...All Americans are in this together. And together, with determination and hard work, we will restore our economy to the path of growth. We will show the world once again the resilience of America's free enterprise system.
Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks and there are things I would do differently, if given the chance.
Yet, I've always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made, but I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions. The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country, and there are some guiding principles that should shape our course.
While our nation is safer than it was seven years ago, the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient and determined to strike again.
America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard.
At the same time, we just continue to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose. In the face of threats from abroad, it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject isolationism and its companion, protectionism.
Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led.
As we address these challenges, and others we cannot foresee tonight, America must maintain our moral clarity.
I have often spoken to you about good and evil, and this has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world and between the two, there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere.
Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense and to advance the cause of peace.
President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." As I leave the house he occupied two centuries ago, I share that optimism...We have faced danger and trial, and there is more ahead.
But with the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals, this great nation will never tire, never falter and never fail.
It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your president. There have been good days and tough days. But every day, I have been inspired by the greatness of our country and uplifted by the goodness of our people.
I have been blessed to represent this nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any Other -- citizen of the United States of America.
And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time, good night. May God bless this house and our next president. And may God bless you and our wonderful country...
The man has made some mistakes, but give him some credit. He faced one of the worst attacks on our own soil ever, and while some of you (Ryan) think he had a hand in that, you have to admit that he handled it well. And not only did he handle it with empathy and grace, he kept us safe from more. Over seven years later, we have yet to face another attack. He appointed one of the best Supreme Court justices in our history, after he was faced with the challenge of replacing the best Supreme Court justice in history, Sandra Day O'Connor. He held his head high and stuck to his principles despite criticism. He reached across party lines and effectively dealt with a Congress in the hands of his opposition. And here's a man who actually, legitimately cares about America as a whole, not just about being president (coughobamacough). I think history will eventually be good to Bush, and I think we're in for a rough four years.
