Preview of Bush’s CPAC remarks; Update: Approval rating at all-time low with Republicans
Update 6:15am Eastern 2/8. President Bush will undoubtedly get a kind reaction to his speech this morning at CPAC, but there’s widespread unhappiness with Bush among Republicans. The latest AP/Ipsos poll shows it:
It’s almost as if people can barely stand the thought of President Bush and Congress anymore. Bush reached his lowest approval rating in The Associated Press-Ipsos poll on Friday as only 30 percent said they like the job he is doing, including an all-time low in his support by Republicans. Congress’ approval fell to just 22 percent, equaling its poorest grade in the survey. Both marks dropped by 4 percentage points since early January…Bush’s acceptance by his own party is at bottom in the AP-Ipsos poll. Just 61 percent of Republicans gave Bush positive reviews; his previous low was 65 percent last month. Only 28 percent of them expressed strong approval. About one in 10 Democrats and three in 10 independents gave Bush positive marks.
***
8:12pm Eastern 2/7. President Bush speaks bright and early tomorrow at CPAC — 7:15am — in order to get down to the tornado zone in Tennessee.
The White House just e-mailed a preview of his remarks. Here you go. I’ll let you react and leave my commentary for after he’s delivered the speech in the morning:
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release February 7, 2008
EXCERPTS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S REMARKS TO THE 35th CONSERVATIVE POLITICAL ACTION CONFERENCE
As Prepared for Delivery
On our philosophy:
“…[W]e have seen vigorous debates in this country on nearly every conceivable issue: matters affecting prosperity at home and peace abroad. Our views are grounded in timeless truths. We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens. We believe our culture benefits from a diversity of faith, a respect for values, and the guidance of a higher power. We believe in personal responsibility. We believe in the universality of freedom. We believe our Nation has the right to defend itself – even if others sometimes disagree. And we believe America remains a force for good in the world.”
“Over the past seven years, we engaged the opposition with a clear and consistent philosophy.”
On applying our philosophy to the economy:
“We applied our philosophy on issues relating to our economic prosperity. When I took office, we inherited a recession – and we took decisive action. We were guided by this principle: the best way to help our economy grow is to leave money in the hands of those responsible for our prosperity: the American people. With your support, we passed one of the largest tax cuts in American history – and then we cut taxes again…Our critics wanted a different approach. They believed the best way to help the economy was to keep tax dollars in Washington and expand the size and scope of the federal government.”
“…[T]he tax cuts we passed contributed to a record 52 months of job creation. They helped produce strong economic growth – and the increased revenues from that growth have put us on track to a balanced budget by 2012. Here’s the bottom line: tax relief works. Now we must act decisively again. We are in a period of economic uncertainty. We are working with Congress to pass a short-term economic growth package, and I thank Members of Congress for their efforts on this legislation. This bill reflects our principles. It is pro-growth. It is robust. And it will get money into the hands of American workers and businesses.”
“On matters relating to our economy, our record is clear. You and I succeeded in cutting taxes. We are reducing wasteful spending. On these issues, both sides have made their case. The results are in. And they are proving us right.”
On applying our philosophy to moral issues:
“We applied our philosophy to questions affecting the moral fabric of our Nation. We believe that all human life is precious and deserves to be protected. In 2001, I had a grave decision to make on the question of embryonic stem cell research. I believed we could empower scientists and researchers to discover cures for terrible diseases – without crossing a moral line. So I authorized research on existing stem cell lines, and stood against any effort to use federal tax dollars to support the destruction of human life. Our critics had a different view. They thought our defense of life was short-sighted and harmful.”
“Then last November, scientists announced a landmark achievement. They found a way to reprogram adult skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells. This discovery has the potential to end the divisive debate over stem cell research. And it will allow us to expand the frontiers of medicine, while maintaining a culture of life.”
“When I took office, our society was also grappling with a troubling rate of drug use among our children…So in 2002, I set our country on an ambitious goal: to cut drug use among young people by 25 percent over five years. Critics didn’t think that was possible.”
“We stood our ground. We worked with international partners to interdict drugs into our country. We increased funds for drug treatment programs. We helped move drug addicts from a culture of victimization to a culture of responsibility. And we got results. Since I took office, the overall use of illicit drugs by young people has dropped by 24 percent…
On matters relating to America’s moral compass, we defended human life. We promoted strong families. We confronted the crippling cycle of drug dependency. We challenged the critics…Both sides made their case. The results are in. And they are proving us right.”
On applying our philosophy to national security:
“We have also applied our philosophy to issues of national security. Six-and-a-half years ago, our country faced the worst attack in our history. I understood immediately that we would have to act boldly to protect the American people. So we have gone on the offense – and stayed on the offense – against the extremists. We recognize that this is a war, not just a matter of law-enforcement. And we recognize that we are engaged in the decisive ideological struggle of our time.”
“Critics had a different view. One commentator said most Afghans would oppose an American invasion and fight the foreign occupiers.”
“We stood our ground – and we have seen the results…The Taliban was driven from power. The Afghan people braved threats of violence to elect a new president and a new parliament. Roads and hospitals are being built. Girls who were once forbidden to learn now go to school. America … our 25 NATO allies … and 15 partner nations are helping the Afghan people secure their country. And the Taliban, al Qaeda, and their allies are on the run. Afghanistan has a long road ahead, but they have a future that offers promise and hope. By standing with the Afghan people, we are helping millions claim their liberty. And we are working to ensure that Afghanistan will never again be a safe haven for those who want to attack America.”
“The war against America’s enemies also brought us to Iraq… Because we acted, 25 million Iraqis are free. We have seen them go to the polls and elect a representative government. We have also seen an enemy determined to roll back this progress through horrific acts of violence designed to pit Iraqis against one another. One year ago, things were not going well in that country…So we reviewed our strategy – and changed course. I sent reinforcements into the country in a dramatic policy shift that has become known as ‘the surge.’”
“Our critics had a different view. They looked at rising violence in Iraq and declared the war was lost. Some concluded the surge had failed before it had even fully begun…We stood our ground – and we are seeing the results…The progress in Iraq is fragile and there are tough days ahead. Yet even the enemy recognizes that they are on the wrong side of events. They are disheartened. They are demoralized. And they will be defeated.”
“As we fight the enemy overseas, we must also take measures to protect America. We must give our intelligence officials the tools they need to uncover terrorist plots and prevent new attacks. One of the most important tools is the ability to monitor terrorist communications. We need to know who the terrorists are talking to … what they are saying … and what they are planning. So Congress passed the Protect America Act. This law modernized an outdated surveillance law and closed dangerous gaps in our intelligence. Critics had a different view. One liberal interest group called the law “an end run around the Constitution.” Others falsely claimed law-enforcement officials wanted to ‘spy on Americans.’”
“We countered these critics – and stood our ground. Our ability to monitor the communications of terrorists overseas has helped us gain crucial intelligence on terrorist cells, and helped keep our country safe. The Protect America Act is working. The problem is that Congress set the law to expire one week from tomorrow – though the threat posed by al Qaeda will not end next week. Congress must ensure the flow of vital intelligence is not disrupted. Congress must pass liability protection for companies believed to have assisted in efforts to defend America. The time for temporary fixes has ended. Congress must pass this law – and they must pass it now.
“On matters of war and peace, we have taken the fight to our enemies abroad and are defending our people here at home. We are standing with new partners in Afghanistan and Iraq to help them build free nations. We refused to yield when the going got tough. And when the history of our actions is written, it will show that we were right.”
On the year ahead:
“I look forward to working with you this year. My energy is up, my spirit is high, and I intend to finish strong. In the meantime, we will elect a new President. We have had good debates and soon we will have a nominee who will carry the conservative banner into this election and beyond. The stakes in November are high. Prosperity and peace are in the balance. So with confidence in our vision and faith in our values, let us go forward … fight for victory … and keep the White House in 2008.”
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I will always be grateful for this good hearted man who took up the sword and defended our country. May God Bless him.
Okay. Granted, I didn’t read the prepared speech word-for-word. But, I didn’t see anything about illegal immigration, let alone criminal illegal immigrants and maintaining our sovereignty.
Did I miss President Bush talking about that?
I’m grateful that he took up the challenge of taking the fight to Al Qaeda, a subject he is more comfortable talking about.
But, I would like to hear about other things, even things he is not comfortable talking about. Heck, especially things, like illegal immigration, bloated bureaucratic growth the last 7 years, etc., that he is not comfortable talking about.
I want to hear about all of it.
President Bush will remembered as a mountain of strength
I have great respect for President Bush in his unwavering prosecution on the War against the Jihadist. But what is up with this:
Then why the heck is he pushing a bailout for the poor business decisions of the lending and housing industry? Sorry, but he lost me right there along with failing to address the illegal invasion of this country.
Barry F. GW gets an F on border security. No doubt about it.
I can’t believe I missed that, Boomer. Very good point.
Whenever the Carter of our time opens his mouth, I wonder in awe: are we to be spared nothing?
No, your time is up, the spirit of America’s’s conservatives is broken, and the nation’s finances are trashed to pay for the ruinous luxury of your unending and unendurable pity.
But reasonably people every where agree that you intend, should you see any thing remaining to inflict what damage you can upon it, and will, mercilessly do so before your unending second term is miserably finished.
I wonder what his speech writers are smoking.
#2, OK, so the glass is half full.
“Prosperity and peace are in the balance”… So let us all put our shoulders to the wheel & make the world a better place… for other people.
You’re quite the optimist, brooklyn red. I guess I am just a little more jaded now. But, I usually tend to guage myself as a realist.
Barry F, I just call it as I see it… Bush wants us to stand strong, change the world & hand it over to Mexico.
Well, things would have been a nightmarish disaster if Kerry or Gore had gotten in, just as they will if Hillary or Obama get in (probably much worse), but for a man who said that Jesus was his favorite philosopher, he has fallen a bit short, particularly in his oratory skills. However, as I’m the first to admit, there’s no such thing as perfection.
I guess if McCain or Huckabee get in, we’ll just have to take up a fund to start paying more minutemen at the boarder, that’s all.
Is Bush perfect? No.
Anyone care to throw the first stone?
Hmmmm. Let me think about it.
Ummm…lemme see….
Ramos and Compean.
Johnny Sutton.
Harriet Meiers.
Out-of-control spending.
A veto-free zone for Democrat tomfoolery.
Open borders.
Holding hands with his corrupt Mexican pals.
Kissing up to the terrorists and giving them a free pass — not to mention weapons and dinners at the White House — who are his “buddies,” as opposed to the “other” terrorists not living in, say, Saudi Arabia.
DLTDHYOTAOTWO, Jorge.
I know Jimmy Carter and, better for us, George W. Bush is no Jimmy Carter.
On the central issue for the survival of the Republic, the war on terror, George W. Bush has had the vision and courage to take the war on terror to Iraq and Afganistan and prevent new attacks on New York and Washington.
He has been shortsighted in not recognizing that the flood of illegals through our porous southern border allows permits a path for terrorists to enter the country.
Hopefully, in the next few months, we can help John McCain realize that his judgment concerning water boarding and Guantanamo is impaired by the trauma he suffered as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. McCain needs to recognize that the enemy combatants are enemy combatants, not prisoners of war, and belong in Guantanamo until the war on terror is over.
I want my palooza, now. Who needs fiscal responsibility, if we had some of that in the last 7 years, who knows where the Republicans would be today. Tax and spend, it’s addicting to one and all.
One thing Bush isn’t and that’s the Carter of our time. I voted for Jimmuh the dumb Carter and that was a huge mistake. People don’t have a clue what bad is if you haven’t lived through Jimmuh …
One thing Jimmuh did that really screwed up the country was attempted to manage energy and it’s distribution. That was fun … Are you listening Hillary? You don’t want to go there. Jimmuh also gave us the Mullahs now running Iran after he found the current government not to his liking.
Oh yeah, Jimmuh’s legacy, the world runs out of oil by the year 2000, he knew because he used to be a nuclear engineer or something like that.
As to John McCain, I am now a free agent, maverick is my name, a maverick voter is my game. Accepting bids right now, qualifying minimum required, all cash transaction
. It’s fun being a maverick, one for all, all for one, as long as I get the spoils. It’s now all about me.
He’ll be remembered as a mountain of something alright.
I think he’ll be remembered well. He’s a good man.
Long on rhetoric, short on execution.
Spending like drunken democrats.
“We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens.”
Well, that’s not it. Needs a re-write:
“We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of
ordinary citizensthose who are not citizens.”Much better!
Well said Mr Scribble, well said.
whysoangry , I don’t know that anyone ever said he wasn’t a good man, altho that’s up for debate, but he sure was, is a lousy president.
I believe he is saying we had a plan but some where we lost our way. He knows not who the enemy is or when the war will end and he has no clue that Sharia is not part of the democratic process. And what did he get from his war other than a huge debt that is the largest in our history. Just remember that of America Bush can not sell he will give to the illegals.
I registered to vote for the first time in my life in the last Presidential election because I could not fathom John Kerry as my POTUS.
I respect and will continue to support George W. Bush.
I didn’t agree with everything he did while in office but I feel he loves his Country and wants to protect us.
It wasn’t an easy job.
But his primary loyalty is to business and providing them with cheap labor from Mexico.
It’s amazing to look at pictures of Mr. Bush when he took office, and now. He has aged significantly.
But he looks pretty good for someone who has daily been called a Nazi, a dictator, a fascist, a war criminal, a liar, a dummy, who’s been called the worst president every, by his own countrymen for 7 years. He also looks pretty good for someone who’s had books written and films made depicting his assassination.
I’ve not been thrilled with the last few years of his presidency, but thank him for his service and wish him well in retirement. It’s not a job I would want.
worst president *ever*, darn it.
I’m tired of aristocral (sp) assendency (sp) The Royalty-Bush-Kennedy et al
I’m tired of “you have to be realistic and:
VOTE FOR THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS”.
I guess I’m just tired-time to turn in.
I’ll touch base with you all tomorrow.
A quick view of Our Marines.com ad and I’ll sleep well.
Good night.
Americans are so naive. They do not realize that Bush has loyalty to two things:
- Money (Saudi Arabia, Big Businesses).
- Votes (Illegal Immigration, Big Businesses).
Look at what he did (not what he said or says) and things will fall into perspective.
President Bush has not been our best president – nor has he been our worst. In fact, far far from our worst. There have been many accusations here about his motives. I have a different take. He honestly believes his “compassionate” stand. He thinks it’s “compassionate” to people “just because they want to do the job he wouldn’t do” to allow. He somewhere got the notion that cooperation is a noble thing (like cooperating with McCain, Kennedy, Reid…etc) He somewhere along the line bought into the rhetoric that partisanship is bad. I think he has just been naive as the the consequences. Further – for all those who accuse him soley of the “drunken democrat spending”…I’m pretty sure that NONE of those dollars did he spent on his own. He had the grand help of those in Congress. If congress hadn’t asked for it or approved it, President Bush couldn’t have spent it.
With all of that said, I expect history will not remember him for failed domestic spending control, or even borders enforcement…rather, standing up against Islamic extremism. Of course, again naive in that he doesn’t understand that expression to be redundant. Islam is not a religion of peace, never has been, never will be. He (as unfortunately far too many in the world) doesn’t understand that according to Islam – He, You, I are all infidels, We deserve to die, and the (one who has sold his soul to satan) believes he/she gets bonus points for sending you or I to hell early.
Sorry for my rambling thoughts here – but I’m scrambling to get ready for an audit.
On February 7th, 2008 at 8:30 pm, petergwynne75 said:
President Bush will remembered as a mountain of strength
On February 7th, 2008 at 9:12 pm, winemkr said:
Anyone care to throw the first stone?
I still have respect for President Bush. I haven’t been thrilled the last few years either. However, he is not the worst president we’ve ever had. Not by a long shot. I think there is a tie of sorts, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and the ultra corrupt Bill Klinton. They were by far much worse for our country than President Bush.
Respect this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU-W-9GS5M8
Is it just me or is the most reliable guide for our country really The Constitituion of the United States and the concepts of equal justice under law and individual freedom and security.
Or is that too elitist of me.
Mayhap Pres. Bush betrays too much of his populist-oriented pablum relying on the common wisdom of WHO EXACTLY ? to tell him to leave our borders unprotected and give illegal trespassers to our country the keys to the front door.
He takes an oath to preserve, protect and defend THE CONSTITUTION. Methinks he has occasionally forgotten that fact.
That is what sums up President Bush. Makes you want to “ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz”. All tough talk, starts to do the right and tough things and then…halt, doesn’t give 100%, hence where we are now.
Totally agree.
DUH statement of the day. My buddy (who is a conservative Republican) always says to me when we talk about politics:
“Bush will go down as the worst POTUS in history.”
I used to argue with him up until the last year. I am more inclined to agree.
Whenever I hear a liberal talk about the debt I always ask (and I ask you bitboy):
Before 9/11 when you got your check from “Bush”, did you give it back and say, “no theanks, apply it to the debt.”? If so, good for you. If not, shut up. Oh, I bet a nickle to a dollar you will not send the next check back either.
Many years ago I was a democrat. Then I grew up and became a republican. Now I am an independant . When I survey those who count themselves as republicans….McCain for instance,… I realize that I did not leave this party….this party left me. It is far time to start a new CONSERVATIVE party.
#33 Do you have some thoughts of your own or do you want us to believe that if it’s on youtube it has to be the truth?
Truman’s was lower than Bush’s when he left office, and history has vindicated him.
The MSM will try to make it out that President Bush’s approval rating is low because of the war in Iraq or the economy. It really is because conservatives have stopped supporting him because of his support for illegals.
This is a lesson for all (especially McCain) who think they can be popular with a “new tone” (appeasement to liberals and the MSM) and by coddling the MSM, instead of taking them on.
I noticed no reference to our energy needs and any attempt to become self-sufficient in that area.
Though I have an MBA, economics was never my strong suit. Nevertheless, I personally believe the slowdown in our economy is primarily attributable to the rising cost of energy and all its attendant factors. Yet, it seems that W has now succumbed to the GloBull Warning hoax and is supporting Bio Fuels and is wavering on other policies destined to help cause further destruction of our liberties and economic prosperity.
Someone correct me if I’m mistaken, but I don’t remember W so much as lifting a little finger to fight for more oil exploration and drilling; more nuclear plants; the reversal of Klintoon’s having designated $ 1 Trillion worth super clean burning coal, in Utah, as off limits to development, etc. One can only wish he had expended as much passion in this endeavor as his efforts towards open borders and shamnesty for millions of illegal.
And now, it appears imminent that his Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne plans to announce a decision to include “threatened polar bears” under the Endangered Species Act which could very well be the proverbial nail in the coffin or our way of life as we know it (See Polar bears are not endangered! http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=55827)
Oh, I forgot, he did make an effort to help ease the cost of oil: he apparently groveled to his buds (the most repressive, terrorist-supporting country in the world, the Saudis) and asked them increase production. WOW!!! Some energy independence policy.
I voted for him in 2000 and against Kerry in 2004 as so many of us were well aware by then of his compassionate conservative ideas and ideals.
Yes his record on taxes and the WOT have been commendable, albeit, he refuses to acknowledge and identify those who wish us harm by name—Islamofacist.
I won’t even begin to express my disdain for his Middle East policy and in browbeating Israel to accept concessions, all the while ignoring the continued terrorist activities of Fattah and in fact, sending them more $ Billions to bolster their cause, solely, it appears, to bolster a chance at a “legacy?” (Beam me up Scotty!!!)
While not thrilled at the prospects of a Hussein, Hildabeast or McPain in the oval office, I will not be saddened to see this presidency end and I dread to see what further actions he may take over the next 10 months which will be to our detriment.
rightisright, I don’t disagree. I just haven’t accepted it yet. He had so many advantages and the right moves seem so obvious in hindsight.
Bush’s ratings among republicans would plummet if they knew this:
source: http://www.gunowners.org/pr0801.htm
more:
http://www.gunowners.org/a012508.htm
One thing Jimmuh did that really screwed up the country was attempted to manage energy and it’s distribution. That was fun … Are you listening Hillary? You don’t want to go there. Jimmuh also gave us the Mullahs now running Iran after he found the current government not to his liking.
Oh yeah, Jimmuh’s legacy, the world runs out of oil by the year 2000, he knew because he used to be a nuclear engineer or something like that.
And let’s not forget the Chi-Coms have virtual control of most of the Panama Canal thanks to Jimmuh!!
I confess, I mistakenly thought W was going to govern like a conservative, and was sorely disappointed on an increasing basis over the past few years. The one thing he declined to address in his speech is the abysmal approach to border security his administration has adopted, and his playing footsies with our neighbors to the south, and the north. As we watch our dollar slip away to nothing, it is planned that we will welcome the AMero with open arms….it’s coming folks, right along with totally blurred borders both north and south. Bye-bye soveriegnty and true security.
Bush can go lower still. Just wait until he endorses the Republican Candidate McCain.
That’ll do it.
Do you think he can get to 20% favorability? 15%? Dare we think 10%?
What a train wreck…
President Bush did two good things during his 8 years. He took the war on terror to the terrorists around the world and he was able to get a reduction in taxes that spurred an economy reeling after 9/11.
Unfortunately, he also participated in the largest growth in government in history – although I would point out that 2/3 of the budget is fixed cost entitlements. Add in defense and interest on the debt and you only have $200 to $300 billion on everything else. The reason Hillary Obama wants to bring home the troops is so that they use the money for the war on terror to create yet another immortal entitlement. We are really at a crossroad here with socialistic ideology consuming ever more of the federal budget.
At some point in the next 10 to 20 years, we will be unable to fund anything other than entitlements unless something drastic happens.
Out of respect for Michelle, I wont leave a profanity laced posting on how I feel about President Bush. He is no longer “W”. He is scum.