The Public Record
George H.W. Bush was the 41st President of the United States, serving from January 20, 1989, to January 20, 1993. A member of the Republican Party, he previously held the office of Vice President under Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989. Bush was a World War II veteran and served in various roles within the U.S. government, including as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 1976 to 1977. His presidency is noted for significant events such as the Gulf War and the fall of the Berlin Wall, as well as his efforts in foreign policy and international diplomacy.
Saddam Hussein's execution comes at the end of a difficult year for the Iraqi people. And for our troops, bringing Saddam Hussein to justice will not end the violence in Iraq, but it is an important milestone on Iraq's course to becoming a…
This action by the United Nations, which was swift and tough, says that we are united in our determination to see to it that the Korean peninsula is nuclear weapons-free.
The Bush administration now wants to put polar bears on the list of threatened species. The reason: global warming. Their habitat is, well, melting.
For a nation that needed healing and for an office that needed a calm and steady hand, Gerald Ford came along when we needed him most.
What I'm telling you is that we're going to have a border that is smart and secure.
They think it is just a matter of time before America grows weary and leaves, abandons the people of Iraq, for example. And that's not going to happen.
After a series of thoughtful conversations, Secretary Rumsfeld and I agreed that the timing is right for new leadership at the Pentagon.
Iran is obviously part of the -- part of the problem. They sponsor Hezbollah. They encourage a radical brand of Islam. Imagine how difficult this issue would be if Iran had a nuclear weapon.
This action by the United Nations, which was swift and tough, says that we are united in our determination to see to it that the Korean peninsula is nuclear weapons-free.
I'm inclined to believe that we need to increase in the permanent size of both the United States Army and the United States Marines. I've asked Secretary Gates to determine how such an increase could take place and report back to me as…
I will be -- I will defer to the military commanders on what we ought to be doing.
Victory in Iraq is achievable. It hadn't happened nearly as quickly as I hoped it would have.
No, I haven't questioned whether or not it was right to take Saddam Hussein out, nor have I questioned the necessity for the American people -- I mean, I have questioned it. I have come to the conclusion it was the right decision.
But the most painful aspect of the presidency is the fact that I know my decisions have caused young men and women to lose their lives.
I'm going to make you this promise: My administration will work with Republicans and Democrats to fashion a new way forward that can succeed in Iraq.
I believe that -- and, by the way, if I didn't think that, I wouldn't have our troops there. That's what you have got to know. We're going to succeed.
Politicians like George H.W. Bush
