President Bush hasn’t always been our favorite person, but the politico warmed our hearts a bit today when he addressed the nation to publicly congratulate Barack Obama on his White House win. Said Bush:
It will be a stirring sight to watch President Obama, his wife Michelle, and their beautiful girls step through the doors of the White House. I know millions of Americans will be overcome with pride at this inspiring moment that so many have awaited so long. I know Senator Obama’s beloved mother and grandparents would have been thrilled to watch the child they raised ascend the steps of the Capitol – and take his oath to uphold the Constitution of the greatest nation on the face of the earth.
What a gent – and we actually mean that!
You!
Yes, I agree. President Bush read that speech (the one that he didn’t write) very well indeed.
Chris
That man is nothing without his speechwriter.
peter
Wow. Who knew he was still President? Where has he been? I totally haven’t seen him in ages.
Mike
To misquote: “Nothing became him in office so much as the leaving of it.”
Berdie
Give the guy credit at least for a heartfelt speech and leave it at that, guys.
rasa
Thank you, President Bush, for your intention to welcome and support Barack Obama…to be as gracious as possible.
You know, I love America and I am immensely grateful to be a citizen of this country. But I must say that when you refer to our country as “the greatest nation on the face of the Earth”, I can’t help wonder how that must sound to so many other inhabitants of this planet who are not Americans. Why does your rhetoric have to place us as “the greatest”? It’s not a competition. Our new leadership will, I trust, have the wisdom, sensitivity and eloquence to speak in ways that don’t exclude others in the world community in such a way.
Have a safe journey back to Texas.
Kid A
@ no. 6
I give Obama credit for having the opinion that having talks with the US is not a “privilege” but a right as a sovereign nation. Hell, countries should threaten us that they won’t speak to us without precondition. We are hardly the moral beacon of the planet.
Jim
And golly W, Obama was elected in an honest and clean election, the culmination of a higher-road campaign. Oh never mind, sorry, I forgot for a moment that you’re not able to grasp these concepts.
nikko
RASA, so well said. Exactly how I feel. I never understood why it’s always “God bless America” and not “God bless the world”.
GSM
Rasa and Nikko, you convince me that patriotism is dying. God does bless the world THRU the USA on a daily basis. This has always been and hopefully remains one of the most humanitarian countries to ever exist. Should you travel to other countries, they claim to be the best country on earth, as well. There is absolutely no wrong in being a patriot of your own soil. Mincing words exudes of bitterness. Can’t you be happy with your victory and offer genuine thanks to OUR PRESIDENT for his kind words. He could have been as nasty as you, but he took the high road. Shame on all of you who don’t take this opportunity to mend, but continue to spew vile, hate and intolerence.
nikko
GSM, that’s patriotic, brownosing hogwash. If you(America) were so unselfish, your prayer would always be “God bless the world”. Not just America.