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President of the U.S., 1989-1993; Former Republican Rep. (TX)
George Bush Sr.
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Past Presidents:
Barack Obama
Democratic President, 2009-2017
George W. Bush
Republican President, 2001-2009
Bill Clinton
Democratic President, 1993-2001
George Bush Sr.
Republican President, 1989-1993
Ronald Reagan
Republican President, 1981-1989
Jimmy Carter
Democratic President, 1977-1981
Gerald Ford
Republican President, 1974-1977
Richard Nixon
Republican President, 1969-1974
Lyndon Johnson
Democratic President, 1963-1969
John F. Kennedy
Democratic President, 1961-1963
Dwight Eisenhower
Republican President, 1953-1961
Harry S Truman
Democratic President, 1945-1953

Past Vice Presidents:
Joe Biden
Democratic Vice-President, 2009-2017
Dick Cheney
Republican Vice-President, 2001-2009
Al Gore
Democratic Vice-President, 1993-2001
Dan Quayle
Republican Vice-President, 1989-1993
George Bush Sr.
Republican Vice-President, 1981-1989
Walter Mondale
Democratic Vice-President, 1977-1981
Lyndon Johnson
Democratic Vice-President, 1961-1963
Richard Nixon
Republican Vice-President, 1953-1961
Harry S Truman
Democratic Vice-President, 1941-1945

Past Major-Party Nominees for President:
Hillary Clinton
Democratic Nominee for Vice-President, 2016
Mitt Romney
Republican Nominee for President, 2012
John McCain
Republican Nominee for President, 2008
John Kerry
Democratic Nominee for President, 2004
Al Gore
Democratic Nominee for President, 2000
Bob Dole
Republican Nominee for President, 1996

Past Major-Party Nominees for Vice President:
Tim Kaine
Democratic Nominee for President, 2016
Paul Ryan
Republican Nominee for Vice-President, 2012
Sarah Palin
Republican Nominee for Vice-President, 2008
John Edwards
Democratic Nominee for Vice-President, 2004
Joe Lieberman
Democratic Nominee for Vice-President, 2000
Bob Dole
Republican Nominee for Vice-President, 1976

Archives


Team of Five, by Kate Brower

Education and Equality, by Danielle Allen

What Happened, by Hillary Rodham Clinton

Harvard Kennedy School of Government

JFK and the Reagan Revolution, by Larry Kudlow

Jeb Bush vs. George W. Bush vs. George Bush Sr. On The Issues, by Jesse Gordon of OnTheIssues.org

MA newspaper: The Boston Globe

Government Bullies, by Rand Paul

The Greatest Hoax, by Senator James Inhofe

The American Presidency Project

Known and Unknown, by Donald Rumsfeld

Decision Points, by George W. Bush

Courage and Consequence, by Karl Rove

A Life of Trial and Redemption, by Jules Witcover

The Last Best Hope, by Joe Scarborough

My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me, by Condoleezza Rice

Third World America, by Arianna Huffington

In the President`s Secret Service, by Ronald Kessler

Hopes and Prospects, by Noam Chomsky

How Obama is Endangering our National Sovereignty, by Ambassador John Bolton

The 100: Insight and Lessons from 100 of the Greatest Speeches Ever Delivered

Guilty, by Ann Coulter

Surrender Is Not an Option, by Ambassador John Bolton

The Myth of a Maverick, by Matt Welch

Giving, by Bill Clinton

A Woman in Charge, by Carl Bernstein

Stand For Something, by John Kasich

Jeb: America's Next Bush, by S.V. Date

What A Party!, by Terry McAuliffe and Steve Kettman

State of Denial, by Bob Woodward

My Father, My President, by Doro Bush Koch

The Truth, (with jokes), by Al Franken

Our Endangered Values, by Jimmy Carter

The Agenda: Inside the Clinton White House, by Bob Woodward

A Patriot`s Handbook, selected and introduced by Caroline Kennedy

Where the Right Went Wrong, by Pat Buchanan

The Family: The Real Story of the Bush Dynasty, by Kitty Kelley

Living History, by Hillary Rodham Clinton

Heartbeat, compiled by Jim McGrath

The Natural, by Joe Klein

Power and Terror, by Noam Chomsky

Fortunate Son, by J. H. Hatfield

The Faith Of George W. Bush, by Stephen Mansfield

Cameron Lynch in William and Mary Environmental Law Review, vol. 26 #1

Winning Modern Wars, by Wesley Clark

My Life, by Bill Clinton

The Greatest Generation, by Tom Brokaw

All the Best, George Bush : My Life in Letters and Other Writings

Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, by Bob Woodward

Dialogues, by Governor Jerry Brown (D, CA)

Character IS the Issue, by Mike Huckabee

Slouching Towards Gomorrah, by Supreme Court Nominee Robert Bork

The Dysfunctional President, by Paul Fick

Newt! Leader of the Second American Revolution, by Dick Williams

The Clinton-Bush-Perot Presidential Debates

George Bush's State of the Union speeches, 1990-1992

The Reagan-Carter Presidential Debate

(click a picture above for excerpts or other books and debates by or about George_Bush_Sr_)

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Issues
Abortion
Budget & Economy
Civil Rights
Corporations
Crime
Drugs
Education
Energy & Oil
Environment
Families & Children
Foreign Policy
Free Trade
Government Reform
Gun Control
Health Care
Homeland_Security
Immigration
Infrastructure & Technology
Jobs
Principles & Values
Social Security
Tax Reform
War & Peace
Welfare & Poverty
  
International Issues  Domestic Issues   Economic Issues  Social Issues 
Foreign Policy Gun Control Budget & Economy Education
Homeland Security Crime Government Reform   Civil Rights
War & Peace Drugs Tax Reform Abortion
Free Trade Health Care Social Security Families & Children
Immigration  Technology Corporations Welfare & Poverty
Energy & Oil  Environment Jobs Principles & Values
George Bush Sr. on Abortion
Click here for 9 full quotes on Abortion OR other political leaders on Abortion.
  • Shifted towards pro-life camp seeing callousness of abortion. (Mar 2010)
  • Slowly moved along continuum to pro-life. (Mar 2010)
  • 1962: Pro-choice candidate, for population control. (Feb 2007)
  • 1950: Father lost for CT Senate due to Birth Control League. (Sep 2004)
  • 1970: Introduced Family Planning Services Act. (Sep 2004)
  • Supported family planning as ambassador & Congressman. (Nov 2003)
  • Continued global gag order on family planning. (Nov 2003)
  • 1973: Nominally in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade. (Jun 1999)
  • Pro-life; against advocating abortion in any form. (Mar 1989)
George Bush Sr. on Budget & Economy
Click here for 8 full quotes on Budget & Economy OR other political leaders on Budget & Economy.
  • Profile in Courage for establishing pay-as-you-go rule. (May 2014)
  • OpEd: Bush budget was terrible but Dems budget was worse. (May 2006)
  • Increased national debt from $3T in 1988 to $4T in 1992. (Jun 2004)
  • 1992 debate: Disconnected on recession's personal effect. (Feb 2003)
  • 1992 growth plan: deregulate & cut taxes. (Dec 2000)
  • Trickle down government doesn't create jobs. (Oct 1992)
  • Saw 1992 economy as recovering; public did not. (Jun 1992)
  • Not interested in spend-spend-spend agenda. (Oct 1991)
George Bush Sr. on Civil Rights
Click here for 16 full quotes on Civil Rights OR other political leaders on Civil Rights.
  • 1998: gay status of personal aide "doesn't matter to us". (Oct 2006)
  • 1980: Supported Equal Rights Amendment, but not as V.P. (Sep 2004)
  • 1964: Advocated states' rights over Civil Rights Act. (Sep 2004)
  • 1990: Signed Americans with Disabilities Act. (Sep 2004)
  • 1959 home carried a restrictive racial covenant. (Sep 2004)
  • 1963: Civil Rights Bill violates constitutional rights. (Sep 2004)
  • 1983: Debated Geraldine Ferraro; "We kicked a little ass". (Sep 2004)
  • No professional women on Bush staff, nor in Bush family. (Sep 2004)
  • 1990: vetoed Civil Rights Act & voter registration bill. (Sep 2004)
  • Signed 1991 Voting Rights Act after 1990 veto. (Sep 2004)
  • Legislation is not enough to eliminate discrimination. (Nov 1991)
  • Civil Rights Act: ban discrimination without quotas. (Aug 1991)
  • ADA is first declaration of equality for disabled people. (Jul 1990)
  • Avoiding censorship more important than defunding NEA. (Mar 1990)
  • Called for Constitutional Amendment against flag burning. (Jun 1989)
  • Supports school prayer, like Pledge of Allegiance. (Jul 1982)
George Bush Sr. on Corporations
Click here for the full quote on Corporations OR other political leaders on Corporations.
  • 1989: Address the festering savings-and-loan crisis. (Oct 2006)
George Bush Sr. on Crime
Click here for 8 full quotes on Crime OR other political leaders on Crime.
  • Where do the three Bushes disagree on domestic issues? (Jan 2015)
  • Willie Horton Ads: don't release repeat offenders. (Nov 2009)
  • Willie Horton was a crime issue, not a racism issue. (Oct 2006)
  • 1988: "Willie Horton" TV ads attacked furlough program. (Sep 2004)
  • Willie Horton ads: "revolving door of justice" frees rapists. (Aug 1999)
  • Habeas corpus reform, so you don't have endless appeals. (Oct 1992)
  • Renewed investment in fighting violent street crime. (Jan 1992)
  • Freedom from crime is a fundamental civil right. (Jan 1991)
George Bush Sr. on Drugs
Click here for 9 full quotes on Drugs OR other political leaders on Drugs.
  • At end of Cold War, re-declared War on Drugs. (Jun 2010)
  • 1986: Oversaw National Narcotics Border Interdiction System. (Oct 2006)
  • 1990: Make fighting the drug problem a top priority. (Oct 2006)
  • 1989: Convicted Panamanian dictator in drug trafficking. (Sep 2004)
  • Did not drink much, but not a teetotaler. (Apr 2004)
  • 1990: Declaration of Cartagena to fight war on drugs. (Mar 2002)
  • I don't believe legalizing narcotics is the answer. (Oct 1992)
  • Noriega in prison helps Panama and hurts drug lords. (Apr 1992)
  • Take my word for it: This scourge will stop. (Jan 1989)
George Bush Sr. on Education
Click here for 8 full quotes on Education OR other political leaders on Education.
  • 1989 Common Core Standards adopted in 40+ states. (Feb 2018)
  • Promised US 1st in math & science by 2000; we ended up 18th. (Sep 2010)
  • 1980: As Reagan's V.P., supported school prayer. (Sep 2004)
  • Pledge of Allegiance: Kids should say "One nation under God". (Aug 1999)
  • America 2000: choice of public, private, or religious school. (Oct 1992)
  • America 2000: accountable schools with parental choice. (Jun 1991)
  • Assess student performance in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades. (Jan 1990)
  • Churches & private schools provide 93% of education funding. (Sep 1988)
George Bush Sr. on Energy & Oil
Click here for 11 full quotes on Energy & Oil OR other political leaders on Energy & Oil.
  • 1989: supported cap-and-trade via United Nations. (Jun 2019)
  • Helped negotiate Kyoto Treaty on climate change. (Sep 2006)
  • 1948: Moved to Texas to make fortune in oil fields. (Sep 2004)
  • 1956: Deregulation encourages more natural gas exploration. (Sep 2004)
  • 1950s goal: financial success in oil; then politics. (Sep 2004)
  • 1948: Moved to TX for oil, instead of family's Wall Street. (Apr 2004)
  • Took no stance nor action on global climate change. (Jan 2001)
  • 1953: Founded Zapata Petroleum Corp. with $350,000 capital. (Aug 1999)
  • Supports environmentally-responsive access to ANWR. (Oct 1991)
  • Rely on the magic of the marketplace for energy strategy. (Jul 1991)
  • Pioneer in the offshore drilling industry. (Mar 1989)
George Bush Sr. on Environment
Click here for 12 full quotes on Environment OR other political leaders on Environment.
  • 1989: America will lose no wetlands on my watch. (Sep 2012)
  • 1990 Acid Rain trading program achieved its goals. (Feb 2012)
  • Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund for New Orleans relief. (Sep 2007)
  • With Clinton, raised $14M for Asian tsunami reconstruction. (Sep 2007)
  • 1953 Zapata Petroleum: sunk 71 wells, not one dry. (Feb 2007)
  • Protect natural resources as hunter & outdoorsman. (Jan 2001)
  • 1988: Cited Gov. Dukakis' failure to clean up Boston Harbor. (Jan 2001)
  • 1991: Rejected requiring 25% recycling of incinerator waste. (Jan 2001)
  • Onerous environmental regulation will cause job loss. (Oct 1992)
  • Balance economy with environment. (Apr 1992)
  • Earth will be preserved by millions of small daily decisions. (Nov 1990)
  • Look for common ground: economic growth & clean environment. (Feb 1989)
George Bush Sr. on Families & Children
Click here for 8 full quotes on Families & Children OR other political leaders on Families & Children.
  • Family creed: Your word is your bond; be good loser & winner. (Oct 2006)
  • Bush family motto: Do The Right Thing. (Apr 2004)
  • Get deadbeat dads to pay up, to help single moms. (Oct 1992)
  • Best environment for kids is two-parent family. (May 1992)
  • Moral sense comes from your family, not Big Brother. (May 1992)
  • No welfare sponsorship for teen moms out of wedlock. (Jan 1992)
  • Family Savings Plan: incentives for more saving. (Jan 1990)
  • Our anchor has always been faith and family. (Jan 1990)
George Bush Sr. on Foreign Policy
Click here for 37 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR other political leaders on Foreign Policy.
  • OpEd: internationalist by instinct and upbringing. (Oct 2010)
  • United Nations is "the light that failed". (Nov 2007)
  • Called for repeal of UN "Zionism is racism" resolution. (Nov 2007)
  • US troops to Somalia to alleviate starvation. (Oct 2007)
  • Became UN Ambassador after campaigning against UN. (Sep 2004)
  • US gives Israel $1,000 for every Israeli citizen. (Sep 2004)
  • 1987: Visited concentration camps in Poland. (Sep 2004)
  • 1980s: Secretly assisted airlifting Ethiopian Jews to Israel. (Sep 2004)
  • 1991: Returned asylum-seeking refugees from Haiti. (Jun 2004)
  • Resigned from Trilateral Commission during V.P. campaign. (Apr 2004)
  • 1980s-90s: Supported military junta in Haiti. (May 2002)
  • Supported 1990 South Africa sanctions. (Dec 2000)
  • Clinton promised to overturn "immoral" Haiti policy. (Jun 2000)
  • Built consensus with UN to move against Saddam Hussein. (Oct 1992)
  • Panama: stealing elections requires response. (May 1989)

    China

  • 1971: Argued for dual UN representation for China & Taiwan. (Sep 2004)
  • Tiananmen: deplored crackdown but maintained communication. (Dec 2000)
  • US-China relationship needs to be preserved post-Tiananmen. (Mar 1999)
  • Conciliation after Tiananmen if China freed jailed students. (Jul 1989)
  • Principled relations with China advances world peace. (May 1982)

    Cold War

  • Measured response to Berlin Wall to avoid alarming Soviets. (Jan 2012)
  • 1991: Met with Yeltsin but avoided embarrassing Gorbachev. (Jan 2012)
  • 1989: Restraint about Berlin Wall, to avoid Soviet reaction. (Oct 2006)
  • Do as much as possible to stabilize Russia. (Mar 1992)
  • Thaw in Cold War revives repressed ethnic tensions. (Sep 1991)
  • Recognized Baltics to encourage Gorbachev. (Sep 1991)
  • Dissolution of USSR is death knell for Communist movement. (Aug 1991)
  • Economic sanctions for Soviet actions in Baltics. (Jan 1991)
  • Warsaw Pact falling was fragile time: don't provoke USSR. (Oct 1989)
  • Funding Warsaw Pact rebellions makes them look American-run. (Oct 1989)

    New World Order

  • Democrats see America as just another pleasant country. (May 2010)
  • 1989: A new breeze is blowing in world refreshed by freedom. (Mar 2010)
  • Need public relations to change how others view America. (Feb 2007)
  • Informally called world leaders often, while President. (Oct 2006)
  • Made deals with Gorbachev’s USSR, then Yeltsin’s Russia. (Dec 2000)
  • Since I became President, 43 countries have gone democratic. (Oct 1992)
  • New World Order: open borders; open trade; open minds. (Oct 1990)
George Bush Sr. on Free Trade
Click here for 4 full quotes on Free Trade OR other political leaders on Free Trade.
  • 1992 talks led to NAFTA agreement. (Dec 2000)
  • Create new jobs through increases in exports. (Dec 2000)
  • Make Americas a zone of peace, free trade, and democracy. (Dec 1992)
  • For NAFTA because exports critical to economy. (Oct 1992)
George Bush Sr. on Government Reform
Click here for 7 full quotes on Government Reform OR other political leaders on Government Reform.
  • 1967: Fundraising not necessarily corrupt; misuse is. (Sep 2004)
  • GOP county chair, 1962; redistricted for Congress, 1964. (Sep 2004)
  • 1976: Appointed CIA Director by Pres. Ford. (Sep 2004)
  • Claimed records of White House Office of Personnel Security. (Nov 2003)
  • Appointed Justices with intent of changing Court's direction. (May 1996)
  • Wants line item veto & individual taxpayer deficit sequester. (Oct 1992)
  • Limit Congressional terms to 12 years. (Oct 1992)
George Bush Sr. on Gun Control
Click here for 4 full quotes on Gun Control OR other political leaders on Gun Control.
  • 1995: Ripped up NRA card for calling feds jack-booted thugs. (Sep 2004)
  • 1995: Resigned from NRA after NRA called feds "thugs". (Aug 1999)
  • Ban semi-automatic imports; but committed to gunowner rights. (Mar 1989)
  • Opposes gun control because it does not work. (Mar 1980)
George Bush Sr. on Health Care
Click here for 9 full quotes on Health Care OR other political leaders on Health Care.
  • Parkinson's disease & used a wheelchair at end of life. (Apr 2020)
  • 1964: Medicare is socialized medicine. (Sep 2004)
  • Lost a daughter at age 3 to leukemia. (Apr 2004)
  • We are taking action on AIDS, despite complaints. (Oct 1992)
  • Frivolous lawsuits run up medical costs by $25 billion. (Oct 1992)
  • Choice and coverage: health insurance tax credit. (Jan 1992)
  • Increase taxes on cigarettes. (Jan 1992)
  • Let people buy into Medicaid; no mandated insurance. (Sep 1988)
  • Fight AIDS by encouraging families; test AIDS at marriage. (Apr 1987)
George Bush Sr. on Homeland Security
Click here for 19 full quotes on Homeland Security OR other political leaders on Homeland Security.
  • Disturbed by candidates who took military deferments. (Apr 2020)
  • Missile defense for "handfuls not hundreds" of missiles. (Nov 2007)
  • Criticized journalists who identified CIA agents. (Feb 2007)
  • WWII kamikaze pilots were uniformed officers, not terrorists. (Oct 2006)
  • 1983: tie breaking vote to being producing nerve gas. (Sep 2004)
  • 1986: Changed US policy for Iran arms-for-hostages deal. (Sep 2004)
  • 1989: "Very pleased" that the Berlin Wall fell. (Sep 2004)
  • Sold F-16's to Taiwan after Tiananmen Square. (Aug 2004)
  • Claims he objected to Iran-Contra; Reagan says he did not. (Aug 1999)
  • Army service is an honor; vets shouldn't ask for more. (Nov 1998)
  • Military experience helped make right decision on war. (Mar 1998)
  • Post-Cold War: fight 3rd World technological sophistication. (Feb 1996)
  • Agrees with prohibition on assassination of foreign leaders. (Jan 1996)
  • Crowning achievement: eliminating SS18s with START-II. (Jan 1993)
  • Important to maintain 150,000 US troops in Europe. (Oct 1992)
  • Post-Cold War: Cancel B-2; small ICBMs & Peacekeeper missile. (Jan 1992)
  • Cooperate with USSR to cancel Peacekeeper ICBMs. (Sep 1991)
  • Refocus SDI on limited ballistic missile strikes. (Jan 1991)
  • Stay strong to protect the peace. (Jan 1989)
George Bush Sr. on Immigration
Click here for 3 full quotes on Immigration OR other political leaders on Immigration.
  • 1980: Illegal aliens attend public schools like citizens do. (Jan 2016)
  • 1989: Vetoed letting Tiananmen students overstay visas. (Jun 1995)
  • Supports “English First” but not via federal law. (Nov 1987)
George Bush Sr. on Jobs
Click here for 3 full quotes on Jobs OR other political leaders on Jobs.
  • Just a scare tactic that jobs move south due to lower wages. (Oct 1992)
  • Agenda for American Renewal: jobs program fro small business. (Oct 1992)
  • 20M jobs via tax cuts; R&D credits; & enterprise zones. (Jan 1991)
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George Bush Sr. on Principles & Values
Click here for 56 full quotes on Principles & Values OR other political leaders on Principles & Values.
  • 2005: Time's "Partners of the Year" with Jimmy Carter. (Apr 2020)
  • Former presidents shouldn't publicly criticize successors. (Apr 2020)
  • Attended 2017 inauguration despite words between Trump & Jeb. (Sep 2017)
  • Sent notes to foreign leaders to build relationships. (Jan 2012)
  • 1970: Ran for Senate unsuccessfully a second time. (Nov 2010)
  • 1973: Heal rift after Karl Rove elected as College GOP Chair. (Mar 2010)
  • 1974: Considered as Ford VP; 1976: formed presidential PAC. (Mar 2010)
  • 1973: Appointed Karl Rove as chair of College Republicans. (Mar 2010)
  • 1976: Considered for V.P. by Ford. (Mar 2010)
  • Requires that all hotels have exercise bikes in his room. (Jun 2009)
  • Believed in befriending all, to be remembered as good man. (Feb 2007)
  • Separates lowness of campaigning from high art of governing. (Feb 2007)
  • 1974: Considered resigning from Nixon Admin. over Watergate. (Oct 2006)
  • First 100 days: "Age of the offered hand" of bipartisanship. (Oct 2006)
  • Knighted by Queen Elizabeth as Order of the Bath. (Oct 2006)
  • I'm President now and I'm not going to eat any more broccoli. (Sep 2004)
  • Donates annually to Yale Skull and Bones chapter. (Sep 2004)
  • 1968: Sought V.P. slot; became Nixon appointee instead. (Sep 2004)
  • 1972: Appointed chair of the Republican National Committee. (Sep 2004)
  • 1980: We've got the momentum; we've got the Big Mo. (Sep 2004)
  • OpEd: Maintained calm in 1981 Reagan assassination attempt. (Sep 2004)
  • 1988 diary: I blew it by deciding on Dan Quayle for V.P. (Sep 2004)
  • 1989: 1st Lady's "Millie's Book" was #1 bestseller. (Sep 2004)
  • 1992: Saddam foiled in plotting his assassination in Kuwait. (Jun 2004)
  • 1992 debate: Caught glancing at wristwatch. (Feb 2003)
  • It’s an emotional roller-coaster; Gore’s a sore loser. (Nov 2000)
  • Memoir intended to show his heartbeat, via personal letters. (Oct 2000)
  • Volunteered as Navy flier; shot down over Pacific. (Nov 1998)
  • OpEd: lost in 1992 because people saw themselves in Clinton. (Sep 1997)
  • Parachute jumps about making up for tragedy of WWII jump. (Mar 1997)
  • OpEd: Governed with views of Congressional Democrats first. (Jun 1995)
  • The Vision Thing: leadership at home & in the world. (Mar 1992)
  • Flag Amendment: about unique symbol of one nation under God. (Jul 1990)
  • Now that I'm president, I'll never eat broccoli again. (Mar 1990)
  • Free markets, free speech, free elections. (Jan 1989)
  • We are not the sum of our possessions. (Jan 1989)
  • My mission is to complete work begun in 1980. (Aug 1988)
  • Philosophy for presidency, without catchy slogans. (Nov 1986)

    Criticism

  • 1988 cover of Newsweek: "Fighting the Wimp Factor". (Nov 2010)
  • 1988 OpEd: "Born with a silver foot in his mouth". (Mar 2010)
  • Pardoned 6 officials in Iran-Contra scandal. (Jun 2007)
  • OpEd: Chose Quayle as "impeachment insurance". (Feb 2007)
  • OpEd: Pardons in Iran-Contra covered up his own involvement. (Jan 2007)
  • 1987: How could they call a combat pilot a "wimp"? (Oct 2006)
  • OpEd: One vice presidential secretary was Bush's mistress. (Sep 2004)
  • 1981: Denied rumors of "George and his girlfriend". (Sep 2004)
  • 1987: "Wimp Factor": hesitant, aristocratic style. (Apr 2004)
  • The Wimp Factor: 51% thought it was a "serious problem". (Aug 1999)

    Family

  • Lost daughter to leukemia at young age. (Feb 2007)
  • Married Barbara in 1945 while on leave from Navy. (Feb 2007)
  • 1989: Barbara and George both diagnosed with Graves' disease. (Oct 2006)
  • 1989: Son Neil called to testify on S&Ls only because a Bush. (Oct 2006)
  • 1953: Daughter Robin died of childhood cancer. (Sep 2004)

    Religion

  • 1988: "Man of Integrity": campaign bio for religious voters. (Apr 2004)
  • Emotions and religion are personal, not for the public. (Apr 2004)
  • First act as president is a prayer. (Jan 1989)
George Bush Sr. on Social Security
Click here for 3 full quotes on Social Security OR other political leaders on Social Security.
  • Don't mess with Social Security. (Oct 1992)
  • Last thing we need to do is mess around with Social Security. (Jan 1990)
  • We should be unafraid to reduce future benefits. (Oct 1978)
George Bush Sr. on Tax Reform
Click here for 8 full quotes on Tax Reform OR other political leaders on Tax Reform.
  • Voodoo economics: 30% tax rate cut causes 30% inflation. (Sep 2016)
  • 1989: Prioritized cutting capital gains tax. (Feb 2007)
  • Cut capital gains tax on those earning over $200K per year. (Sep 2004)
  • Abandoned “Read my lips: No new taxes” pledge. (Dec 2000)
  • Demanded capital gains tax reduction; yielded to Congress. (Dec 2000)
  • "Read My Lips" did not promise to cut taxes. (Jun 1995)
  • OpEd: 1990 taxes caused right wing to rise up against Bush. (Jun 1994)
  • Better to enact tax increase than to have recession. (Oct 1990)
George Bush Sr. on Technology
Click here for 2 full quotes on Technology OR other political leaders on Technology.
  • 1992: Understood grocery scanners, despite media frenzy. (Oct 2006)
  • $150B for transportation infrastructure; a good beginning. (Oct 1992)
George Bush Sr. on War & Peace
Click here for 44 full quotes on War & Peace OR other political leaders on War & Peace.
  • 1989: Visit Eastern Europe to signal US support. (Jan 2012)
  • OpEd: Combat experience means caution in sending troops. (Feb 2007)
  • 1942: Enlisted as naval aviator upon high school graduation. (Sep 2004)
  • 1944: Two crewmates killed while piloting bombing mission. (Sep 2004)
  • 1987: I oppose creation of an independent Palestine. (Sep 2004)
  • Humanitarian aid troops in Somalia became aggressive in 90s. (Nov 2003)
  • Don't measure military victory by increased body count. (Jan 1996)
  • Somalia: let UN do peacekeeping, not US. (Dec 1992)
  • No troops in Bosnia, because we haven't defined mission. (Oct 1992)
  • Serbia: Most blame Milosevic, but others have killed too. (Jul 1992)
  • No loans to Israel until West Bank settlements stop. (Mar 1992)
  • By the grace of God, America won the cold war. (Jan 1992)
  • Engage US in Mideast land-for-peace talks, including Golan. (Jun 1991)
  • Fall of Berlin Wall leaves Europe whole and free. (Nov 1989)
  • Diplomacy & military capability are complementary. (Mar 1989)

    Panama

  • 2007: Panama declared Day of Mourning about 1989 US invasion. (Jun 2010)
  • Invaded Panama in 1989 to force Noriega from power. (Dec 2000)
  • One year ago, the people of Panama lived in fear. (Jan 1990)
  • Panama: If Americans in Canal Zone are touched, force is OK. (Oct 1989)

    Saddam

  • 1991: continuing conflict into Baghdad would be un-American. (Feb 2011)
  • 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait: "This shall not stand!". (Oct 2010)
  • April 1990: sent Congressional delegation to reassure Saddam. (Jun 2010)
  • 1992 warning on Kuwait from Thatcher: "Don't go wobbly". (Mar 2010)
  • Low-balled Gulf War troop count to win US and Saudi support. (Feb 2007)
  • 2002: Supported diplomacy in pre-war Iraq & didn't tell son. (Oct 2006)
  • Sold Saddam precursors for chemical weapons before Kuwait. (Oct 2005)
  • 1990: Misled Saudis that Saddam massed troops on border. (Sep 2004)
  • 2003: Invasion of Iraq undid a lifetime of work. (Sep 2004)
  • “This will not stand” began 13-year campaign against Saddam. (Oct 2003)
  • Called for an uprising against Saddam, but didn’t support it. (Oct 2003)
  • Survived 1993 assassination attempt in Kuwait by Saddam. (Oct 2003)
  • OpEd: Aided Saddam even after he used chemical weapons. (Mar 2002)
  • OpEd: Authorized Saddam to crush 1991 Shiite resistance. (Mar 2002)
  • 1991: “All means necessary” to expel Saddam from Kuwait. (Dec 2000)
  • 1990: Diplomatic solution to Kuwait forces larger crisis. (Jun 1999)
  • Avoided “mission creep” in not attacking Baghdad. (Feb 1991)
  • No second guessing; let military commanders decide details. (Feb 1991)
  • A new world order is at stake in Kuwait. (Jan 1991)
  • Force the Butcher of Baghdad to end the Rape of Kuwait. (Jan 1991)
  • Saddam's choice: comply with UN or face destruction. (Jan 1991)

    Vietnam

  • I hated "Vietnam Syndrome" vilifying those who served. (Feb 2007)
  • 1964: Any and all weapons in Vietnam, including nukes. (Sep 2004)
  • 1968: Vietnam War is moral; South Vietnam will triumph. (Sep 2004)
  • I never accepted that Vietnam was immoral. (Jul 1990)
George Bush Sr. on Welfare & Poverty
Click here for 7 full quotes on Welfare & Poverty OR other political leaders on Welfare & Poverty.
  • 1968: Supported open housing (against racial discrimination). (Sep 2004)
  • 1964: Opposed War on Poverty. (Sep 2004)
  • 1,000 points of light: volunteerism against social ills. (Apr 2004)
  • Create enterprise zones, but not via tax increases. (Oct 1992)
  • Places of worship lead members to light of service. (Sep 1991)
  • Thousand Points of Light: volunteers better than government. (Mar 1989)
  • 1000 points of light: replace spending with volunteers. (Jan 1989)


VoteMatch Responses
(Click here for VoteMatch quiz)
VoteMatch Question & Answer
(Click on question for explanation and background)
Based on these stances:
(Click on topic for excerpt & citation)
No opinion on topic 1:
Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right
(0 points on Social scale)
Shifted towards pro-life camp seeing callousness of abortion: Opposes topic 1
1962: Pro-choice candidate, for population control: Favors topic 1
1970: Introduced Family Planning Services Act: Strongly Favors topic 1
Supported family planning as ambassador & Congressman: Favors topic 1
1973: Nominally in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade: Opposes topic 1
Pro-life; against advocating abortion in any form: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Opposes topic 2:
Legally require hiring women & minorities
(+2 points on Economic scale)
1980: Supported Equal Rights Amendment, but not as V.P.: Favors topic 2
1968: Supported open housing (against racial discrimination): Favors topic 2
1980: As Reagan's V.P., supported school prayer: Favors topic 2
1964: Advocated states' rights over Civil Rights Act: Strongly Opposes topic 2
1963: Civil Rights Bill violates constitutional rights: Strongly Opposes topic 2
1990: vetoed Civil Rights Act & voter registration bill: Opposes topic 2
Legislation is not enough to eliminate discrimination: Strongly Favors topic 2
Civil Rights Act: ban discrimination without quotas: Opposes topic 2
Favors topic 3:
Comfortable with same-sex marriage
(+2 points on Social scale)
1998: gay status of personal aide "doesn't matter to us": Favors topic 3
Strongly Favors topic 4:
Keep God in the public sphere
(-5 points on Social scale)
1964: Opposed War on Poverty: Favors topic 4
Pledge of Allegiance: Kids should say "One nation under God": Strongly Favors topic 4
Flag Amendment: about unique symbol of one nation under God: Strongly Favors topic 4
1000 points of light: replace spending with volunteers: Strongly Favors topic 4
Strongly Opposes topic 5:
Expand ObamaCare
(+5 points on Economic scale)
1964: Medicare is socialized medicine: Strongly Opposes topic 5
Frivolous lawsuits run up medical costs by $25 billion: Strongly Opposes topic 5
Choice and coverage: health insurance tax credit: Opposes topic 5
Let people buy into Medicaid; no mandated insurance: Opposes topic 5
Favors topic 6:
Privatize Social Security
(+2 points on Economic scale)
Last thing we need to do is mess around with Social Security: Favors topic 6
We should be unafraid to reduce future benefits: Favors topic 6
Strongly Favors topic 7:
Vouchers for school choice
(+5 points on Economic scale)
America 2000: accountable schools with parental choice: Strongly Favors topic 7
Assess student performance in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades: Favors topic 7
Churches & private schools provide 93% of education funding: Favors topic 7
Churches & private schools provide 93% of education funding: Strongly Favors topic 7
Opposes topic 8:
Fight EPA regulatory over-reach
(+2 points on Social scale)
1989: America will lose no wetlands on my watch: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Protect natural resources as hunter & outdoorsman: Favors topic 8
1991: Rejected requiring 25% recycling of incinerator waste: Favors topic 8
Onerous environmental regulation will cause job loss: Favors topic 8
Rely on the magic of the marketplace for energy strategy: Opposes topic 8
Look for common ground: economic growth & clean environment: Opposes topic 8
Strongly Favors topic 9:
Stricter punishment reduces crime
(-5 points on Social scale)
Willie Horton Ads: don't release repeat offenders: Strongly Favors topic 9
Habeas corpus reform, so you don't have endless appeals: Strongly Favors topic 9
Renewed investment in fighting violent street crime: Strongly Favors topic 9
Freedom from crime is a fundamental civil right: Favors topic 9
Favors topic 10:
Absolute right to gun ownership
(+2 points on Economic scale)
1995: Ripped up NRA card for calling feds jack-booted thugs: Opposes topic 10
Opposes gun control because it does not work: Strongly Favors topic 10
Opposes topic 11:
Higher taxes on the wealthy
(+2 points on Economic scale)
1989: Prioritized cutting capital gains tax: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Cut capital gains tax on those earning over $200K per year: Strongly Opposes topic 11
1992 growth plan: deregulate & cut taxes: Opposes topic 11
Abandoned “Read my lips: No new taxes” pledge: Strongly Favors topic 11
Demanded capital gains tax reduction; yielded to Congress: Opposes topic 11
20M jobs via tax cuts; R&D credits; & enterprise zones: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Opposes topic 12:
Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens
(-3 points on Social scale)
1980: Illegal aliens attend public schools like citizens do: Strongly Favors topic 12
1989: Vetoed letting Tiananmen students overstay visas: Strongly Opposes topic 12
Supports “English First” but not via federal law: Opposes topic 12
Strongly Favors topic 13:
Support & expand free trade
(+5 points on Economic scale)
1992 talks led to NAFTA agreement: Strongly Favors topic 13
Create new jobs through increases in exports: Favors topic 13
Make Americas a zone of peace, free trade, and democracy: Strongly Favors topic 13
For NAFTA because exports critical to economy: Strongly Favors topic 13
New World Order: open borders; open trade; open minds: Favors topic 13
Opposes topic 14:
Support American Exceptionalism
(-3 points on Economic scale)
OpEd: internationalist by instinct and upbringing: Strongly Opposes topic 14
Became UN Ambassador after campaigning against UN: Strongly Opposes topic 14
1971: Argued for dual UN representation for China & Taiwan: Strongly Opposes topic 14
Democrats see America as just another pleasant country: Strongly Favors topic 14
No opinion on topic 15:
Expand the military
(0 points on Social scale)
Post-Cold War: Cancel B-2; small ICBMs & Peacekeeper missile: Opposes topic 15
Cooperate with USSR to cancel Peacekeeper ICBMs: Opposes topic 15
Refocus SDI on limited ballistic missile strikes: Favors topic 15
Stay strong to protect the peace: Favors topic 15
Invaded Panama in 1989 to force Noriega from power: Neutral on topic 15
Favors topic 16:
Make voter registration easier
(+2 points on Social scale)
1967: Fundraising not necessarily corrupt; misuse is: Favors topic 16
Opposes topic 17:
Avoid foreign entanglements
(-3 points on Social scale)
Supported 1990 South Africa sanctions: Favors topic 17
Built consensus with UN to move against Saddam Hussein: Opposes topic 17
Made deals with Gorbachev’s USSR, then Yeltsin’s Russia: Strongly Favors topic 17
1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait: "This shall not stand!": Strongly Opposes topic 17
1990: Misled Saudis that Saddam massed troops on border: Strongly Opposes topic 17
2003: Invasion of Iraq undid a lifetime of work: Favors topic 17
“This will not stand” began 13-year campaign against Saddam: Strongly Opposes topic 17
OpEd: Aided Saddam even after he used chemical weapons: Strongly Opposes topic 17
OpEd: Authorized Saddam to crush 1991 Shiite resistance: Strongly Opposes topic 17
1991: “All means necessary” to expel Saddam from Kuwait: Opposes topic 17
Force the Butcher of Baghdad to end the Rape of Kuwait: Strongly Opposes topic 17
1964: Any and all weapons in Vietnam, including nukes: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Opposes topic 18:
Prioritize green energy
(+2 points on Economic scale)
1990 Acid Rain trading program achieved its goals: Strongly Opposes topic 18
Helped negotiate Kyoto Treaty on climate change: Strongly Favors topic 18
Took no stance nor action on global climate change: Strongly Opposes topic 18
Supports environmentally-responsive access to ANWR: Opposes topic 18
Rely on the magic of the marketplace for energy strategy: Opposes topic 18
Pioneer in the offshore drilling industry: Strongly Opposes topic 18
Strongly Favors topic 19:
Marijuana is a gateway drug
(-5 points on Social scale)
At end of Cold War, re-declared War on Drugs: Strongly Favors topic 19
1986: Oversaw National Narcotics Border Interdiction System: Favors topic 19
1990: Make fighting the drug problem a top priority: Strongly Favors topic 19
1990: Declaration of Cartagena to fight war on drugs: Strongly Favors topic 19
I don't believe legalizing narcotics is the answer: Strongly Favors topic 19
Noriega in prison helps Panama and hurts drug lords: Favors topic 19
Take my word for it: This scourge will stop: Strongly Favors topic 19
Strongly Favors topic 20:
Stimulus better than market-led recovery
(-5 points on Economic scale)
1,000 points of light: volunteerism against social ills: Strongly Favors topic 20
Places of worship lead members to light of service: Strongly Favors topic 20

George Bush Sr. is a Moderate Conservative
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