Bush’s farewell speech: A sad ending to a sad chapter

George W. Bush’s strengths and limitations as a speaker—and leader—claim the spotlight one last time

Even the most ardent George Bush hater had to feel a wee bit saddened by the president’s brief but fitting farewell address last night.

Here was a man, surrounded by subdued friends and supporters, who had tried his best, as sincerely as he knew how, and as committed to his country as any before him.

But in the end, he failed.

And so, fittingly, Bush’s final speech to the nation was brief, perfunctory in nature, and narrow in focus; one last, wistful attempt to convince a dubious nation that he really wasn’t a bad president.

This speech didn’t accomplish that—although the president finally felt safe enough to raise the one argument that may salvage his legacy.

The setting