Eight years of George W. Bush

It was eight years ago this week that George Bush spoke at the Republican National Convention. Here are some excerpts from the transcript of his remarks that day:

This is a remarkable moment in the life of our nation. Never has the promise of prosperity been so vivid…

America has a strong economy and a surplus. .. We will strengthen Social Security and Medicare for the greatest generation and for generations to come… We will set [Medicare] on firm financial ground and make prescription drugs available and affordable for every senior who needs them…

Today our high taxes fund a surplus. Some say that growing federal surplus means Washington has more money to spend. But they've got it backwards. The surplus is not the government's money; the surplus is the people's money…

... When America uses force in the world, the cause must be just, the goal must be clear, and the victory must be overwhelming. I will work to reduce nuclear weapons and nuclear tension in the world, to turn these years of influence into decades of peace…

We will give low-income Americans tax credits to buy the private health insurance they need and deserve.

We will transform today's housing rental program to help hundreds of thousands of low-income families find stability and dignity in a home of their own…"

Gallup Poll results:
"In general, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States at this time?"

8/18/2000: 63% satisfied 33% dissatisfied
6/09/2008: 14% satisfied 84% dissatisfied

(Thanks, J-Walk)