George W. Bush, the outgoing US president, will be remembered for his gaffes, blunders and bloopers. Here is a selection of the best – or worst.
“And so, in my State of the — my State of the Union — or state — my speech to the nation, whatever you want to call it, speech to the nation — I asked Americans to give 4,000 years — 4,000 hours over the next-the rest of your life –of service to America. That’s what I asked — 4,000 hours.” – April 9, 2002
“I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully.” – September 2000, explaining his energy policies at an event in Michigan.
“Rarely is the question asked, is our children learning?” – January 2000, during a campaign event in South Carolina.
“They misunderestimated the compassion of our country. I think they misunderestimated the will and determination of the commander in chief, too.” – September 26, 2001, referring to the terrorists who carried out the 9/11 attacks.
“There’s no doubt in my mind, not one doubt in my mind, that we will fail.” – October 4, 2001, on a back-to-work plan after the terrorist attacks.
“It would be a mistake for the United States Senate to allow any kind of human cloning to come out of that chamber.” – April 10, 2002, as he urged Senate passage of a broad ban on cloning.
“I want to thank the dozens of welfare-to-work stories, the actual examples of people who made the firm and solemn commitment to work hard to embetter themselves.” – April 18, 2002
“There’s an old saying in Tennessee – I know it’s in Texas, probably in Tennessee – that says, fool me once, shame on – shame on you. Fool me – you can’t get fooled again.” – September 17, 2002
“Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.” – August 5, 2004
“Too many good docs are getting out of business. Too many OB/GYNs [gynaecologists] aren’t able to practice their love with women all across this country.” – September 6, 2004
“Our most abundant energy source is coal. We have enough coal to last for 250 years, yet coal also prevents an environmental challenge.” – April 20, 2005
“We look forward to hearing your vision, so we can more better do our job.” – September 20, 2005
“I can’t wait to join you in the joy of welcoming neighbours back into neighbourhoods, and small businesses up and running, and cutting those ribbons that somebody is creating new jobs.” – September 5, 2005
“It was not always a given that the United States and America would have a close relationship. After all, 60 years we were at war 60 years ago we were at war.” – June 29, 2006, to Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
“Make no mistake about it, I understand how tough it is, sir. I talk to families who die.” – December 7, 2006, in a joint appearance with Prime Minister Tony Blair.
“These are big achievements for this country, and the people of Bulgaria ought to be proud of the achievements that they have achieved.” – June 11, 2007
“Mr Prime Minister, thank you for your introduction. Thank you for being such a fine host for the OPEC summit.” – September 2007, at an APEC summit.
“Thank you, Your Holiness. Awesome speech.” April 16, 2008 to Pope Benedict XVI.
“The fact that they purchased the machine meant somebody had to make the machine. And when somebody makes a machine, it means there’s jobs at the machine-making place.” – May 27, 2008
“And they have no disregard for human life.” – July 15, 2008, referring to enemy fighters in Afghanistan.
“I remember meeting a mother of a child who was abducted by the North Koreans right here in the Oval Office.” – June 26, 2008
“Throughout our history, the words of the Declaration have inspired immigrants from around the world to set sail to our shores. These immigrants have helped transform 13 small colonies into a great and growing nation of more than 300 people.” – July 4, 2008
“The people in Louisiana must know that all across our country there’s a lot of prayer – prayer for those whose lives have been turned upside down. And I’m one of them. It’s good to come down here.” – Sept. 3, 2008 after Hurricane Gustav hit the Gulf Coast.
“This thaw – took a while to thaw, it’s going to take a while to unthaw.” Oct. 20, 2008, as he discussed the economy and frozen credit markets.
By Jon Swaine
Last Updated: 12:02PM GMT 09 Jan 2009
Source: The Telegraph