Generally interested in eliminating poverty

Ours is a very compassionate nation. We deeply care about the human condition around the world. And I firmly believe that the best way to alleviate world poverty is through trade. That’s what I believe. It’s not the only way, but it is the best start – let me put it to you that way – coupled with health initiatives that we’re working on, food initiatives that the President described. But if you’re generally interested in eliminating poverty – and I am – commerce, trade, opportunity and hope will all flourish with the completion of the Doha Round.

–Thurmont, Maryland; March 31, 2007

What about dem atheists?

And Laura and I were proud to worship with believers here in Hanoi. And we, again, thank the church for the opportunity to come by. My hope is that people all across the world will be able to express religion freedom. And it’s our way of expressing our personal faith and, at the same time, urging societies to feel comfortable with, and confident in saying to their people, if you feel like praising God you’re allowed to do so in any way you see fit.

–Hanoi, Vietnam; November 19, 2006

Iran into Iraq again

“Now, let me step back on Iran, itself. We have a comprehensive strategy to deal with Iraq. There’s a variety of issues that we have with Iraq. One, of course, is influence inside of Iraq. Another is whether or not they end up with a nuclear weapon.”

–Washington, D.C.; February 14, 2007

Trust Me

“Look, I understand some people are – may not agree with the decisions I make. But what the American people need to know, I’m making them based upon what’s best for this country.” 

–Crawford, Texas; May 21, 2007

War President, redux

“The biggest issue facing this country, as far as I’m concerned, is the security of the United States of America. I think about it every day. Every day I am briefed about the fact that there’s still an enemy that lurks, plans and plots and wants to kill Americans. I wish I did not have to report that. You know, when I campaigned here in 2000, I said, I want to be a war President. No President wants to be a war President, but I am one. Not because the United States chose war, but because an enemy chose to attack us. And these folks are lethal, and they are brutal. And the best way to deal with them is to bring them to justice before they can hurt the American people again.”

–Des Moines, Iowa; October 26, 2006

Better spent in Iraq?

“Let me start with taxes. See, our philosophy is this: you can spend your money far better than the federal government can. I don’t care what they’re telling you in the races here, but the Democrats believe they can spend their money better than you can.”

–Grand Island, Nebraska; November 5, 2006

Keep the process on the road

“I am determined to keep the process on the road to peace.”

–Washington, D.C.; June 10, 2003

Hemispherical concern

“Anyway, I’m so thankful, and so gracious – I’m gracious that my brother Jeb is concerned about the hemisphere as well.”

–Miami, Florida; June 4, 2001

Time has come today

“One year ago today, the time for excuse-making has come to an end.”

–Washington, D.C.; January 8, 2003

I yam what I yam

“The reason I believe in a large tax cut is because it’s what I believe.”

–Washington, D.C.; December 18, 2000