George W. Bush on Abortion

• Build a culture of life. (Feb 2005)
• Partial birth abortion is a brutal practice to be banned. (Oct 2004)
• Not going to spend taxpayers’ money on abortion. (Oct 2004)
• First president to fund embryonic stem cell research. (Oct 2004)
• Kerry voted no on partial-birth abortion ban. (Oct 2004)
• Must make a place for the unborn child. (Sep 2004)
• Kerry’s abortion stance shows the wrong priorities. (Jul 2004)
• Supports adult stem-cell research but limits on embryos. (Jun 2003)
• No funds to international groups that offer abortion. (Jan 2001)
• Accepts FDA approval of RU-486 but concerned about overuse. (Oct 2000)
• Ban partial-birth abortions, and reduce abortions overall. (Oct 2000)
• Approval of RU-486 is wrong. (Sep 2000)
• Good people can disagree; but let’s value life. (Aug 2000)
• Every child born and unborn ought to be protected. (Jun 2000)
• Welcome all children; supports adoption tax credits. (Apr 2000)
• Supports GOP abortion plank but disagrees on exceptions. (Feb 2000)
• No Republican will allow partial-birth abortion. (Feb 2000)
• Ideal: Value every life; but many steps to get there. (Jun 1999)
• Supports Parental Notification Law for minor girls. (Jun 1999)
• Ban partial-birth; ban taxpayer funding. (Mar 1999)
• Encourage fewer abortions via adoption & abstinence. (Jul 1998)

  Supreme Court + Constitution

• No litmus test except interpretation of the Constitution. (Oct 2004)
• Prefers strict constructionists, like overturning Dred Scott. (Oct 2004)
• No litmus test; just strict constructionist interpretation. (Oct 2000)
• No tax money for abortion, but no Pro-Life Amendment either. (Sep 2000)
• Supreme Court is wrong: leave abortion to the states. (Jun 2000)
• No pro-life pledge; VP & judges will simply be qualified. (Jan 2000)
• Would support - but not pursue - a pro-life Amendment. (Jun 1999)

George W. Bush on Budget & Economy

• Priorities: balance budget; stop earmarks; fix entitlements. (Jan 2007)
• FactCheck: Deficit is increasing substantially this year. (Feb 2006)
• FactCheck: Overall spending increased 42% under Bush. (Feb 2006)
• Spending cuts will reduce deficit to half by 2009. (Jan 2006)
• Protectionists want to escape competition. (Jan 2006)
• Cut non-security discretionary spending every year. (Jan 2006)
• Confront the larger challenge of entitlements spending. (Jan 2006)
• Limit discretionary spending; cut 150 non-essential programs. (Feb 2005)
• Pay-as-you-go means you pay, he goes and spends. (Oct 2004)
• The middle class will have to fill the Kerry tax gap. (Oct 2004)
• Kerry is not credible as a fiscal conservative. (Oct 2004)
• Kerry will not be able to pay for $2.2T in new spending. (Oct 2004)
• Bush ties growing economy to his tax cuts. (Mar 2004)
• Investment and aid to states will help economy rebound. (Aug 2003)
• Provides assistance to new small businesses. (Aug 2003)
• Reframed Clinton from economic prosperity to moral failing. (Jun 2003)
• Restore consumer confidence with tax cuts & new oil supplies. (Mar 2001)
• Despite prosperity, “It’s time for a change” in Washington. (Oct 2000)
• Prosperity results from entrepreneurship & ingenuity. (Oct 2000)
• Private sector responsible for economic boom. (Aug 2000)
• Make budget biennial; reinstate line-item veto; target pork. (Jun 2000)
• $46B in new spending on health, education, & defense. (Apr 2000)
• New Prosperity Initiative: remove obstacles to advancement. (Apr 2000)
• Simplify tax code to stimulate economic growth. (Apr 1999)

  Budget Deficit

• Haven’t vetoed any spending bills because we work together. (Oct 2004)
• Will cut the deficit in half in the next 5 years. (Jan 2004)
• Fact Check: Deficit didn’t exist at end of Clinton term. (Jan 2004)
• Proposes to shrink federal budget to 16% of GDP. (Mar 2001)
• Cut national debt by $2T in 10 years; leave $1.2T in debt. (Feb 2001)
• Too much government spending will end prosperity. (Nov 2000)

George W. Bush on Civil Rights

• Withholding info from Congress OK on national security issue. (Apr 2006)
• Federal courts have approved the authority to wiretap. (Jan 2006)
• Reauthorize the Patriot Act. (Jan 2006)
• Local control with consequences if racial profiling occurs. (Oct 2000)
• $145M over 5 years for disabled transportation. (Jun 2000)
• Government should promote independence for the disabled. (Jun 2000)
• Ten Commandments OK in schools for “inherent values”. (Jan 2000)
• Leave decisions on flying Confederate flag to the states. (Jan 2000)
• English-plus, not English-only. (Aug 1999)
• State lottery OK, but qualms about casino gambling. (Jul 1999)
• Patriot Act does not water down civil liberties. (Oct 2004)
• Don’t let Patriot Act expire-terrorist threat won’t. (Jan 2004)
• On Patriot Act, willing to defy ethnic lobbies. (Jun 2003)

  Affirmative Action

• Equal protection supercedes recruiting women & minorities. (Apr 2006)
• Help minority business by unbundling government contracts. (Oct 2004)
• Minorities benefit from good climate for small business. (Oct 2004)
• Race-neutral admissions first; race factor ok if that fails. (Aug 2004)
• Education, housing, and hiring must be equal for all. (May 2004)
• Affirmative access: qualified candidates guaranteed college. (Oct 2000)
• Guaranteed TX college racial preference for top 10% of class. (Sep 2000)
• Affirmative access: end soft bigotry of low expectations. (Aug 2000)
• For affirmative action, but not quotas or preferences. (Apr 2000)
• Reach out to minorities, but without quotas. (Jun 1999)

  Gay Rights

• Constitutional amendment to protect marriage. (Feb 2005)
• Don’t know whether homosexuality is a choice. (Oct 2004)
• We shouldn’t change our views on the sanctity of marriage. (Oct 2004)
• Protect marriage against activist judges. (Sep 2004)
• Bush calls for constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. (Feb 2004)
• Instinct on gay issues: do not touch them. (Jun 2003)
• Offices on AIDS and race will remain open. (Feb 2001)
• Bush claims gay tolerance but record differs. (Oct 2000)
• Tolerance & equal rights, not gay marriage & special rights. (Oct 2000)
• No gay adoptions; but listens to gay GOP group. (Apr 2000)
• Against gay marriage, but leave it to the states. (Feb 2000)
• No gays in Boy Scouts. (Aug 1999)
• Hate-crime rules don’t apply to gays. (Jul 1999)

George W. Bush on Corporations

• Reward, not punish, the efforts and dreams of entrepreneurs. (Feb 2005)
• FactCheck: Bush indeed is half-owner of timber company. (Oct 2004)
• FactCheck: Kerry plan affects 471,000 companies, not 900,000. (Oct 2004)
• Kerry will tax small businesses. (Oct 2004)
• Enron news hit White House like a death in the family. (Jun 2003)
• Enron donated $1M to GOP & advised Bush on energy plan. (Feb 2002)
• Federal government should stay out of the marketplace. (Dec 1999)
• Stop hurting business with excessive punitive damage awards. (Dec 1999)
• More job training; R&D tax credits. (Jul 1998)

George W. Bush on Crime

• America is the land of the second chance. (Jan 2004)
• Ignored Byrd hate crime bill despite plea by Byrd’s family. (Oct 2000)
• National hate crimes law OK, stricter enforcement better. (Oct 2000)
• Limit frivolous lawsuits to create entrepreneurial heaven. (Dec 1999)
• “Tough-love” in strictly disciplined juvenile boot camps. (Dec 1999)
• For tough juvenile justice laws. (Jun 1999)
• Criminal rehabilitation by Prison Ministry after release. (Jun 1999)
• Increased penalties to rehabilitate juveniles. (May 1999)
• Supports trying minors as adults for violent crimes. (Dec 1998)

  Death Penalty

• Death penalty saves innocent lives through deterrence. (May 2008)
• Expand use of DNA evidence. (Feb 2005)
• Not proud that Texas has most executions. (Oct 2000)
• Death penalty for deterrence, not revenge. (Oct 2000)
• Death penalty decisions are profound, but made in 15 minutes. (Oct 2000)
• Death penalty for hate crimes like any other murder. (Oct 2000)
• Uphold law on death penalty; and think of the victims. (Jun 2000)
• 134 Texas executions are “fair and just”. (Jun 2000)
• Use DNA evidence for death penalty cases. (Jun 2000)
• Death penalty clemency for bad process, not for repentance. (Jan 2000)

  Mandatory Sentencing

• Miranda should be waived in some situations. (Jun 2000)
• Proud of eliminating parole for violent criminals. (Dec 1999)
• Track gangs; enact automatic sentencing. (Jan 1999)
• Supports “two strikes” & registration for sexual criminals. (Dec 1998)
• Supports victim notification laws and anti-stalking laws. (Dec 1998)
• More searches and less parole for criminals. (Jan 1997)
• Mandatory sentencing for repeat offenders. (Feb 1995)

George W. Bush on Drugs

• Congressional limit on troops in Colombia is “advisory” only. (Apr 2006)
• Aggressive drug education, treatment & enforcement. (Jan 2004)
• $23 million more for drug-testing in schools. (Jan 2004)
• Use of performance-enhancing steroids sends wrong message. (Jan 2004)
• $600M plan help 300,000 addicts via vouchers. (Aug 2003)
• Use faith-based programs for addicted Americans. (Aug 2003)
• Turned from alcoholism by power of prayer. (Jun 2003)
• $2.8B more for Drug War, for state treatment & abroad. (Oct 2000)
• Clinton-Gore drug policy is inconsistent and has failed. (Oct 2000)
• Feds must help border counties fight drug traffickers. (Jun 2000)
• Supports military package to Colombia to fight drug supply. (Mar 2000)
• Stronger penalties for first time cocaine possession. (Mar 2000)
• Full background checks on drug use for all appointees. (Aug 1999)
• Parents make up for past by warning kids against drugs. (Aug 1999)
• Supports tough drug laws as well as drug education programs. (Dec 1998)

  Alcoholism

• Arrested for drunk driving, plead guilty, paid fine. (Aug 2004)
• A “carefree lad” who drank but never did drugs. (Aug 2004)
• Spiritual reawakening ended beer and bourbon consumption. (Aug 2004)
• Changed license in 1995 to avoid DUI arrest disclosure. (Nov 2000)
• Acknowledges arrest for drunk driving in 1976. (Nov 2000)
• Quit drinking when alcohol started to compete with family. (Sep 2000)
• Identifies with former addicts based on former alcoholism. (Jan 2000)
• Did not use drugs for the last 25 years. (Aug 1999)
• Encourages abstinence from tobacco, drugs or alcohol. . (Dec 1998)
• More federal funding for all aspects of Drug War. (Aug 2000)
• Rated F by VOTE-HEMP, indicating an anti-hemp voting record. (Dec 2003)

George W. Bush on Education

• FactCheck: Yes, NCLB has raised test scores. (Jan 2008)
• NCLB has raised scores; now give more local flexibility. (Jan 2007)
• Signing statement: No independent research on education. (Apr 2006)
• Propose additional resources for education. (Jan 2006)
• Reading is the new civil right. (Oct 2004)
• Required Texas schools to teach phonics over whole language. (Aug 2004)
• No Child Left Behind Act implements phonics nationally. (Aug 2004)
• Progressing towards excellence for every child. (Jan 2004)
• Jobs for the 21st Century: more high school help. (Jan 2004)
• Reading First program successful. (Aug 2003)
• Public schools are America’s great hope. (Aug 2003)
• Teaching to the Test is good, if testing basics. (Feb 2001)
• Time for real reform, not work around the edges. (Jan 2001)
• Commitments: testing; local control; federal help; options. (Jan 2001)
• Poor kids can’t read; now is the time to teach them. (Aug 2000)
• End the soft bigotry of low expectations in our schools. (Aug 2000)
• “Silver Scholarships” for kids from seniors who volunteer. (May 2000)
• Character education grants & American Youth Character Awards. (Apr 2000)
• Zero tolerance on disruption, guns, & school safety. (Apr 2000)
• ‘Reading First’ confronts a national emergency. (Mar 2000)
• Freedom & flexibility in return for high standards & results. (Feb 2000)
• If poor kids don’t learn, give school funds to parents. (Dec 1999)
• Leave no child behind: reform Title I & Head Start. (Oct 1999)
• Evolution & creationism both valid; let states decide. (Aug 1999)
• Teachers’ unions obstacle to school innovation. (Apr 1999)
• Teach values and moral responsibility in schools. (Apr 1998)

  Accountability

• Raise standards and focus on results for our schools. (Sep 2004)
• Pushed standardized testing as a top legislative priority. (Aug 2004)
• “No Child Left Behind” increases accountability. (Aug 2003)
• Local control is core principle of successful education. (Aug 2003)
• TX test score improvements not reflected on national tests. (Oct 2000)
• Focus on responsibility and parents, not on federal spending. (Oct 2000)
• Improve education with local control, accountability. (Sep 2000)
• Hold schools accountable and teach character. (Sep 2000)
• If you get federal money, you must return measurements. (May 2000)
• Test every grade every year & publish results. (Apr 2000)
• Link block grants & vouchers to student testing. (Feb 2000)
• State should enforce standards, not micromanage schools. (Dec 1999)
• Develop tests locally - no national tests. (Dec 1999)
• Help failing students pass - without social promotion. (Mar 1999)

  College

• Increase the size of Pell grants. (Feb 2005)
• We’ve increased Pell Grants by a million students. (Oct 2004)
• Community college provides the skills to people to fill jobs. (Oct 2004)
• $25B over 10 years for reading, Pell Grants, & charters. (Oct 2000)
• $1.5B for state merit scholarships to college. (Aug 2000)
• $275M for pre-paid college tuition tax credits. (Aug 2000)
• $1.3B to help students in college-prep math & science. (Jun 2000)

  Education Spending

• Only a liberal would say 49% more funding isn’t enough. (Oct 2004)
• Will fund early intervention programs to help high-schoolers. (Sep 2004)
• $5,000 Grants for poor students in math & sciences. (May 2004)
• Fact Check: NCLB increased school funding, but shy by $5.4B. (Jan 2004)
• Increased per-student funding by almost 60%. (Aug 2003)
• Increased school funding by $11B since taking office. (Aug 2003)
• Feds give 6% of money; but 60% for “paperwork-filler-outer”. (Oct 2000)
• $900M to improve Indian schools. (Aug 2000)
• $400M more for after-school programs, via block grants. (Jul 2000)
• $5B reading program; mixing phonics & literature. (Apr 2000)
• $2B for teachers; mandates are optional. (Apr 2000)
• $400 deductible when teachers spend own money on classrooms. (Apr 2000)
• Expand Education Savings Accounts to $5000 per year. (Oct 1999)

  School Choice

• $300M for Pell Grants for Kids for non-public schools. (Jan 2008)
• Give options for kids trapped in failing schools. (Aug 2003)
• Increased funding to $200M for charter schools. (Aug 2003)
• Favors rigorous testing over school choice. (Jun 2003)
• Parents & children must have other options when schools fail. (Jan 2001)
• Pushes OPTIONS for private schools; without saying VOUCHERS. (Jan 2001)
• Vouchers are up to states; allow local control. (Oct 2000)
• Allow “charter states” as well as charter schools. (Sep 2000)
• One size does not fit all in education. (Aug 2000)
• Money from failed schools can go to charters or tutors too. (May 2000)
• Tax money to religious schools OK, if they’re teaching kids. (May 2000)
• Profit-making schools OK, as long as kids learn. (May 2000)
• Fund 2,000 charter schools; defund failing schools. (Apr 2000)
• Don’t subsidize problems in schools; solve them. (Mar 2000)
• If schools fail for 3 years, funding becomes “portable”. (Feb 2000)
• $3 billion for Charter School Fund. (Oct 1999)
• School decisions by parents, not federal judges. (Aug 1999)
• Let poor people choose their schools, like rich people do. (Aug 1999)
• Supports vouchers, including private or religious schools. (Dec 1998)
• Vouchers tied to “accountability system”. (Mar 1998)
• “Home rule” with state standards. (Feb 1995)
• Voted NO on additional $10.2B for federal education & HHS projects. (Oct 2007)

George W. Bush on Energy & Oil

• OpEd: Melded energy policy with Iraq policy. (Jul 2008)
• Reduce gas consumption by 20% over 10 years. (May 2007)
• Reduce gasoline usage by 20% in 10 years. (Jan 2007)
• Signing statement: No whistleblower law for nuclear agencies. (Apr 2006)
• FactCheck: US grew more dependent on foreign oil under Bush. (Feb 2006)
• Replace 75% of oil imports from Mideast by 2025. (Jan 2006)
• End America’s addiction to oil. (Jan 2006)
• Safe nuclear energy & less dependence on foreign energy. (Feb 2005)
• O’Neill: Industry overruled environment in energy taskforce. (Jan 2004)
• Energy plan is about reducing oil imports, not cheap energy. (Jun 2003)
• Incentives for high-mileage cars, but drill for more oil. (May 2001)
• More exploration, more nuclear, more energy research. (May 2001)
• Make Amtrak more efficient and competitive. (Sep 2000)
• Natural gas is hemispheric; find it in our own neighborhood. (Feb 2001)
• Clarify rules to allow for more nuclear power generation. (Oct 2000)
• Better to drill ANWR than import oil from Saddam Hussein. (Oct 2000)
• Replenish energy supplies with new domestic coal & pipelines. (Oct 2000)
• Use ANWR fees for alternative energy and home oil help. (Oct 2000)
• Look for oil in US rather than tap into emergency reserves. (Sep 2000)
• Remove federal impediments to states’ clean energy. (Sep 2000)
• Explore ANWR; explore for gas; reduce foreign dependence. (Jan 2000)
• Wean from oil, via electric deregulation & natural gas. (Dec 1999)

  Global Warming

• International treaty to reverse growth of greenhouse gases. (Jan 2008)
• The Kyoto Treaty would have cost America a lot of jobs. (Oct 2004)
• Kyoto Treaty is the “emperor with no clothes”. (Aug 2004)
• $1.7 billion program will make hydrogen cars common by 2020. (Jan 2004)
• Energy production overrules CO2 emissions. (Jan 2004)
• $1.2B to develop hydrogen fuel via private partnerships. (Aug 2003)
• Reduce greenhouse gas intensity by 18% over next decade. (Aug 2003)
• Rejected CO2 trading permits as solution to global warming. (Jun 2003)
• Solution to global warming is safe & clean nuclear power. (Jun 2003)
• Abandons campaign pledge to reduce CO2 emissions. (Mar 2001)
• CO2 is not a pollutant under CAA; no emission caps. (Feb 2001)
• Scientists are unsure about global warming. (Oct 2000)
• Kyoto Treaty puts too much burden on US. (Oct 2000)
• Opposes Kyoto treaty, ESA, & other intrusive regulations. (Nov 1999)
• Voluntary partnerships reduce greenhouse gases economically. (Aug 2000)
• Kyoto Treaty must include reductions by all countries. (Aug 2000)

George W. Bush on Environment

• Proposed different measures to improve the environment. (Oct 2004)
• Clear Skies Initiative improves air quality now. (Aug 2003)
• Restrict wetland development, but not arsenic or CO2. (Apr 2001)
• More lead emission reporting requirements. (Apr 2001)
• Weaken Clean Air; no comment on Clean Water. (Nov 2000)
• Incentives for private land stewardship & conservation. (Jun 2000)
• Conservation partnerships to protect lands & watersheds. (Jun 2000)
• $60M for private stewardship; tax break on conservation land. (Jun 2000)
• Superfund failing: too costly; too litigious; too complex. (Apr 2000)
• Keep drilling; keep dams; keep private property. (Apr 2000)

  Brownfields + Parks

• Proposes $211M to cleaning up brownfields. (Aug 2003)
• $450M annually for wildlife and open spaces. (Sep 2000)
• $4.9B to repair “crumbling” national parks. (Sep 2000)
• Reinvest in Conservation Fund; repair parks & refuges. (Apr 2000)

  Federal Role

• Good stewardship is personal responsibility and public value. (Aug 2003)
• Natural resources & environment funding in FY04 highest ever. (Aug 2003)
• Federal standards+local collaboration; no command & control. (Oct 2000)
• Replace mandate/regulate/litigate with decentralized efforts. (Sep 2000)
• Can’t sue our way to clean air & water--work with industry. (Apr 2000)
• Keep fed enviro role but give money & flexibility to states. (Apr 2000)
• Base enviro decisions on science & market-driven solutions. (Apr 2000)

George W. Bush on Families & Children

• Defend the institution of marriage against activist judges. (Jan 2004)
• New relief plans focus on the American family. (Aug 2003)
• Tax cut plan helps single people as well as families. (Nov 2000)
• Internet filters, ratings, & parental monitoring for kids. (Oct 2000)
• Paying taxes hurts family time for middle class. (Sep 2000)
• Blueprint: Focus on community; adoption; fatherhood; safety. (Sep 2000)
• Safety at school & home: Project Sentry & Project ChildSafe. (Sep 2000)
• Teach our children the values that defeat violence. (Aug 2000)
• Fathers’ registry will promote involvement, responsibility. (Jul 2000)
• $75M to support veterans to mentor youth. (Jul 2000)
• $2.3 billion over 5 years for adoption & child welfare. (Jul 2000)
• Parental accountability is more important than trigger locks. (Mar 2000)
• Leave no child behind, via improving schools & health care. (Jan 2000)
• More daycare funds; caseworkers; “Second Chance” homes. (Jun 1999)
• V-chip OK, but cultural changes are better. (May 1999)
• Filter - or avoid - media that romanticizes violence. (Apr 1999)
• Enforce child protection and child support. (Jan 1999)

  Abstinence

• Double funding for abstinence to prevent STDs. (Jan 2004)
• Promote abstinence in schools and via churches. (Apr 2000)
• Abstinence Ed should get funded as much as Sex Ed. (Jun 1999)
• Appropriate to draw a moral line for children. (Jun 1999)
• Teach kids right (abstinence) and wrong (drugs & gangs). (Apr 1998)

George W. Bush on Foreign Policy

• History’s verdict takes time to reveal itself. (Feb 2008)
• Define a Palestinian state, at peace with Israel, in 2008. (Jan 2008)
• Iranian regime must not be permitted to gain nuclear weapons. (Jan 2006)
• Fight disease and spread hope in hopeless lands. (Jan 2006)
• Made unpopular decisions for great American values. (Oct 2004)
• Allies are dealing with Iran and North Korea with America. (Oct 2004)
• Free nations will help us achieve the peace we all want. (Sep 2004)
• We ought to be working with the African Union. (Sep 2004)
• US establishes UN Democracy Fund. (Sep 2004)
• Allies deserve the respect of all Americans. (Sep 2004)
• Foreign affairs is interpersonal leadership, not knowledge. (Aug 2004)
• Full transition to democratic Iraq by Jan. 2005. (May 2004)
• National Endowment for Democracy in the Middle East. (Jan 2004)
• Tilt back toward Israel. (Jan 2004)
• Vietnam: Trade better for human rights than sanctions. (Oct 2000)
• Supported force in Mideast & Balkans, not Haiti & Somalia. (Oct 2000)
• Africa’s important but not a priority; no nation-building. (Oct 2000)
• Keep troops in Korea & NATO; not in Haiti & Balkans. (Oct 2000)
• Puerto Rico: Back statehood if majority votes for it. (Sep 2000)
• Will keep sanctions against Cuba. (Aug 2000)
• US will be a friend to Latin American democracies. (Aug 2000)
• Patrol borders, but also invest in Latin America. (Aug 2000)
• Africa: Rally world to help AIDS, but not with US funds. (Jan 2000)
• Mexico: Free trade, but with more border patrols. (Oct 1998)

  China

• Six-party talks are better than taking on North Korea alone. (Sep 2004)
• The six-party talks will unwind when we have bilateral talks. (Sep 2004)
• Must have China’s leverage on Kim Jong Il. (Sep 2004)
• Abandoned ambiguity with China to horror of own diplomats. (Jun 2003)
• Do “whatever it takes” to defend Taiwan, including military. (Apr 2001)
• Maintain relations with both Taiwan & China. (Apr 2000)
• Defend Taiwan if China violates one-China policy. (Mar 2000)
• No strategic ambiguity: US will defend Taiwan against China. (Feb 2000)
• China is an American competitor, not a friend. (Feb 2000)
• Entrepreneurial China trade differs from totalitarian Cuba. (Jan 2000)
• China’s taste of freedom encourages capitalism’s growth. (Dec 1999)
• China: Reaction to espionage was not serious and not enough. (May 1999)
• Cox Report warrants review of all export controls to China. (May 1999)

  Internationalism

• Kerry wants a global test while I will be resolute. (Oct 2004)
• Won’t allow foreigners to make national security decisions. (Oct 2004)
• Other nations are sacrificing with us. (Oct 2004)
• Hope we never have to take preemptive military action. (Sep 2004)
• Take preemptive action in order to make America secure. (Sep 2004)
• No “global test”: protect Americans even if unpopular abroad. (Sep 2004)
• America will never seek a permission slip for self-defense. (Jan 2004)
• Bush Doctrine: pre-emptive strikes for US defense. (Dec 2003)
• Help poor countries around the world. (Aug 2003)
• United States returning to UNESCO. (Sep 2002)
• Bush compromises between internationalists and isolationists. (Oct 2000)
• US should humbly empower other countries, not dictate. (Oct 2000)
• America should be a humble nation, but project strength. (Oct 2000)
• Vital interests: US or allies threatened; we can win & exit. (Oct 2000)
• US troops will never be under UN command. (Oct 2000)
• Less intervention abroad and unilateral nuclear cuts at home. (Sep 2000)
• Reform UN & IMF; strengthen NATO. (Apr 2000)
• Brokering peace requires diligence and patience. (Mar 2000)
• America should speak loudly and carry a big stick. (Dec 1999)
• America should act as the leader of the free world. (Dec 1999)
• Foreign policy with a touch of iron & a sharpened sword. (Nov 1999)

  Russia

• Continue working with Putin in the future. (Sep 2004)
• Focus on Russia as part of Europe. (Jun 2003)
• Russia nukes: demand inventory; pay for dismantling. (Apr 2000)
• Russia funding: replace IMF loans with $ to people. (Apr 2000)
• Pressure Russia financially to ease up on Chechnya. (Apr 2000)
• Focus on Big Three: Russia, China, & India. (Dec 1999)

George W. Bush on Free Trade

• Linked trade agreements to participation in Iraq War. (Aug 2008)
• Open more markets to keep America competitive. (Jan 2006)
• Fact Check: Free trade tempered by steel protectionism. (Jan 2004)
• Tariffs over free trade, for steel industry. (Jan 2004)
• Repeals steel tariffs he imposed in 2002. (Dec 2003)
• Don’t link trade to environment and labor. (Sep 2000)
• Sow free trade and farmers will reap. (Jan 2000)
• A free market promotes dreams and individuality. (Dec 1999)
• Import fees are not the answer to foreign competition. (Dec 1999)
• The fearful build walls; the confident demolish them. (Jun 1999)

  NAFTA + WTO

• Establish Free Trade Area of the Americas by 2005. (Apr 2001)
• Add Chile, Brazil, Argentina, & others to NAFTA. (Oct 2000)
• No trade barriers from Alaska to the tip of Cape Horn. (Apr 2000)
• Fast Track in west; WTO in east. (Apr 2000)
• Supports Fast Track; WTO; NAFTA; anti-dumping. (Apr 2000)

George W. Bush on Government Reform

• More signing statements than all other presidents combined. (Jul 2008)
• Trust in government is undermined by congressional earmarks. (Jan 2008)
• FactCheck: Earmark veto threat takes no effect until 2009. (Jan 2008)
• Expose every earmark to a vote; cut earmarks in half by 2008. (Jan 2007)
• Congress should pass the line-item veto. (Jan 2006)
• Pass medical liability reform this year. (Jan 2006)
• FactCheck: Kerry authored 7 bills, not 5 that Bush claims. (Oct 2004)
• Loves government, but keep it restricted. (Mar 2001)
• Big government cannot be compassionate. (Nov 2000)
• Regulatory style: like Reagan, get government out of the way. (Oct 2000)
• We believe in people; they believe in government. (Oct 2000)
• Make govt citizen-centered, results-oriented & market-based. (Jun 2000)
• Restore cooperation with Congress, to accomplish more. (Jun 2000)
• Pay for tax cuts with cash, not corporate loopholes. (Jan 2000)
• Meet basic priorities, & return leftovers to taxpayers. (Jan 2000)
• No legislating from the bench-judges should just interpret. (Jan 2000)
• Term limits for state representatives and governors. (Jul 1998)
• Reform the court system to serve people, not lawyers. (Feb 2000)
• Favors Tort Reform to make it harder to sue corporations. (Oct 1999)
• No lawsuits on good-faith acts. (Jun 1999)

  Campaign Finance Reform

• Private soft money OK, with full & prompt disclosure. (Mar 2001)
• Ban soft money, but no public financing of elections. (Oct 2000)
• Ban some soft money; fewer restrictions on individuals. (Sep 2000)
• No government takeover of campaign finance. (Mar 2000)
• Full disclosure and no giving limits. (Mar 2000)
• No corporate or union soft money. (Feb 2000)
• Support tweaking campaign finance rules & upping $1000 limit. (Jul 1999)

George W. Bush on Gun Control

• Make America safer by prosecuting criminals with guns. (Oct 2004)
• If gun laws are broken, hold people accountable. (Oct 2000)
• First, enforce the law; then keep guns from wrong people. (Oct 2000)
• Restrict lawsuits against gun makers. (Sep 2000)
• Government should pay for voluntary trigger locks. (May 2000)
• Project Sentry: juvenile gun laws & school accountability. (Apr 2000)
• Avoid Columbine via gun control, values & character ed. (Apr 2000)
• Would sign, but would not push, gun restrictions. (Apr 2000)
• Ban automatic weapons & high-capacity ammunition clips. (Apr 2000)
• More laws & enforcement on juveniles with guns. (Apr 2000)
• Best gun control is more prosecution & certain jail. (Dec 1999)
• Supports gun ownership for protection and hunting. (Dec 1999)
• Raise legal age for guns to 21; ban certain ammo. (Aug 1999)
• No child-safety locks on guns; concealed carrying ok. (Jun 1999)
• Arrest for guns in school; track juvenile offenders. (Jun 1999)
• No city lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jun 1999)
• Gun restrictions OK within basic right to own guns. (May 1999)
• Gun show checks OK; ban guns near schools & kids. (Apr 1999)
• Assault weapon OK; waiting period not OK. (Apr 1999)

George W. Bush on Health Care

• FactCheck: Tax deduction insures at most 9M, & not poorest. (Jan 2008)
• $7,500 tax deduction for health insurance. (Jan 2007)
• Support wider use of electronic records for health care. (Jan 2006)
• FactCheck: British blocked flu vaccine, not Bush. (Oct 2004)
• I haven’t gotten a flu shot, and I don’t intend to. (Oct 2004)
• Kerry’s health care plan is an empty promise. (Oct 2004)
• The US healthcare system is the envy of the world. (Oct 2004)
• Veterans are getting very good health care. (Oct 2004)
• FactCheck: Kerry’s plan doesn’t put bureaucrats in control. (Oct 2004)
• Double the NIH budget to $28 billion. (Oct 2004)
• Kerry’s healthcare plan will ruin the quality of healthcare. (Oct 2004)
• $15B for international AIDS treatment. (Sep 2004)
• Will enroll millions of poor children in health programs. (Sep 2004)
• Government-run health care is the wrong prescription. (Jan 2004)
• Endorses billions more in health care funding. (Aug 2003)
• Senior Rx: “Immediate Helping Hand” now; more later. (Jan 2001)
• Absolutely opposed to a national health care plan. (Oct 2000)
• Medical Savings Accounts part of affordable access & choice. (Oct 2000)
• Claims of immediate help are only true for poorer families. (Oct 2000)
• Invest $27B in NIH to cure Alzheimer’s & other diseases. (Sep 2000)
• Government HMOs not the answer for Social Security. (Sep 2000)
• Family Health Credit: pay for 90% of basic low-income policy. (Apr 2000)
• $3.6B for 1,200 new community health centers. (Apr 2000)
• Expand and Reform Medical Savings Accounts:. (Apr 2000)
• Opposes doctor assisted suicide. (Apr 2000)
• Restrict teenage smoking by tough state & federal laws. (Mar 2000)
• Health insurance for kids from tobacco settlement. (Jun 1999)
• More funding for disability assistance. (Jun 2000)

  Insurance coverage

• Expand consumer choice, not government control. (Jan 2008)
• Association health plans for small business. (Feb 2005)
• Allow small firms to join together to purchase insurance. (Sep 2004)
• Health savings accounts with choice of coverage. (Jan 2004)
• 100% tax deduction for catastrophic health insurance. (Jan 2004)
• Everyone should be able to choose a health plan. (Aug 2003)
• Lift restrictions on Medical Savings Accounts. (Aug 2003)
• Ask “are we getting health care?” not “are we uninsured?”. (Oct 2000)
• Link small businesses together in large insurance pools. (Oct 2000)
• Cover 3 million uninsured at a 10-year cost of $135 billion. (Sep 2000)
• Small business health insurance via trade associations. (Apr 2000)
• More CHIPs; more multistate HMOs. (Apr 2000)
• New Prosperity Initiative: $2,000 health ins. tax credit. (Apr 2000)

  Medicare + Medicaid

• We got Medicare reform done. (Oct 2004)
• Medicare bill uses market-based solutions to reduce costs. (Aug 2004)
• Medicare Rx plan: immediate help, then senior choice. (Oct 2000)
• Cap senior prescription costs at $6,000 per year. (Sep 2000)
• $158B for Medicare prescriptions & subsidized premiums. (Sep 2000)
• Choice of Medicare, free equivalent, or adding own $. (Sep 2000)
• Second bill to Congress: $48B for immediate Rx help. (Sep 2000)
• All seniors entitled to Medicare; poor seniors subsidized. (Sep 2000)
• $7.4B for nursing home insurance via tax deductions. (May 2000)
• Replace 132,000-page Medicare document with senior choice. (Jan 2000)

  Patient Rights

• Supports passage of Patient’s Bill of Rights. (Aug 2003)
• Patient Rights: No gatekeepers for gynecologists. (Oct 2000)
• Give seniors choice, not bureaucrats; give incentives too. (Sep 2000)
• Health care access via empowerment, not nationalizing. (Apr 2000)
• Private alternatives & state reforms come first. (Apr 2000)
• HMOs should cover emergency room; & gynecology directly. (Mar 2000)
• Create Review Board to hear HMO complaints. (Dec 1999)

  Prescription Drugs

• FactCheck: Bush opposed drug reimports, but so did Clinton. (Oct 2004)
• FactCheck: Only 19% of poor seniors use Drug Discount cards. (Oct 2004)
• Make sure the drugs from Canada cure and don’t kill you. (Oct 2004)
• Senior Rx coverage without government dictates. (Aug 2003)
• Give states money to help poor seniors buy medicine. (Oct 2000)
• Medicare Rx drug coverage for low-income seniors. (Mar 2000)

  Tort Reform

• Flu vaccine shortage from litigation worries. (Oct 2004)
• Lack of market forces and lawsuits increase healthcare costs. (Oct 2004)
• FactCheck: Frivolous lawsuits do not cost government $28B. (Oct 2004)
• Pass medical liability reform to make health care affordable. (Sep 2004)
• Lower care costs; reform taxes; limit lawsuits. (Jul 1998)
• Voted NO on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility. (Nov 2007)
• Protect state tobacco settlement funds from federal seizure. (Apr 1999)

George W. Bush on Homeland Security

• FactCheck: Wiretapping authority foiled no terrorist plots. (Jan 2008)
• War on Terror is a decisive ideological struggle. (Jan 2007)
• 92,000 more in Armed Forces; plus Civilian Reserve Corps. (Jan 2007)
• Signing statement: Only president decides which intel to use. (Apr 2006)
• FactCheck: Yes, there are more democracies now, but not Iraq. (Feb 2006)
• Support democratic reform across the broader Middle East. (Jan 2006)
• Post-WWII world has grown from 24 lonely democracies to 122. (Jan 2006)
• Has used Patriot Act to thwart several terrorist attacks. (Oct 2005)
• We are not going to have a draft. (Oct 2004)
• We’ve tripled the homeland security budget. (Oct 2004)
• Decreased funding for dealing with nuclear proliferation. (Sep 2004)
• Bush’s stated military service record is incorrect. (Oct 2000)
• AWOL in Air Guard? Maybe not, but didn’t meet obligations. (Oct 2000)
• Opposed Somalia intervention when it became nation-building. (Oct 2000)
• Be world’s peacemaker instead of world’s policeman. (Oct 2000)
• Rebuild military so it can fulfill mission to prevent war. (Oct 2000)
• Bush says military not ready; Pentagon disagrees. (Aug 2000)
• Post-Vietnam: just cause; clear goal; overwhelming victory. (Aug 2000)
• Lowest possible number of nukes consistent with security. (May 2000)
• Use arms to defend Europe, Far East, Mideast, & Panama. (Feb 2000)
• US military is key to preserving world peace. (Apr 1998)

  Military Personnel

• Increased military pay by 4% per year. (Aug 2003)
• $400M for renovating and improving military housing. (Aug 2003)
• Focus on mobility and swiftness, not size of military. (Feb 2001)
• Spend money on soldiers before sending them to hot spots. (Oct 2000)
• Gays in military OK; “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” OK. (Sep 2000)
• Better equipment, better training, and better pay. (Aug 2000)
• $1B more for salary; $20B more for R&D for new weapons. (May 2000)

  Missile Defense

• Missile defense protects America. (Sep 2004)
• Missile defense for security, not for military advantage. (Aug 2003)
• Withdrew from ABM Treaty; now $9B for missile defense. (Aug 2003)
• Listens to Europeans on SDI, but “intent on the right thing”. (Jun 2001)
• The defenses we build must protect us all: include allies. (Feb 2001)
• SDI: think beyond Cold War, but convince Europe & Russia. (Aug 2000)
• Post-Cold War: remove weapons & high-alert; build SDI. (May 2000)
• Russia: jointly reduce missiles; but no joint SDI. (May 2000)
• SDI needed for defense against rogue states & terrorists. (May 2000)

  War on Terror

• Geneva Convention does not apply to Al Qaeda detainees. (Oct 2008)
• Signing statement: We will decide what is torture. (Jul 2008)
• 9/11: The people who attacked us will hear from us soon. (Jun 2007)
• Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists. (Jun 2007)
• OK to waive torture ban if terrorist attack prevented. (Apr 2006)
• Military lawyers subject to White House legal conclusions. (Apr 2006)
• For long-term peace, end conditions that feed radicalism. (Feb 2005)
• FactCheck: Bush initially opposed dept. of homeland security. (Oct 2004)
• Saddam Hussein now sits in a prison cell and we are safer. (Sep 2004)
• Stay on the offensive and spread liberty to defeat terrorism. (Sep 2004)
• Make sure we keep weapons out of the hands of Al Qaida. (Sep 2004)
• We have to be right 100 percent of the time to fight terror. (Sep 2004)
• We have tripled the amount of money on homeland security. (Sep 2004)
• You cannot change positions in the War on Terror. (Sep 2004)
• Win the war on terror by spreading freedom. (Sep 2004)
• Bush says Geneva Convention doesn’t apply to war on terror. (Aug 2004)
• Clarke: Bush wants homeland security but did not fund it. (Mar 2004)
• It’s false hope to think that terror is behind us. (Jan 2004)
• Terrorists declared war on us-terrorism is beyond a crime. (Jan 2004)
• Concedes no evidence of Saddam ties to 9-11. (Sep 2003)
• Created “Ready campaign” and Ready.Gov. (Aug 2003)
• Initiated reorganization of homeland defense. (Aug 2003)
• Increased security of critical infrastructure. (Aug 2003)
• “Axis of Evil” means US uses strength without remorse. (Jun 2003)
• Pro-Muslim post-9-11 message failed. (Jun 2003)
• Largest increase in defense $ in two decades: never too high. (Jan 2002)
• Deter terrorists by counterstrikes & counterintelligence. (Apr 2000)

George W. Bush on Immigration

• Deploy border fence; end “catch and release”. (Jan 2008)
• Take pressure off border with guest worker program. (Jan 2007)
• Minuteman Project are vigilantes. (Jul 2006)
• Letter from Catholic Church: Don't make priests enforcers. (Jul 2006)
• Our economy could not function without the immigrants. (Jan 2006)
• Support a humane guest-worker program that rejects amnesty. (Jan 2006)
• Reversed GOP’s support fo English-only education. (Oct 2005)
• It’s time to permit temporary guest workers. (Feb 2005)
• Temporary workers ok, but no amnesty. (Oct 2004)
• A time-limited worker card for the illegal immigrants. (Oct 2004)
• Don’t believe we ought to have amnesty. (Oct 2004)
• Support temporary worker program but oppose amnesty. (Jan 2004)
• New temporary worker program includes illegal aliens. (Jan 2004)
• Mexico: immigration reform in exchange for oil development. (Jun 2003)
• Respect other languages, but teach all children English. (Nov 2000)
• $500M to cut INS application time to 6 months. (Jul 2000)
• Welcome Latinos; immigration is not a problem to be solved. (Jun 2000)
• Make INS more “immigrant friendly”. (Jun 2000)
• High tech: More H-1B worker visas; less export controls. (Apr 2000)
• Farm policy: Open markets abroad; more H-2A worker visas. (Apr 2000)
• Latinos enrich us; family values go past Rio Grande. (Feb 2000)
• More border guards to compassionately turn away Mexicans. (Dec 1999)
• Guest workers, maybe; citizenship waiting period, yes. (Aug 1999)

George W. Bush on Jobs

• FactCheck: Yes, US gained 4.6M jobs, but also lost 2.6M jobs. (Feb 2006)
• US has gained 4.6M jobs since 2003. (Jan 2006)

  Farm Policy

• Farm bill provides $40B over 10 years for conservation. (Aug 2003)
• Don’t use food as a diplomatic weapon; it hurts farmers. (Oct 2000)
• Keep Freedom to Farm Act: cut price supports. (Sep 2000)
• Farm policy: emergency relief; insurance; antitrust. (Apr 2000)
• Family farms: Food for Peace instead of food as a weapon. (Jan 2000)
• Ethanol tax incentives good for farmers and good for air. (Nov 1999)

  Labor

• FactCheck: Yes, 52 months of job growth, but at lower wages. (Jan 2008)
• FactCheck: Bush lost 1.6M PRIVATE jobs, gained some in gov’t. (Oct 2004)
• Education is the best way to create jobs. (Oct 2004)
• To keep jobs in US, develop energy and keep taxes low. (Oct 2004)
• Will double the workforce for our job training program. (Sep 2004)
• Will change outdated labor laws to offer comp-time. (Sep 2004)
• Dedicated to improving economy through job growth. (Aug 2003)
• Passed 13 week extension of unemployment benefits. (Aug 2003)
• Not satisfied until everyone who wants a job can find one. (Aug 2003)
• Flex-time & family-oriented work rules via tax code. (Oct 2000)
• Tax breaks, child care & bus fare for working recipients. (Jul 1998)

George W. Bush on Principles & Values

• Believe in the goodness and wisdom of the American people. (Sep 2008)
• OpEd: Encroaches civil liberties, Constitution, & democracy. (Aug 2008)
• It is a privilege to see America’s greatness up close. (Feb 2008)
• America wants Congress to cross the aisle to get things done. (Jan 2007)
• Outperformed by Kerry in debates & campaign lost ground. (Oct 2005)
• Kerry introduced some 300 bills and he’s passed five. (Oct 2004)
• Iraqi war and tax cuts were not mistakes. (Oct 2004)
• Free societies will be hopeful societies. (Sep 2004)
• This young century will be liberty’s century. (Sep 2004)
• America will be more secure as freedom advances. (Sep 2004)
• Screens all audiences to avoid hecklers. (Aug 2004)
• Comforted mother Barbara at age 7 when his sister died. (Aug 2004)
• IQ of 120 puts him above 90% of the population. (Aug 2004)
• Member of secret society Skull and Bones & a fraternity guy. (Aug 2004)
• Bush’s smirk shows he’s perturbed, not that he’s arrogant. (Aug 2004)
• Ad: Kerry missed votes in the Senate by campaigning. (Jul 2004)
• John Dean: Bush impeachable if WMD info manipulated. (May 2004)
• Bush elected as the un-Clinton. (Jun 2003)
• Our grandest ideal: no insignificant person was ever born. (Jan 2001)
• Citizenship is as important as government. (Jan 2001)
• Favorites: PB&J, tacos, Winston Churchill, kissing Laura. (Sep 2000)
• No need to excuse Cheney from energy issues. (Aug 2000)
• Baseball is fun, politics is not. (Jun 2000)
• Priorities: Reaganesque tax cuts; education & health reform. (Mar 2000)
• Challenges the orthodoxy but is still a devout conservative. (Oct 1999)
• Bush’s centrism: free trade; private IRAs; no new taxes. (Jul 1999)
• Government can create an environment for prosperity. (Jun 1999)
• Match conservative minds with compassionate hearts. (Jun 1999)

  Campaign Themes

• Building a Safer, Stronger and Better America. (Aug 2004)
• Calls on Americans to be citizens, not spectators. (Aug 2003)
• “Compassionate conservatism” disliked by conservatives. (Jun 2003)
• Communitarianism: Society over unfettered individualism. (Feb 2001)
• Build a single nation of justice and opportunity. (Jan 2001)
• Commitment to civility, courage, compassion and character. (Jan 2001)
• End season of cynicism and politics of anger. (Nov 2000)
• President should be a role model and uniter. (Nov 2000)
• They have not led. We will. (Nov 2000)
• Barnstorm for Reform: End D.C. cynicism & zero-sum politics. (Oct 2000)
• Blueprint for the Middle Class: from birth thru retirement. (Sep 2000)
• Real Plans for Real People: Bush promises honest talking. (Sep 2000)
• Now is the time to do the hard things. (Aug 2000)
• My generation tested limits; now we’re coming home. (Aug 2000)
• Theme: change how Washington works & restore moral purpose. (Jun 2000)
• Bush’s conservatism: local solutions within limited govt. (Dec 1999)
• Government if necessary, not necessarily government. (Dec 1999)
• “Compassionate conservatism” allows individual potential. (Mar 1999)
• Prosperity with a purpose: Peaceful & prosperous future. (Mar 1999)

  Leadership Style

• 2005: I earned political capital, & now I intend to spend it. (May 2007)
• Cheerleader at Andover & Yale; as full of energy now. (Aug 2004)
• John Dean: ending Bush’s secrecy will avoid scandal. (May 2004)
• Clarke: Bush admin uses war on terror for political gain. (Mar 2004)
• Bush places personal loyalty over loyalty to the truth. (Jan 2004)
• O’Neill: Bush is an ideologue, not a centrist. (Jan 2004)
• Conspicuous intelligence unwelcome in Bush White House. (Jun 2003)
• Has not succeeded at goal of being above party & ideology. (Jun 2003)
• Reads people well; prefers one-on-one with legislators. (Oct 2000)
• A leader has vision, credibility, and loyalty to friends. (Oct 2000)
• End bickering in Washington to revive politics. (Oct 2000)
• Put U.S. interests first and execute goals with good team. (Oct 2000)
• The president must have credibility; Gore doesn’t. (Oct 2000)
• Leads by building consensus, not by following polls. (Oct 2000)
• Uphold law of the land & the dignity of the office. (Aug 2000)
• Bush has “hands-off” style, says the test is good decisions. (Aug 2000)
• Surrounded by smart people, but he decides himself. (Aug 2000)
• Governs by outlining ideas & letting Legislature do details. (May 1999)

  Religion

• Faith shapes his principles, which shape his policies. (Oct 2004)
• Character determines your path; we are not the author. (Aug 2004)
• Glad to sign a law “love thy neighbor”. (Jun 2003)
• Faith helps me in service to people. (Feb 2001)
• US chosen by God to be a model among nations. (Aug 2000)
• Jesus is part of my life; but won’t exclude non-Christians. (Jan 2000)
• “A Charge to Keep,” hymn & painting, inspire Bush. (Dec 1999)
• Charitable Choice has churches mentoring weflare clients. (Jun 1999)
• Allow religious groups to address social ills. (Dec 1998)
• Diminish role of govt as communities & churches take over. (Jul 1998)
• Base “responsibility era” on Judeo-Christian values. (Apr 1998)
• Religious affiliation: Methodist. (Nov 2000)
• Member of National Governors Association. (Jan 2000)

George W. Bush on Social Security

• Create a bipartisan commission to examine Social Security. (Jan 2006)
• FactCheck: System may pay less, but will not go bankrupt. (Feb 2005)
• FactCheck: Private accounts are a good bet, not a sure thing. (Feb 2005)
• FactCheck: Only SOME of your personal account is yours. (Feb 2005)
• Social Security system is headed toward bankruptcy. (Feb 2005)
• Personal retirement accounts for younger workers. (Feb 2005)
• Let young people use personal retirement savings accounts. (Oct 2004)
• Social Security privatization will keep the system solvent. (Oct 2004)
• Allow younger workers to put taxes in a personal account. (Sep 2004)
• Personal retirement accounts for young workers. (Jan 2004)
• Privatize SS while maintaining govt system. (Jan 2004)
• Strengthen & modernize Social Security. (Aug 2003)
• Create Individual Development Accounts with low-income match. (Aug 2003)
• Ensure freedom of choice in retirement planning. (Aug 2003)
• Minimize investment risk through diversification. (Aug 2003)
• Strengthen women’s retirement via catch up contributions. (Aug 2003)
• Bush commission members all back privatization. (May 2001)
• Forms presidential commission to reform Social Security. (Feb 2001)
• Don’t treat Social Security like it’s a federal program. (Nov 2000)
• Set aside $2.4T for seniors as well as younger workers. (Oct 2000)
• Young workers want to invest some Social Security money. (Oct 2000)
• Prohibit govt investment in the stock market, private OK. (Sep 2000)
• Blueprint: Maintain retiree benefits; young get more options. (Sep 2000)
• I will touch the third rail so I can fix it. (Aug 2000)
• Open questions: transition costs & bad investors bailouts. (Jul 2000)
• Maintain basics of government’s “most successful program”. (May 2000)
• 2% real return is not enough; sound investments get 6%. (May 2000)
• Support retirement via government-plus-private system. (May 2000)
• Privatize Social Security to take advantage of stock market. (May 2000)
• No government investment in private stocks or bonds. (Apr 2000)
• Consider raising retirement age. (Nov 1999)

George W. Bush on Tax Reform

• FactCheck: Expiring tax cuts typically cost $828, not $1,800. (Jan 2008)
• Make the tax cuts permanent. (Jan 2006)
• Re-examine the tax code from top to bottom. (Feb 2005)
• FactCheck: Kerry voted to increase taxes 39 times, not 98. (Oct 2004)
• Now the tax code is fairer after the tax cut. (Oct 2004)
• Kerry voted to increase taxes 98 times. (Oct 2004)
• Will lead a bipartisan effort to simplify the tax code. (Sep 2004)
• Congress must act to make tax cuts permanent. (Jan 2004)
• Everyone benefits from dividend tax reform. (Aug 2003)
• Reduction in dividend taxes benefits 35 million people. (Aug 2003)
• Make the end of the death tax permanent. (Aug 2003)
• People should not pay more in taxes than they do for food. (Nov 2000)
• Be fair and eliminate death taxes for everyone. (Oct 2000)
• Don’t eliminate gas tax; ask OPEC to increase supply. (Jul 2000)
• Use the marketplace to encourage people to save and invest. (Apr 2000)
• New Prosperity Initiative: 6 million tax-free families. (Apr 2000)
• End death tax; reduce marriage penalty; more child credits. (Apr 2000)
• 1997 no-tax pledge: judge results, despite breaking pledge. (Jan 2000)
• $8B tax incentives for charitable contributions. (Jul 1999)
• Read my tax pledge: No new taxes. (Jun 1999)
• Simplify tax code to stimulate economic growth. (Apr 1999)

  Income Tax Cut

• Taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely or not at all. (Feb 2005)
• FactCheck: Most of Bush tax cut went to top 10%. (Oct 2004)
• FactCheck: Wealthy pay 63% of taxes, not 80%. (Oct 2004)
• Cut taxes on everybody. (Oct 2004)
• Ad: The largest tax relief in history. (Jul 2004)
• Tax relief is working. (Jan 2004)
• Fact Check: Tax relief fueled spending, but not job growth. (Jan 2004)
• Bush 2003 economic plan accelerates 2001 tax cuts. (Aug 2003)
• Tax relief allows saving & spending more of your own money. (Aug 2003)
• Deliver substantial tax relief to 91 million Americans. (Aug 2003)
• Married with children -- taxes drop 96%. (Aug 2003)
• Not too big, not too small, tax cut was just the right size. (Jun 2003)
• On behalf of the American people, I’m asking for a refund. (Feb 2001)
• Get bigger paychecks in people’s pockets fast. (Feb 2001)
• Retroactive tax cuts may bolster faltering economy. (Jan 2001)
• Claims lower income people benefit more than rich; untrue. (Oct 2000)
• $500B to people earning under $100K; $800B to those richer. (Oct 2000)
• Yes, wealthy get tax relief, but 6M poor will pay no tax. (Oct 2000)
• Wealthy now pay 62% of all taxes; with his plan, 64%. (Oct 2000)
• Claim that every taxpayer gets relief isn’t true. (Oct 2000)
• All Americans deserve tax relief; no more “fuzzy numbers”. (Oct 2000)
• More child & charity deductions in $1.3T tax cut. (Sep 2000)
• Cut taxes on income, children, & inheritance. (Jun 2000)
• More deductions for kids, education, charity, and marriage. (May 2000)
• Reduce share of tax burden on low- and middle-income. (Apr 2000)
• Tax cuts, so help me God. (Jan 2000)
• No national sales tax or VAT. (Feb 2000)

George W. Bush on War & Peace

• We need a president who understands the lessons of 9/11. (Sep 2008)
• We will not allow Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons. (Jan 2007)
• We’ve Never Been Stay The Course. (Oct 2006)
• Terrorists would move the battlefield to our own shores. (Jan 2006)
• War on Terror is not about intelligence and law enforcement. (Oct 2004)
• I wake up every day thinking about protecting our country. (Sep 2004)
• Confront threats to America before it is too late. (Sep 2004)
• Will defend America every time. (Sep 2004)
• Freedom is the greatest fear of the terrorists. (Sep 2004)
• During Vietnam, did not protest, & counseled supporting war. (Aug 2004)
• Bush Doctrine: harboring terrorists treated as terrorism. (Aug 2004)
• Op-Ed: Bush maintains power by inspiring fear & nationalism. (Oct 2003)

  Afghanistan

• FactCheck: Bush DID say he was not concerned about Osama. (Oct 2004)
• FactCheck: new al Qaeda recruits reduce 75% capture figure. (Oct 2004)
• Busted the A.Q. Khan network and convinced Libya to disarm. (Sep 2004)
• Increased spending by $15B to fight terrorism. (Aug 2003)
• Afghanistan was a “different type of war”. (Nov 2002)
• Afghanistan model-successful plan first-used for Iraq. (Nov 2002)
• Homeland security focus: bioterror; airports; intelligence. (Jan 2002)

  Iraq

• May 2003: Combat operations are ended; mission accomplished. (Oct 2008)
• 2003: If they want to attack us in Iraq, bring 'em on. (Oct 2008)
• 2001: Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists. (Oct 2008)
• 2003: We will find WMDs; Saddam destroyed some & hid some. (Oct 2008)
• Transition from leading operations to partnering with Iraqis. (Jan 2008)
• FactCheck: Troop drawdown of 20,000 still above pre-surge. (Jan 2008)
• 2002: Clear that war vote was to strike Iraq, not diplomacy. (Jun 2007)
• 20,000 additional soldiers and Marines to Baghdad & Anbar. (Jan 2007)
• We’re on the offensive in Iraq with a clear plan for victory. (Jan 2006)
• Terrorists aim to seize power in Iraq. (Jan 2006)
• Sudden withdrawal from Iraq would abandon our Iraqi allies. (Jan 2006)
• Guard eager to go to Iraq-relief will come from Iraqi troops. (Oct 2004)
• Saddam was a unique threat because of the potential WMD. (Oct 2004)
• Saddam wanted to restart his weapons programs. (Oct 2004)
• UN sanctions were not effective at removing Saddam. (Oct 2004)
• Had the right plan with the right troops level invading Iraq. (Oct 2004)
• Sent a $87 billion bill that gives troops equipment. (Oct 2004)
• Went to the UN hoping the world would listen to our demands. (Sep 2004)
• Saddam Hussein was systematically deceiving the inspectors. (Sep 2004)
• The front on the war on terror is more than just one place. (Sep 2004)
• Start bringing troops home when Iraq is stable and free. (Sep 2004)
• A free Iraq is essential for the security of America. (Sep 2004)
• Allocated $7 billion over months for reconstruction efforts. (Sep 2004)
• Calls on UN to do more in Iraq. (Sep 2004)
• Deny terrorists a base of operation in Iraq. (May 2004)
• Saddam loyalists have joined with foreign terrorists. (May 2004)
• We’re constructing democracy; terrorists can only destroy. (May 2004)
• Request of $25 billion for war just the beginning. (May 2004)
• $389M in 2002-2003 for CIA to overthrow Saddam. (Apr 2004)
• Saddam a “madman” who could make WMDs. (Feb 2004)
• We’ve already internationalized the war in Iraq. (Jan 2004)
• We haven’t come this far to falter unfinished. (Jan 2004)
• Saddam had WMD-related program activities. (Jan 2004)
• France, Germany, Russia excluded from Iraq contracts. (Dec 2003)
• Saddam captured: War on terror is a different kind of war. (Dec 2003)
• Conflict with Iraq dominated war against terror. (Oct 2003)
• Seeking $87B and UN Aid for Iraqi War Effort. (Sep 2003)
• Defeating terrorists in Iraq will require time and sacrifice. (Sep 2003)
• “Axis of Evil” links Saddam with 9/11. (Jun 2003)
• Bush to Arab World: terrorism must stop, or else. (Jun 2003)
• UN founded to fight threats like Saddam and 9/11. (Sep 2002)
• Fight freedom’s fight against Axis of Evil. (Jan 2002)

  Iraq Criticism

• 9/11: Persisted in seeking Iraq link to terrorist attacks. (Jul 2008)
• Campaign to sell the Iraq War began with 2002 UN speech. (May 2008)
• 2004: Unwilling to admit mistakes in invading Iraq. (May 2008)
• OpEd: Linked Saddam & al-Qaeda despite lack of evidence. (Mar 2008)
• 2002 NIE said Saddam making nukes by 2007; Bush said 2002. (Oct 2006)
• Decision to invade Iraq was certain by fall 2002. (Oct 2006)
• Claimed 946 WMD sites “known”; none found. (Oct 2006)
• Kay Report: WMDs never existed; hence WMD-related activities. (Oct 2006)
• CIA’s Tenet considered “slam dunk” his dumbest 2 words ever. (Oct 2006)
• President, not Congress, decides on Iraq investigations. (Apr 2006)
• FactCheck: Yes, Bush gave 23 different rationales for war. (Oct 2004)
• FactCheck: Yes, troops had inadequate body armor. (Oct 2004)
• Bush rejected NATO’s suggestion to help training in Iraq. (Oct 2004)
• Other nations will not risk troops in a war called a mistake. (Oct 2004)
• FactCheck: Iraq reconstruction money is not flowing. (Oct 2004)
• FactCheck: “100,000 trained” are mostly 3-week police course. (Oct 2004)
• You can’t lead the country if you criticize the Iraqi war. (Sep 2004)
• Commander in chief shouldn’t give mixed messages to troops. (Sep 2004)
• There are summits being held-world won’t follow “wrong war”. (Sep 2004)
• Can’t change the dynamics in Iraq by criticizing the leader. (Sep 2004)
• I know bin Laden attacked; but Saddam had WMD-capabilities. (Sep 2004)
• CIA argued against “16 words” but took responsibility. (Aug 2004)
• Majority misunderstood that Bush connected Saddam with 9/11. (Aug 2004)
• CIA report hedged on whether Saddam had WMD. (Apr 2004)
• CIA chief told Bush “slam dunk” that Saddam had WMD. (Apr 2004)
• Clarke: Bush insisted on connecting 9-11 with Saddam. (Mar 2004)
• Bush admin knew Iraq not a threat, & had no time for terror. (Mar 2004)
• Clarke: CIA and FBI intelligence failures allowed 9/11. (Mar 2004)
• Clarke: Bush Iraq policy generates Islamic hatred of America. (Mar 2004)
• Fact Check: No evidence of bio, chemical, or nuclear WMDs. (Jan 2004)
• O’Neill: Bush planned on war in Iraq before 9/11. (Jan 2004)
• Paul O’Neill: Bush planned to overthrow Saddam before 9/11. (Jan 2004)
• Saddam’s uranium from Niger: admits facts were not checked. (Dec 2003)
• Rejected Powell’s plan for refocused UN sanctions on Iraq. (Oct 2003)

  Mideast

• Iran: suspend nuclear enrichment before any negotiations. (Jan 2008)
• Hamas must disarm and reject terrorism and work peace. (Jan 2006)
• Confront Iran as terrorism sponsor; hold Syria accountable. (Feb 2005)
• $350M for Palestinian reforms. (Feb 2005)
• Bush supports peaceful Palestinian state. (Sep 2004)
• First president to use the term “Palestine”. (Aug 2004)
• Libya renounces WMDs; anti-proliferation has high priority. (Dec 2003)
• No peace for Israel or Palestine without freedom for both. (Sep 2002)
• Israel: America should be a stronger friend. (May 2000)
• Israel: Recognize Jerusalem as capital. (Jul 1999)

George W. Bush on Welfare & Poverty

• Appoints Laura Bush to lead anti-gang initiative. (Feb 2005)
• I would have increased the minimum wage. (Oct 2004)
• Compassionate conservatism means self-help over gov’t help. (Aug 2004)
• Created USA Freedom Corps to strengthen culture of service. (Aug 2003)
• Calls for 4,000 hours of national service for every citizen. (Jan 2002)
• Housing: Help low-income purchasers, and housing developers. (Oct 2000)
• Housing: Use HUD rental vouchers for first home purchase. (Oct 2000)
• Bush’s Texan philosophy for the poor: up-by-the-bootstraps. (Oct 2000)
• Transform low-income rentals to home ownership. (Aug 2000)
• Focus welfare on transition to work & responsibility. (Jun 2000)
• $1.7B over 5 years for home rehabs in poor neighborhoods. (Apr 2000)
• 50% tax credits for 20,000 home rehabs per year. (Apr 2000)
• New Prosperity Initiative: rent vouchers; homeowner credits. (Apr 2000)
• $1B & tax credits for Individual Development Accounts. (Apr 2000)
• Remove tax “tollbooths” for poor single moms. (Jan 2000)
• Supports low-income heating oil assistance program. (Dec 1999)
• Work and responsibility to replace welfare. (Dec 1999)
• Too much government fosters dependency. (Dec 1999)

  Faith-based organizations

• Never discriminate against religious charities. (Sep 2004)
• Faith-based charity doesn’t violate church-state separation. (Aug 2004)
• Unleash the passion of religious charity. (Jan 2004)
• One of first acts was establishing faith-based initiatives. (Aug 2003)
• Faith-based initiative keeps separation of church and state. (Feb 2001)
• Religious groups must be part of solution to society’s ills. (Jan 2001)
• Establish federal & state “offices of faith-based action”. (Jan 2001)
• Government solving social problems crowds out compassion. (Oct 2000)
• Devolve welfare to both state and private charities. (Sep 2000)
• Fund faith-based private programs that promote independence. (Jun 2000)
• Church-based solutions for drugs, daycare, & crime. (Apr 2000)
• “No-strings” vouchers for religious groups to do charity. (Jan 2000)
• Religious charities deserve government support. (Dec 1999)
• Churches provide “armies of compassion” to help the poor. (Oct 1999)
• Look first to faith-based organizations. (Aug 1999)
• Religious groups compete for state service contracts. (Jun 1999)