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Bush admits errors in last conference
Source: Agencies |
January 13, 2009, Tuesday
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IN a nostalgic final news conference, United States President George W. Bush defended his record vigorously and at times sentimentally yesterday.
He also admitted many mistakes, from the "Mission Accomplished" banner during a 2003 Iraq speech to the discovery that the alleged Iraqi weapons of mass destruction that he used to justify war did not exist.
After starting what he called "the ultimate exit interview" with a lengthy and personalized thank you to the reporters in the room who have covered him over the eight years of his presidency, Bush showed anger at times when presented with some of the main criticisms of his time in office.
He particularly became indignant when asked about America's bruised image overseas.
"I disagree with this assessment that, you know, that people view America in a dim light," he said.
Bush said he realizes that some issues such as the prison for suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have created controversy at home and around the world.
But he defended his actions after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, including approving tough interrogation methods for suspected terrorists and information-gathering efforts at home in the name of protecting the country.
With the Iraq war in its sixth year, he most aggressively defended his decisions on that issue, which will define his presidency like no other.
There have been over 4,000 deaths on the US side since the invasion of Iraq and toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003.
He said that "not finding weapons of mass destruction was a significant disappointment."
The accusation that Saddam had and was pursuing weapons of mass destruction was Bush's main initial justification for going to war.
He also defended his decision in 2007 to send an additional 30,000 American troops to Iraq to knock down violence levels and stabilize life there.
"The question is, in the long run, will this democracy survive, and that's going to be a question for future presidents," he said.
He also admitted many mistakes, from the "Mission Accomplished" banner during a 2003 Iraq speech to the discovery that the alleged Iraqi weapons of mass destruction that he used to justify war did not exist.
After starting what he called "the ultimate exit interview" with a lengthy and personalized thank you to the reporters in the room who have covered him over the eight years of his presidency, Bush showed anger at times when presented with some of the main criticisms of his time in office.
He particularly became indignant when asked about America's bruised image overseas.
"I disagree with this assessment that, you know, that people view America in a dim light," he said.
Bush said he realizes that some issues such as the prison for suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have created controversy at home and around the world.
But he defended his actions after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, including approving tough interrogation methods for suspected terrorists and information-gathering efforts at home in the name of protecting the country.
With the Iraq war in its sixth year, he most aggressively defended his decisions on that issue, which will define his presidency like no other.
There have been over 4,000 deaths on the US side since the invasion of Iraq and toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003.
He said that "not finding weapons of mass destruction was a significant disappointment."
The accusation that Saddam had and was pursuing weapons of mass destruction was Bush's main initial justification for going to war.
He also defended his decision in 2007 to send an additional 30,000 American troops to Iraq to knock down violence levels and stabilize life there.
"The question is, in the long run, will this democracy survive, and that's going to be a question for future presidents," he said.
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