George H.W. Bush

Let's fill in the work we've done and reduce gasoline usage in the United States by 20 percent in the next 10 years.

Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq, and I ask you to give it a chance to work.

We need to reform social security and Medicare.

We've all been entrusted with public office at a momentous time in our nation's history. And together we have important things to do. It's time to set aside politics, and focus on the future.

The need to protect ourselves from radicals and terrorists. The needs to win the war on terror.

We may not be providing as quickly as he wants, but nevertheless it's a good sign when the prime minister says, just give us the capabilities. And that's precisely what my new strategy and new plan is attempting to do.

Where mistakes have been made, the responsibility rests with me.

I've come to not only look you in the eye, I've also come to tell you that when America gives its word, it will keep its word.

That is why we must and we will succeed in Iraq.

I made it clear to the prime minister and Iraq's other leaders that America's commitment is not open-ended. If the Iraqi government does not follow through on its promises, it will lose the support of the American people. And it will lose…

Our past efforts to secure Baghdad failed for two principal reasons: There were not enough Iraqi and American troops to secure neighborhoods that had been cleared of terrorists and insurgents, and there were too many restrictions on the…

We concluded that to step back now would force a collapse of the Iraqi government, tear that country apart, and result in mass killings on an unimaginable scale.

Prime Minister Maliki has pledged that political or sectarian interference will not be tolerated.

This new strategy will not yield an immediate end to suicide bombings, assassinations or IED attacks.

Their solution is to scale back America's efforts in Baghdad or announce the phased withdrawal of our combat forces.

I have made it clear to the prime minister and Iraq's other leaders that America's commitment is not open-ended.

Only Iraqis can end the sectarian violence and secure their people.

Where mistakes have been made, the responsibility rests with me.

No president wants to be a war president, but I am one.

The goal is for Iraqis to be in charge of their own security by November of this year.

The story today is going to be very discouraging to the American people.

Well, I'm ready to work with you.

The proceedings had gone in a more dignified way.

The story today is going to be very discouraging to the American people.

I'm hopeful that Republicans and Democrats can find common ground.