A George W. Bush Republican

 

President George W. Bush on Air Force One, 9/11/2001.

The front page of the Washington Post has a story about former President George W. Bush with the well-known photo from 9/11/2001 aboard Air Force One, after America had been attacked by Muslim terrorists, on his way from Florida back to Washington, D.C. It is one of my favorite photos of W who became a wartime president in the first year of his administration. His common sense bipartisan leadership is a template for Republicans especially in the partisan-charged atmosphere of current politics.

George W. Bush's leadership comes in many forms ... determined, compassionate, principled, humble, witty, pragmatic, optimistic, persistent, gracious, honest, intelligent, likeable, down-to-earth, inclusive, willingness to make the tough decisions and accept the blow-back without blaming others, and a trait rarely seen in politics -- loyalty.

He had a vision for America. He never apologized for America. He didn't do all the talking ... he listened. He didn't trash people in public dialogue. President Bush didn't just talk diversity ... he practiced it with great leaders like Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice.

He made a promise after 9/11 to protect the Homeland. He kept America safe. His deep respect for military members and their families continues to this day, giving back privately in ways the public is unaware of.

I'm proud to identify myself as a George W. Bush Republican.

9/11, GWB, and the bullhorn speech ... may we never forget

It can never be said enough ... we cannot forget the terrorism attacks of 9/11 and the 3,000 innocent souls who perished that day. I hope those who were too young to be impacted by the events of that day will listen to those who were there.

"USA! USA! USA!" Spontaneous chants roared from the crowd of rescue workers on September 14, 2001, three days after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, as President George W. Bush stood at Ground Zero and, with bullhorn in hand, said the words that were heard around the world:

President Bush: Thank you all. I want you all to know -- it can't go any louder (referring to the bullhorn) -- I want you all to know that America today is on bended knee, in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, for the families who mourn. The nation stands with the good people of New York City and New Jersey and Connecticut as we mourn the loss of thousands of our citizens

Rescue Worker: I can't hear you!

President Bush: I can hear you! 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!

Rescue Workers: (Roar from the crowd) USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!

President Bush: The nation sends its love and compassion ...

Rescue Worker: God bless America!

President Bush: ... to everybody who is here. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for making the nation proud, and may God bless America.

Rescue Workers: (Chanting) USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!

May we never forget.

George W. Bush Presidential Center: 'The 4% Growth Project'

From Karl Rove....

Tomorrow, April 10, the Bush Institute will host Tax Policies for 4% Growth: Evidence from the States, American History, Markets, and Nations at The New-York Historical Society.

I will be moderating a breakout session on the Federal government's record on taxes and I hope you'll visit www.fourpercentgrowth.org to watch the live webcast of the conference and join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag: #4percent.

Through this conference and other events, the 4% Growth Project will identify changes in government policy and business practices that will produce higher growth and advocate those changes to policy makers and the public. The aim of this conference, as well, is to change the economic conversation in America so that it focuses on growth and what causes it.

9/11 Twin Towers steel to be part of George W. Bush Library

"Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and freedom will be defended."
- President George W. Bush (9/11/01)

He was a war-time president so it seems only right that a huge chunk of twisted steel from the terrorism attacks on September 11, 2001, will become a permanent part of former President George W. Bush's library located in Texas. The almost-two ton, 17-foot piece of history will be one of the 43,000 artifacts that will be on display once the library opens:

The 16.7-foot, 1.85-ton piece of mangled steel isn’t just any relic from America’s hallowed ground — experts say it’s “impact steel,” struck directly by one of the hijacked jets that slammed into the Twin Towers on 9/11.

The attacks, that killed 3,000 innocent people, molded a presidency and a nation.

[The 9/11 steel] will share top billing with another 9/11 icon — the famous bullhorn Bush used when speaking to rescue workers from Ground Zero three days after the attacks. Several other mementos will also be on display, including Bush’s handwritten notes from his first public statement on the tragedy.

The library and institute are the repository for 70 million pieces of paper and 80 terabytes of electronic data, including 200 million emails. A full-scale reproduction of the Bush Oval Office will be featured, and Laura Bush has created a Texas rose garden and a North Texas native prairie.

But they all pale by comparison to an ugly piece of steel salvaged from the moment that changed a nation, a President, and all of us forever.

9/11 ... may we never forget.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

This Sunday ... "George W. Bush: The 9/11 Interview"

"I will not forget the wound to our country and those who inflicted it. I will not yield, I will not rest, I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people."

- President George W. Bush, 2001

This is one of my favorite photos of President George W. Bush. Taken on Air Force One in the hours after the 9/11 terrorism attacks, he and his advisers were busy working to protect American citizens after the disaster that had come to our shores.

Sunday night the National Georgraphic Channel will air "George W. Bush: The 9/11 Interview" to kick off its series of remembrances on the 10th anniversary of the tragedy that killed 3,000 innocent people and set in motion military action and a war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Reuters gave details of the interview that took place in May of 2011:

The interview was recorded over two days in May, without any questions being submitted in advance, the channel said.

National Geographic said Bush gives "intimate details'' of his thoughts and feelings in a way never seen before. Most of the interview is about the first minutes and hours of the day that Islamic militants hijacked four planes and crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Executive producer and director Peter Schnall said Bush, who has adopted a low public profile since leaving office in January 2009, brought no notes to the interview.

"What you hear is the personal story of a man who also happened to be our president. Listening to him describe how he grappled with a sense of anger and frustration coupled with his personal mandate to lead our country through this devastating attack was incredibly powerful,'' Schnall said.

The special includes footage from behind the scenes on that historic day that changed America, the world, the American people, and a president who had been in office only eight months but who was determined that his most important priority was the safety of the American people and the homeland. Mission accomplished. For that, we are eternally grateful.

9/11 tenth anniversary remembrances include former President George W. Bush

"I will not forget the wound to our country and those who inflicted it. I will not yield, I will not rest, I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people."

- President George W. Bush, 2001

 The National Geographic Channel will mark the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks with a series of special including one featuring former President George W. Bush. Reuters reported:

The National Geographic Channel will broadcast the hour-long interview on Aug. 28 as part of a week of programs on the cable network called "Remembering 9/11'' that mark the 10th anniversary of the attacks.

The interview was recorded over two days in May, without any questions being submitted in advance, the channel said.

National Geographic said Bush gives "intimate details'' of his thoughts and feelings in a way never seen before. Most of the interview is about the first minutes and hours of the day that Islamic militants hijacked four planes and crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Executive producer and director Peter Schnall said Bush, who has adopted a low public profile since leaving office in January 2009, brought no notes to the interview.

"What you hear is the personal story of a man who also happened to be our president. Listening to him describe how he grappled with a sense of anger and frustration coupled with his personal mandate to lead our country through this devastating attack was incredibly powerful,'' Schnall said.

"Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and freedom will be defended."

- President George W. Bush, 9/11/01

Birthday Wishes to George W. Bush

Today is the birthday of the 43rd President of the United States George W. Bush. He will be immortalized in history for helping to keep Americans safe during the war on terrorism when 3,000 innocent people were killed in the devastating attacks on 9/11/01.

Many thanks to the former President for his leadership and for his continued support of our military troops who protect the freedoms we cherish.

Happy Birthday, President Bush!

President George W. Bush at Ground Zero - 9/14/01

"USA! USA! USA!" Spontaneous chants roared from the crowd of rescue workers on September 14, 2001, three days after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, as President George W. Bush stood at Ground Zero and, with bullhorn in hand, said the words that were heard around the world:

President Bush: Thank you all. I want you all to know -- it can't go any louder (referring to the bullhorn) -- I want you all to know that America today is on bended knee, in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, for the families who mourn. The nation stands with the good people of New York City and New Jersey and Connecticut as we mourn the loss of thousands of our citizens

Rescue Worker: I can't hear you!

President Bush: I can hear you! 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!

Rescue Workers: (Roar from the crowd) USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!

President Bush: The nation sends its love and compassion ...

Rescue Worker: God bless America!

President Bush: ... to everybody who is here. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for making the nation proud, and may God bless America.

Rescue Workers: (Chanting) USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!

On this National Day of Prayer and shortly after the events of Sunday in Pakistan, this is a reminder that President Bush's remarks at a time when our nation was in deep mourning were comforting not only to those in New York City but also to those of us in the Shenandoah Valley.

May we never forget ... and may God continue to bless America.

Miss Him Yet? Our Friends and Allies Do; A Private Letter Shows Us Why

So writes Peter Schweitzer at Big Peace who has observations about former President George W. Bush and writes:

As President Obama was declaring France as our best and closest ally (doesn’t he read history?), former President George W. Bush was quietly giving thanks to our real friends.

Note my emphasis on “quietly” and “real.” While President Obama seems to enjoy the theatrics of diplomacy, namely giving glowing speeches and apologies, along with publicly chatting with Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, Bush remains his understated best even in private life.

And while Obama has also been difficult on our closest allies–namely Great Britain and Israel -– it seems the former President continues to remind them of our appreciation.

“Some 1,000 security officials and members of Israel’s political echelon gathered at Tel Aviv University on Thursday evening to bid farewell to outgoing Mossad Director Meir Dagan. But the most significant and moving greeting was received from a person who did not attend the event: Former US President George W. Bush."

Be sure and read the entire article and the 81-plus comments including the trolls.

Larry Elder: "The WikiLeaks vindication of George W. Bush"

Time has a way of letting the facts come out. "Yellowcake" and all the faux outrage from Joe Wilson and the liberal left had President George W. Bush excoriated by mainstream media as well as the liberals. WikiLeaks exposes the fact there were weapons of mass destruction, according to Mr. Elder, who ended his article by writing:

Bush, hammered by the insidious "Bush Lied, People Died" mantra, endured one of the most vicious smears against any president in history. He is owed an apology.

When Hollywood makes "The Vindication of George W. Bush," maybe Sean Penn can play the lead.

With the former president's current approval rating higher than Barack Obama's, one has to wonder if it will creep up even higher as this news gets out there.

People may not have agreed with President Bush 100% of the time but he declared after 9/11 that his #1 job was the protect the American people from terrorism. He was ready, steady, and unflinching in the face of evil. As one person commented on the Larry Elder article ... who would you rather have with you in a foxhole? Joe Wilson (or any other liberal) ... or George W. Bush?

It's important who you choose to watch your back in battle....

President George W. Bush ... strong, steady leadership during 9/11

President George W. Bush on Air Force One
in the hours after 9/11 terrorism attacks.

"We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail."
-- President George W. Bush, speech after 9/11 attacks

"Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children."
- President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

The unknown soldiers ... may we never forget

President George Bush and Laura welcome home soldiers to Texas in August.

On my sidebar is a link to The Unknown Soldiers written by Tom Sileo and now coming through Vets for Freedom. Please check it on a regular basis to read about our brave American military men and women serving on the front lines and beyond. Please also remember their families who sacrifice so much while their loved ones are away at war. May we never forget....

Bush more popular than Obama in key districts, according to pollster

He's been bashed and blamed by Barack Obama and the Democrats for the two years since he left office. Now the pendulum is swinging back for former President George W. Bush. If people bad-mouth someone long enough, does it eventually cause a backlash? That seems to be the case with President Bush as he sees his popularity rise in this important election cycle.

The Fox Nation is intrigued as Obama's poll numbers sink and President Bush becomes more visible:

The advice from Democratic consultants and strategists [for Democratic candidates] is almost unanimous: Run away from the president, and fast. A prominent Democratic pollster is circulating a survey that shows George W. Bush is 6 points more popular than President Obama in "Frontline" districts -- seats held by Democrats that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee sees as most vulnerable to Republican takeover. That Bush is more popular than Obama in Democratic-held seats is cause for outright fear. [Emphasis added.]

The strong, steady leadership of George W. Bush led this country through the aftermath of the worst attack since Pearl Harbor. When 3,000 people lost their lives on 9/11/01, George W. Bush never backed down and never blamed America but stood up for the troops and promised to do everything within his power to keep the American homeland safe. That mission was, indeed, accomplished. Perhaps now he is beginning to receive the recognition he deserved.

Former President Bush welcomes home troops ... video

George and Laura Bush greet soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport in Texas on August 11, 2010.

It was a welcome that many troops won't forget as they returned home from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. As they entered the terminal at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport terminal on August 11, not only were their loved ones waiting to greet them but also former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, both Texas natives.

The "Welcome Home" project has been a long-standing effort by those in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and coordinated by a man named Bert Brady. About 40 people, among them retirees and veterans, show up daily to welcome home soldiers at the airport as they return to the U.S. from service overseas. Soldiers have asked to be rerouted so they can return home through Dallas-Fort worth.

Here is video of President and Mrs. Bush interacting and welcoming American troops back home to America on August 11, 2010.

The American Family Association wants to send thanks to President Bush for his continued patriotism and leadership, writing:

Please help us send 100,000 "Thank You!" messages to former President George Bush for his patriotism and support of our military! Let's let him know we are grateful for his continued leadership. Please continue to remember our troops and their families in your daily prayers. Watch the video and send your "Thank you!"

President Bush's strong words of encouragement, unity, and leadership led this country through the dark days after 9/11: "We're ready, we're steady, we're resolved."

May we never forget....

W speaking in Virginia

Former President George W. Bush will be speaking at a fundraiser for Appalachian College of Pharmacy and the Appalachian School of Law on September 24....

Former President Bush will interview with NBC's Matt Lauer

From his Facebook page, former President George W. Bush announced an interview with NBC's Matt Lauer on November 10, 2010. I'm a little disappointed he did not go with one of the very capable Fox News anchors in interviewing after the release of his book, "Decision Points."

The message from his Facebook page:

President Bush is looking forward to sitting down with Matt Lauer in his first one-on-one interview since leaving office. He will talk about his upcoming book, Decision Points, and discuss the defining decisions of his life. The interview will air in primetime on Monday, November 8th as a special “Matt Lauer Reports....” President Bush will also appear live on the “Today” show on Wednesday, November 10th.

Not friendly territory....

"Blame Bush stragedy won't win mid-terms ... 10 reasons Democrats are toast"

Mark McKinnon at The Daily Beast has bad news for Democrats:

Voters know whose hands are at the helm now. And with the elections less than 100 days away, here are the 10 telling signs that blaming bad times on Bush is not a winning strategy.

Check out his list. If you're a Republican, you'll smile. If you're a Democrat, better have the botox handy because those worry wrinkles are going to get deeper....

There's booze in the blender

Jimmy Buffett's comments blaming President George W. Bush for the BP oil spill in the Gulf continue to come back to haunt him.

Ace of Spades has parodied "Margaritaville" ... h/t to Fishersville Mike for the heads-up. Grab some of that booze in the blender and sing along. Too funny....

Happy Independence Day from George W. Bush

From former President George W. Bush....

Laura and I wish all Americans a happy Independence Day. We join in celebrating one of the great achievements in history, when 56 brave souls pledged their lives, liberty, and sacred honor to declare that America deserved to be free.

More than two centuries later, it can be easy to take their act for granted. However, ...we must remember that the men who signed the Declaration in Philadelphia took an extraordinary risk, and all who fought in the Revolution showed tremendous courage. Their example has inspired generations of Americans to defend our freedom, including those who serve on the frontlines in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere this 4th of July.

As we celebrate this weekend, I hope all Americans will take a moment to honor those who have made our freedom possible, and to renew our commitment to building a democracy that lives up to the ideals they advanced and the sacrifices they made. May God bless America.

W's "Inaugural Address" on Facebook

"Thanks for tuning in for my Inaugural Address ... on Facebook."

With a hint of a grin and a familiar twinkle in his eye, former President George W. Bush greeted guests today who tuned in to watch his Facebook video. Just a week ago the word began circulating that he was on Facebook and many, not sure whether it was a hoax or the real thing, dropped by to check it out.

It was apparently the real thing. I guess this makes sense ... everyone is on Facebook now.

The video is vintage George Bush. Tanned and looking relaxed, he reassures viewers that he and Laura are happy, healthy, and that he is happy in retirement, especially living "in the promised land" ... Texas. He adds, with trademark Bush modesty and sincerity, that serving as President was the honor of a lifetime and that he will always be grateful for the opportunity he was given to represent the Nation that he loves. He then joked that retirement isn't so bad either.

President Bush noted that he began writing his book, Decision Points, the day after leaving office and gave it a plug by announcing it will be in book stores in November. He also talked about his Presidential Center that is being built and asked for suggestions and advice, commenting, "I may be done with politics but I'm not done with policy." He ended with, "May God bless you."

W ... one classy act. It was almost like a visit from him.

Cross-posted on The Washington Examiner