George Bush actually said...

"I do think that there's an overall climate internationally now that permits... that would encourage hostage holders to set aside some of their alleged reasons for holding people or their grievances in..."

"President Bush is gratified that Edward Tracy has been released and shares the happiness of all Americans for him and his family."

"I just hope that we soon wake up in this world and recognize that holding hostages is a counterproductive way to make a statement of policy or for any other reason."

"Now is the time for all hostages and others held outside of the legal system in the region to be released immediately, unconditionally, and safely for humanitarian reasons."