ten pesos

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Politicians are like diapers. They should both be changed frequently and for the same reason. ~ anonymous

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One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors. ~ Plato

President Abraham Lincoln:

No man is good enough to govern another man without that other’s consent.

Force is all-conquering, but its victories are short-lived.

I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crises. The great point is to bring them the real facts.

Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.

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President John Kennedy:

“Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president but they don’t want them to become politicians in the process.”

“When we got into office, the thing that surprised me the most was that things were as bad as we’d been saying they were.”

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President Richard Nixon:

“I am not a crook.”

“You don’t know how to lie. If you can’t lie, you’ll never go anywhere.”

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Vice President Spiro Agnew:

“I apologize for lying to you. I promise I won’t deceive you except in matters of this sort.”

“To some extent, if you’ve seen one city slum, you’ve seen them all.” ~ 1968

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President Gerald Ford:

“Things are more like they are now than they have ever been.”

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President Ronald Reagan:

“Facts are stupid things.”

“Trees cause more pollution than automobiles do.”

“My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you I just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes.” ~ 1984 radio address

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Vice President George Herbert Walker Bush:

“For seven and a half years I’ve worked alongside President Reagan. We’ve had triumphs. Made some mistakes. We’ve had some sex . . . uh . . . setbacks.” ~ 1988

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President George Herbert Walker Bush:

“I don’t want to run the risk of ruining what is a lovely recession.” ~ Ridgefield, New Jersey ~ 1992

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Vice President James Danforth Quayle:

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. ~ Tokyo, Japan ~ February 18, 2002

Republicans understood the importance of bondage between mother and child. ~ 1991

Space is almost infinite. As a matter of fact, we think it is infinite.

What a waste it is to lose one’s mind…or not to have a mind…how true that is …  ~ addressing NAACP, whose slogan is “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

Quite frankly, teachers are the only profession that teach our children.

It isn’t pollution that’s harming the environment. It’s the impurities in our air and water that are doing it.

I love California, I practically grew up in Phoenix.

It is wonderful to be here in the great state of Chicago.

For NASA, space is still a high priority.

Verbosity leads to unclear, inarticulate things. ~ November 30, 1988

If we don’t succeed we run the risk of failure.

People that are really weird can get into sensitive positions and have a tremendous impact on history. ~ September 1988

Vietnam is a jungle. You had jungle warfare. Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, you have sand. (We need not anticipate a quagmire, because) from a historical basis, Middle East conflicts do not last a long time.” ~ October 2, 1990

It was just a job. It wasn’t any special interest in consumer affairs. I needed a paycheck and the Attorney General said that I would be best to go down there, because he knew I was anti-consumer.~ on job in Indiana Attorney General’s office from 1970-1971

Make no mistake about it: Operation Desert Storm truly was a victory of good over evil, of freedom over tyranny, of peace over war. ~ in Arlington National Cemetery

We should develop anti-satellite weapons because we could not have prevailed without them in ‘Red Storm Rising.

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President William Jefferson Clinton:

“Politics gives guys so much power that they tend to behave badly around women. And I hope I never get into that.”

“I tried to walk a line between acting lawfully and testifying falsely, but I now realize that I did not fully accomplish that goal.”

Hillary Clinton:

“I’m not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president.”

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President George Walker Bush:

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“I have opinions of my own – strong opinions – but I don’t always agree with them.”

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“I think anybody who doesn’t think I’m smart enough to handle the job is underestimating.”

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“It was just inebriating what Midland was all about then.”  ~ 1994 interview, quoted in First Son, by Bill Minutaglio

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“We must all hear the universal call to like your neighbor just like you like to be liked yourself.“

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“I would have said yes to abortion if only it was right. I mean, yeah it’s right. Well, no, it’s not right; that’s why I said no to it.“

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“The reason we start a war is to fight a war, win a war, thereby causing no more war! “

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“There’s a huge trust. I see it all the time when people come up to me and say, ‘I don’t want you to let me down again.’”

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“I think if you know what you believe, it makes it a lot easier to answer questions. I can’t answer your question.”

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“I’m for a stronger death penalty.”

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“I will do everything in my power to restrict abortions.”  ~ Dallas Morning News ~ October 22, 1994

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“There is a lot of speculation and I guess there is going to continue to be a lot of speculation until the speculation ends.”  ~ Austin American-Statesman ~ October 18, 1998

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“I wouldn’t want to say this kind of development makes things to be moving too quickly at all … so I’m not going to hypothecate that it may — anything goes too fast.”  ~ on the fall of the Berlin Wall, December 17, 1989

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“Now is no time to speculate or hypothecate, but rather a time for action.”  ~ quoted in Saint Petersburg Times, March 22, 1992

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“I know that human being and fish can coexist peacefully.”

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“A tax cut is really one of the anecdotes to coming out of an economic illness.

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“I became totally inebriated with hitting the big one. ~  on oil drilling ~ Texas Monthly ~ May 1994

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“Drug therapies are replacing a lot of medicines as we used to know it.“

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“I think we ought to raise the age at which juveniles can have a gun.”

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Mr. Vice President, in all due respect, it is–I’m not sure 80 percent of the people get the death tax. I know this: 100 percent will get it if I’m the president. ~  to Albert Gore, Junior

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Quotas are bad for America. It’s not the way America is all about.

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This campaign not only hears the voices of the entrepreneurs and the farmers and the entrepreneurs, we hear the voices of those struggling to get ahead.

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One word sums up probably the responsibility of any Governor, and that one word is ‘to be prepared.

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

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Bushisms in 1999:

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“What I’m against is quotas. I’m against hard quotas, quotas that basically delineate based upon whatever. However they delineate, quotas, I think, vulcanize society.” ~ in Austin American-Statesman ~ March 23, 1999

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“Kosovians can move back in.” ~ CNN Inside Politics ~ April 9, 1999

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“Keep good relations with the Grecians.” ~ George Bush quoted in Economist ~ June 12, 1999

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“If the East Timorians decide to revolt, I’m sure I’ll have a statement.” ~ George Bush quoted by Maureen Dowd in the New York Times ~ June 16, 1999

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“Governor Bush will not stand for the subsidation of failure.”

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“The only thing I know about Slovakia is what I learned first-hand from your foreign minister, who came to Texas.” ~ to a Slovak journalist after meeting Janez Drnovsek, the Prime Minister of Slovenia ~ quoted by Knight Ridder News Service ~ June 22, 1999

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“It would be presumptive for someone who doesn’t even have the nomination yet to be laying out the list of potential vice presidents.” ~ Austin American-Statesman ~ June 24, 1999

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“I’ve changed my style somewhat… I’m more interacting with people.”

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“Sitting down and reading a 500-page book on public policy or philosophy or something.” ~ naming something he isn’t good at ~ Talk magazine, September 1999

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“The important question is, how many hands have I shaked?” ~ George Bush quoted in Washington Post and New York Times ~ October 23, 1999

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“General. I can’t name the general.”~ unable to name the President of Pakistan ~ George Bush in Boston, Massachusetts on November 3, 1999

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What I’m suggesting to you is, if you can’t name the foreign minister of Mexico, therefore, you know, you’re not capable of what you do. But the truth of the matter is you are, whether you can or not. ~ George Bush quoted in Seattle Post-Intelligencer on Nov. 6, 1999

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“I think it’s important for those of us in a position of responsibility to be firm in sharing our experiences, to understand that the babies out of wedlock is a very difficult chore for mom and baby alike. … I believe we ought to say there is a different alternative than the culture that is proposed by people like Miss Wolf in society. … And, you know, hopefully, condoms will work, but it hasn’t worked” ~ interview with Tim Russert ~ Meet the Press, November 21, 1999

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“I saw the report that children in Texas are going hungry. Where? You’d think the governor would have heard if there are pockets of hunger in Texas.” (Texas ranked second in total number of children living in poverty) ~ to Austin American-Statesman, December 18, 1999

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“It’s not the Governor’s role to decide who goes to Heaven. I believe that God decides who goes to Heaven, not George W. Bush.”

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Bushisms on the campaign trail in 2000:

“I wish you all a continued happy new year, and I look forward to seeing you at the next availability.” ~ press conference on Cabinet appointees ~ January 2, 2000

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“The person who runs FEMA is someone who must have the trust of the President. Because the person who runs FEMA is the first voice, often times, of someone whose life has been turned upside down hears from.” ~ Austin, Texas ~ January 4, 2000

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“Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?” ~ Florence, South Carolina ~ January 11, 2000

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“This is still a dangerous world. It’s a world of madmen and uncertainty and potential mental losses.” ~ campaigning at a South Carolina oyster roast, as quoted in Financial Times ~ January 14, 2000

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“The administration I’ll bring is a group of men and women who are focused on what’s best for America, honest men and women, decent men and women, women who will see service to our country as a great privilege and who will not stain the house.” ~ Des Moines Register debate, Des Moines, Iowa ~ January 15, 2000

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“This is Preservation Month. I appreciate preservation. It’s what you do when you run for president. You gotta preserve.” ~ during “Perseverance Month” in New Hampshire

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“If this were a dictatorship it would be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I was the dictator.” ~ January 19, 2000

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“What I am against is quotas. I am against hard quotas, quotas they basically delineate based upon whatever. However they delineate, quotas, I think vulcanize society. So I don’t know how that fits into what everybody else is saying, their relative positions, but that’s my position.” ~ quoted by Molly Ivins, San Francisco Chronicle ~ January 21, 2000

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“When I was coming up, it was a dangerous world, and you knew exactly who they were … It was us vs. them, and it was clear who them was. Today, we are not so sure who the they are, but we know they’re there.” ~ campaigning at Iowa Western Community College ~ January 21, 2000

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“I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family.” ~ to Greater Nashua, New Hampshire’s Chamber of Commerce ~ January 27, 2000

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“Will the highways on the Internet become more few?” ~ Concord, New Hampshire ~ January 29, 2000

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“The most important job is not to be governor, or first lady in my case.” ~ Pella, Iowa, as quoted by the San Antonio Express-News ~ January 30, 2000

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“We ought to make the pie higher.” ~ debate between Republican rivals for the party’s nomination for Presidency of the United States ~ South Carolina ~ February 15, 2000

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“How do you know if you don’t measure if you have a system that simply suckles kids through?” ~ ‘explaining’ the need for educational accountability in Beaufort, South Carolina ~ February 16, 2000

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“I understand small business growth. I was one.” ~ New York Daily News ~ February 19, 2000

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“I’m very gracious and humbled.” ~to Cokie Roberts, This Week, February 20, 2000

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“If you’re sick and tired of the politics of cynicism and polls and principles, come and join this campaign.” ~ Hilton Head, South Carolina ~ February 16, 2000

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“He can’t take the high horse and then claim the low road.” ~ to reporters in Florence, South Carolina, referring to rival Senator John McCain ~ February 17, 2000

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“I don’t have to accept their tenants. I was trying to convince those college students to accept my tenants.” ~ Today show, February 23, 2000

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“It’s evolutionary, going from governor to president, and this is a significant step, to be able to vote for yourself on the ballot, and I’ll be able to do so next fall, I hope.” –In an interview with the Associated Press ~ March 8, 2000

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“I’ve got a record, a record that is conservative and a record that is compassionated.” ~ March 2000

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“I worry. I’m very worried about, you know, the kid who just wonders whether America is meant for him. I really worry about that. And uh, so, I’m running for a reason.” –Interview with the Washington Post, March 23, 2000

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“Reading is the basics for all learning.” ~announcing his “Reading First” initiative in Reston, Virginia ~ March 28, 2000

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“Other Republican candidates may retort to personal attacks and negative ads.” ~ fund-raising letter quoted in the Washington Post, March 24, 2000

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“I worry. I’m very worried about, you know, the kid who just wonders whether America is meant for him. I really worry about that. And uh, so, I’m running for a reason.” ~ interview with Washington Post ~ March 23, 2000

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“It’s evolutionary, going from governor to president, and this is a significant step, to be able to vote for yourself on the ballot, and I’ll be able to do so next fall, I hope.” ~ interview with the Associated Press, March 8, 2000

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“I think anybody who doesn’t think I’m smart enough to handle the job is underestimating.” ~ U.S. News & World Report, April 3, 2000

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“Laura and I really don’t realize how bright our children is sometimes until we get an objective analysis.” ~ Meet the Press, April 15, 2000

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“I was raised in the West. The west of Texas. It’s pretty close to California. In more ways than Washington, D.C., is close to California.” ~ Los Angeles Times ~ April 8, 2000

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“… I hope the ambitious realize that they are more likely to succeed with success as opposed to failure.” ~ Associated Press ~ April 18, 2000

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Because the picture on the newspaper. It just seems so un-American to me, the picture of the guy storming the house with a scared little boy there. I talked to my little brother, Jeb–I haven’t told this to many people. But he’s the governor of–I shouldn’t call him my little brother–my brother, Jeb, the great governor of Texas. ~ George Bush referring to the governor of Florida on The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer ~ April 27, 2000

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“It’s clearly a budget. It’s got a lot of numbers in it.” ~ George Bush quoted by Reuters news service ~ May 5, 2000

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“I think we agree, the past is over.” ~ George Bush on rival Senator John McCain ~ Dallas Morning News ~ May 10, 2000

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I’m gonna talk about the ideal world, Chris. I’ve read–I understand reality. If you’re asking me as the president, would I understand reality, I do. ~ George Bush on abortion ~ Hardball with Chris Matthews ~ MSNBC ~ May 31, 2000

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“The only things that I can tell you is that every case I have reviewed I have been comfortable with the innocence or guilt of the person that I’ve looked at. I do not believe we’ve put a guilty … I mean innocent person to death in the state of Texas.” All Things Considered, National Public Radio ~ June 16, 2000

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“Actually, I–this may sound a little West Texan to you, but I like it. When I’m talking about–when I’m talking about myself, and when he’s talking about myself, all of us are talking about me.”

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“This case has had full analyzation and has been looked at a lot.” ~ Seattle Post-Intelligencer ~ June 23, 2000

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Bushisms in late 2000:

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“Well, I think if you say you’re going to do something and don’t do it, that’s trustworthiness.”

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“I do know I’m ready for the job. And, if not, that’s just the way it goes.” ~ Des Moines, Iowa ~ August 21, 2000

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“They [farmers] will be in the forethought of our thinking.” ~ campaigning in Salinas, California ~ August 10, 2000

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“I have a different vision of leadership. A leadership is someone who brings people together.” ~ campaigning in Bartlett, Tennessee ~ August 18, 2000

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“The point is, this is a way to help inoculate me about what has come and is coming.” ~ interview with the New York Times ~ September 2, 2000

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“We’ll let our friends be the peacekeepers and the great country called America will be the pacemakers.” ~ Houston, Texas, September 6, 2000

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“We don’t believe in planners and deciders making the decisions on behalf of Americans.” ~ Scranton, Pennsylvania ~ September 6, 2000

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“That’s Washington. That’s the place where you find people getting ready to jump out of the foxholes before the first shot is fired.” ~ Westland, Michigan ~ September 8, 2000

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“I don’t think we need to be subliminable about the differences between our views on prescription drugs.” ~ campaigning in Orlando, Florida ~ September 12, 2000

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“The best way to relieve families from time is to let them keep some of their own money.” ~ campaigning in Westminster, Calif., September 13, 2000

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“The woman who knew that I had dyslexia–I never interviewed her.” ~ Orange, California ~ September 15, 2000

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“A tax cut is really one of the anecdotes to coming out of an economic illness.” ~ The Edge With Paula Zahn ~ September 18, 2000

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“I am a person who recognizes the fallacy of humans.” ~ Oprah Winfrey Show ~ September 19, 2000

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“It is clear our nation is reliant upon big foreign oil. More and more of our imports come from overseas.” ~ Beaverton, Oregon ~ September 25, 2000

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“I will have a foreign-handed foreign policy.” ~ Redwood, California ~ September 27, 2000

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“I would have my Secretary of Treasury be in touch with the financial centers, not only here but at home.” ~ Boston, Massachusetts ~ October 3, 2000

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“It’s going to require numerous IRA agents.” ~ regarding Senator Gore’s tax plan ~ October 10, 2000

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“Our priorities is our faith.” ~ Greensboro, North Carolina ~ October 10, 2000

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“I mean, there needs to be a wholesale effort against racial profiling, which is illiterate children.” ~ second presidential-candidate debate, on October 11, 2000

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“Families is where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream.” ~ campaigning in LaCrosse, Wisconsin on October 18, 2000

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“If affirmative action means what I just described, what I’m for, then I’m for it.” ~ campaigning in Saint Louis, Missouri on October 18, 2000

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“I want to reduce our own nu-que-lar capacities to the level commiserate with keeping the peace.” ~ Des Moines, Iowa on October 23, 2000

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“It’s important for us to explain to our nation that life is important. It’s not only life of babies, but it’s life of children living in, you know, the dark dungeons of the Internet.” ~ Arlington Heights, Illinois on October 24, 2000

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“That’s a chapter, the last chapter of the 20th, 20th, the 21st century that most of us would rather forget. The last chapter of the 20th century. This is the first chapter of the 21st century.” ~ on the Monica Lewinsky/President Clinton scandal ~ Arlington Heights, Illinois on October 24, 2000

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“…if I’m the one, when I put my hand on the Bible, when I put my hand on the Bible, that day when they swear us in, when I put my hand on the Bible, I will swear to not–to uphold the laws of the land.” ~ campaigning in Toledo, Ohio ~ October 27, 2000

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“They said, ‘You know, this issue doesn’t seem to resignate with the people.’ And I said, you know something? Whether it resignates or not doesn’t matter to me, because I stand for doing what’s the right thing, and what the right thing is hearing the voices of people who work.” ~ Portland, Oregon ~ October 31, 2000

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“They want the federal government controlling Social Security like it’s some kind of federal program.” ~ campaigning in Saint Charles, Missouri on November 2, 2000

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“They misunderestimated me.” ~ in Bentonville, Arkansas on November 6, 2000

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“The legislature’s job is to write law. It’s the executive branch’s job to interpret law.” ~ campaigning in Austin, Texas on November 22, 2000

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“As far as the legal hassling and wrangling and posturing in Florida, I would suggest you talk to our team in Florida led by Jim Baker.” ~ resting in Crawford, Texas on November 30, 2000

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“I am mindful of the difference between the executive branch and the legislative branch. I assured all four of these leaders that I know the difference, and that difference is they pass the laws and I execute them.” ~ Washington, D.C. on December 18, 2000

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“Let me put it to you this way, I am not a revengeful person.” ~ quoted in Time magazine’s December 25, 2000 issue

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George Bush in 2001:

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She is a member of a labor union at one point. ~ on his nomination of Linda Chavez as Secretary of Labor Austin, Texas ~ January 2, 2001

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The person who runs FEMA is someone who must have the trust of the president. Because the person who runs FEMA is the first voice, often times, of someone whose life has been turned upside down hears from. ~   in Austin, Texas on January 4, 2001.

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I mean, these good folks are revolutionizing how businesses conduct their business. And, like them, I am very optimistic about our position in the world and about its influence on the United States. We’re concerned about the short-term economic news, but long-term I’m optimistic. And so, I hope investors, you know—secondly, I hope investors hold investments for periods of time—that I’ve always found the best investments are those that you salt away based on economics.  ~  in Austin, Texas on January 4, 2001 .

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I do remain confident in Linda. She’ll make a fine labor secretary. From what I’ve read in the press accounts, she’s perfectly qualified. ~ in Austin, Texas on January 8, 2001

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I would have to ask the questioner. I haven’t had a chance to ask the questioners the question they’ve been questioning. On the other hand, I firmly believe she’ll be a fine secretary of labor. And I’ve got confidence in Linda Chavez. She is a—she’ll bring an interesting perspective to the Labor Department. ~  in Austin, Texas on January 8, 2001
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. I want it to be said that the Bush administration was a results-oriented administration, because I believe the results of focusing our attention and energy on teaching children to read and having an education system that’s responsive to the child and to the parents, as opposed to mired in a system that refuses to change, will make America what we want it to be–a more literate country and a hopefuller country.  ~  in Washington, D.C. on January 11, 2001

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Redefining the role of the United States from enablers to keep the peace to enablers to keep the peace from peacekeepers is going to be an assignment.~ interview with the New York Times ~ January 14, 2001
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I’m hopeful. I know there is a lot of ambition in Washington, obviously. But I hope the ambitious realize that they are more likely to succeed with success as opposed to failure. ~ interview with the Associated Press ~ Jan. 18, 2001

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She’s just trying to make sure Anthony gets a good meal—Antonio. ~on Laura Bush inviting Justice Antonin Scalia to dinner at the White House ~ NBC Nightly News With Tom Brokaw ~ January 14, 2001

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If he’s–the inference is that somehow he thinks slavery is a–is a noble institution I would–I would strongly reject that assumption–that John Ashcroft is a open-minded, inclusive person. ~ NBC Nightly News With Tom Brokaw ~ January 14, 2001

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The California crunch really is the result of not enough power-generating plants and then not enough power to power the power of generating plants.~ interview with the New York Times, January 14, 2001

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Then I went for a run with the other dog and just walked. And I started thinking about a lot of things. I was able to—I can’t remember what it was. Oh, the inaugural speech, started thinking through that. ~ U.S. News & World Report ~ January 22, 2001

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.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.~ San Francisco Chronicle ~ January 23, 2001

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I appreciate that question because I, in the state of Texas, had heard a lot of discussion about a faith-based initiative eroding the important bridge between church and state. ~ January 29, 2001

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I am mindful not only of preserving executive powers for myself, but for predecessors as well. ~ in Washington, D.C. ~ January 29, 2001

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There’s no such thing as legacies. At least, there is a legacy, but I’ll never see it. ~ White House ~ January 31, 2001

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I confirmed to the prime minister that we appreciate our friendship. ~ after meeting Prime Minister Jean Chrétien of Canada ~ February 5, 2001

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We’re concerned about AIDS inside our White House—make no mistake about it. ~ in Washington, D.C. ~ February 7, 2001

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It’s good to see so many friends here in the Rose Garden. This is our first event in this beautiful spot, and it’s appropriate we talk about policy that will affect people’s lives in a positive way in such a beautiful, beautiful part of our national—really, our national park system, my guess is you would want to call it. ~ in Washington, D.C. ~ February 8, 2001

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One reason I like to highlight reading is, reading is the beginnings of the ability to be a good student. And if you can’t read, it’s going to be hard to realize dreams; it’s going to be hard to go to college. So when your teachers say, read—you ought to listen to her. ~ in Nalle Elementary School, Washington, D.C. ~ February 9, 2001

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Home is important. It’s important to have a home. ~  Crawford, Texas ~ February 18, 2001

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You teach a child to read, and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test.  ~ February 21, 2001 ~ quoted in March 5 Newsweek magazine

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I have said that the sanction regime is like Swiss cheese – that meant that they weren’t very effective. ~ in a White House press conference on February 22, 2001

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We both use Colgate toothpaste. ~  on what he and British Prime Minister Tony Blair have in common ~ Camp David, Maryland ~ February 23, 2001

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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. ~ radio address on February 24, 2001

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My pan plays down an unprecedented amount of our national debt. ~  to U.S. Congress on February 27, 2001

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This administration is doing everything we can to end the stalemate in an efficient way. We’re making the right decisions to bring the solution to an end. ~ Washington, D.C. ~ April 10, 2001

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But I also made it clear to Vladimir Putin that it’s important to think beyond the old days of when we had the concept that if we blew each other up, the world would be safe. ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 1, 2001

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If a person doesn’t have the capacity that we all want that person to have, I suspect hope is in the far distant future, if at all. ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 22, 2001

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The power that be, well most of the power that be, sits right here. ~ Washington, D.C. ~ June 18, 2001

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My administration has been calling upon all the leaders in the – in the Middle East to do everything they can to stop the violence, to tell the different parties involved that peace will never happen.

There’s a lot of people in the Middle East who are desirous to get into the Mitchell process. And – but first things first. The – these terrorist acts and, you know, the responses have got to end in order for us to get the framework – the groundwork – not framework, the groundwork to discuss a framework for peace, to lay the -all right. ~ referring to former Senator George Mitchell’s report on potential Middle East peace ~ Crawford, Texas ~ August 13, 2001

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One of the interesting initiatives we’ve taken in Washington, D.C., is we’ve got these vampire-busting devices. A vampire is a – a cell deal you can plug in the wall to charge your cell phone. ~ Denver, Colorado ~ August 14, 2001

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They misunderestimated the compassion of our country. I think they misunderestimated the will and determination of the commander in chief, too. ~ George Bush, in C.I.A. Headquarters ~ Langley, Virginia. ~ September 26, 2001

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We cannot let terrorists and rogue nations hold this nation hostile or hold our allies hostile. ~ George Bush

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I am here to make an announcement that this Thursday, ticket counters and airplanes will fly out of Ronald Reagan Airport. ~ Washington, D.C. ~ October 3, 2001

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There’s no doubt in my mind, not one doubt in my mind, that we will fail. ~ George Bush to U.S. Labor Department in Washington, D.C. ~ October 4, 2001

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Bushisms in 2002 and beyond:

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This foreign policy stuff is a little frustrating. ~ George Bush ~ New York Daily News ~ April 23, 2002

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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 Bush ~ Nashville Convention Center ~ September 17, 2002

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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. ~ George Bush ~ August 5, 2004

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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. ~ George Bush in Poplar Bluff, Missouri ~ September 6, 2004

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Bushisms in 2005:

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I’m also mindful that man should never try to put words in God’s mouth. I mean, we should never ascribe natural disasters or anything else to God. We are in no way, shape, or form should a human being, play God. ~ George Bush, on ABC’s 20/20 television show ~ Washington D.C. ~ January 14, 2005

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I speak plainly sometimes, but you’ve got to be mindful of the consequences of the words. So put that down. I don’t know if you’d call that a confession, a regret, something. ~ George Bush, to reporters in Washington, D.C. on January 14, 2005

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Because he’s hiding. ~ George Bush to a reporter asking why Osama bin Laden has not been caught ~ George Bush, on Air Force One ~ January 14, 2005

I want to appreciate those of you who wear our nation’s uniform for your sacrifice.” ~ George Bush, in Jacksonville, Florida on Jan. 14, 2005

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I can’t wait to join you in the joy of welcoming neighbors back into neighborhoods, and small businesses up and running, and cutting those ribbons that somebody is creating new jobs. ~ George Bush, in Poplarville, Mississippi ~ September 5, 2005

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We look forward to hearing your vision, so we can more better do our job. ~ George Bush, in Gulfport, Mississippi ~ September 20, 2005

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Brownie, you’re doing a heck of a job. ~ George Bush, to disgraced FEMA Director Mike Brown

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________________________________________________________

Bushisms in 2006:

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“As you can possibly see, I have an injury myself — not here at the hospital, but in combat with a cedar. I eventually won. The cedar gave me a little scratch. As a matter of fact, the Colonel asked if I needed first aid when she first saw me. I was able to avoid any major surgical operations here, but thanks for your compassion, Colonel.” ~ Amputee Care Center of Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas ~ January 1, 2006

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“You took an oath to defend our flag and our freedom, and you kept that oath underseas and under fire.”~ to war veterans ~ Washington, D.C. ~ January 10, 2006

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“It’s a heck of a place to bring your family.” ~ New Orleans, Louisiana ~ January 12, 2006
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“He was a state sponsor of terror. In other words, the government had declared, you are a state sponsor of terror.” ~ on Saddam Hussein ~ Manhattan, Kansas ~ January 23, 2006

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“I’ll be glad to talk about ranching, but I haven’t seen the movie. I’ve heard about it. I hope you go — you know — I hope you go back to the ranch and the farm is what I’m about to say.” ~ on whether he’d seen movie Brokeback Mountain ~ Manhattan, Kansas ~ January 23, 2006

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“I like my buddies from west Texas. I liked them when I was young, I liked them then I was middle-age, I liked them before I was president, and I like them during president, and I like them after president.” ~ Nashville, Tennessee ~ February 1, 2006

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“I think it’s really important for this great state of baseball to reach out to people of all walks of life to make sure that the sport is inclusive. The best way to do it is to convince little kids how to–the beauty of playing baseball.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ February 13, 2006

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“And I want those who are questioning it to step up and explain why all of a sudden a Middle Eastern company is held to a different standard than a Great British company.” ~ on proposal to employ a company controlled by the United Arab Emirates to manage ports in the United States ~ February 21, 2006

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“People don’t need to worry about security. This deal wouldn’t go forward if we were concerned about the security for the United States of America.” ~ on a deal to turn-over U.S. ports security to a company operated by the United Arab Emirates ~ Washington, D.C. ~ February 23, 2006

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“I believe that a prosperous, democratic Pakistan will be a steadfast partner for America, a peaceful neighbor for India, and a force for freedom and moderation in the Arab world.” ~mistakenly identifying Pakistan as an Arab country ~ Islamabad, Pakistan ~ March 3, 2006

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“And so I’m for medical liability at the federal level.” ~ on medical liability reform ~ Washington, D.C. ~ March 10, 2006
..

“After the bombing, most Iraqis saw what the perpetuators of this attack were trying to do.” ~ on the bombing of the Golden Mosque of Samarra in Iraq ~ March 13, 2006

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“If the Iranians were to have a nuclear weapon they could proliferate.” ~ Washington D.C. ~ March 21, 2006

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“No question that the enemy has tried to spread sectarian violence. They use violence as a tool to do that.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ March 22, 2006

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“I strongly believe what we’re doing is the right thing. If I didn’t believe it — I’m going to repeat what I said before — I’d pull the troops out, nor if I believed we could win, I would pull the troops out.” ~Charlotte, North Carolina ~ April 6, 2006

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“I’m the decider, and I decide what is best. And what’s best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain as the Secretary of Defense.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ April 18, 2006

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“I aim to be a competitive nation.” ~ San Jose, California ~ April 21, 2006

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..
“I can look you in the eye and tell you I feel I’ve tried to solve the problem diplomatically to the max, and would have committed troops both in Afghanistan and Iraq knowing what I know today.” ~ Irvine, California ~ April 24, 2006

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“I was not pleased that Hamas has refused to announce its desire to destroy Israel.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 4, 2006
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“If people want to get to know me better, they’ve got to know my parents and the values my parents instilled in me, and the fact that I was raised in West Texas, in the middle of the desert, a long way away from anywhere, hardly. There’s a certain set of values you learn in that experience.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 5, 2006.

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“You never know what your history is going to be like until long after you’re gone.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 5, 2006
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“The point now is how do we work together to achieve important goals. And one such goal is a democracy in Germany.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 5, 2006
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“That’s called, A Charge To Keep, based upon a religious hymn. The hymn talks about serving God. The president’s job is never to promote a religion.” ~ to German newspaper reporter Kai Diekmann, in the Oval Office ~ May 5, 2006
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“That’s George Washington, the first President, of course. The interesting thing about him is that I read three — three or four books about him last year. Isn’t that interesting?” ~ to German newspaper reporter Kai Diekmann, in the Oval Office ~ May 5, 2006
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“Finally, the desk, where we’ll have our picture taken in front of — is nine other Presidents used it. This was given to us by Queen Victoria in the 1870s, I think it was. President Roosevelt put the door in so people would not know he was in a wheelchair. John Kennedy put his head out the door.” ~ to newspaper reporter Kai Diekmann, in the Oval Office ~ May 5, 2006
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“I would say the best moment of all was when I caught a 7.5 pound largemouth bass in my lake.” ~ on his best moment in office ~ interview by German newspaper Bild am Sonntag ~ May 7, 2006

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“Trying to stop suiciders — which we’re doing a pretty good job of on occasion — is difficult to do. And what the Iraqis are going to have to eventually do is convince those who are conducting suiciders who are not inspired by Al Qaeda, for example, to realize there’s a peaceful tomorrow.” –George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., May 24, 2006

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“I tell people, let’s don’t fear the future, let’s shape it.” ~ Omaha, Nebraska ~ June 7, 2006

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“I think — tide turning — see, as I remember — I was raised in the desert, but tides kind of — it’s easy to see a tide turn — did I say those words?” –George W. Bush, asked if the tide was turning in Iraq, Washington, D.C., June 14, 2006

“We shouldn’t fear a world that is more interacted.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ June 27, 2006

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“I’ve reminded the prime minister-the American people, Mr. Prime Minister, over the past months that it was not always a given that the United States and America would have a close relationship.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ June 29, 2006

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“One thing is clear, is relations between America and Russia are good, and they’re important that they be good.” ~ Strelna, Russia ~ July 15, 2006

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“See, the irony is that what they need to do is get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this s**t, and it’s over.” ~ to British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the G8 summit ~ Saint Petersburg, Russia ~ July 17, 2006

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“The United States of America is engaged in a war against an extremist group of folks.” ~ to C.I.A. ~ McLean, Virginia ~ August 15, 2006

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“I would guess, I would surmise that some of the more spectacular bombings are done by al Qaeda suiciders.” ~ on violence in Iraq ~ Washington, D.C. ~ August 21, 2006

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“And I suspect that what you’ll see, Toby, is there will be a momentum, momentum will be gathered. Houses will begat jobs, jobs will begat houses.” ~ to a newsreporter ~ Gulfport, Mississippi ~ August 28, 2006

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“I said I was looking for a book to read, Laura said you ought to try Camus. I also read three Shakespeares. … I’ve got a eck-a-lec-tic reading list.” ~ to NBC’s Brian Williams ~ New Orleans, Louisiana ~ August 29, 2006

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“You know, one of the hardest parts of my job is to connect Iraq to the war on terror.” ~ to CBS News’ Katie Couric ~ September 6, 2006

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“The Patriot Act has increased the flow of information within our government and it has helped break up terrorist cells in the United States of America. And the United States Congress was right to renew the terrorist act — the Patriot Act.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ September 7, 2006

“You’re one of the outstanding leaders in a very important part of the world. I want to thank you for strategizing our discussions.” ~to the Prime Minister of Malaysia ~New York, New York ~ September 18, 2006

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“I like to tell people when the final history is written on Iraq, it will look like just a comma because there is — my point is, there’s a strong will for democracy.” ~ to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer ~ September 24, 2006

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“I will not withdraw, even if Laura and Barney are the only ones supporting me.” ~ to key Republicans~ quoted by Bob Woodward

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“This morning my administration released the budget numbers for fiscal 2006. These budget numbers are not just estimates; these are the actual results for the fiscal year that ended February the thirtieth.” ~ on the fiscal year that ended September 30 ~ Washington, D.C. ~ October 11, 2006

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“One has a stronger hand when there’s more people playing your same cards.” ~ on holding six-party talks with North Korea ~ Washington, D.C.~ October 11, 2006

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“We’re never been ’stay the course,’ George.” ~ to ABC’s George Stephanopoulos ~ attempting to distance himself from his core strategy in Iraq for the last three years ~ October 22, 2006

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“You know, when I campaigned here in 2000, I said, I want to be a war President. No President wants to be a war President, but I am one.” ~ Des Moines, Iowa ~ October 26, 2006

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“Anybody who is in a position to serve this country ought to understand the consequences of words.” ~ to Rush Limbaugh ~ November 1, 2006

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“The only way we can win is to leave before the job is done.” ~ Greeley, Colorado ~ November 4, 2006

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“This business about graceful exit just simply has no realism to it at all.” ~ on speculation that troops could be withdrawn from Iraq ~ Amman, Jordan ~ November 30, 2006

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“It’s bad in Iraq. Does that help?” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ December 7, 2006

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“Make no mistake about it, I understand how tough it is, sir. I talk to families who die.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ December 7, 2006

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“And truth of the matter is, a lot of reports in Washington are never read by anybody. To show you how important this one is, I read it, and our guest read it.” ~ on the Baker-Hamilton Report, appearing with British Prime Minister Tony Blair ~ Washington, D.C. ~ December 7, 2006

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._______________________________________________________

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Bushisms in 2007:

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The best way to defeat the totalitarian of hate is with an ideology of hope — an ideology of hate — excuse me –with an ideology of hope. ~ George Bush in Fort Benning, Georgia ~ January 11, 2007

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And one thing we want during this war on terror is for people to feel like their life’s moving on, that they’re able to make a living and send their kids to college and put more money on the table” ~ George Bush on The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer ~ January 16, 2007

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“And there is distrust in Washington. I am surprised, frankly, at the amount of distrust that exists in this town. And I’m sorry it’s the case, and I’ll work hard to try to elevate it.” ~ on National Public Radio ~ January 29, 2007

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“I think that the vice president is a person reflecting a half-glass-full mentality.” ~ interview on National Public Radio ~ January 29, 2007

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“I’m a strong proponent of the restoration of the wetlands, for a lot of reasons. There’s a practical reason, though, when it comes to hurricanes: The stronger the wetlands, the more likely the damage of the hurricane.” ~ New Orleans ~ March 1, 2007

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“Some call this civil war; others call it emergency — I call it pure evil.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ March 28, 2007

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“They’re innocent, they were doing nothing, and they were summarily plucked out of water.” ~ on British sailors seized by Iran in the Persian Gulf ~ Camp David ~ March 31, 2007

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“Iraq is a very important part of securing the homeland, and it’s a very important part of helping change the Middle East into a part of the world that will not serve as a threat to the civilized world, to people like — or to the developed world, to people like — in the United States.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ April 3, 2007

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“Suiciders are willing to kill innocent life in order to send the projection that this is an impossible mission.” –George W. Busy, Washington, D.C., April 3, 2007

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“And my concern, David, is several.” ~ to NBC’s David Gregory ~ Washington, D.C. ~ April 3, 2007

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“The solution to Iraq — an Iraq that can govern itself, sustain itself and defend itself — is more than a military mission. Precisely the reason why I sent more troops into Baghdad.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ April 3, 2007

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“That’s why we are inconveniencing air traffickers, to make sure nobody is carrying weapons on airplanes.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ April 3, 2007

“There are jobs Americans aren’t doing. … If you’ve got a chicken factory, a chicken-plucking factory, or whatever you call them, you know what I’m talking about.” ~ Tipp City, Ohio ~ April 19, 2007

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“There are some similarities, of course (between Iraq and Vietnam). Death is terrible.” ~ Tipp City, Ohio ~ April 19, 2007

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“I’ve been in politics long enough to know that polls just go poof at times.” ~ Tipp City, Ohio ~ April 19, 2007

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“My job is a job to make decisions. I’m a decision — if the job description were, what do you do — it’s decision maker.” ~ Tipp City, Ohio ~ April 19, 2007

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“Politics comes and goes, but your principles don’t. And everybody wants to be loved — not everybody. … You never heard anybody say, ‘I want to be despised, I’m running for office.’” ~ Tipp City, Ohio ~ April 19, 2007

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“I said to her, make sure the rug says ‘optimistic person comes to work.’” ~ on instructions to First Lady Laura Bush in choosing a rug for the Oval Office ~ Tipp City, Ohio ~ April 19, 2007

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“One of my concerns is that the health care not be as good as it can possibly be.” ~ on military benefits ~ Tipp City, Ohio ~ April 19, 2007

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“Forms of government matter, in my opinion. It matters how — the nature of the government in which people live.” ~ Tipp City, Ohio ~ April 19, 2007

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“My attitude is, if they’re still writing about (number) one, 43 doesn’t need to worry about it.” ~ on his legacy, Tipp City, Ohio ~ April 19, 2007

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“A good marriage is really good after serving together in Washington, D.C.” ~ Tipp City, Ohio ~ April 19, 2007

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“The best thing about my family is my wife. She is a great first lady. I know that sounds not very objective, but that’s how I feel. And she’s also patient. Putting up with me requires a lot of patience.” ~ Tipp City, Ohio ~ April 19, 2007

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“And so, what General Petraeus is saying, some early signs, still dangerous, but give me — give my chance a plan to work.” ~ to Charlie Rose ~ April 24, 2007

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“Information is moving — you know, nightly news is one way, of course, but it’s also moving through the blogosphere and through the internets.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 2, 2007

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“The question is, who ought to make that decision? The Congress or the commanders? And as you know, my position is clear — I’m a commander guy.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 2, 2007

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“Wisdom and strength, and my family, is what I’d like for you to pray for.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 2, 2007

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“Either we’ll succeed, or we won’t succeed. And the definition of success as I described is sectarian violence down. Success is not no violence.” ~ on Iraq ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 2, 2007

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“I’m honored to be here with the eternal general of the United States, mi amigo Alberto Gonzales.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 4, 2007

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“You helped our nation celebrate its bicentennial in 17 — 1976.” ~ to Queen Elizabeth ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 7, 2007

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“What I’m telling you is there’s too many junk lawsuits suing too many doctors.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 10, 2007

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“There’s a lot of blowhards in the political process, you know, a lot of hot-air artists, people who have got something fancy to say.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 17, 2007

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“My relationship with this good man is where I’ve been focused, and that’s where my concentration is. And I don’t regret any other aspect of it. And so I — we filled a lot of space together.” ~ on British Prime Minister Tony Blair ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 17, 2007

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“Bush goes to Hel. That’s what a lot of people want.” ~ on his visit to Hel Peninsula, Gdansk, Poland ~ June 8, 2007

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“These are big achievements for this country, and the people of Bulgaria ought to be proud of the achievements that they have achieved.” ~ Sofia, Bulgaria ~ June 11, 2007

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“This process has been drug out a long time, which says to me it’s political.” ~regarding Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez ~ Sofia, Bulgaria ~ June 11, 2007

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“Amnesty means that you’ve got to pay a price for having been here illegally, and this bill does that.” ~ on an immigration reform bill ~ Washington, D.C. ~ June 26, 2007

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“I’ve heard he’s been called Bush’s poodle. He’s bigger than that.” ~ on former British Prime Minister Tony Blair ~ Sun newspaper ~ June 27, 2007

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“More than two decades later, it is hard to imagine the Revolutionary War coming out any other way.” ~ Martinsburg, West Virginia ~ July 4, 2007

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“I’m going to try to see if I can remember as much to make it sound like I’m smart on the subject.” ~ regarding a possible flu pandemic ~ Cleveland, Ohio ~ July 10, 2007

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“The same folks that are bombing innocent people in Iraq were the ones who attacked us in America on September the eleventh.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ July 12, 2007

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“You know, I guess I’m like any other political figure. Everybody wants to be loved.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ July 12, 2007

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“We’re kicking ass.” ~ on Iraq ~ to Australian Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile ~ Sydney, Australia ~ September 5, 2007

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“As John Howard accurately noted when he went to thank the Austrian troops there last year…” ~ referring to Australian troops as at APEC Business Summit ~ September 7, 2007

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“Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your introduction. Thank you for being such a fine host for the OPEC summit.” ~ at the APEC summit, Sydney, Australia ~ September 8, 2007

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“I heard somebody say, ‘Where’s (Nelson) Mandela?’ Well, Mandela’s dead. Because Saddam killed all the Mandelas.” ~ on the former South African president, who was still alive ~Washington, D.C. ~ September 20, 2007

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“We’re also talking to different finance ministers about how we can send a message to the Iranian government that the free world is not going to tolerate the development of know-how in how to build a weapon, or at least gain the ability to make a weapon.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ September 20, 2007

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“All of us in America want there to be fairness when it comes to justice.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ September 20, 2007

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“As yesterday’s positive report card shows, childrens do learn when standards are high and results are measured.” ~ on the No Child Left Behind Act ~ Washington, D.C. ~ September 26, 2007

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“I’ve got God’s shoulder to cry on. And I cry a lot. I do a lot of crying in this job. I’ll bet I’ve shed more tears than you can count, as President.” ~ quoted by Robert Draper in Dead Certain

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“I got a lot of Ph.D.-types and smart people around me who come into the Oval Office and say, ‘Mr. President, here’s what’s on my mind.’ And I listen carefully to their advice. But having gathered the device, I decide, you know, I say, ‘This is what we’re going to do.’” ~ Lancaster, Pennsylvania ~ October 3, 2007

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“You know, when you give a man more money in his pocket — in this case, a woman more money in her pocket to expand a business, it — they build new buildings. And when somebody builds a new building somebody has got to come and build the building. And when the building expanded it prevented additional opportunities for people to work.” ~ Lancaster, Pennsylvania ~ October 3, 2007

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“My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions.” ~ Lancaster, Pennsylvania ~ October 3, 2007

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“I fully understand those who say you can’t win this thing militarily. That’s exactly what the United States military says, that you can’t win this military.” ~ on Iraq ~ Washington, D.C. ~ October 17, 2007

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“We’re going to — we’ll be sending a person on the ground there pretty soon to help implement the malaria initiative, and that initiative will mean spreading nets and insecticides throughout the country so that we can see a reduction in death of young children that — a death that we can cure.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ October 18, 2007

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“My hearts are with the Jeffcoats right now, that’s what I’m thinking.” ~ on California wildfire victims Kendra and Jay Jeffcoat ~ San Diego, California ~ October 25, 2007

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“All I can tell you is when the governor calls, I answer his phone.” ~ San Diego, California ~ October 25, 2007

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“I don’t particularly like it when people put words in my mouth, either, by the way, unless I say it.” ~ Crawford, Texas ~ November 10, 2007

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“In other words, he was given an option: Are you with us or are you not with us? And he made a clear decision to be with us, and he’s acted on that advice.” ~ on President Pervez Musharraf ~ Crawford, Texas ~ November 10, 2007

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“The decisions we make in Washington have a direct impact on the people in our country, obviously.” ~ New Albany, Indiana ~ November 13, 2007

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“If you’ve got somebody in harm’s way, you want the president being — making advice, not — be given advice by the military, and not making decisions based upon the latest Gallup poll or focus group.” ~ New Albany, Indiana ~ November 13, 2007

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“In the State of the Union a couple of years ago, I addressed the issue of steroids, and the reason I did so is because I understand the impact that professional athletes can have on our nation’s youth. And I just urge our — those in the public spotlight, particularly athletes, to understand that when they violate their bodies, they’re sending a terrible signal to America’s young.” ~ on the baseball steroids scandal ~ December 14, 2007

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_______________________________________________________

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Bushisms in 2008:

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“I can press when there needs to be pressed; I can hold hands when there needs to be — hold hands.” ~ on contributing to the Middle East peace process ~ Washington, D.C. ~ January 4, 2008

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“There is no doubt in my mind when history was written, the final page will say: Victory was achieved by the United States of America for the good of the world.” ~ addressing troops in Camp Arifjan in Kuwait ~ January 12, 2008

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“I’m oftentimes asked, What difference does it make to America if people are dying of malaria in a place like Ghana? It means a lot. It means a lot morally, it means a lot from a — it’s in our national interest.” ~ in Accra, Ghana ~ February 20, 2008

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“Wait a minute. What did you just say? You’re predicting $4-a-gallon gas? … That’s interesting. I hadn’t heard that.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ February 28, 2008

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“And so, General, I want to thank you for your service. And I appreciate the fact that you really snatched defeat out of the jaws of those who are trying to defeat us in Iraq.” ~ to Army General Ray Odierno ~ Washington, D.C. ~ March 3, 2008

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“Let me start off by saying that in 2000 I said, ‘Vote for me. I’m an agent of change.’ In 2004, I said, ‘I’m not interested in change –I want to continue as president.’ Every candidate has got to say ‘change.’ That’s what the American people expect.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ March 5, 2008

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“I thank the diplomatic corps, who is here as well.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ March 12, 2008

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“Removing Saddam Hussein was the right decision early in my presidency, it is the right decision now, and it will be the right decision ever.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ March 12, 2008

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“Soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and Coastmen — Coast Guardmen, thanks for coming, thanks for wearing the uniform.” ~ Pentagon ~ March 19, 2008

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“Afghanistan is the most daring and ambition mission in the history of NATO.” ~ Bucharest, Romania ~ April 2, 2008

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“So long as I’m the president, my measure of success is victory — and success.”  ~ on Iraq ~ Washington, D.C. ~ April 17, 2008

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“Oftentimes people ask me, ‘Why is it that you’re so focused on helping the hungry and diseased in strange parts of the world?’” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ April 18, 2008

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“We want people owning their home — we want people owning a businesses.”  ~ Washington, D.C. ~ April 18, 2008

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A lot of times in politics you have people look you in the eye and tell you what’s not on their mind.  ~ Sochi, Russia ~ April 6, 2008

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Thank you, Your Holiness. Awesome speech. ~ to Pope Benedict XVI in Washington, D.C. ~ April 16, 2008

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.How can you possibly have an international agreement that’s effective unless countries like China and India are not full participants?  ~ Camp David ~ April 19, 2008

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I don’t want some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander in chief playing golf. I feel I owe it to the families to be in solidarity as best as I can with them. And I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal.  ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 13, 2008

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I’ll be long gone before some smart person ever figures out what happened inside this Oval Office. ~ Washington, D.C. ~ May 12, 2008

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The fact that they purchased the machine meant somebody had to make the machine. And when somebody makes a machine, it means there’s jobs at the machine-making place. ~ Mesa, Arizona ~ May 27, 2008

..

And so the fact that they purchased the machine meant somebody had to make the machine. And when somebody makes a machine, it means there’s jobs at the machine-making place.  ~ Mesa, Arizona ~ May 27, 2008

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Let’s make sure that there is certainty during uncertain times in our economy.  ~ Washington, D.C. ~ June 2, 2008

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We got plenty of money in Washington. What we need is more priority. ~ Washington, D.C. ~ June 2, 2008

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One of the things important about history is to remember the true history.  ~ Washington, D.C. ~ June 6, 2008

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There’s no question this is a major human disaster that requires a strong response from the Chinese government, which is what they’re providing, but it also responds a compassionate response from nations to whom — that have got the blessings, good blessings of life, and that’s us.  ~ on relief efforts after a Chinese earthquake ~ Washington, D.C. ~ June 6, 2008

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We’ve got a lot of relations with countries in our neighborhood. ~ in Kranj, Slovenia ~ June 10, 2008

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The German asparagus are fabulous. ~ Meseberg, Germany ~ June 11, 2008

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Your eminence, you’re looking good. ~ to Pope Benedict XVI ~ Rome ~ June 13, 2008

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There is some who say that perhaps freedom is not universal. Maybe it’s only Western people that can self-govern. Maybe it’s only, you know, white-guy Methodists who are capable of self-government. I reject that notion. ~ London, England ~ June 16, 2008

.

And I, unfortunately, have been to too many disasters as president. ~ on flooding in midwest states ~ Washington, D.C. ~ June 17, 2008

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I want to tell you how proud I am to be the President of a nation that — in which there’s a lot of Philippine-Americans. They love America and they love their heritage. And I reminded the President that I am reminded of the great talent of the — of our Philippine-Americans when I eat dinner at the White House. ~ referring to White House chef Cristeta Comerford ~ to Filipino President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ~ Washington, D.C. ~ June 24, 2008

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But oftentimes I’m asked: Why? Why do you care what happens outside of America? ~ George Bush ~ Washington, D.C. ~ June 26, 2008

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I remember meeting a mother of a child who was abducted by the North Koreans right here in the Oval Office. ~ George Bush ~ Washington, D.C. ~ June 26, 2008

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Should the Iranian regime-do they have the sovereign right to have civilian nuclear power? So, like, if I were you, that’s what I’d ask me. And the answer is, yes, they do. ~ to reporters in Washington, D.C. ~ July 2, 2008

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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.  ~ Charlottesville, Virginia ~ July 4, 2008

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Goodbye from the world’s biggest polluter. ~ to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy at his final G-8 Summit, punching the air and grinning widely as Brown and Sarkozy looked on in shock ~ Rusutsu, Japan ~ July 10, 2008

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“Amigo! Amigo!” ~ calling in Español to Italy’s Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi at the G-8 Summit in Rusutsu, Japan ~ July 10, 2008

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I think it was in the Rose Garden where I issued this brilliant statement: If I had a magic wand — but the president doesn’t have a magic wand. You just can’t say, ‘low gas.’ ~ Washington D.C. ~ July 15, 2008

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“And they have no disregard for human life.” ~ on the brutality of Afghan fighters ~ Washington, D.C. ~ July 15, 2008

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The economy is growing, productivity is high, trade is up, people are working. It’s not as good as we’d like, but — and to the extent that we find weakness, we’ll move.  ~ Washington, D.C. ~ July 15, 2008

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“There’s no question about it. Wall Street got drunk — that’s one of the reasons I asked you to turn off the TV cameras — it got drunk and now it’s got a hangover. The question is how long will it sober up and not try to do all these fancy financial instruments.” ~ at a private fund-raiser in Houston, Texas ~ July 18, 2008

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“I’m coming as the president of a friend, and I’m coming as a sportsman.”  ~ on spectating at the Olympic games in China ~ Washington, D.C. ~ July 30, 2008

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“First of all, I don’t see America having problems.”  ~ interview with Bob Costas at the 2008 Olympics ~ Beijing, China ~ August 10, 2008

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“The people in Louisiana must know that all across our country there’s a lot of prayer — prayer for those whose lives have been turned upside down. And I’m one of them.” ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ September 3, 2008

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“We’re fixing to go down to Galveston and obviously are going to see a devastated part of this fantastic state. ~ Houston, Texas ~ September 16, 2008

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“Anyone engaging in illegal financial transactions will be caught and persecuted.”  ~ Washington, D.C. ~ September 19, 2008

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“I didn’t grow up in the ocean — as a matter of fact — near the ocean — I grew up in the desert. Therefore, it was a pleasant contrast to see the ocean. And I particularly like it when I’m fishing.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ September 26, 2008

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“This thaw — took a while to thaw, it’s going to take a while to unthaw.” ~ on liquidity in the markets ~ Alexandria, Louisiana ~ October 20, 2008

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“I want to share with you an interesting program — for two reasons, one, it’s interesting, and two, my wife thought of it — or has actually been involved with it; she didn’t think of it. But she thought of it for this speech.”  ~ on a company that improves access to clean water in Africa ~ Washington D.C. ~ October 21, 2008

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“Yesterday, you made note of my — the lack of my talent when it came to dancing. But nevertheless, I want you to know I danced with joy. And no question Liberia has gone through very difficult times.”  ~ to the president of Liberia ~ Washington, D.C. ~ October 22, 2008

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“I’ve been in the Bible every day since I’ve been the president.” ~ Washington, D.C. ~ November 12, 2008

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He was a great father before politics, a great father during politics and a great father after politics.  ~ on his father ~ Washington, D.C. ~ November 12, 2008

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You know, I’m the President during this period of time, but I think when the history of this period is written, people will realize a lot of the decisions that were made on Wall Street took place over a decade or so, before I arrived in President, during I arrived in President.  ~ ABC News interview ~ December 1, 2008

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I’ve abandoned free market principles to save the free market system.  ~ Washington, D.C. ~ December 16, 2008

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People say, well, do you ever hear any other voices other than, like, a few people? Of course I do.  ~ Washington, D.C. ~ December 18, 2008

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So I analyzed that and decided I didn’t want to be the president during a depression greater than the Great Depression, or the beginning of a depression greater than the Great Depression.  ~ Washington D.C. ~ December 18, 2008