George Bush actually said...

"Putting innocents at risk is not the way one makes a political statement."

"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."