Cavuto: Bush too classy in final speech

[Elduardo]

Did any of you catch President Bush's final speech to the nation last night?

I know it's a moot point now, but I think he botched it.

He was too classy.

Too gentlemanly.

I know he also wanted to put his years in office in the best light.

But if it were me, I'd have gone for more heat.

I'd have gone out with a bang.

I've interviewed the president six times and I can tell you he is a gentleman, and surprisingly, given all his nasty press, not remotely vindictive.

But for this last address, I'd have told him, try to be.

Not that you need my advice now, Mr. President, but you still have time for another address.

And this time, become Italian.

And I can say that, Mr. President, because I am Italian.

Go ahead and beat yourself over this financial crisis.

But do mention that while the buck stops with you, it passes a lot of people along the way.

People like, I don't know, Congress.

That ignored you five years ago when you wanted to rein in Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

I'd apologize for the economy this past year.

But remind folks the seven prior ones were pretty good; and American productivity even today, surprisingly good.

Do point out with all these job losses, a record number of Americans are still working.

And with all these foreclosures on homes, a record percentage of them still own homes.

Let them rip you for no energy policy.

Remind them you tried only weeks after you took office, but Congress shot down that policy.

Let them attack you over entitlement spending.

Remind them you were the first president to try to rein in Social Security spending and your own party punted.

And let them say you spent too much keeping us safe.

Remind them we are because you did.

And let those who smear you on human rights and a war, be reminded of 50 million people free because of that war.

And Democrats who say you ignored Africa as president? Do remind them you've given more to fight disease and AIDS and hunger than any other president combined.

Some will call you a cowboy who didn't get it.

I prefer a cowboy who frankly didn't care whether they did.

Hold your head high that you led us through these dangerous times, where we're now comfortable bitching about our money.

Forgetting little more than seven years ago, we were worried about something more valuable.

Our lives.

Just because you didn't say it, Mr. President, doesn't mean you still can't.

After all, you've still got a few days.


I think Cavuto has it about right here. One of my biggest problems with Bush is that he allowed his critics to define the issues and never made enough effort to justify his actions.

[Dr. Phibes]

With the media as it is, what would be the point? He'd only be posed as a whiner. It's all a matter of public record for those who want to make the effort to know.

[Elduardo]

True enough, but I think his lack of answering critics made him less effective.

[Luris Blear]

I don't think it would help one bit for Bush to go on the offensive.

The lines are drawn. The anger is there. There is no changing minds with this much emotion being shoved down the pike toward us. Just keep us all angry so we can continue feeling about policy instead of thinking -- right?

I'm happier with a less combative farewell speech.

[ReD]

His time is done.

[H78]

Poor W. His decisions have had such a profoundly positive overall impact on most of the people in this country.

This particular line humors me - "Do point out with all these job losses, a record number of Americans are still working." That's like a water fetch-boy for a thirsty town coming back and saying, "It's OK that I spilled so much water on my way back from the well. You see, my bucket is bigger than it used to be."

...of course, the village filled with people depending on that water is also bigger than it used to be.

[woodenheart]

:celebrate: Finally..don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

[Searcher]

the left wing Bush hating media must have brain washing influence all over the world since nobody on earth likes that monkey.

[Elduardo]

Not sure why we can't have an objective discussion rather than namecalling and demonizing those with whom you disagree.

Simple fact is, for example, that Bush did try to reign in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and was rebuffed by people like Chris Dodd and Barney Frank.

If you're serious about the issue of the financial meltdown, you would want to hold accountable whomever was responsible. To dismiss facts that don't fit your ideology really impairs your credibility.

[Luris Blear]

I have to agree with Eldurado.

Blame for the economic meltdown can be passed from every high-school dropout trying to finance his mortgage on his salary from Taco Bell all the way to the top levels of these banks, and beyond to the senators and congressmen who were paid off to look the other way.

The only dividing line that I can see were people looking to get as much as possible for as little effort as possible. This moves beyond party lines, economic status, or any other demographic that we find it acceptable to spew hatred against. This is a mindset of "I want" instead of any attempts to earn those rewards.

[Grendel]

I don't think it would help one bit for Bush to go on the offensive.

The lines are drawn. The anger is there. There is no changing minds with this much emotion being shoved down the pike toward us. Just keep us all angry so we can continue feeling about policy instead of thinking -- right?

I'm happier with a less combative farewell speech.Exactly.

His line has continually been that history will be the judge. Be kind of odd to run out the door patting himself on the back with one hand and throwing rocks with the other like Cavuto suggests.

[Elduardo]

I don't think Cavuto's comments were rock throwing or confrontational.

But for me, it goes to probably the last years, Bush's failure to effectively confront his critics and justify his decisions made him less effective.

For me, regardless of party affiliation, my biggest concern is effective government. If the right nitpicks everything Obama says and doesn't give him a chance like the the left has the last 8 years then it will not lead to effective government for the next 4 years.

[RIP]

If the right nitpicks everything Obama says and doesn't give him a chance like the the left has the last 8 years then it will not lead to effective government for the next 4 years.

Part of this statement is nowhere near accurate. Bush effectively got everything he wanted. EVERYTHING.

The other part I agree with.

[Grendel]

True enough. For all the carping and posturing that was done by those of dissenting opinions, ultimately, Congress denied Bush nothing.

Right and left, from Arlen Specter to Harry Reid, far from not giving anyone a chance, those who disagreed with the president's policies dutifully folded like card tables.

[Luris Blear]

True enough. For all the carping and posturing that was done by those of dissenting opinions, ultimately, Congress denied Bush nothing.

Right and left, from Arlen Specter to Harry Reid, far from not giving anyone a chance, those who disagreed with the president's policies dutifully folded like card tables.Grendel, I sometimes have the feeling that they didn't always fold. I firmly believe that a lot of their speech was rhetoric: hot air to keep them getting noticed and re-elected.

And I don't think this is a partisan thing. Tom "There is no pork in the transportation bill" DeLay is still my favorite Republican example.

It's hard to say when they're legitimately impotent or when they're just lying to the rest of us in exchange for our ballots.

[toxicangel19]

I was sick to my stomach yesterday when I watched people boo my Commanding Officer and sing "NA NA NA NA Hey hey goodbye" THAT IS SICK!! People are so ignorant and disrespectful. It is fine to diagree with a leader but Do NOT disrespect my Commanding Officer...My new CO was not sworen in till after Bush was disrespected and he is still my CO Until President Obama raised his right hand.....IT made me sick listening to all the ignorance.

[Searcher]

Why should anyone show respect for a person because he's your CO? Would it be different if wasn't your CO? Just curious.

[Grendel]

Grendel, I sometimes have the feeling that they didn't always fold. I firmly believe that a lot of their speech was rhetoric: hot air to keep them getting noticed and re-elected.Couldn't agree more.

I firmly believe there are some issues--on both sides--that are kept alive simply for the fund-raising and GOTV capabilities their controversies provide...

[RIP]

I was sick to my stomach yesterday when I watched people boo my Commanding Officer and sing "NA NA NA NA Hey hey goodbye" THAT IS SICK!! People are so ignorant and disrespectful. It is fine to diagree with a leader but Do NOT disrespect my Commanding Officer...My new CO was not sworen in till after Bush was disrespected and he is still my CO Until President Obama raised his right hand.....IT made me sick listening to all the ignorance.

Some people view your commanding officer as a murderous thug, and as such...were happy to see him go. They threw eggs at your commanding officer at his inaugeration.

Personally I took great delight in watching him board Executive one and fly away. GREAT delight.

[Elduardo]

Again, unacceptable to me to demonize someone and treat them with disrespect just because you disagree with their decisions.

Just to call someone a "murderous thug", I mean where is the justification for that claim? It's unbelieveable to me.

[RIP]

To clarify...I am not calling him that. But I have heard it said, and rightly or wrongly...it can be justified.

As for "respect". It's in the eye of the beholder.

[H78]

Again, unacceptable to me to demonize someone and treat them with disrespect just because you disagree with their decisions.

Just to call someone a "murderous thug", I mean where is the justification for that claim? It's unbelieveable to me.

Elder, this is oversimplification at its best.

No one is merely demonizing W. because of his decisions. People are pissed because his decisions led to the deaths of other US citizens (not to mention non-US citizens). His decisions have/had a PROFOUND impact on the lives of all of us, so being upset with those bad decision that hurt us is entirely justifiable.

He's not a murderous thug, you're right. However, he is a terrible person and an untrustworthy leader for overseeing and authorizing actions that led to the deaths of thousands of people. He knew a war would cost lives, yet he went forward with it anyways, and even went so far as to lie in order to justify his actions (that led to so many deaths). He did not use war completely out of necessity; he used it to support his own interests.

You seem like you don't want George W. Bush to be held responsible for his actions, no?

[Elduardo]

Elder, this is oversimplification at its best.

His decisions have/had a PROFOUND impact on the lives of all of us, so being upset with those bad decision that hurt us is entirely justifiable.


Can be upset and disagree with Bush without the namecalling and disrespect.



He's not a murderous thug, you're right. However, he is a terrible person and an untrustworthy leader for overseeing and authorizing actions that led to the deaths of thousands of people.

He knew a war would cost lives, yet he went forward with it anyways, and even went so far as to lie in order to justify his actions (that led to so many deaths). He did not use war completely out of necessity; he used it to support his own interests.


There is no evidence that Bush lied with respect to military action in Iraq. There were 3 independent investigations held, including the 9/11 Commission, that all concluded that there was no evidence that Bush lied.

There is also no evidence that Bush had any "interests" in going to war.

You may believe these things but there are no facts to support the allegations.



You seem like you don't want George W. Bush to be held responsible for his actions, no?

Not sure what you mean by held accountable?

People are free to express whatever their opinions are, I just feel it should be done in a respectful way without demonizing a person. I also feel that facts should be used.

I feel that the disrespectful treatment of any President is harmful to the country.

[lunatic]

Elder, this is oversimplification at its best.

No one is merely demonizing W. because of his decisions. People are pissed because his decisions led to the deaths of other US citizens (not to mention non-US citizens). His decisions have/had a PROFOUND impact on the lives of all of us, so being upset with those bad decision that hurt us is entirely justifiable.

He's not a murderous thug, you're right. However, he is a terrible person and an untrustworthy leader for overseeing and authorizing actions that led to the deaths of thousands of people. He knew a war would cost lives, yet he went forward with it anyways, and even went so far as to lie in order to justify his actions (that led to so many deaths). He did not use war completely out of necessity; he used it to support his own interests.

You seem like you don't want George W. Bush to be held responsible for his actions, no?

O.K. By your logic thousands died or were imprisoned and detained because of Stalin-loving FDR and pussy-loving JFK's decisions. Do they deserve different treatments because they are now idolized by liberal propaganda machine? How about Truman? Are your choices of whom to call a horrible person based on pure ideological preferences?
Btw, much more people died while driving last 8 years than soldiers all over the world. Should we blame Bush for not making a decision to prohibit driving for those who deserved that?

[Grendel]

I was sick to my stomach yesterday when I watched people boo my Commanding Officer and sing "NA NA NA NA Hey hey goodbye" THAT IS SICK!! People are so ignorant and disrespectful.Clearly, we all have standards of provocation, etc., but outrage at booing and "na na na na, hey hey, goodbye," smacks of pearl-clutching.

I think we can all agree this was an extremely divisive administration which advocated extremely unpopular policies. grand scheme, this sort of display sounds minor to say the least.

[Luris Blear]

I think the show of singing "hey hey goodbye" pretty much highlighted Bush Hate as a fashion statement at best, and as unthinking hate at worst.

[Grendel]

Sometimes, much like the word "great" I think "hate" is thrown around all too casually. Wishing assassination--hate.

Na na na na?

Childish at worst.

[Luris Blear]

I said "at worst." When "redneck" is used as a synonym for Republican (http://www.amazon.com/Bullet-Bible-DVD-Jewel-Case/dp/B000B8QF14), and anyone who disagrees with a liberal can be called "Bush Lover" with all the same scorn and contempt as the people who loved those other undesirables 30-60 years ago, then hate is the correct word.

Do I equate the entire crowd with a Klan rally? No.

But you don't even need to be a partisan to see that hate has become as prominent among peaceniks as it is normally attributed to supposed rednecks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG6JYsm1GmM). I've spent the last five years being called a "pigshit stupid Republican" at work -- does that sound like a good way to run a business?

Hate is an element.

I apologize for using the word twice. That should have read "contempt as a fashion statement" at best, and hate at its worst.

It's there. And just like any church, the left is going to need to have to start washing it out before its infection gets any worse.

[Tragicallyhip]

the left is going to need to have to start washing it out before its infection gets any worse.

The day certain elements stop being disrespectful and abusive to supporters of George W. Bush (for example) is probably likely to be the same day that anyone who criticizes Israel over just about anything (for example) doesn't get called everything from a terrorist-lover to a born-again Nazi.

Which is to say, never.

The left (whatever that amorphous, ambiguous, shifting term might mean) is hardly holding the monopoly on intolerance. This not to say that either side is right- such behaviour is always out of line- but it's quite apparent that both sides give as good as they get. I try to avoid indulging in namecalling and abuse on this board (or if I do, I apologise sincerely), but you don't have to look far to find people who aren't quite so polite, y'know? I'm sure there's plenty of people on the other bench that have experienced the same.

[toxicangel19]

Im no supporter of many bush policies and hope obama lives up to what he says, None of you could possibly understand how I feel though, This is my Commanding Officer....Other service members share my attitude about it and a lot of us did not agree with Bush, Its not about agreeing or disagreeing its about the way people conduct themselves. To me it was very ignorant and immature for people to act that way to my CO. I was angry and just like every one else has I right to be so do I.

[RIP]

To me it was very ignorant and immature for people to act that way to my CO.

Sounds as though you really took it personally, but understand that he works for us all. The "my CO" bit is nice and patriotic, but it's really irrelevant.

[slimeisacharacter]

Old season of drama ends, a new one begins.

I do agree with Bush on one thing, history will judge him fairly. Though I highly doubt he will get the history footnote he thinks he'll get.

End of the day, he joins the past presidents. Likely to be turn into a running gag or catch phrase... like Nixon's "I am not a crook!". *shrug*

[Elduardo]

Sometimes, much like the word "great" I think "hate" is thrown around all too casually. Wishing assassination--hate.

Na na na na?

Childish at worst.

Well there is no need to show disrespect for a person just because you disagree with their policies and decisions. The man has tried to leave office in a classy way, by all accounts he has been very accommodating and helpful to the incoming Obama administration.

[Grendel]

Well there is no need to show disrespect for a person just because you disagree with their policies and decisions. The man has tried to leave office in a classy way, by all accounts he has been very accommodating and helpful to the incoming Obama administration.Frankly, being accommodating and helpful during the transition of power is a basic expectation, especially given the litany of crises still on the table.

Respect is earned by the individual, not automatically afforded the title. Over the last eight years, Mr. Bush has lost the approval of the vast majority of the citizenry as well as the respect of a substantial portion of those.

People have every right to show their disapproval and this is a rather mild way of doing so. Booing and a playground-style chant is hardly a noteworthy affront to either the office or the outgoing officeholder.

[Elduardo]

Frankly, being accommodating and helpful during the transition of power is a basic expectation, especially given the litany of crises still on the table.


You'd think.



Respect is earned by the individual, not automatically afforded the title. Over the last eight years, Mr. Bush has lost the approval of the vast majority of the citizenry as well as the respect of a substantial portion of those.


If you do not approve of or respect someone, it is still possible to express that in a respectful way. It may seem like semantics but it is an important distinction. I may not respect my boss for example but I should still treat him in a respectful manner.

[Luris Blear]

The left (whatever that amorphous, ambiguous, shifting term might mean) is hardly holding the monopoly on intolerance. This not to say that either side is right- such behaviour is always out of line- but it's quite apparent that both sides give as good as they get.

I really need to argue here. I'm a man with hair to my ass living in Texas. I have fairly "hands-off" view of government which angers fiscal liberals and social conservatives alike.

I haven't been called a faggot to my face since I moved away from Wayne County (same place as Detroit, Democrat haven).

I've been called "Bush-Lover" and "Pigshit Stupid Republican" and other such names more times than I can count over the last few years. In Texas. I can speak my approval of two guys getting hitched to a Republican with far less problem than I can talk to Democrats about corrupt oil government-corporate hybrids.

I do not wish in any way to downplay some of the awful things the right wing does. They do it. It's been my personal experience, however, that left-wing hatred -- and I mean hatred in the honest sense -- is less illegal, more acceptable, and even swept under the rug by saying "someone else does it too." That's wrong, wrong, and wrong again.

[Grendel]

If you do not approve of or respect someone, it is still possible to express that in a respectful way. It may seem like semantics but it is an important distinction. I may not respect my boss for example but I should still treat him in a respectful manner.And appropriate methods are dictated by the person and place.

I would argue that, for a public figure at a large public appearance, cheering/booing is the accepted form of interaction.

By way of contrast, neither haranguing the person as he/she enters a restaurant, nor screaming obscenities at a public appearance is so accepted.

[Freddy316]

I may not respect my boss for example but I should still treat him in a respectful manner.
Is your boss responsible for sending thousands of people to their deaths and wasting billions of tax dollars in an unjust and illegal war? Does your boss use the US constitution as toilet paper? While you may not respect your boss for little things that happen in your day to day life, the reasons that people don't respect Bush are infinitely greater and everyone who showed their lack of respect by booing him was totally justified in doing so. America has every right to let Bush know that he won't be missed.

[Tragicallyhip]

I do not wish in any way to downplay some of the awful things the right wing does. They do it. It's been my personal experience, however, that left-wing hatred -- and I mean hatred in the honest sense -- is less illegal, more acceptable, and even swept under the rug by saying "someone else does it too." That's wrong, wrong, and wrong again.

Left-wing bile is more prevalent because Bush is one of the least popular presidents in living memory; a lot more people have sympathy with that viewpoint. That doesn't make it right, obviously, but I'm a little too cynical to honestly believe that a democrat/left-leaning president who ended up in the same place in the opinion polls wouldn't be subject to the same behaviour from the other side.

This is not sweeping it under the rug, of course. But bad manners and mindless animosity are a human problem, not a left problem.

[Luris Blear]

I'm not President Bush.

Neither is my registered Republican father in law.

A mob mind in agreement does not make a moral case, either. Gay marriage, medical marijuana, and a host of other "consenting adults" issues are currently on the outs because of a mob mentality.

I guess here is my question: The Democrats have made themselves the champion of equality. Gay rights. Civil Rights. Even some idea of forced economic equality.

How can this movement condone its people hating another group while fighting for equality at the same time? How can I trust someone who calls me "Bush Lover" or "Pigshit Stupid Republican" to actually know what equality, tolerance, and co-existence are?

It can not work. Obama has even said as much from time to time and whether I agree with the rest of what he does or not, I do appreciate him at least putting the idea out.

[levil666]

Again, unacceptable to me to demonize someone and treat them with disrespect just because you disagree with their decisions.

Just to call someone a "murderous thug", I mean where is the justification for that claim? It's unbelieveable to me.

For how much I dislike the Bush administration, I whole heartedly agree with you on this Elduardo. The damage has been done, and no good will come of name calling. Also, I feel that he was amiable during his final days in office, although the administration was not, and continued to have him sign bills that were beneficial to corporations, and detrimental to our nature reserves.

In the end, the real enemy of this country over the past eight years was the administration. Bush happened to be their puppet. As far as the media being condemning, I couldn't disagree more. Media syndicates actually deteriorated over the past eight years due to the fusion approach FOX took, by reporting "news" in an entertaining light, and FOX is not exactly your most bi-partisan reporting syndicate. CNN soon followed suit, due to a sharp decline in ratings, and the media actually played to the administrations tune (much unlike the media of the Clinton era, but that's an entirely different discussion.)

All we can do at this point is wipe the sweat from our brows, and brace ourselves for the next year. Hopefully we will see an end to many of the policies that have tarnished our world image. Instead of calling Bush names, let's do as what so many supporters/critics have said, wait for history to be the real judge. I am interested to hear what will be said of Bush in 20 years.

*edit* On the note of Cavuto (after all, I forgot to mention the article :die:) I really only agree with his points about AIDS/Disease in Africa, and the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae conundrum. All of the other points he made were pretty ridiculous. We were facing a trillion dollar deficit before Bush started his second term, the job rate has been sliding steadilly each year (except during the months when seasonal employment is available, then we see a sudden spike.) On and on, but the main point is, it's over. Fingers crossed for an improvement.

[Elduardo]

Is your boss responsible for sending thousands of people to their deaths and wasting billions of tax dollars in an unjust and illegal war?


War was not unjust or illegal. Can disagree with the decision in a respectful way without name calling and demonizing. It's not that complicated.



America has every right to let Bush know that he won't be missed.
See above.

[Luris Blear]

A lot of what I mean to say is that Bush has taken a higher road than his critics.

You may not like the guy, and I won't ask you to, but he rarely resorted to counter-attacks and was seldom as against as his detractors. Even if he was for something his critics disliked, he was for it.

That is the yes, the positive, the affirmative. That is the Beatles turning all of the Blue Meanies' ugly words into Yes and Love and life-affirming words. (I hope the Beatles fans understand how serious it is to see Bush doing the better job of this.)

So the point is not to say do not disagree. The point is to stand for your beliefs instead of against someone else's. It can be difficult at times, and criticism of an opposing viewpoint has a valid place in debate and discussion. Despite that, the affirmative and positive need to be the focus of our expression. All of ours.