Final Days

Bush’s Last Briefing

"There's still an enemy out there."

In his final press conference from the White House press briefing room, President Bush wished his successor well and reflected on his eight years as commander-in-chief. "When I get out of here, I am getting off the stage," he said. "I have had my time in the Klieg lights." Bush reiterated that he genuinely hopes President-elect Obama will succeed, especially in protecting the homeland. "I wish that I could report that's not the case, but there's still an enemy out there that would like to inflict damage on America—on Americans," he said. "There'll be a moment when the responsibility of the president lands squarely on his shoulders," he added. Bush also said the Republican Party shouldn't be written off yet. "Our party has got to be compassionate and broad-minded," he advised.