Bush: I Kept America Safe

In his final address to the American people tonight, President Bush defended his accomplishments over the past eight years while also acknowledging that his tenure was not without setbacks. "I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions," he said. In front of an audience of 200 in the White House’s East Room, Bush spoke about September 11, 2001, and how that day changed his presidency—and him—forever. "As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11. But I never did,” he said. The outgoing president also mentioned his successor Barack Obama. “Standing on the steps of the Capitol will be a man whose story reflects the enduring promise of our land. This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation. And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls.”