George W. Bush

You know, I could run for governor and all this but I’m basically a media creation. I’ve never really done anything. I’ve worked for my dad. I worked in the oil industry. But that’s not the kind of profile you have to have to get elected to public office.

There ought to be limits to freedom. We're aware of the site, and this guy is just a garbage man, that's all he is. Of course I don't appreciate it. And you wouldn't, either.

— George W. Bush war

I watchedinterview with , though. He asked her real difficult questions, like 'What would you say to Governor Bush?' 'What was her answer?' I wonder. 'Please,' Bush whimpers, his lips pursed in mock desperation, 'don't kill me.'

— George W. Bush wonder

My appointees to the [Texas] board of pardons and paroles reflect my no-nonsense approach to crime and punishment. They believe people who commit crimes against innocent Texans should pay the consequences; they believe sentences imposed by juries should be carried out.

— George W. Bush people

The protection of America itself will assume a high priority in a new century. Once a strategic afterthought, homeland defense has become an urgent duty. For most of our history, America felt safe behind two great oceans. But with the spread of technology, distance no longer means security.

— George W. Bush history

Let me be clear. Our first line of defense is a simple message: Every group or nation must know, if they sponsor such attacks, our response will be devastating.

— George W. Bush age

We will defend the American homeland by strengthening our intelligence community – focusing on human intelligence and the early detection of terrorist operations both here and abroad. And when direct threats to America are discovered, I know that the best defense can be a strong and swift offense – including the use of Special Operations Forces and long-range strike capabilities.

— George W. Bush intelligence

I will put a high priority on detecting and responding to terrorism on our soil. The federal government must take this threat seriously – working closely with researchers and industry to increase surveillance and develop treatments for chemical and biological agents.

— George W. Bush work

Defending our nation is just the beginning of our challenge. My third goal is to take advantage of a tremendous opportunity – given few nations in history – to extend the current peace into the far realm of the future. A chance to project America’s peaceful influence, not just across the world, but across the years.

— George W. Bush history

Yet today our military is still organized more for Cold War threats than for the challenges of a new century -- for industrial age operations, rather than forbattles. There is almost no relationship between our budget priorities and a strategic vision. The last seven years have been wasted in inertia and idle talk. Now we must shape the future with new concepts, new strategies, new resolve.

— George W. Bush future

In the late 1930s, as Britain refused to adapt to the new realities of war,observed, "The era of procrastination, of half-measures, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays, is coming to a close. In its place we are entering a period of consequences."

— George W. Bush war

Our military and our nation are entering another period of consequences – a time of rapid change and momentous choices.

— George W. Bush time

Now comes our time of testing. Our measure is taken, not only by what we have and use, but what we build and leave behind. And nothing this generation could ever build will matter more than the means to defend our nation and extend our peace.

— George W. Bush time

In the defense of our nation, a president must be a clear-eyed realist. There are limits to the smiles and scowls of diplomacy. Armies and missiles are not stopped by stiff notes of condemnation. They are held in check by strength and purpose and the promise of swift punishment.

— George W. Bush purpose

The most powerful force in the world is not a weapon or a nation but a truth: that we are spiritual beings, and that freedom is "the soul's right to breathe."

— George W. Bush truth

American foreign policy must be more than the management of crisis. It must have a great and guiding goal: to turn this time of American influence into generations of democratic peace.

— George W. Bush time

Some have tried to pose a choice between American ideals and American interests — between who we are and how we act. But the choice is false. America, by decision and destiny, promotes political freedom — and gains the most when democracy advances. America believes in free markets and free trade — and benefits most when markets are opened. America is a peaceful power — and gains the greatest dividend from democratic stability. Precisely because we have no territorial objectives, our gains are not measured in the losses of others. They are counted in the conflicts we avert, the prosperity we share and the peace we extend.

— George W. Bush freedom

The case for trade is not just monetary, but moral. Economic freedom creates habits of liberty. And habits of liberty create expectations of democracy.

— George W. Bush freedom

We are no longer fighting a great enemy, we are asserting a great principle: that the talents and dreams of average people — their warm human hopes and loves — should be rewarded by freedom and protected by peace. We are defending the nobility of normal lives, lived in obedience to God and conscience, not to government.

— George W. Bush love

America has never been an empire. We may be the only great power in history that had the chance, and refused — preferring greatness to power and justice to glory.

— George W. Bush history

If the terriers and barriffs [] are torn down, this economy will grow.

— George W. Bush will

[R]arely is the question asked,... our... is our children learning?

— George W. Bush children

If you're a single mother with two children—which is the toughest job in America, as far as I'm concerned—you're working hard to put food on your family.

— George W. Bush family

This is Preservation Month. I appreciate preservation. It's what you do when you run for president. You've got to preserve.

— George W. Bush you

What we Republicans should stand for is growth in the economy. We ought to make the pie higher.

— George W. Bush growth

The state can do what they want to do. Don't try to trap me in this state's issue like you're trying to get me into.

— George W. Bush you

I care what 51 percent of the people think about me.

— George W. Bush people

We can do better in Washington D.C. We can have new leadership in Washington D.C., leadership that will lift this country's spirits and raise our sights.knows what thousands of other youngsters know, that just because the White House has let us down in the past, that doesn't mean it's going to happen in the future. George P. joins us in a campaign that's going to restore honor and dignity to the White House.

— George W. Bush leadership

More and more of our imports come from overseas.

— George W. Bush sea

I will have a foreign-handed foreign policy.

— George W. Bush will

I know the human being and the fish can coexist peacefully.

— George W. Bush peace

If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us; if we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us.

— George W. Bush strong

Families is where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream.

— George W. Bush hope

This is an impressive crowd — the haves and the have-mores. Some people call you the elites; I call you my base.

— George W. Bush people

This issue doesn't seem to resignate [] with the people.

— George W. Bush people

...they want the federal government controlling Social Security, like it's some kind of federal program.

— George W. Bush men

They misunderestimated me.

— George W. Bush sun

I told all four [congressional leaders] that I felt like this election happened for a reason; that it pointed out — the delay in the outcome should make it clear to all of us — that we can come together to heal whatever wounds may exist, whatever residuals there may be. And I really look forward to the opportunity. I hope they've got my sense of optimism about the possible, and enthusiasm about the job. I told all four that there are going to be some times where we don't agree with each other, but that's okay. If this were a dictatorship, it would be a heck of a lot easier... [Bush laughs out loud, audience laughs out loud] ...just so long as I'm the dictator [more laughter].

— George W. Bush hope

My pro-life position is I believe there's life. It's not necessarily based in religion. I think there's a life there, therefore the notion of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

— George W. Bush life

My plan reduces the national debt, and fast. So fast, in fact, that economists worry that we're going to run out of debt to retire.

— George W. Bush worry

[T]he facts are that thousands of small businesses - Hispanically [] owned or otherwise - pay taxes at the highest marginal rate.

— George W. Bush business

[M]y administration is committed to a leadership role on the issue of climate change.

— George W. Bush change

It was amazing I won. I was running against peace and prosperity and incumbency.

— George W. Bush peace

I looked the man in the eye. I found him to be very straightforward and trustworthy. We had a very good dialogue. I was able to get a sense of his soul; a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country. And I appreciated so very much the frank dialogue.

— George W. Bush war

Dealing with Congress is a matter of give and take. The president doesn't get everything he wants, the Congress doesn't get everything they want. But we're finding good common ground. A dictatorship would be a heck of a lot easier, there's no question about it.

— George W. Bush good

to an original recording of this quote: orto play the clip in your browser.

— George W. Bush quote

Those in authority should take appropriate precautions to protect our citizens. But we will not allow this enemy to win the war by changing our way of life or restricting our freedoms.

— George W. Bush life

I can hear you, the rest of the world hears you! And the people! And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!

— George W. Bush people

Reporter: Do you wantdead? Bush: I want justice. And there's an old poster out West, I recall, that says, "Wanted: Dead or Alive."

— George W. Bush justice

When I take action, I’m not going to fire a $2 million missile at a $10 empty tent and hit a camel in the butt. It’s going to be decisive.

— George W. Bush action

My administration has a job to do and we're going to do it. We will rid the world of the evil-doers.

— George W. Bush world

This crusade, this war on terrorism is going to take a while.

— George W. Bush war

Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated.

— George W. Bush war

Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.

— George W. Bush you

Our nation, this generation, will lift the dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage. We will not tire, we will not falter and we will not fail.

— George W. Bush people

[O]ne of the great goals of this nation's war is to restore public confidence in the airline industry. It's to tell the traveling public: Get on board. Do your business around the country. Fly and enjoy America's great destination spots. Get down to Disney World in Florida.

— George W. Bush war

Now, the American people have got to go about their business. We cannot let the terrorists achieve the objective of frightening our nation to the point where we don't conduct business, where people don't shop.

— George W. Bush people

Well, you know, I think the American people are sacrificing now. I think they're waiting in airport lines longer than they've ever had before.

— George W. Bush people

Lucky me, I hit the trifecta.

— George W. Bush luck

You are either with us or you are against us in the fight against terror.

— George W. Bush fight

We must speak the truth about terror. Let us never tolerate outrageous conspiracy theories concerning the attacks of September the 11th; malicious lies that attempt to shift the blame away from the terrorists, themselves, away from the guilty. To inflame ethnic hatred is to advance the cause of terror.

— George W. Bush truth

I was sitting outside the classroom waiting to go in, and I saw an airplane hit the tower. The TV was obviously on. I used to fly myself and I said, "There's one terrible pilot."

— George W. Bush self

"We're going to get [Bin Laden] Dead or alive, it doesn't matter to me." 12/14/2001Bush's words elsewhere was that he is "determined" to capture Bin Laden dead or alive, and is confident about succeeding

— George W. Bush words

But all in all, it's been a fabulous year for Laura and me.

— George W. Bush

The peaceful transfer of authority is rare in history, yet common in our country. With a simple oath, we affirm old traditions and make new beginnings.

— George W. Bush history

America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens.

— George W. Bush zen

We are not this story's author, who fills time and eternity with His purpose. Yet His purpose is achieved in our duty, and our duty is fulfilled in service to one another. Never tiring, never yielding, never finishing, we renew that purpose today; to make our country more just and generous; to affirm the dignity of our lives and every life. This work continues. This story goes on. And an Angel still rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm.

— George W. Bush life

Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices -- secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers. Moms and dads. Friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.

— George W. Bush life

The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation.

— George W. Bush people

Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.

— George W. Bush america

America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.

— George W. Bush freedom

Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature, and we responded with the best of America, with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.

— George W. Bush nature

The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I've directed the full resources for our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.

— George W. Bush intelligence

America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. Tonight I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.

— George W. Bush death

This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.

— George W. Bush life

More than two weeks ago, I gave Taliban leaders a series of clear and specific demands: Close terrorist training camps. Hand over leaders of the Al Qaeda network, and return all foreign nationals, including American citizens unjustly detained in our country. None of these demands were met. And now, the Taliban will pay a price.

— George W. Bush work

The United States of America is a friend to the Afghan people, and we are the friends of almost a billion worldwide who practice the Islamic faith. The United States of America is an enemy of those who aid terrorists and of the barbaric criminals who profane a great religion by committing murder in its name. This military action is a part of our campaign against terrorism, another front in a war that has already been joined through diplomacy, intelligence, the freezing of financial assets and the arrests of known terrorists by law enforcement agents in 38 countries.

— George W. Bush faith

Given the nature and reach of our enemies, we will win this conflict by the patient accumulation of successes, by meeting a series of challenges with determination and will and purpose. Today we focus on Afghanistan, but the battle is broader. Every nation has a choice to make. In this conflict, there is no neutral ground. If any government sponsors the outlaws and killers of innocence, they have become outlaws and murderers themselves. And they will take that lonely path at their own peril.

— George W. Bush success

We're a peaceful nation. Yet, as we have learned, so suddenly and so tragically, there can be no peace in a world of sudden terror. In the face of today's new threat, the only way to pursue peace is to pursue those who threaten it.

— George W. Bush peace

We did not ask for this mission, but we will fulfill it.

— George W. Bush will

A commander in chief sends America's sons and daughters into battle in a foreign land only after the greatest care and a lot of prayer. We ask a lot of those who wear our uniform. We ask them to leave their loved ones, to travel great distances, to risk injury, even to be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. They are dedicated. They are honorable. They represent the best of our country, and we are grateful. To all the men and women in our military, every sailor, every soldier, every airman, every Coast Guardsman, every Marine, I say this: Your mission is defined. The objectives are clear. Your goal is just. You have my full confidence, and you will have every tool you need to carry out your duty.

— George W. Bush love

I recently received a touching letter that says a lot about the state of America in these difficult times, a letter from a fourth grade girl with a father in the military. As much as I don't want my dad to fight, she wrote, I'm willing to give him to you. This is a precious gift. The greatest she could give. This young girl knows what America is all about.

— George W. Bush time

Since September 11, an entire generation of young Americans has gained new understanding of the value of freedom and its cost and duty and its sacrifice. The battle is now joined on many fronts. We will not waiver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail.

— George W. Bush freedom

We are working hard to convince both the Indians and the Pakis there's a way to deal with their problems without going to war.

— George W. Bush war

States like these, and their terrorist allies, constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world. By seeking weapons of mass destruction, these regimes pose a grave and growing danger. They could provide these arms to terrorists, giving them the means to match their hatred. They could attack our allies or attempt to blackmail the United States. In any of these cases, the price of indifference would be catastrophic.

— George W. Bush peace

For too long our culture has said, "If it feels good, do it." Now America is embracing a new ethic and a new creed: "".

— George W. Bush culture

Given the goals of rogue states and terrorists, the United States can no longer solely rely on a reactive posture as we have in the past. The inability to deter a potential attacker, the immediacy of today’s threats, and the magnitude of potential harm that could be caused by our adversaries’ choice of weapons, do not permit that option.We cannot let our enemies strike first.

— George W. Bush past

I just want you to know that, when we talk about war, we're really talking about peace.

— George W. Bush war

I call upon all nations to do everything they can to stop these terrorist killers. Thank you. Now watch this drive.

— George W. Bush you

"The best ethics course is to handcuff one of the bastards."

— George W. Bush ethics

The federal government and the state government must not fear programs who change lives, but must welcome those faith-based programs for the embetterment [] of mankind.

— George W. Bush faith

After all, this is a guy that tried to kill my dad at one time.

— George W. Bush time

I hope the message that we fight not a religion, but a group of fanatics which have hijacked a religion is getting through. I understand the propaganda machines are cranked up in the international community that paints our country in a bad light. We'll do everything we can to remind people that we've never been a nation of conquerors; we're a nation of liberators. And I would ask the skeptics to look at Afghanistan, where not only this country rout the Taliban, which was one of the most barbaric regimes in the history of mankind, but thanks to our strength and our compassion, many young girls now go to school for the first time.

— George W. Bush hope

My trip to Asia begins here in Japan for an important reason. It begins here because for a century and a half now, America and Japan have formed one of the great and enduring alliances of modern times. From that alliance has come an era of peace in the Pacific.

— George W. Bush time

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.

— George W. Bush you

"Deep in my heart I know [Osama bin Laden] is on the run, if he's alive at all. Who knows if he's hiding in some cave or not; we haven't heard from him in a long time. And the idea of focusing on one person is -- really indicates to me people don't understand the scope of the mission. Terror is bigger than one person. And he's just -- he's a person who's now been marginalized. His network, his host government has been destroyed. He's the ultimate parasite who found weakness, exploited it, and met his match."

— George W. Bush time

I don't know why you're talking about Sweden. They're the neutral one. They don't have an army.

— George W. Bush you

Share your thoughts on George W. Bush quotes with the community: