guy for doing the toughest job in the world, but we didn't get attacked again, did we? Now, no telling what's going to happen. I'm quite sure when the planes are heading for their targets, that won't be the time to "talk" to the terrorists and tell them to "stop that". We already have a good idea of what is expected of PEBO and his campaign promises by the rest of the world with the release of the most recent terror tape. How they expect him to "change American policy." Everyone of us should be very afraid. The economy is a valid concern, of course, but if the terrorists are here, the economy isn't going to seem so important, is it? And speaking of campaign promises, seems to me that alot of his are already being put on the back burner before he even takes office. Before the election, it was "I" am going to change things. Now when he talks about before the election, it is "we" were going to….It is just so terribly upsetting to me to see people after he was elected saying that their mortgages were going to be taken care of now, that they don't have to worry about their electric bills, etc. Talk about being brainwashed. I hope these people have a plan B cause that just isn't going to happen. And as far as all these jobs, I just read where 2.6 million jobs were lost last year and another 2 million are expected to be lost this year, so if my math is correct, we aren't gaining anything with his 4 million jobs being created, right? And those jobs aren't sustainable jobs in manufacturing. I want to hear how he is going to keep jobs here in the factories. And I especially want to hear his plan for Social Security and Medicare. We need to be asking about that, too. It isn't just about today. It's about all our futures and whether the social security/medicare system is going to be solvent in the future. Think about that while you are busy diefying this ordinary man.

Kathy   January 12th, 2009 11:55 am ET

God Bless you President Bush and your family. Thank you for all you have done for us in your 8 years of service especially for keeping us safe. Your on cool cat.I really loved your reaction when that guy through his boots at you. Like I said "your one cool cat"

Clint, Wa.   January 12th, 2009 11:55 am ET

Who is this Bush guy, and what did he ever do?

Ghost   January 12th, 2009 11:55 am ET

Seems alot like pleading to a lesser charge to me.

More Obama haters out there? Someone give them a big ol hug!!!

Aaron, State College PA   January 12th, 2009 11:55 am ET

Just holding my breath waiting for this administration to end!

tired of corporate politics   January 12th, 2009 11:54 am ET

Bush at end of term: I tried to politialize(!) as best I could, and I made some mistakes.

Obama at end of term: it is not my fault – there was too much division and racism while I was hanging back and considering all the options presented by informed non-biased input givers to the political process and considering various equally weighted statistics they may or may not have been germane to the infrastructure.

JD   January 12th, 2009 11:54 am ET

I have been ashamed to be from TX for the last 8 years….Maybe now I can get some of that pride back

sharethepeace   January 12th, 2009 11:54 am ET

texas2, do you really really really not see Obama doing better than Bush? Because if you're saying that out of some sort of texas pride that's your call, but if you really think that I'm a bit worried for you.

Josh   January 12th, 2009 11:53 am ET

Why would he HAVE to arrive in Baton Rouge in Air Force One?

Ever heard of a helicoptor? And why would he pull police force away? isn't that what his travelling secret agents are for?

Lame excuse.

Rene Rosales   January 12th, 2009 11:53 am ET

Though a Republican, I readily admit that Mr. Bush made huge mistakes during his presidency, the biggest of which was going into Iraq, especially in the face of shaky (at best) UN support and practically ZERO support from world opinion. He destroyed America's already tainted perception as a moral leader and a fair and just police/peacekeeper in the world. I also believe that the runaway defense spending to pay for the war has also been a huge contributor to the bad economy (even though the money goes into our troops and defense contractors' pockets, it's federal money that could have been appropriated elsewhere or national debt that we wouldn't have accumulated). However, I have a couple of positive, conciliatory thoughts about his presidency:

1. Mr. Bush reminded the world (terrorists) that America can be a terrible, relentless enemy if provoked. The incoming Obama administration is perfectly set up to about-face now and set things right with the international community, while the world remembers the heavy-handed Bush Doctrine.

2. During his 2 terms, Mr. Bush's policies DID effectively prevent any further significant attacks against this country on our home turf by taking the fight to the enemy and tightening up (even if unfairly in some cases) internal security. We may have done well on the GWOT, but 9/11 also destroyed a lot of consumer confidence and a repeat of an event of that magnitude would have really devastated the economy to disastrous consequences. I do feel safer – the irony being that I am still a little fearful to travel abroad, but not so much from terrorism but more from feeling foreign resentment at the Bush doctrine.

My 2 (maybe 3) cents.

Not4MoreYears   January 12th, 2009 11:53 am ET

Just go home, pal.

Florida Joe   January 12th, 2009 11:53 am ET

After painfully listening to (thank goodness) his last press conference, it is really clear how out of touch with reality W is.
Funny how he didn't mention the surplus he got from the Clinton years, nor that Bush created 3 million jobs while Clinton created 21 million

GOOD BYE, SO LONG, GO AWAY

Franky   January 12th, 2009 11:52 am ET

'Sweet Dreams are made of these
who wouldn't mind to disagree
I travel the world and the seven seas,
everybody is looking for something…
Some of them want to use you…
some of them want to get used by you…
some of them want to abuse you…
some of them want to be A-BUSE…"

Roger   January 12th, 2009 11:52 am ET

Lisa, you are a true American. We need more like you to make this a better place.

Tammy   January 12th, 2009 11:51 am ET

That is all you can report on President Bush's speach. Typical, Typical, Typical. CNN, as always, should be ashamed of it's reporting practices.

Ric   January 12th, 2009 11:51 am ET

W has killed more Americans than Al Queda. W has killed more Iraqis than Saddam. He's a war criminal, but he's getting a library.

Fabian Blache, Baton Rouge, LA   January 12th, 2009 11:51 am ET

Lisa of Florida,

If you looked up "narcissistic" why can't you spell it? Also, how is your rant germane to this article? Please enlighten us all.

I'm just curious.

kcmookie   January 12th, 2009 11:51 am ET

OT, Railing on "Jeff" does nothing to enlighten us anymore then Jeff's post, it simply makes it sound like you think you know more then Jeff. Many of us have endured 8 years of Bush & his policies, and were smart enough to NEVER vote for the clown. Feeling angry and frustrated with those foolish enough to give the keys of this once great Nation to this embicile, and forcing us to tolerate his idiocy has been enough to make otherwise rational people think about moving to a different country. So Jeff, rail on, I for one am disgusted with my peers the American people, because Bush should have GOTTEN OUT 4 years ago. Thank God Obama has a chance to fix this mess…..

a little sad   January 12th, 2009 11:51 am ET

@Desperado January 12th, 2009 11:33 am ET

Soon Nobama will take over and we will all be saved. You think its bad now. Wait to see what its like in the next 4 years
_____________________________________

I have seen many of the people here who post here claim the economy isn't Bush's fault because he 'inherited' a bad economy.

How long do you think it will take them to claim that Obama isn't doing a good job because the economy won't fix itself overnight? It won't have anything to do with the problems that Obama inherits….

David   January 12th, 2009 11:50 am ET

Did Jim Colbert forget who was President on September 11, 2001. It is the same administration that ignored the warning memos of what was to happen.

The bombers of the world trade center when Clinton was in office are in jail. Where is Bin-Laden, a free man laughing his you know wat off.

What a mess   January 12th, 2009 11:50 am ET

TCM .. you are dead wrong

lack of regulation and wall street greed are causing the meltdown

even if you blame the entire freddiemac fanniemae on dems that doesn't account for job loss and executive corruption and incompetence

they figured if americans will take that kind of incompetence and self serving arrogance from the top executive of the country, they could take it from wall street and coporate leaders too.

Lance   January 12th, 2009 11:50 am ET

Hey,
Lisa in FL: Looked up "narcisstic" and found a picture of Obama!!

Do you really think Obama can possibly do worse than W? The dude ruined our country, hasn't brought the perpetrator of the 9/11 attacks to justice and made stupidity a virtue in Florida.

You get 'rm girl but don't let your dunce cap fall when you walk off the cliff with all the other toothless lemmings.

Ryan in Waynesboro, VA   January 12th, 2009 11:50 am ET

…it kills me how many people can come on here and complain about others criticizing Dubya, yet spouting off at the mouth about how much worse Obama is going to be. If they were to take a moment to unplug from the Limbaugh Machine and stop taking heed of the fear tactics the extreme right wing keep pushing, we just might be able to heal this country. Granted, there are a lot of Bush Bashers on here, too, but the majority of them are at least able to point to something Bush has done, not claim the world is about to end becuase a *gasp* liberal is about to take office.

Tim   January 12th, 2009 11:49 am ET

Weren't all these pseudo-intellectuals who blame everything last problem on Bush supposed to move somewhere when he got elected the last time?

beevee   January 12th, 2009 11:49 am ET

At least Bush admits that some mistakes were made by his presidency. He is much better than his Vice president Cheney who seems to think that there were no mistakes during their term. Where is the disconnect?

Dwayne   January 12th, 2009 11:49 am ET

Surprised Lisa in Florida was able to look up "Narcissistic", since she obviously can't spell it.

Tony   January 12th, 2009 11:49 am ET

Right on! Let's maintain our leadership bar set at idiot. Are we really ready for a president who can articulate, organize, and LEAD. Ya, give Bush another four years of stumbl'n, bumbl'n, and mumbl'n.
I hear the fundamentals of our economy are strong. hmmm how didn't he get elected??

Mike-Missouri   January 12th, 2009 11:48 am ET

I think he is being sincere, and I do believe that he want the best for America in general. First and foremost he sounds like he want the two parties to work as a team to bring this great nation back together again. That I give him KUDOS for – I didn't vote for Bush but give him a break – you guys want him out and he looks like he is ready to go and I don't blame him for that one! People we have work to do and it will not turn around in a year or so….

Our new incoming Commander in Chief needs all the support he can get at this time. I respect Bush for his Honesty. Best Wishes to him and his family.

Ommy   January 12th, 2009 11:48 am ET

Two words: Bush Derangement Syndrome.

Hawaii Grad   January 12th, 2009 11:48 am ET

Even his admission is a non-apology: I watched this speech this morning with my 7 yr old: even she realized that Bush wasn't saying "sorry", which is something we work on at home, at school and at church, i.e., taking responsiblity for your wrongdoing and fixing the problem you caused. Bush is fifty years older than my daughter, and he doesn't understand this simple tenet. Let me rephrase that: he doesn't agree with that tenet – there's a huge difference.

Jim   January 12th, 2009 11:47 am ET

THE WRONG MAN AT THE WRONG TIME FOR AMERICA – PLEASE GET EDUCATED BEFORE YOU VOTE – IS THE LESSON LEARNED

I wonder if Mr. Bush concern for his own legacy (how he wil be remebered in history books) led to just that historically disastorous decisions and directions for the United State. After realizing those decisions were unjustifiable, he couldn't back-out and was so focussed on trying to cover himself politically, he paid no attention to the by-products of his presedency; High oil prices – No immigration reform – No energy strategy – No regulation of financial markets – No health care strategy – No social security leadership – The resurgence of our enimies and uneasy allies by all of the above – I could go on-and-on . . . Good-by and good-riddence . . .
However DON'T THINK JUST BECAUSE THE DEMOCRATS HAVE A MAJORITY – THINGS IN WASHINGTON WILL CHANAGE.

robert   January 12th, 2009 11:47 am ET

How could anyone have respected the office of president when the moron in chief Bush was making a disgrace of it? He mocked our contries founders, our guiding principals, our countires people and our reputation for his own ideological beliefs regardles of the cost.
Good ridance and may God protect us from someone like him ever being elected to lead our country again!

Matt   January 12th, 2009 11:47 am ET

@ Jim Colbert

And how many years prior to 9/11 was it since we had been attacked. And prior to that? You people trying to give Bush credit for "keeping us safe" for the past 7 years are engaging in quite a funny little analysis, acting as if attacks on our own soil by foreign entities are and would be a regular occurence but for Bush trampling the Constitution and our international leverage into the ground. It's completely ridiculous.

Greg Pottstown, Pa.   January 12th, 2009 11:47 am ET

Aaron Valentino January 12th, 2009 11:33 am ET

I didn't vote for the man.

However, I'm endlessly entertained by folks who accuse the President of a perceived lack of intellectual curiosity, subtlety, nuance, and verbal dexterity with name-calling and profanity. For his critics who pride themselves on tolerance and openness to the "other," I think it's the apex of hypocrisy to demonize and hate because someone feels differently than you feel.
=============================================
Many posting hear could learn much from you. Well put.

Alan   January 12th, 2009 11:46 am ET

Desperado January 12th, 2009 11:33 am ET

Soon Nobama will take over and we will all be saved. You think its bad now. Wait to see what its like in the next 4 years.

Interesting comment, Desperado. I'm betting Obama is gonna prove you wrong BIG-TIME. That doesn't mean I think he's Jesus or endowed with magical powers. It means I think he's a superbly intelligent, talented guy who has a different approach to governing that has a much better chance of turning things around.

I see a LOT of republicans making it sound like liking the president-elect is hero worship. We're hoping and praying he can do it and I think the odds are now in our favor that something can eventually be done to straighten out the mess that has DEFINITELY occurred over the past eight years.

Majority rules. Your side lost, thanks to the terrible job your side has done the past eight years. Now you're in the minority. Get used to it for a whle. Obama could just prove you wrong and you're only going to look more foolish the louder you are now.

john   January 12th, 2009 11:46 am ET

i can see "film professor" (why he/she finds it necessary to call themselves that….apparently we are supposed to be impressed because he/she is a professor in Film…what was art history all filled up?) has alot of time on their hands counting how many days the President has been in office. Genius written all over that one.

Laverne   January 12th, 2009 11:46 am ET

To all the people who continue to say Obama is going to be a bad president. "Where were your psychic abilities when Bush was running for POTUS or does it only kick in when there is a democratic president"?

republicans hate america   January 12th, 2009 11:45 am ET

Lisa in FL — Im surprised you even were able to look up a dictionary. Yeah Bush was such a humble man filled with humility and self evaluation. You are an inbreed please do not have children.

Pat F   January 12th, 2009 11:45 am ET

Amen, Mike in Syracuse. Tim, don't let the door smack you on the fanny on the way out. Because you know what? America Hates Tim!

Zulu Mama   January 12th, 2009 11:45 am ET

Jim Colbert:

You are an idiot.

CT Mama   January 12th, 2009 11:45 am ET

Lisa in Florida—I think we must be cousins somehow…I have the same relatives!!

Jack Jodell   January 12th, 2009 11:44 am ET

His entire administration has been a giant mistake…and a horrific nightmare.

Texas2   January 12th, 2009 11:44 am ET

Let's remember the economy started sinking when the Democrats gained control of Congress. And the "boom" of the Clinton era? Doesn't everyone understand, we are suffering the effects of that "boom" because all prosperity during that time was a lie.

Bush did the best he could, and I don't see Obama doing any better. In fact, I believe that in a few years, we will have a better perspective of how Bush made the right decisions – and wishing we had supported him even more.

chuck   January 12th, 2009 11:44 am ET

IT'S NOT ABOUT HIS VISIT AFTER THE HURRICANE BUT GEORGE BUSH WAS FOREWARNED THAT THE LEVEES WERE NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR HURRICANE KATRINA BY THE HURRICANE CENTRE. YET BUSH DID VERY LITTLE TO GET THE SICK OLD PEOPLE FROM THE HOSPITALS AND OTHERS FROM NEW ORLEANS. IMAGINE CNN REPORTING THAT DEAD BODIES WERE FLOATING IN THE HOSPITALS.WHERE WERE THE SOLDIERS AND OTHER HELP??????????? GEORGE BUSH DESTROYED HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES AND SHOULD BE PUNISHED FOR HIS MISTAKES. NO APOLOGY WILL HELP NOW—-THE DAMAGE WAS DONE.

Zulu Mama   January 12th, 2009 11:44 am ET

This is what happens when a father's cronies steal an election for an idiot son — he runs the best country in the world straight into the ground. It astounds me that there are people out there who continue to worship the worst president in this country's history.

Good bye and good riddance!

Don't let the door hit in your arse.

Bob   January 12th, 2009 11:44 am ET

It's obvious that democrats will always despise George Bush because in him they found a President that never buckled when they pushed him, instead he just pushed back in ways they could not counter. He beat them up bad and damaged the hell out of their egos. They will never forget that. Now they think they have beaten him. If they can do the same job preventing terrorist attacks on our soil, all will stay well for them. If they lose focus and allow something to occur, this could well blow up in their faces. They will be facing a very fickle American public and it will hit the fan for them.
A veteran

carolflowery   January 12th, 2009 11:43 am ET

I sure trust him more than the incoming one in every sense of the word.

republicans hate america   January 12th, 2009 11:43 am ET

Bush you are a failure and you should have realized that before your ran for president and ruined our country!

Phil   January 12th, 2009 11:43 am ET

On the whole President Bush did a good job and received the most severe out-of-proportion criticism ever by a sitting president . My wife and I and our children thank you, President Bush, for keeping us safe for the past 7 years.

Charles   January 12th, 2009 11:42 am ET

Lisa, you're an idiot…

Farhad   January 12th, 2009 11:42 am ET

I believe that he has more serious one than only few words. The last one, not least, authorizing the slaughter of Palestinian in Gaza by Israel. I wish Hitler could rise again. it is the time.

Neno   January 12th, 2009 11:41 am ET

President "B" is a on of the smartest Presidents we have had. He was able to divide us in groups to manipulate with us in order to achieve there goals…. We as a citizens are CHICKENS and not ready to stand up and fight for thins we believe.

Why to go Mr. President

Everybody
Pizza, six pack (+) and the game time. Who cares about future?

Pandora Spocks   January 12th, 2009 11:41 am ET

We don't need no stinking Constitution!

MBFLA   January 12th, 2009 11:41 am ET

Let the eight years of NO accountability be over!

Susan   January 12th, 2009 11:41 am ET

The above obnoxious commentators are no better than the one they hate…It's hate that divides this country…not one man. Hate on both sides of the isle. What are you doing to make a positive change in this country? Taking responsiblity for those that WE elect on every level is the best start. Term Limits and the right to redirect a misdirected government through the petition process is the only power that we citizens truly have in today's political times. Blaming one man does not solve the poltical ills of this country. We all need to grow up.

Robert   January 12th, 2009 11:40 am ET

He's pathetic. I wonder how long it took him to think up the Air Force One excuse regarding Katrina? Regardless how he tries to whitewash things at the end, he has been an unmitigated disaster, and history will so note.

JB   January 12th, 2009 11:40 am ET

By George's own philosophy, you're either with us or against us, you're an enemy or a friend, you're a patriot or a traitor. And if you're against whatever he proposes, then you're automatically unpatriotic.

He tried to put everything in simpler terms so he can relate to it. Everything was either black or white when the world has thousands of shades of grey. By his own philosophy, he can only be a genius or utterly dumb. And GWB is obviously no genius.

Robert   January 12th, 2009 11:39 am ET

The biggest mistake was made by American voters — electing the Clown Prince of the Bush family not just once, but TWICE! What were those voters thinking? At least America got in right in 2008 — can't wait until inauguration day and President Obama!

Lisa in FL: Looked up "narcisstic" and found a picture of Obama!!   January 12th, 2009 11:38 am ET

Obama is the most full of himself President since Bill Clinton. Democrats thrive on the power the White House brings to THEM as individuals and not focus on the power it gives to work for the people.

Obama has already shown and admitted to having to back down from most of the "promises" and 'change" he campaigned on.

You idiots bought his crap and now realize he is no different then any other politician.

Your comic book hero, "messiah" , community organizer is in for a serious wakeup call and will have all the excuses to justify lieing to the American People about "Change"

Objective thinking   January 12th, 2009 11:38 am ET

See, people like "Jeff" (January 12th, 2009 11:20 am ET) saying "GET OUT." when we already know that Bush is leaving on January 20th is what's wrong with this country. There is nothing to be gained by whining right now, and Obama is only 8 days away. What is the point of Bush-bashing right now of all times? Don't you get sick of repeating the same criticisms over and over when we've already done what we can do to get rid of him and his policies? Obama has already been voted in, and saying "GET OUT." right now won't do a single thing except annoy every single intelligent person reading through here. People like Jeff must be the same people who scream at their television sets when their favorite sports team does something wrong. They think it will help or something.

MK   January 12th, 2009 11:38 am ET

If he had landed air force one in NO after Katrina it would have caused more grid lock, he is right (gulp). How about this tho, drop some food and water to starving helpless people? Get the national gaurd in there quicker, it was CLEAR that their (our) society was breaking down and they needed help, not just his lame excuses.

Joe in CT - not Lieberman!!!   January 12th, 2009 11:38 am ET

President Bush spent the last 8 years making his decisions on the first person to report the problem to him. His best decisions were made when the ideologues were beat by the actual problem experts. His worst were when the neo-cons (too many to name here) got in first and pretty much told him what his actions were going to be. In essence, he was their rubber stamp. As opposed to his ranting against the "tax-and-spend" democrats, he was a "let's-borrow-and-spend-and-not-worry-about-the-cost" type. Look at the Iraq war (as opposed to our actions in Afghanistan) where we have been throwing money at a country that is currently banking more than twice what we are giving them. Look at the "bailout"! The attitude was "let's give banks some money and not worry about what they do with it" instead of targeting the funds at institutions that have demonstrated need to maintain viability.
I'm just waiting for the 19th when W issues blanket pardons to the following: Cheney, Rumsfield, Wolfowicz, Rove, and anyone else who can sink him in a court-of-law!

SAD SAD   January 12th, 2009 11:38 am ET

Yes Pres Bush knew "mission accomplish" banner and the rest will make Americans mad at him. But you got to please daddy…What Daddy couldnt do in office i did it soits mission accomplish. The other mission is for the whole world to hate America and no American can stand outside the shores of this country heads up without fear of being kidnaped, killed or some other terribles things…It wasnt like that when you took office Mr Out-going President. America was more safer home and abroud untill you took office.

Jim Colbert   January 12th, 2009 11:37 am ET

I just thank God a republican was in office when we were attacked. And I pray that while Obama is building windmills and solar panels, we don't get attacked again. If nothing else Bush kept the country safe after the miserable Clinton years of soft on terrorism.

Whether you liked the way we got it done or not, we have not been attacked on our soil for over 7 years. Don't think for a second that the terrorists will be coming back, while we are busy adding to the debt.

buc   January 12th, 2009 11:37 am ET

Four years from now we will all be wishing President Bush could return to office. Obama is a mistake….a huge mistake. God bless you and your family always, Mr. President.

Film Professor   January 12th, 2009 11:36 am ET

Great. On day 2912 of 2920, W realizes that he has made some mistakes. The wars, the economy, torturing prisoners, Katrina, global warming, trashing the constitution, politicizing the justice department, etc.

It might be more informative if someone were to ask him exactly what, if anything, has he done right in the past 8 years.

Shawn - GA   January 12th, 2009 11:36 am ET

I think it is sad how so many people come on these blogs and comment as if they have any idea what they are talking about. We civilians have no idea what goes on fully, I am sure history will paint the truth. Be is a positive or negative one, however making such hateful comments while having little information just goes to show how ignorant people are. You believe 1 person made everything bad happen? Really? Talk about a scape goat.

I am very concerned for PE Obama. He is human, he is just a man and he has to work within the same system. He can not possibly change as much as people are thinking he will, it is not possible. I pray that the warm fuzzy feelings do continue so he can get things done, I just see that people in that system are already turning on him and he has not even moved in yet.

Rufus Johnson   January 12th, 2009 11:36 am ET

You tried to change the political tone? Huh, with Karl Rove, Dick Cheney and others in your administration? Seriously, do you really believe that? Are you just tipping the bottle a little much these days to understand what reality really is?

ImpeachObama   January 12th, 2009 11:35 am ET

Bush is one of the best Presidents we've ever had.

Obama will be a joke and shouldn't even be allowed to take the oath of office.

You crybaby liberals will get what you have coming someday.

Moe, NY   January 12th, 2009 11:35 am ET

This man just made my day! His " final news conference". This is the best gift this President could have given to America, with the exception of just packing his bags and physically leaving office.

David   January 12th, 2009 11:35 am ET

Hey John….you're saying Bush chose to ignore Katrina and its aftermath, letting hundreds die and thousands become homeless, because "the Looney Left" wouldn't have congratulated him if he'd handled it correctly anyway….?

That's a definition of paranoid-insanity if I ever heard one.

Lisa in FL: Looked up "narcisstic" and found a picture of Obama!!   January 12th, 2009 11:34 am ET

Obama is the most full of himself President to come along since Bill Clinton!!!!!

Get real and get over your comic book hero……."messiah"……..community organizer President!!!!

Obama is full of himself and has "supporters" around the country that are too young to even know what politics involves and couldn't name his running mate when asked.

Obama won on his celebrity and will lose on celebrity in four more years!!!!

Jackie in Dallas   January 12th, 2009 11:33 am ET

Oh, and to the comment about him coming back to the prairie dogs…no prairie dogs in Dallas! He's moving in less than 10 miles from me, and you should see the mess the security measures are making of a nice neighborhood!

Aaron Valentino   January 12th, 2009 11:33 am ET

I didn't vote for the man.

However, I'm endlessly entertained by folks who accuse the President of a perceived lack of intellectual curiosity, subtlety, nuance, and verbal dexterity with name-calling and profanity. For his critics who pride themselves on tolerance and openness to the "other," I think it's the apex of hypocrisy to demonize and hate because someone feels differently than you feel.

Desperado   January 12th, 2009 11:33 am ET

Soon Nobama will take over and we will all be saved. You think its bad now. Wait to see what its like in the next 4 years

REG in AZ   January 12th, 2009 11:32 am ET

'Bush admits mistakes', trivial ones and without demonstrating any real conscience. Maybe someone should give him the real list, the long list with all of the problems caused … but that still wouldn't make any difference as the sociopathic personality just doesn't have any conscience. Still he did arrogantly and belligerently completely focus on his private agenda for benefit of the wealthy, Special Interests and a select few, who both overtly and covertly supported him, made contributions and have promised him after office compensation, all while he irresponsibly gave the average American apathy, the costs and an abundance of subterfuge … well maybe at least history will correctly identify him as the worst and most costly president this country has ever had!

JdG   January 12th, 2009 11:32 am ET

No remorse about cutting off stem cell research? No remorse about turning around environmental policies that favored big business? No remorse about the office of the vice president outing a CIA agent? No remorse over allowing torture? No remorse about abandoning Afghanistan? That's just part of the list he should be apologizing for…

Mike, Syracuse NY   January 12th, 2009 11:32 am ET

tim January 12th, 2009 11:18 am ET
The world hates America, Americans hate America…

Feel free to leave any time you want. I'm sure Hamas can use someone like you in Gaza.

joe   January 12th, 2009 11:32 am ET

Thank you president Bush!! Thank you! although he made mistakes he put the country and its safety first, and never let public opinion or the media interfere with the security of this nation!! as a marine i am proud of this country and i stand behind the president as we all should no matter what our opnion is, we dont know whats going on behind the scenes. Now we will have a new president and we should stand behind him too, but i think alot of people will find out that you should be careful what you wish for because u just might get it!!!! lets see how long it takes for the so called supporters of mr. obama to turn on him too when he makes decisions not everyone approves of or understands. god help us!!

David   January 12th, 2009 11:31 am ET

Where has this idiot been for the last 8 years. Reagan said that Government is not the solution, Government is not the problem. For the last 8 years Bush has been the problem.

I must say that not many Presidents can leave office the way they came in. Gasoline is selling at what it sold for in 2000 the same for housing, automibilesand clothing. The problem is that my 401K, that I have been investing 10% of my salary is the same meaning everyting I invested for the last 8 years is gone, the Government now owes trillions more, there is no more World Trade Center and we are fighting two wars that will last longer than the Viet-nam war. There are close to 8000 dead americans between 9-11 and the two wars and don't forget about the thousands who will never be the same for the rest of their years.

I just love these Republicans. Viva the rich and powerful and you know what the rest of us could do.

H. Charles   January 12th, 2009 11:31 am ET

Exactly how many people have died because of Hamas rockets??

Jackie in Dallas   January 12th, 2009 11:31 am ET

President Bush admits he made mistakes? STOP the PRESSES!

Duh, dude. You mean besides getting us into a war we cannot win just to help your buddies at Halliburton and the oil companies, instead of pursuing Afghanistan? Let's see…pursuing a joint action supported by the UN and NATO, versus the one not supported by any other country except England, and you chose the one that lost us respect all over the world. Oh, and let's not forget chosing to ignore all the signs of a looming economic disaster. Gee, those don't count as mistakes?

AEK, I respect the office of the President of the United States as well as the offices of Vice President, Cabinet members, and the Congress. I could only wish that some of the jokers that have been elected or selected to fill those jobs respected the offices as much, as well as respecting the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the population of this country.

reg   January 12th, 2009 11:31 am ET

no terrorism on usa soil for 8 years i would say that is an accomplishment. i doubt obama will be able to do the same

JJI   January 12th, 2009 11:31 am ET

It is incredibly presumptuous for people to take the stance that they have the capacity to judge what was right and wrong for the President to do in office when it came to making Presidential decisions. Some decisions he made turned out bad that much is obvious. I would like to point out that as citizens we all make mistakes, we just don't have the political media acting as a microscope announcing every mistake we make. I agree with AEK, the lack of respect for our leaders as a nation has grown over the years. Calling him names in anger is not excusable, it is not right no matter how you look at it.

Objective thinking   January 12th, 2009 11:30 am ET

AEK: Amen. I'm a Ron Paul supporter so obviously I disagree with a lot of what Bush has done on foreign policy and also domestically, but people need to learn to disagree with him in a respectful manner.

ga.   January 12th, 2009 11:29 am ET

mr. bush you had 8 years.

nora, pittsburgh   January 12th, 2009 11:29 am ET

Excuses..Excuses..

EIGHT MORE DAYS!!!

Jared   January 12th, 2009 11:29 am ET

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

Traitor and War Criminal are perfectly apt descriptions of W.

DJ   January 12th, 2009 11:29 am ET

And to Nick in Charleston, one of this president's big "things" was that he was so cocky, he put off anyone who disagreed with him about things. Not exactly what you want in a leader responsible not only to right-wing fanatics.

Charlie   January 12th, 2009 11:29 am ET

I must say that I am so glad that this administration is over. I can not remember a time when we have been so divided. We Americans will overcome this horrible time. We have done it before and we will do it again. Our strength is our Unity and Hope. We do survive even poor leadership. We can. We will. We do. Ours is a true Freedom and a belief in goodness.

TCM   January 12th, 2009 11:28 am ET

haha…I just want to see how the media and you liberal pukes are going to justify Obama's horrible mistakes; he's already making them and not in office…I love it when people are counting down…8 more days…like something good's going to happen? More debt, higher taxes, more government control of our lives, less freedom….of course "entitlement slugs," love it, because many of you won't have to work. I'm by no means a Bush supporter, however, Obama was the biggest mistake we could've made as a leader. Continue to throw insults at Bush; in six months you shortsighted spoiled Americans will be saying, "George who?" and out of the other side of your mouth…you'll be slamming Obama….the point is, the liberal demcratic congress has caused all of the FINANCIAL MELTDOWN>

DJ   January 12th, 2009 11:28 am ET

OK, AEK – but the person in the office must be the ultimate role model to American citizens when it comes to respecting the office of the president. He/she must respect the office themselves. For this president, the deterioration began in 2000 when he was placed in office by the Supreme Court. I'm not absolving his fierce (inappropriate?) critics of their responsibility. I'm just saying he didn't exactly do his part to bring honor to the office.

Emit R Detsaw   January 12th, 2009 11:28 am ET

Arrogant and Delusional to the end!

Ozzie   January 12th, 2009 11:27 am ET

8 more days until this nightmare is over.. I am not one to say evil words but I can't wait for a new vision of our beautiful country. For all its faults we have some of the best people on earth here but we've been lead by a greedy and corrupt government, beginning with Bush. Now he can retire to his 2 million dollar pad and let us heal our wounds. Time to move on.

Terrance D.   January 12th, 2009 11:27 am ET

Someone should turn on the "wrap it up" music like when a speech goes over time at the grammys!

A Really Conservative Realist   January 12th, 2009 11:26 am ET

Glad to see him admit mistakes. It's a good thing to do for all of us. History will judge him in a more favorable light…that is unless…the history books are written by the same feminazi, liberal, hand-out loving crew that typically posts here.

Jeff B.   January 12th, 2009 11:26 am ET

A truly good man. I'll miss him. I wish the best to President Obama. He's got a tough job ahead.

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   January 12th, 2009 11:25 am ET

WORST PRESIDENT EVER!

JT   January 12th, 2009 11:24 am ET

Yeah, AEK, that's the message to send — it's okay to "hate the man."

Precisely when did it become okay to hate the President?

Disagree with his (or her) policies. Criticize them. Work to elect someone else. Work 24/7 to do that, if you want. But please, please stop the ad hominem attacks. Not only is it impolite, disrespectful and un-Christian, but it is also one of the tell-tale signs that the person making the criticism either (a) is not too bright; or (b) has no logical basis on which to make a valid criticism.

William, Atl, GA   January 12th, 2009 11:24 am ET

It's "ok" president Bush everyone makes mistakes. Like in 2004 when the nation let their fear get the better of them and you got reelected.

John   January 12th, 2009 11:23 am ET

It is true. Whatever Bush did the Looney Left would have found a way to make it look bad. He could have saved a hundred people himself from the hurricane aftermath and they would have jumped on him for missing number 101!

Todd Ackerman   January 12th, 2009 11:22 am ET

There is a great line in The Shawshank Redemption, which Andy Dufresqe says to the corrupt prison warden:

"How can you be so obtuse?"

Does Bush not understand that he is President until the 20th? Why did he stop working in November?!?

Does he really think the only mistake he made following hurricane Katrina was not flying down to see the damage?!?

Does he really think the problem in Washington for the last eight years was simply "rhetoric," and not his inability to accomplish ANYTHING?!?

How can he be so obtuse?!?

Meh   January 12th, 2009 11:22 am ET

I think the first mistake was his being "elected". Second mistake, his being elected twice!

AEK> This man started an unneccesary war w. made-up Intelligence. He doesn't deserve respect.

Wally   January 12th, 2009 11:22 am ET

It's so nice of you to share that with us. Please, sit down.

Lunkhead. We would have been so much better if you had had the guts to volunteer to serve your country in Viet Nam. You might have learned something about the value of human life, and the suffering created by war-for-war's sake. But you were a spoiled brat in a grown up costume. Still are. Petulant little man.

Yousuf- NYC   January 12th, 2009 11:22 am ET

Enough said W. Now see ya. The clinton era economic boom, housing boom, you and cheney brought it down.

You've made alot more enemies then friends…THANKS ALOT!!!!

GOODBYE, I surely wont miss your intelligent but will miss your stupidity that was played on TV and internet.

:)

Charles M. Haynes   January 12th, 2009 11:22 am ET

I have rarely agreed with President Bush on very many issues, but on the matter of Gaza I am in full agreement: the IDF should continue its latest action in the Gaza strip until Hamas stops firing rockets into Israel. Only then should a sustainable cease-fire even be considered.

Matt   January 12th, 2009 11:22 am ET

Countries that supply arms to Hamas? Yeah, because those rockets that have an overwhelming chance of killing nobody (check the stats) are a huge deal when compared with all the weapons we give Israel so they can kill 1,000 or so Palestinians in the space of a week or two. Of course, who cares if it's not our children. Takes 7 years to kill 5,000 of our and make us really really angry…only 7 days to kill 500 of theirs while we watch cartoons.

john   January 12th, 2009 11:21 am ET

you guys are all a bunch of fools. you sit back and call names, but what have any of you done to make this country better?

i voted for BO, but i am also american enough to thank Bush for his time in office. the man had very tough decisions to make, possibly tougher than any president has ever had to make.

it is easy to sit back and toss stones and call names…it is hard to take action and try and make things better.

being president is not a popularity contest. i am afraid that is what we have done electing BO.

HeadlessHessian   January 12th, 2009 11:20 am ET

Everyone makes mistakes. The real measure of a leader is his or hers ability to admit to it in a timely fashion, mitigate and/or remedy the results, learn from it and apply that to the future.
In the case of this president his mistakes have been catastrophic for this country, he has never admited to most of them, has not taken action to resolve, but worst of all has not learned from them. This country was turned over to him with a surplus to be applied to paying down our debt. In his 8 years in office he has turned that surplus over to the richest of the rich and into an incredible debt. He has ruined our reputation, blocked initiatives in science, and sent many of youth to their early graves for a lie. History will judge Bush alright, as the worst of the worst presidents, ever.

GODZILLA1   January 12th, 2009 11:20 am ET

I'm giving a "good riddance" party one week from today – bye bye Junior (shrub) – hope we never hear from you again!

Jeff   January 12th, 2009 11:20 am ET

GET OUT.

Ryan   January 12th, 2009 11:20 am ET

"Clearly putting a 'Mission Accomplished' (banner) on an aircraft carrier was a mistake," Bush said. "It sent the wrong message."

BEST BUSHISM EVER

dorothy smith   January 12th, 2009 11:20 am ET

I believe he omitted another few dozen mistakes he made & I can't wait for him to go back with the other prairie dogs. My one hope is,
that as president, Obama can undo some of his these mistakes.

Paul Hirokawa   January 12th, 2009 11:19 am ET

good bye and good riddance. TX will have its idiot back in a few days.

Terry   January 12th, 2009 11:19 am ET

Thanks to the Supreme Court for giving us an idiot with a double digit IQ. The nightmare is almost over.

jt   January 12th, 2009 11:19 am ET

No man is above law, so, Bush must be brought to justice…

Cheri NW Arkansas   January 12th, 2009 11:19 am ET

Yah Think!!!???!!! Thank the gods this idiot is out of there!

Hanna   January 12th, 2009 11:18 am ET

I have never liked Bush. My husband always says "history will tell".
In the past few months watching him and how gracious he has been toward Pres. Elect Obama has changed my feelings. I do believe his understaning on terrorists and his support for democracy is admirable.

Yes he has made mistakes.
Who doesn't.

I wish him well.

Ommy   January 12th, 2009 11:18 am ET

Two words: Bush Derangement Syndrome.

tim   January 12th, 2009 11:18 am ET

The world hates America, Americans hate America…

yeah, mistakes are the least of your legacy.

Jackson, Seattle   January 12th, 2009 11:17 am ET

Be careful what you say, Georgie Boy, anything you say can and will be held against you at a war crimes tribunal.

Nick of Charleston   January 12th, 2009 11:17 am ET

I know that most of the comments here will be Bush-bashing, so I'm going out on a limb here. Yes, I dislike Bush. A lot. However, the fact that he was able to admit that he screwed up, even if he did end up blaming Congress for his inaction, is still more than what several politicians do (see Palin for what I'm talking about).

ran   January 12th, 2009 11:16 am ET

Ding dong Bush will soon be gone.

Angie-OHIO   January 12th, 2009 11:15 am ET

The idiot can NOW admit he made some mistakes. The people that DID NOT vote for him already knew he was stupid and would be a complete failure as president. I'm so glad his rein of terror is over. I also know and understand NO ONE is perfect, but bush is a lying,cheating war monger. he has destroyed this country. So let him take the rest of his miserable lying crew and hit the road. GOOD RIDDENCE TO BAD RUBBISH!!!!!!!!!!!!

A disgrace to our country   January 12th, 2009 11:15 am ET

Jail him…!!!

Ray Fisher   January 12th, 2009 11:14 am ET

Georgie is correct about the disruption caused by his visits as I was stuck 3 hours in a traffic jam caused by his motorcade in Alabama several years ago. The logistics involved in a Presidential visit are staggering but I think a video conference would have sufficed. It was more an issue of "Good Job Brownie" appointing a horse show coordinator to head FEMA than anything else. Even James Lee Witt the former director volunteered his services but was ignored. America unfortunately has no choice but to let history decide!!!

Lisa in Florida   January 12th, 2009 11:13 am ET

Unbelievable, I think Bush must live on the same planet as Sarah Palin and that planet is called DENIAL!!! It kills me how these people blame everyone but themselves. They are truly narcisstic and completely out of touch with reality. Very scary. Funny, I have in-law relatives who are the same way and interestingly enough they voted for Bush twice and think Palin is a gift from God!!!! Thank God his 8 years are over and the grown ups will be taking over on January 20th!!

Obama/Biden

DavidinCA   January 12th, 2009 11:13 am ET

Don't get caught up in all of the Democrats whining about the last 8 years. We saw how they provided very little support for the administration's efforts, using whatever power they did have to just sabotage what you were trying to accomplish. The fact is, this is all they have to talk about because they have done little on their own to focus on. Let's see what happens in the next 4 years. I hope it's positive, but until January 20th, it's all talk. Let's see if they can walk.

Peter   January 12th, 2009 11:13 am ET

Bush was a mistake.

Maggie from Virginia   January 12th, 2009 11:12 am ET

He admited some of his mistakes… We must forgive him, and move on. Cheney is a different story.

JohnCynic   January 12th, 2009 11:10 am ET

Bush is the image of a failed abortion procedure that left forceps marks permanently embedded in his skull.

Ryan in Waynesboro, VA   January 12th, 2009 11:09 am ET

"…the rhetoric got out of control."

Simply put, following the Rove doctrine didn't work. The GOP is in political trouble now because of it. If they hope to stem the bleeding and stop losing seats, they should completely abandon the Rovian tactics and attitude. That would allow them to move back toward the center (where the vast majority of the country truly stands) so the healing can begin and extreme-partisan politics can go the way of the dodo.

Gen Patton   January 12th, 2009 11:08 am ET

God Bless you President Bush

David   January 12th, 2009 11:08 am ET

I don't like Georgey, but I respect his willingness to acknowledge he's not perfect. He's had a hard job, he's blundered, but it's time to move on.

From Miami   January 12th, 2009 11:07 am ET

Our country – and the world – will breathe a tremendous sigh of relief when Bush is finally, finally gone.

Noel   January 12th, 2009 11:06 am ET

I feel that the media has treated the Bush administration badly. I feel that time will show that Bush made correct decisions regarding keeping the people of the US free from attack.

Another major terrorist attack on US soil would cause far more problems than the financial crises we are now facing.

arc, Lugano CH   January 12th, 2009 11:06 am ET

But "the rhetoric got out of control," Bush said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"
Cowboy rhetoric is what Conservatives want to hear.

Like "smoking out" those "Arabs".

NEL E BELL ;-)   January 12th, 2009 11:05 am ET

I BELIEVE THAT THE 51.2% OF THE PEOPLE THAT VOTED FOR BUSHES SECOND TERM SHOULD ADMIT TO THEIR MISTAKE. AFTER ALL WE OR SHOULD I SAY THEY THE PEOPLE THAT PUT GW BACK AFTER HIS FIRST STOLEN TERM.

D Steele   January 12th, 2009 11:05 am ET

W.. still the dumbest letter in the alphabet

Steve   January 12th, 2009 11:05 am ET

8 more days……

christina knight   January 12th, 2009 11:04 am ET

i think it is laughable that bush(king george the turd) would claim that he tried to change the political environment in washington. there has never been a more divisive, ideologically rigid individual to hold the office of president. sadly, he is too incredibly stupid to appreciate the irony of claim

james   January 12th, 2009 11:03 am ET

You don`t need to tell us where and how you F#@*D up, It`s obvious. Just shut up and leave ———

Atsen   January 12th, 2009 11:03 am ET

So he is a smart fella?

Humored in Texas   January 12th, 2009 11:03 am ET

Katrina?! That was typical Bush-farce in action!!!

"You're doin' a great job, Brownie!" Then Brownie had to retire due to blatant incompetence!!!

alreadytiredofit   January 12th, 2009 11:03 am ET

Mistake #1 – running for President in 2000.

Sue T   January 12th, 2009 11:02 am ET

I think if Bush had been more honest like he was today he would have left office with higher ratings and could possibly helped the GOP party.

Michael M, Phoenix AZ   January 12th, 2009 11:01 am ET

Did anyone pay attention to his statement that the response time New Orleans was NOT slow! What a dweeb.

Humored in Texas   January 12th, 2009 11:01 am ET

Gaza? Look to the Balfour Declaration and the ramifications it caused if you want to place blame!

Hooray for President Bush   January 12th, 2009 11:01 am ET

Thank you Mr President. Under your watch, we suffered the worst attack on our soil in our history on 9-11 worse than Pearl Harbor. You responsed and drove the Taliban from Afghanistan. We have not been attached since on your watch as you have taken the terrorist fight overseas – Thank you. I thin in 15-20 years when Iraq is a strong independent Democratic Power and has a calming influence over the MidEast, history will look back and view your actions as the right move – Thank you for that.

I am sure you did your best, and God knows it is not an easy job. Your help to President Elect Obama and his transition team has been outstanding and I am sure the American people and Mr Obama appreciate it greatly – thank you for that.

On Mr Cheney, I am sure if on the day after 9-11, somebody in the Press challenged or uestioned him on the use of water boarding techniques to pry vital information from a terrorist, 95% of Americans would applaud the Vice President and laugh and scold those meddlesome and uninformed peole in the press only looking for a controversy. Thank you Mr Vice President for keeping us safe, and for deciding on the conservative side when it comes to protecting the US

Helene   January 12th, 2009 11:01 am ET

He should be tried as a war criminal. Period.

killbucket   January 12th, 2009 11:01 am ET

Exile W.

That Other Jerry   January 12th, 2009 11:00 am ET

No doubt this space will soon be filled with hate-filled, moronic statements directed against the President. Basically the verbal equivalent of a blatant late hit in a football game, and deserving of the same scorn. If the children who make those comments can stop chanting "nyah, nyah, nyah" for a few moments, they will realize that for a President to spend his final press conference reflecting on his mistakes is profound enough. Bush realizes things did not go the way he had planned. There is however, a difference between being misguided and being evil. It takes intelligence and open-mindedness to see the difference, which is why you won't see a lot of people on here who understand it.

Vence wilmington CA   January 12th, 2009 11:00 am ET

As a regular republican, too little too late. They learn nothing from the teacher. (President Reagan) said the immigrants are republicans just they don't know it. GOP lost when they started demonizing immigrants through right wing radio hosts and raids mocking at them as they are terrorists. That is modern day lynching Mr Bush. You should have found another scapegoats not hard working people as your party did.

Humored in Texas   January 12th, 2009 10:59 am ET

4,000+ families are heartened to know that the guy who started the war now realizes what everybody knew going in – it was a mistake!!!

Those families planted family members because of this genius!!!

GA Resident   January 12th, 2009 10:59 am ET

So Pres. Bush was "disappointed with the tone in Washington"? I think he helped set that tone his first days in office. Although I didn't vote for him either time, I did get behind him in the beginning as he was our President. I wanted to believe that he was a "uniter not a divider" as he stated in his 2000 campaign. But what were some of his first actions? Executive orders banning stem cell research on new cell lines and a gag order on organizations about a woman's right to choose an abortion. His first actions were on some of the most divisive subjects and pandered to a set of religious beliefs instead of policy that should work for ALL Americans. And then after 9/11 ignoring the Constitution and basically saying it was OK to torture? If that was his idea of changing things for the better, I don't want it. Bush needs to be accountable for his actions that set the "tone" too instead of trying to divert blame to Washington.

Ron   January 12th, 2009 10:59 am ET

I sure hope that he considers this his "short list!!!"

Don in Albuquerque   January 12th, 2009 10:58 am ET

Oh my God! After listening to this fool this morning there should be no doubt in any ones mind that he is not playing with a full deck. Is there any kind of mental evaluation for people running for president?

Maggie   January 12th, 2009 10:58 am ET

SOME of his rhetoric has been a mistake?????

ALL of his rhetoric has been a mistake!

Peter   January 12th, 2009 10:57 am ET

Bush said he was "disappointed with the tone in Washington" and that he had "tried to do his part" to change the political environment for the better.

This is the most preposterous lie: Bush and Rove spent the first six years of his presidency doing everything they could to give Republicans the advantage, from hiring policy in the Justice Dept (illegal) to using Federal offices to rally for GOP candidates (also illegal) to coining the incorrect usage 'Democrat Party' because it sounded like 'rat'. There is nothing that was too partisan for them to attempt, but now they pretend like they were trying to 'unite' the country. It is simply not true.

John from Alabama   January 12th, 2009 10:57 am ET

Good Riddence…

Jerry Kelly   January 12th, 2009 10:57 am ET

Jerk. Moron. Traitor to the Constitution. War criminal.

Ian   January 12th, 2009 10:57 am ET

Good riddance.

Lois   January 12th, 2009 10:56 am ET

Personally, I really do hope I never hear from you again and all your buddies. You have nothing of value to add to a thing. I don't know how any of you can sleep at night.

Mike   January 12th, 2009 10:55 am ET

Post what Bush said about his screaming loudmouth critics.
Better yet, post the entire transcript. People can read that and come to their own conclusion instead of what the media cherry picks and comments on.

art   January 12th, 2009 10:55 am ET

George, your whole Presidency was a MISTAKE!!!
Because of you, people in their 40's and 50's will be working well into their 70's or die while still making a living. Whichever comes first.
Please leave and go away.

AEK   January 12th, 2009 10:53 am ET

I don't doubt that President Bush is concerned with the "tone" in Washington. I would add, that today the tone in politics in general is grossly disrespectful. Disagreeing with your political leaders is something we have been encouraged to do for 200+ years. Disagreeing with them and with others respectfully appears to be quite difficult for some people. I would think that many Americans and citizens in the rest of the world are disgusted with the vile, hate speak that is aired on websites and blogs every day in our country. Hate the man, disagree with his policies, but respect the office of the President.

Brett the nurse.   January 12th, 2009 10:53 am ET

I guess admitting that following the advice of The Project for The New American Century was a horrible mistake and is the real reason why our economy is in shambles would be too much to ask for. It all cascades back to Iraq. Billions of wasted dollars and thousands of lost lives solved nothing. The war pushed oil prices through the roof. The lack of discretionary money of the American consumer on top of the precarious real estate crisis was enough to cascade us to where we are now. Thanks for the last 8 years Bush!! I guess you will be expecting the Medal of Freedom next since every other person that screwed up got one from you.

Mari   January 12th, 2009 10:51 am ET

I watched the press conference this morning, and was shocked at W.'s bravado and at other times his honesty. He seemed to be simultaneously defending himself and confessing to his errors! My husband and I looked at each other and said, "THANK GOD FOR OBAMA"!

I do give George W. Bush credit for his gracious comments about Barack H. Obama. He seemed sincere in his awe of the historical moment he (we) are living.

Although, I believe Bush to be the worst president ever! I do hope that he and Laura will have peace and joy in their retirement. As a Christian it is wrong to hold a grudge against anyone……. even the war criminal Bush!

K. Owe   January 12th, 2009 10:51 am ET

January 20th cannot get here fast enough!

Sawber   January 12th, 2009 10:51 am ET

History is going to be kind to Bush. He made minor misteps, but the big decisions were right.

Obama is just now realizing what he has gotten himself into.

Now that he realizes the true situation, he thinks GITMO policies aren't all that bad.

He wants to turn medical records electronic. But that will force us to export a lot of jobs since we don't have near enough qualified Americans to do the job.

Steve in Louisville   January 12th, 2009 10:50 am ET

Bush and Cheney were what was out of control, and his biggest mistake was to commit war crimes. (Though that leads a lengthy list of things he still won't own up to.)

He should be turned over to the world court for prosecution.

Joanna   January 12th, 2009 10:49 am ET

You were commander and chief, you should of been the uniter, dubya. Instead, you were the divider.

Jeff Brown   January 12th, 2009 10:49 am ET

Earth to W… If you were this contrite when you had the power to change things instead of being arrogant, out of touch and pig headed, your legacy might have been a good one. How sad!

LUISA FROM NYC NOW IN MD   January 12th, 2009 10:49 am ET

OKAY, FINE. GOOD-BYE, BON VOYAGE, ADIOS….JUST
HURRY UP AND LEAVE ALREADY.

dennis_k   January 12th, 2009 10:49 am ET

This disaster of a president never has and never will fully confess to all of his mistakes and crimes. To pick a trivial one, the White House has always officially claimed that the "Mission Accomplished" banner was the work of the aircraft carrier, not them. So why is Bush taking responsibility for it now? As is usually the case with chronic liars, they cannot keep their lies straight. Good f—ing riddance!

james   January 12th, 2009 10:49 am ET

He forgot one little mistake. 4000+ american solders and countless Iraqi deaths because of his stupid decision.

S Callahan   January 12th, 2009 10:49 am ET

Your right about Katrina…but your right hand man needed a spanking for not have his organization in order to appropriately respond.

The ball is now in PE Obama's court…get the letter going…

Proud American   January 12th, 2009 10:48 am ET

8 more days and who cares.

Bubba   January 12th, 2009 10:48 am ET

THAT'S what he thought was a mistake? The carrier photo-op? How about all his Iraq war and his pet goat? How about letting Cheney and Halliburton rob us blind and pushing gas up to four-fifty per? Dubya, how's it feel to be thick as a brick?

Joe in DE   January 12th, 2009 10:48 am ET

Bush still does not understand the mistakes he made. I hope he can find some redeeming tasks a s a ex-Presiudent.

tess   January 12th, 2009 10:48 am ET

this is the bush i voted for twice. about time he told that pack of rats known as the press corp exactly what the president has on him every day of the week every minute of the day – the hell of it is he is also responsible for their safety too and they fail to consider that fact! what a bunch of judgemental nothings – they have been shown up for the partisan "reporters" they are and the picture is not very pretty. god bless the president and laura and hope they find peace and joy back in texas. history will prove that he was one of the five top leaders in our time of war and turmoil – i hope the rat pack is around to have to eat crow!

katiec   January 12th, 2009 10:48 am ET

If this man thinks these are the only mistakes he has made he is totally hiding from reality.
He and his party have brought our country to its knees with their diasterous policies, executive privileges etc. They have turned the rest of the world against us with their arrogance and total disregard for the welfare of our country and our world. Sorry, Bush, think you and your supporters will go down in history as the worst our country has ever been victimized with.

Barb   January 12th, 2009 10:47 am ET

finally he sounds like he's making sense! I'm betting he's just as relieved to be getting out as the rest of us!

Ben in San Diego   January 12th, 2009 10:47 am ET

George~ pretty much everything you did as president was a mistake… go on… get out of here.

Get it together Repubs   January 12th, 2009 10:47 am ET

Hmmmmm……8 more days and counting…..

GB   January 12th, 2009 10:46 am ET

Worst Ever…

Dave   January 12th, 2009 10:46 am ET

Hurt our People.
Hurt our Families.
Hurt…our Country.
The Legacy of bush/cheney…

carol   January 12th, 2009 10:45 am ET

Bush unfortunately is still in a state of denial, he can see nothing really wrong with his administration and that is a sad way for him to leave office.
History will not treat him kindly as much as he may think it will…he has been an awful President and the reflection of the country bares that out.

Richard   January 12th, 2009 10:44 am ET

Typical double-talk from Bush. The problem with Katrina wasn't a token appearance in Louisiana, it was that the most powerful man in the world failed to do ANYTHING. While millions of Americans watched in horror as our fellow Americans pleaded for help on a bridge in a major U.S. city for FOUR DAYS, Bush did NOTHING. All it took was ONE phone call to the Army, Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard for our commander-in-chief to say "I want helicopters in there NOW".

Probably 300 million Americans would have done that if they had the power, but Bush didn't care enough to bother. Worst ever!

Bennie   January 12th, 2009 10:44 am ET

You didn't care what people thought of you and the direction you took the country the past 7and 3/4 years you have been in office. So why do you care now? Why should we care now?

raagos   January 12th, 2009 10:43 am ET

WE ALL KNEW WHAT U DID WRONG JUST LEAVE THE OFFICE SOONER PLEASE. ITS GONNA TAKE YEARS TO FIXED ALL PROBLEMS U COST

Robin   January 12th, 2009 10:43 am ET

Bush bashing to start now.

Anyway, he had a point about Hurricaine Katrina. Why pull law enforcement away? Plus Nagel knew this was coming. If you build a city in a bowl with substandard levies, this is what happens.

In 8 days, we have a new president and according to Texas Teacher he will bring world peace,straighten out the economy, and will cure diseases from baldness to cancer by dinner time on his first day. j/k

All kidding aside, let us get behind our new president and hope we will not turn on him the moment he makes a bad decision. Let's face it, ALL presidents, even the great ones make bad descisions. It is our job as Americans to support him and be united.

badger   January 12th, 2009 10:41 am ET

Bye George and may God Give You What You Really Deserve.

rich   January 12th, 2009 10:40 am ET

Bush was the biggest mistake in my lifetime, and I'm older than a cow. Figure.

Proud American   January 12th, 2009 10:40 am ET

Duh…………

John   January 12th, 2009 10:40 am ET

"Obviously," the president continued, "some of my rhetoric has been a mistake."

Half? A quarter? Nearly all? Well, it's a start. At least he's finally learning.

Marie   January 12th, 2009 10:39 am ET

So he won't release any funds until he is told to do so. Sounds like Iraq, he wouldn't invade until Dick Cheney told him to do so, wouldn't visit Louisiana until Karl Rove told him to do so. WOuld someone please tell him to jump off the Empire State Building!!!!

Denise   January 12th, 2009 10:38 am ET

Ooh now he admits his mistakes. Eight more days after eight dreadful years! Hurry up Jan 20th!

Nah.nah..nah..nah..   January 12th, 2009 10:37 am ET

Nah.nah..nah..nah..

HEY, HEY, HEEEYYY….

GOODBYE!!!!

Ken in Dallas   January 12th, 2009 10:37 am ET

Out of the klieg lights? How about a stop at the Hague?

JIMBISCIELLO   January 12th, 2009 10:36 am ET

THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TIME IN ANY NEWS CONFERENCE TO ADMIT ALL OF THE MISTAKES AND CRIMES OF THIS ADMINISTRATION.
BUSH, CHENEY , ROVE AND RUMSFELD SHOULD BE IN JAIL.

jim, Middletown, Connecticut   January 12th, 2009 10:35 am ET

I suspect that even President Bush's most ardent supporters could identify more – and more substantial – mistakes.

Brit   January 12th, 2009 10:35 am ET

If I hadn't read this on cnn.com, I would have thought the headline was taken from the Onion. "Bush admits mistakes" — how very big of him.

creighton   January 12th, 2009 10:34 am ET

He should have to serve time in prison for everything he's done to this country and the rest of the world.
Go back to Crawford and ride your bike into obscurity.

jaye   January 12th, 2009 10:33 am ET

I'm glad he had good words for Obama – I actually think he's glad Obama won the election.

MK   January 12th, 2009 10:33 am ET

I have always "misunderestimated" him….always will. It is the first news conference I have watched in years, maybe since 2003, and only because it was his LAST! Here's to 1/20/2009!!

Danny from Phoenix   January 12th, 2009 10:33 am ET

I love how he supposedly just now realizes his mistakes. An intelligent individual would have done so minutes after making it. He's scum. I cannot wait for him to leave office.

CanIcallyouJoe   January 12th, 2009 10:32 am ET

"Addressing reporters in his final news conference before leaving office, President Bush admitted Monday to several mistakes during his tenure in office."

I'm sorry – but there are no words within what is possible as a human to express the magnitude of this understatement.

JIM...TX   January 12th, 2009 10:31 am ET

NOW Bush admits to making mistakes. Think how his "legacy" might have been much improved if he'd have done this when he screwed up to begin with. It will be a fine day when he's out of the WH!!!

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