Posted on 05/28/2009 10:48:37 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
BENTON HARBOR, Michigan (CNN) -- Former President George W. Bush on Thursday repeated Dick Cheney's assertion that the administration's enhanced interrogation program, which included controversial techniques such as waterboarding, was legal and garnered valuable information that prevented terrorist attacks.
Former President George W. Bush defended his administration in speech Thursday in Michigan.
Bush told a southwestern Michigan audience of nearly 2,500 -- the largest he has addressed in the United States since leaving the White House in January -- that, after the September 11 attacks, "I vowed to take whatever steps that were necessary to protect you."
In his speech, Bush did not specifically refer to the high-profile debate over President Obama's decision to halt the use of harsh interrogation techniques. Bush also didn't mention Cheney, his former vice president, by name.
Instead, he described how he proceeded after the capture of terrorism suspect Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in March 2003.
"The first thing you do is ask what's legal?" Bush said. "What do the lawyers say is possible? I made the decision, within the law, to get information so I can say to myself, 'I've done what it takes to do my duty to protect the American people.' I can tell you that the information we got saved lives."
Bush avoided the sharp tone favored by Cheney in recent weeks and stressed he does not want to disparage Obama.
(Excerpt) Read more at edition.cnn.com ...
President Bush is a class act. Well done.
The former president received a noisy standing ovation when answered a question about what he wants his legacy to be.
“Well, I hope it is this: The man showed up with a set of principles, and he was unwilling to sacrifice his soul for the sake of popularity,” he said.
New Tone! Compassionate Conservatism!
fyi
Wow, did anyone know GWB was speaking today ? Or where or why? Saw nothing reported about this in the media until this minute.
We were very fortunate to have his services...what a contrast with the new guy.
I was as critical of some of President Bush’s policies/decisions as anyone on this forum, but it’s difficult to find fault with Bush the man.
” “Well, I hope it is this: The man showed up with a set of principles, and he was unwilling to sacrifice his soul for the sake of popularity,” he said.”
#####
Excellent.
Our country is truly off track when the Commander in Chief has to “defend” his excellent performance in his PRIMARY Constitutionally-defined duty: defending the American people.
And the MSM always refused to acknowledge his calm demeanor.
Now they pretend the brat Hussein is cool and calm, lol, when you get nothing but fawning...what is there to be stressed about?
Kudos to President Bush for standing up to those who slander him.
Thanks for the ping, Ernest.
Both Clinton and Obama are big on the low class... Bush makes all the BDS people look silly
Many of the Comments at the Link at post #14....are from the Leftists....
Should have said the comments on the photos linked by the FR thread linked at post #14.
Bush was classy every day while in office. He hasn't changed. The MSM has done a good job of making him appear other than he is, including distorting his image in conservatives' minds.
The real Bush is going to win out. He will be seen for who he really is in time.
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