The ABC Bush interview will be the first of many farewells to that mighty president with whom we embarked on a new century. And let us just say, though we have had some rough times and our differences, in the end Mr. President, we'll still always hate you... a lot.
Here are some highlights from George W. Bush's interview with the paternal Norman Rockwell-esque Charlie Gibson that will have you reaching back into your 80s lexicon and letting fly some of your favorite grade school expressions such as, "No shit, Sherlock!" "Duh-uh!" "Thanks, Captain Obvious!" and the timeless classic, "I wish I was never born!"
Interview Highlights:
GIBSON: What were you most unprepared for?
BUSH: Well, I think I was unprepared for war. ...one of the things about the modern presidency is that the unexpected will happen.
GIBSON: I have found you to be an excellent political analyst and commentator?
BUSH: Why? I try not to. (Laughter.)
GIBSON: Palin choice -- help or hurt?
BUSH: I think it helped John. It energized the party. It -- I can remember when she first was named, young women in our office were saying, isn't it great that a woman is in a position to serve on the ticket now, to maybe be Vice President of the United States.
We wonder what the men were saying.
GIBSON: Was the election in any way a repudiation of the Bush administration?
BUSH: I think it was a repudiation of Republicans. And I'm sure some people voted for Barack Obama because of me.
GIBSON: But both candidates wound up criticizing you a lot.
BUSH: Yes, well, that's what happens when you're the incumbent during a tough economic time, but --
GIBSON: Hurt?
BUSH: No, not really. You know, I've been around politics a long time. Remember, I was the guy in 2000 who campaigned for change. I campaigned for change when I ran for governor of Texas. The only time I really didn't campaign for change is when I was running for reelection.
Change!? Why not throw "Hope" in there while you're at it.
GIBSON: Given the fact that you did start campaigning
for change, said you were going to change the ways of Washington, do
you feel you did in any way? Or did 9/11 really stand in the way of
doing it?
BUSH: No, you know -- actually, 9/11 unified the
country, and that was a moment where Washington decided to work
together.
And that's what he'll be remembered for.
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