As the president dances out of office, he leaves a trail of quotations that his foes delighted in repeating. Here were some nice moves.
“They misunderestimated the compassion of our country. I think they misunderestimated the will and determination of the commander in chief, too.”
— Sept. 26, 2001, in Langley, Va. Bush was referring to the terrorists who carried out the Sept. 11 attacks.
“There’s no doubt in my mind, not one doubt in my mind, that we will fail.” — Oct. 4, 2001, in Washington. Bush was remarking on a back-to-work plan after the terrorist attacks.
“I want to thank the dozens of welfare-to-work stories, the actual examples of people who made the firm and solemn commitment to work hard to embetter themselves.” — April 18, 2002, at the White House.
“Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.” — Aug. 5, 2004, at the signing ceremony for a defense spending bill.
“There’s an old saying in Tennessee — I know it’s in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can’t get fooled again.” — Sept. 17, 2002, in Nashville, Tenn.
“Too many good docs are getting out of business. Too many OB/GYNs aren’t able to practice their love with women all across this country.”— Sept. 6, 2004, at a rally in Poplar Bluff, Mo.
“I remember meeting a mother of a child who was abducted by the North Koreans right here in the Oval Office.”— June 26, 2008, during a Rose Garden news briefing.
“Thank you, Your Holiness. Awesome speech.”
— April 16, 2008, at a ceremony welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the White House.
“Make no mistake about it, I understand how tough it is, sir. I talk to families who die.”
— Dec. 7, 2006, in a joint appearance with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
“These are big achievements for this country, and the people of Bulgaria ought to be proud of the achievements that they have achieved.” — June 11, 2007, in Sofia, Bulgaria.
“Throughout our history, the words of the Declaration have inspired immigrants from around the world to set sail to our shores. These immigrants have helped transform 13 small colonies into a great and growing nation of more than 300 people.” — July 4, 2008 in Virginia.
“This thaw — took a while to thaw, it’s going to take a while to unthaw.” — Oct. 20, 2008, in Alexandria, La., as he discussed the economy and frozen credit markets.
