In his farewell address to the nation, a reflective and grateful President Bush Thursday defended his record on national security and promoting democracy, and asked for a little understanding.
“There are things I would do differently if given the chance, yet I have always acted with the best interests of the country in mind,” Bush said. “You may not agree with some of the tough decisions I made, but I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.”
Bush in recent weeks has been on a legacy-burnishing tour, working to shape perceptions of his presidency in his closing days at the White House.
In brief remarks from the East Room, Bush harkened to his first national address from the White House, which followed the 2001 terrorist attacks. Bush noted that many Americans since then have returned to normal life, but he said, “I never did.”
“When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror,” Bush said. “When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism.”
Bush departs the presidency with Afghanistan, Iraq and Gaza in turmoil, amid a devastated national economy and with his own party in political disarray.
But he focused on the positive achievements of his administration, notably AIDS relief in Africa, a Medicare prescription drug program, tax cuts and nationwide education reforms. He also touted faith-based programs, pro-life policies and his Supreme Court nominees.
Bush said the “gravest threat” to the nation remains a terrorist attack, urging, “We must resist complacency, we must keep our resolve, and we must never let down our guard.”
“I have often spoken to you about good and evil, this has made some uncomfortable,” Bush said. “But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise.”
Modern presidents routinely deliver a final address. Presidents Reagan and Clinton gave televised statements; President Carter delivered a final State of the Union. Bush’s father, President George H.W. Bush, skipped a farewell address.
As Bush was beginning his address, President-elect Barack Obama, who is staying at Blair House across the street from the White House, departed for dinner at the Equinox restaurant, according to a transition pool report.
Bush is not expected to be seen publicly again until Tuesday, when he will greet Obama at the White House North Portico. On Friday, he heads to Camp David for a final rest there with family and members of his administration.
After Obama takes the oath of office Tuesday, Bush will privately address members of the departing White House staff in a hangar at Andrews Air Force Base, before flying home to Texas.
“He’s not tired, he has just a ton of energy,” said Ed Gillespie, counselor to the president. “It’s an emotional time. The president I think is thinking of all that we’ve been through and all the people who have been through it with him.”
In his closing address, Bush’s parting thoughts were optimistic, thankful ones — he quoted Thomas Jefferson, saying, “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”
“It has been the privilege of my lifetime to serve as your president,” he said. “There have been good days and tough days, but every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country and uplifted by the goodness of our people.”
He added, “And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time: Good night.”
