Farewell (Wizbang)

I have not read any advance reports of what President Bush will be saying in his farewell address tonight, but over the past few days I have thought back on the endless Clinton goodbye that was stretched out so long on Inauguration Day to the point that the news broadcasts ran a split screen of the incoming and outgoing presidents. It appeared Bill Clinton would never leave the national stage that day, and come to think of it, he never really did. I expect George Bush's farewell will be nothing like that of Clinton. I expect he will leave with the utmost class (and will leave everything where it belongs) and although I am sure it will be a huge adjustment going from leader of the free world to Texas retiree, I have a feeling that George Bush looks forward to it.

He has been far from perfect, but has had some great achievements for which he has received little, if any, credit and I truly believe he is a good man who wanted only the best for the country. I join my friend, the Anchoress, in saying "Thank you President Bush."

Update: Jim Hoft has a great Farewell post with lots of pictures. Gay Patriot notes how modest George Bush was in the speech and how frequently he pointed to others as those responsible for the successes during his administration. I was surprised that Bush gave only a passing reference to the work done in Africa during his administration. He is a hero there and with good reason. The fact that the American media has almost completely ignored his "Africa legacy" is just one more example of how biased they are. Try this on your friends -- ask them which U.S. president did the most to provide humanitarian aid to Africa (including on the AIDS front) during his administration and which president is considered a beloved hero there. Most would probably guess Bill Clinton. Imagine if Bill Clinton had done as president what Bush did in Africa. The media would not have to report it because he would have mentioned it about every five minutes. George Bush is a very modest man and the "back patting" (as the AP referred to it) was about as restrained as you ever hear from a politician.

Comments (11)

Lorie,You had me t... (Below threshold)

1. Posted by Bill Jempty | January 15, 2009 7:04 PM | Score: 2 (4 votes cast)

Bill Jempty:

Lorie,

You had me thinking that is was you saying goodbye. After losing Jay, the loss of your contributions would be calamitous.

Cheers,

Bill

Posted on January 15, 2009 19:04

Even if you didn't like the... (Below threshold)

2. Posted by Peter F. | January 15, 2009 7:09 PM | Score: 3 (7 votes cast)

Peter F.:

Even if you didn't like the man and no one hears you, a simple thought of thank you and wishing the man well in his post-presidency is the decent and polite thing to do.

But I'm probably asking too much, aren't I.

Posted on January 15, 2009 19:09

Amen to that, Lorie.... (Below threshold)

3. Posted by P. Bunyan | January 15, 2009 7:16 PM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)

P. Bunyan:

Amen to that, Lorie.

Posted on January 15, 2009 19:16

Bill, I thought th... (Below threshold)

4. Posted by Kim Priestap | January 15, 2009 7:22 PM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)

Kim Priestap:

Bill,

I thought the same thing. I was relieved when I saw she was talking about President Bush's farewell address.

I really like President Bush. I had some serious disagreements with him over the past 8 years many of which have been recorded in my blog posts. However, I will always have great admiration, respect, and gratitude for his commitment to protecting us after 9/11.

Posted on January 15, 2009 19:22

Rest well GW. Job well done... (Below threshold)

5. Posted by WildWillie | January 15, 2009 7:39 PM | Score: 2 (6 votes cast)

WildWillie:

Rest well GW. Job well done. Thanks for keeping me safe. ww

Posted on January 15, 2009 19:39

He will be gone, but not fo... (Below threshold)

6. Posted by GarandFan | January 15, 2009 8:03 PM | Score: 4 (6 votes cast)

GarandFan:

He will be gone, but not forgotten. Every few days you'll be able to count on Pelosi, Reid, et al saying "It's all George Bush's fault".

We'll continue to hear that until the public lets those assholes in DC know that they are no longer buying that excuse.

Let's face it, for the next 4 years, the country is fucked.

Posted on January 15, 2009 20:03

Pres. Bush is speaking as I... (Below threshold)

7. Posted by FedUp | January 15, 2009 8:12 PM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)

FedUp:

Pres. Bush is speaking as I write. I will miss him - he did what he thought was best for the country. I didn't always agree with him, but he has more pluses than minuses. He is a man of integrity, grace and charm. He may not have been liked, but he was respected! I fear that the next president won't even come close.

I liked the part where Bush is talking about good and evil. Something you won't hear from BO.

God Bless George Bush!

Posted on January 15, 2009 20:12

If the next occupa... (Below threshold)

8. Posted by irongrampa | January 15, 2009 8:22 PM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)

irongrampa:

If the next occupant of the White House shows a fraction of the decency, honor, and integrity Mr. Bush has shown, the nation will be well served.

Posted on January 15, 2009 20:22

They hate him now, but with... (Below threshold)

9. Posted by DJ Drummond | January 15, 2009 8:31 PM | Score: 3 (7 votes cast)

DJ Drummond:

They hate him now, but within a generation, W will be recognozed as an above-average President. Sadly this will partly be due to the qualities he showed, which will be lacking in his successors.

Posted on January 15, 2009 20:31

You're right, DJ. But, Obam... (Below threshold)

10. Posted by Kim Priestap | January 15, 2009 8:51 PM | Score: 1 (5 votes cast)

You're right, DJ. But, Obama is a bumbler so I suspect that it won't be too long before many Americans will begin to miss President Bush.

Posted on January 15, 2009 20:51

Fare thee well, Mr. Preside... (Below threshold)

11. Posted by Clay | January 16, 2009 12:50 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Clay:

Fare thee well, Mr. President. In spite of the many points at which I disagreed with you, I appreciate your handling of one of the darkest days in American history. On that point, you and I have absolute solidarity. Thank you from the depth of my heart.

Posted on January 16, 2009 12:50