How can Bush be most helpful to Obama in transition?
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/11/10/art.bush.obama.c.ap.jpg caption="President Bush met with President-elect Obama today at the White House."]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
It was a sort of Flintstones-Meets-the-Jetsons moment…President George W. Bush and his wife Laura welcomed President-elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle to the White House.
While Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Obama went on a tour of the residence, the current president and the president-elect met in the Oval Office.
This wasn't Obama's first time at the White House– you remember the emergency summit in September to address the financial crisis– but it was his first time in the Oval Office.
Despite the fact that he had endorsed John McCain, President Bush has called Obama's victory a "triumph of the American story," and has vowed to cooperate in making the transition from one president to another run smoothly.
Wouldn't you like to be a fly on the wall in the Oval Office during their meeting?
Here’s my question to you: How can President Bush be most helpful to President-elect Obama in making the transition?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Joe from Chatham, Virginia writes:
Despite a “bazillion” Bush haters who blame him for every ill since the fall of man in the Garden Eden, he seems to be working toward making this a smooth transition. Bush has made more than his share of mistakes but he can also share with Obama how he's kept us form being attacked since 9-11. We hope President Obama will do as well. He can, and has, put in place a formal and detailed transition plan. Today's meeting was a good start.
Cathey from Dallas, Texas writes:
President Bush can be most helpful to President-Elect Obama and to the country as a whole by being honest and open regarding all situations facing our nation, without a partisan skew.
Greg from Cabot, Arkansas writes:
How about if President Bush shows some leadership to the lame duck Congress by introducing some of Obama’s campaign economic ideas to the rest of the lame ducks? With some sort of open-mindedness toward change, the Republicans that screwed everything up these past 8 years will have a chance to change their ways and maybe redeem themselves before January.
Julie from Texas writes:
By agreeing to move inauguration day to November 27.
Katie from Pekin, Illinois writes:
By promising he will not make any decisions concerning the future of our country during his remaining days in office. I cannot imagine Bush trying to give any advice since he has been such a dismal failure.
Mike writes:
Ummmmm. Oh wait. I know this one: Leave. Leave Now! Don't bother packing, we will send you your clothes.
Chryssa from Boise, Idaho writes:
Bush needs to clean the bathroom, transfer the power bills to his new address and, oh, don't forget to turn in your mailbox keys. See ya!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
The best way to make the transition go smoothly is to check the political disagreements at the door, this goes for both Obama and Bush.
Picking up his bags and leaving early.
Work in a Bipartisan manner with Obama.
2nd...appologize to the american people and resign.
President Bush can talk to him about the pressures and expectations included in the job. Although, Bush cannot effectively give Obama advice about how to act in certain situations, because Bush often makes himself look bad. In fact, Obama can give him pointers on that. But, overall, President Bush can advise him about what lies ahead and what to expect.
Deb from Walnutport, Pennsylvania
What can he possibly do to help other than getting out of the way?
Hopefully the transition will be smooth & petty sabotage will not take
place but the damage has been done to this country and it will take
nothing short of a miracle for the U.S. to recover.
Iraq, was and is,the most important issue that has divided this country since Viet-Nam. The only difference is that there is no draft.
Young men in this country only have to worry about who will win the big game on Saturday rather than getting that special invitation in the mail.
J.J. Grimes
Watertown, Ma.
I can't imagine President Bush doing anything positive, besides trying to lock up an agreement with the Iraqis to keep Obama from pulling troops out, I got a feeling he's going to leave a lot of planted legislative bombs behind just to be annoying.
By standing down. He must by now, know Americans want Obama and he is a lame duck President. It would help his popularity some if he were to embrace some of Obama's ideas and put them into the agenda for his final days in office. Knowing "W" this won't happen because it would be the smart thing to do. After all, he is still the "decider".
He can refrain from signing last-minute executive orders that are just going to take precious time to undo.
Bush should tell Obama how he has handled the job of President, and Obama should make sure to not do any of that.
The most helpful thing he can do is to leave his term early – like today – before he does any more damage to our country, economy and security. Nothing else matters. There is nothing Obama can learn from this dope.
leave now before he can do any more damage. He already is going to push rules along that will hopelessy destroy ecosystems while enriching more Corporations. His attacks into Pakistan has guaranteed the the US will be considered the enemy by most countries in the Arab World for a very long time. He should just turn over the keys when the Obama's come to visit.
I think he should become invisible. And not make any stupid decisions between now and 1-20-09. Maybe Antartica would be a good place for him to vacation.
I would like to say that he should be honest with Obama–but I don't think that's going to happen. Maybe he should just get out of the way.
Help the ladies measure for new curtains and blinds?
Troy, Ohio
I think he has done enough already, he got him elected.
Allen
Mountain Home, ID
Use diplomacy for a change.
He could always leave Washington a month earlier....that would likely be a big help......
Maybe he and Cheney could go deer hunting.
Bush needs to be like a mother-in-law at moving time – be quiet and stay out of the way.
he can ask them to make him leave office early.
To explain his line of reasoning behind everything that he and his administration has done because I don't believe even the American people know. This way Obama knows exactly what not to do. I would say debate but do you really feel that Bush can debate Obama? There is nothing more that man can do for us or Obama.
By not waiting until January 20, 2009 to leave office. Today would be just fine.
The most important thing Bush can do is nothing. Do not cook up any new executive orders. Do not invade any more countries. Do not run up the Chinese credit card anymore. Do not pardon the potential felons in the current administration. Do nothing!
Get out of the White House quickly and without any drama.
The best thing Bush could do is come to terms with want OBama wants to do as President and then get things moving in that direction so as to get a head start. Of course he won't do that-in fact he'll probably do the opposite-but that's what he should do.
With Bush in the process of deregulating more environmental protections he will just be creating more issues requiring Obama's Presidency to over turn thus taking away valuable time to focus on getting America back on track.
The plain facts are the Bush regime is simply a disease that infects all parts of the U.S. and the world with there likely being a lot of anti social issues requiring an Obama fix that most of us are not presently aware of as yet.
Bush should make sure Obama has ALL the information he needs to know everything that has gone on in his administration...good and bad. they need to put their political feelings aside and discuss calmly what has been done. I pray Obama can clean up the mess.
I think that he could be most helpful he he started acting on come of the things that President-elect Obama wants to accomplish. If he gets things moving in the direction that Obama wants to take this country not only will it be helpful, it might even improve his approval rating to maybe 30!
It would have been nice if he moved out right after the election.
Jack,
I believe that the now President Bush must do is to allow President-elect Obama to immediately take office after he thoroughly turns everything over to him. Waiting until January 20, 2009 is too long to allow him to do something to put America at risk. And then, the next honorbale thing to do is to have a State of the Union Address to the American people saying stating how careless he mismanaged this country for the last eight years.
Daniel Ambrose
By promising he will not make any decisions concerning the
future of our country during his remaining days in office.
Cannot imagine Bush trying to give any advice since he has
been such a dismal failure.
If he were to admit to the mistakes he and the republicans
have made, he could advise what not to do. Course, as
we know, that would be a big IF.
How about if president Bush shows some leadership to the lame-duck congress by introducing some of Obama’s campaign economic ideas to the rest of the lame-ducks. With some sort of open-mindedness toward change, the Republicans that screwed everything up these past 8 years will have a chance to change their ways and maybe redeem themselves before January. With a democrat majority in the Senate and the House, Obama’s ideas will more than likely become law and the rest of the country can get a head-start on economic recovery.
Unless, maybe, they are planning to be obstructionists and hold onto failed policies to the bitter end so they can say “I told you so” at the next mid-term elections.
Bush is the lamest there ever has been. he nees to swallow a little pride for sake of the USA an help Obama to get his economic programs on the road as soon as possible. I,ve already lost $60,000 in retirement monies I can't wait till january 20th
President Bush needs to do something that he has done a poor job of in his Presidency. He needs to explain his decisions and why he did things they way he did so Obama can make a logical decision on what direction he wants to go.
By not opening his mouth.
They could clean up the foreign policy and economic mess they created instead of leaving it for someone else to solve.
Well for starters he could stop doing things like opening up the Grand Canyon to uranium mining. Potentially damaging the water supply of tens of millions of Americans.
This administration needs to be seriously watched in it's remaining days. With so much media focus on Obama, who knows what else they plan to sneak under the table.
Bush can come clean about all the dirty little secrets his administration held, like who attended that secret energy meeting conducted by Cheney, what was discussed, and what was decided.
Jack,
President Bush would be most helpful, in the transition, if he turned himself into the authorities for war crimes and the failure to uphold his oath of office. That would send the message to the world that our elected leaders are not above the law. After 8 years of Bush’s orchestrating disaster after disaster, I truly believe that when this President decided to help, stand back and take cover.
Mike C.
Wethersfield, CT
Hello Jack:
Bush can be helpful to Obama's transition by explaining everything in detail about policies and procedures of the highest office in our nation. Bush can give the "traditional" grand tour, and make President-Elect Barack Obama and future First Lady, Michelle Obama feel welcomed! After the initial greetings and tour; President-Elect Obama should forget about all of the policies and procedures discussed with George W. Bush, Jr., and do things as disciplined and deliberate as only Barack H. Obama can. I trust that President-Elect Obama will transition just fine with the team that he has assembled to help lead this country out of its misery! Stay tuned until January 20, 2009. God Bless You, and God Bless America!
Don't make anymore political decisions unless he is totaling aligned with Obama. And just leave quietly. The sooner the better.
The best thing that Bush can do to be helpful in the President Elect Obama's transition is to; HEAR NO EVIL; SEE NO EVIL, SPEAK NO EVIL.
Cut a deal with Obama: If he resigns now, he will be pardoned and not prosecuted.
Perhaps the best thing President Bush could do for both Obama and the U.S. as a whole would be to go on a 2 month quail hunting trip with Dick Cheney.
If that isn't possible then the next best thing Bush could do is get lots of sleep as this is about the only time he could be considered harmless.
How can President Bush be most helpful to President-elect Obama in making the transition?
Well duh, Bush should go on vacation until Jan 20, 2009!
Jenna
Roseville CA
President Bush has been most helpful given the circumstances. The rapid pace of this transition reminds me of how quickly a teenager gives the car key back to his parents after he has completely wrecked the car.
Jack, Bush should do something he is normally loathe to do. He should tell Obama the truth without hiding anything or putting a spin on it. His presidency has been a disaster in both the foriegn and domestic arenas. He should provide whatever information Obama needs to make his decisions and policies. He should then pack and get out of the way.
Knowing Bush, he'll just give Obama Dick Cheney' and Karl Rove's cell phone numbers and tell him to call them if he has any questions. Everyone knows they have been the ones calling the shots anyway.
First don't back him into a corner by signing last minute executive orders. Second, stop all political appointments. Third, sign the economic aid package that Obama is pushing. Finally, don't sign a long term agreement with the Iraqis on keeping our forces there far in excess of 12 months.
Move out now and let him get an early start. I don't Trust "W" for another 71 days. He can do too much harm
Even though I do not care for him, I think both President Bush and his wife are trying to make the transition easier for the Obamas. Hopefully, it is not all for show.
Jack
It would be nice if George and Laura left the White House now and went back to Texas. Barack and Michele can move in and start to straighten out the mess that were in.
Try not to screw any thing else up before he leaves. These lame duck decrees like Uranium mining on the Colorado river or commiting the next administration to signed agreements involving our military commitment in Iraq are underhanded and typical of the Bush administration. Obama has enough of their misguided governance to fix now. President Bush could help now by not doing anything else for the next two months that will need fixing.
by not giving obama any suggestions and admitting he made big mistakes
appologize to the world.
The first rule of holes is when you find yourself in one, stop digging. George could stop digging.
George W. Bush should resign NOW! We can't wait for him to get out of there. He did a nice wrecking job to this country and made us look so bad worldwide.
Mike
Washington
If President Bush should be honest and forthright. The citizens have spoken. Mr. Bush has the lowest approval rating ever. He should do what needs to be done to keep government operating for the next 72 days. Other than that, he should just lie low.
He is about to sign several Executive Orders that will take months or years to countermand, so why do it? Scooter Libby will be pardoned in 72 days, Valerie Plame's career was ruined.
I think Bush can help the most by:
-not starting any NEW WARS and not sabre-rattling before January
-not issuing massive executive orders he knows will be overturned on 1/21/09
-not pardoning Cheney, Gonzales, or Rove for any possible future prosecution
-and not giving anymore National Addreses in prime time please!
The best thing Dubaya can do is pack up and head to Crawford. Barring that he can just get out of the way so the country can start getting back on the right track again. In two months and twelve days it will be the end of an error and the begining of an era of change for the country.
He can be most helpful by loading up his stuff, putting Laura and the dogs in the car and heading to Texas RIGHT NOW!
Ditto – Mike from Cleveland, Ohio
Bush needs to take a long nap for the next 71 days.
He needs to lead the White House tour, smile a lot and pour the coffee. then get out of the way, and do nothing of importance to make things worse before January.
Bush should resign and go back to Texas. I don't think anyone else in the world wants him.
Leave quickly without offering many suggestions!
Resign office early!
bush and company will try to cause as many promlems as possible before they leave just the way he thinks
He should be invisible so he can't make anymore blunders.
Bush should stop doing anything; virtually everything he's done has been destructive. He should hold his breath.
He can shut up, stop issuing executive orders that President Elect Obama will have to overturn, and follow the oath that doctors take: "first, do no harm".
Jack, President Bush can stay away from any heavy duty decision making. Pretty much, the only decision he should be making now is if he wants relish or mustard on his hot dog, that is it.
Just hand out the dozens pardons which we all know are coming. Line up his $200,000 a night speaking tour dates and get his writer for his Biography settled in. Add a few more Secret Service to his personal entourage so he looks important. Visit a few graves at Arlington which he helped fill. Scold those Wall Street guys and their $30,000,000,000.00 in year end bonuses as being "Greedy and out of touch" with Americans. And please, please have one more televised "State of the Nation Address" we really want to see you squirm....................then turn off the lights as you slip out the backdoor.
Pack up his tin star and saddle up the pony and ride into the sunset, now.
He should avoid making any decisions that would conflict or hamstring what President Elect Obama wishes to do. He can remain the head of state and handle of of the pomp and ceremony that goes with it, such as pardoning a turkey at Thanksgiving or lighting the Christmas Tree.
Bush can listen to Obama's plans, start resending his screwed up Executive Orders, start his Holiday vacation early and take Chaney home for Christmas – maybe they could go hunting together.
Well, it would be nice if he would just give him the keys today and leave. I don't think he would be missed!
Remember Bush always sounds agreeable before doing something terrible-He still has his hands on power and is hurriedly signing executive orders that will hurt the US for years and that will be almost impossible to undue-He is still the slimeball he has always been-so his ratings could go even lower before he is out of office
First, all of the paper shredders in the White House should be removed (they're probably going 24/7 right now). Then he can resign, and confess the myriad ways he has violated our trust and our rights.
That would only be a start, but a damn good one.
Bush should vacate the office of President and let Obama take charge immediately. The scary thing is that we all know Bush will do as much damage as he can before leaving, so he should be stripped of authority and placed under house arrest for the protection of our country.
He can tell Obama how he strategically is able to convince 1 out of 4 Americans that he is, in fact, doing a good job. That should bode well for Obama when he inherits the mess Bush created.
Bush needs to show Obama where everything is, then avoid sharing any "words of wisdom."
Hopefully he can find a good dog for Sasha and Malia. That would be both a nice gesture something he could handle.
Bush can fade quietly into the shadows and for another 90 days keep his hands away from any buttons and switches tagged 'NEW-CU-LER'
He can swallow his pride, and realize he as created this huge mess, and begin to help Preasident elect Obama, get his agenda moveing.
Bush should show obama around, then sit down until january 20th.
He should not start any more wars, nor make our debt any larger.
Here's a thought. Honesty!!!!! Wow, what a concept!!! Bush needs to be up-front and truthful in what Obama will face when he takes the presidential oath in January. But, I am sure that Obama will listen very carefully to what he is given in the next two months, as well as pay attention to what is NOT said. Obama won by being cautious and weighing the true value of the words spoken by those Republicans that opposed his election, as well as those Democrats that professed their support.
Bush could ask for, endorse, and submit Obama's economic legislative agenda and thus speed the relief we all desperately need. In doing so, who knows, his aproval rating may soar above Nixon's by the time he leaves office.
By giving him the keys and leaving as soon as possible.
President Bush should spend much of today's Whitehouse visit asking Pre-Elect Obama what he wants done in this 'lame duck session' and then doing his best to implement it. However, I don't think he will do this. Bush has shown over recent weeks that he plans to push through 'deregulation' which will only add to Obama's 'To do list' when he takes over. Bush won't stop digging the hole until someone takes the spade off him.
He can give up the White House two months early!
How can a party animal that learned next to nothing in college show a past president of the Harvard Law Revue anything except perhaps where the oval office is? What a cruel joke the past eight years have been.
Bush should sit Obama down near the fireplace, break out the Brandy and explain to him that Presidents have to make hard decisions................. Sometimes when you try to make things better you make them worse. Like, when you tax Corporations and the rich. When they feel threatened they'll band together and retaliate. They'll cut jobs or raise prices.................. Experinence has shown this has happened before. We're seeing it happen right now They have the power and use it ruthlessly. The top guys go back to their Mansions and the bottom ones join the ranks of the unemployed. ........As President you'll be between a rock and a hard place. You can be popular by giving the voters what they want or be hated by doing what's best of the country.
Well if Bush really wanted to enhance his image he could just come clean and tell the truth on all the evil things done by him and his administration over the past 8 years.
This will save the country a lot of money in investigations required to bring them all to justice down the road.
Bush can provide honest information regarding the nation's problems and then work with Obama to start solving them right away. What he will problably do instead, is hand him half-truths, lies, deny knowing many things, send staffers to spin information, and move to an undisclosed location in a bummer-free zone until January.
Bush can tell the Truth. And admit his mistakes. That should take a month or so.
Elizabeth in NC
By sitting down and shutting up for the next 71 days.
Don't get in Obama's way...and not try to pass any insane legislation before he finally leaves office.
Sign an economic stimulus package that contains Obama's proposals. Then go on vacation.
Tim in Texas
I think Bush should tell Obama how he handled the various situations that he faced while in the White House and then Obama should do exactly the OPPOSITE of everything that Bush told him!!!
This will be the 43rd time we've transitioned Presidents, I think they've got it worked out.
No mischief, as sometimes happens between the outgoing staff and incoming staff. These are serious times, critical times.
We love that the Obama Administration wants to hire a Chief Technology Officer! Brilliant!
GWB should not say anything ... do anything ... sign anything ... that has any influence or effect on any of us ... before or after 20 January 2009.
Both Bush and Cheney can resign effective immediately.
Bush shouldn't do anything except pack. There is enough to fix already without adding more problems.
Obama should talk to all Cabinet members and Secretary's of major departments. Obama shouldn't necessarily talk with Bush, he's been the least informed, least honest person in D.C. Starting Jan 20th I'll again listen to the President speak, something I haven't done in 3 years. I had just turned off the lies.
President Bush can't do much to help with the transition. He's an idiot, one of the worst Presidents we've ever had. However, he has one thing that only 42 other people have ever had: Presidential experience. Only 43 people have been President thus far, and President-elect Obama would be a fool not to take the opportunity to learn from those who have come before him. The best thing President Bush can do is allow Obama to pick his brain... whatever's left of it, that is.
An observation:I think Bush is being so gracious because he can't wait to get back to Texas,leaving the mess he has made of things to the successor.Folks,if this guy could get outta Dodge any earlier,he would-after a few more terrible Executve Orders,of course.
Throw in a good cleaning, keep his mouth closed, and let Obama start fresh.
President Bush can best help President elect Obama by getting on the plane that Obama arrived on and going to Texas early.
Jack,
The best way President Bush can help President-Elect Obama is to retire and leave the White House's premises right now...
C.I., New York
Jack,
President Bush can be most helpful not only to the Obama Transition but to the US by resigning immediately and handing over the keys.
He could sign an executive order, moving inauguration up to December 20, 2008. Barring that he could just be quiet and stay out of the way. And not start any new wars, or do anything else illegal or stupid!! I know that will be very hard for him to do, judging from past history!!
I'd love to see him resign immediately, but that would only put Cheney in command. God help us if that happened!
He needs to listen to President Elect Obama and do what is right for the country and get the stimulus package passed and signed The next best thing would be to agree to stop with the Executive Orders that he is signing, because President Obama will just undo them anyway, so it will help lighten the load.
Bush needs to clean the bathroom, transfer the power bills to his new address and oh – don't forget to turn in your mailbox keys. See ya!
Boise, ID
EXIT LEFT, and the sooner the better !!
He should not make any major policies movement with out letting Obama know . otherwise he should leave quietly on January 20 .
Turn himself into the authorities.
I think the smartest decision that W could have taken since he leads the U.S.A is to give up from now and write the history by becoming the first president who allowed a president-elect to say his oath before the date.
And who knows the damages he is able to make in 2 moths?
Beware of W.
BIAN EBELLE, from Cameroon
Corpoperate with Obama in a bipartism way and do everything he needs to to help ObAMA, it's deep hole he's stepping into but with great intellegence he'll do fine.
Do NOT cause further problems in the remaining days of his tenure, period!
Bush can be most helpful if he just goes away and let someone with true honest-to-God intellect take over. It's a shame we have to wait 71 more days before the Bush debacle comes to an official end. Something tells me, if he slithers away, no one would protest!
Most assuredly. He can leave office on a postive note by assisting the new President all that he can. I for one would be grateful for that. President Bush is an American, and he knows that we are in big trouble.
He can be gracious and helpful by leaving early.
Jack, Bush needs to get on his horse and ride off into the sunset to Crawford and allow our country to heal and Obama to fix this mess.
By getting out of the White House right now and just turning it over to Obama who is a quick study and will be able to get it in no time as opposed to Bush who himself got it no way!
President Bush should allow President-elect Obama access to all records, and tell his staff to be honest and open if asked for information or advice. I think he will.
He should just go to his ranch and stay there. Let Obama take over and start making the executive changes that we so badly need. There is nothing else George Bush is qualified to do from now until January 20th.
Don't steal all the O's off of all the keyboards like Clinton did with all the W's!
The best thing Mr. Bush can do is to simply to step aside and be quiet. Maybe he could take a trip to the Crawford ranch or Camp David where he has already spent nearly 1/3 of his presidency.
The only thing he needs to do is shut the door on his way out.
Cooperate with Obama for a change and get out of his way so he can lead-something Bush knows little about.
All Bush needs to do is show Obama where the bathroom is in the White House and then get out of the way.
Pass his last Executive Order to advance Inauguration Day to November 20th. The sooner Obama starts, the better.
Jack, the best way President Bush could help in the transition is to resign immediately. This nation cannot wait until January 20, it is imploding as we speak. But, he won't resign. He could help by sitting in a dark room...don't touch anything, don't make any decisions, don't answer the phone, just leave everything ALONE! Everything he puts his fingerprints on goes to ruin! He reminds me of a dog that I use to have that would skoot across the carpet on his rear end. This is what happens when a man runs for President, because "Daddy was President".
Lou
Baytown, Texas
Bush can be most helpful by staying out of the way and taking care not to screw up anything else. He has done enough damage already and we do not need him to make it worse.
The best thing Bush could do, is abdicate and let Obama take over now.
Especially if Cheney goes too!
gordon in castalia, nc
Stay in bed for the next 10 weeks. Say nothing, do nothing and please don't sign anything.
move up the inaugral date....like tomorrow
I think it would be interesting if Bush made everything as complicated and disorganized as possible, and then told Obama to fix things, just to see if Obama's message of change can be quickly put into action.
Remeber what the Clinton's did and do just the opposite.
Lay low
Be honest. I apologize for the mess he's leaving behind. And then give him the keys. The sooner Bush vacates the premises the better.
Make sure he does not pardon Cheney or the rest of the bums. He should go back to Texas and hide in a tumble weed.
Al in Ohio
Remember what the Clinton's did and do just the opposite.
Being nice and polite was a great first move. Now he should give up the map and plans to the Bat Cave, he won't need them anymore. He'll also want to hand over his Justice League ring, as well as other items from his Marvel Comics collection. After all Jack, that's about all he's been doing the past eight years isn't it, reading comic books? he sure wasn't paying attention to the economy, the Iraq war, or the housing disaster. Probably why it all got so messed up in the first place.
President Bush should take his entire administration for a 4 month sight seeing trip to Afganistan, Iraq, Iran, and Mogodushu.The new President elect Obama would then be able to get started a lot faster.
how 'bout any early christmas present-leave now!
Bush should give the President Elect a printed copy of the floor plan , a list of the names of the staffers who will be staying, and the keys.
Jack, W could sneak out in the middle of the night and nobody would notice.
W, don't forget to leave the key under the door mat.
Believe it or not, I believe Bush will do all he can to help Obama get all the help he needs to form his government and get off to a great start. after all, the people seem to look better historically at old presidents, (look) at Clinton, especially if the wars end honorably and the economy booms. George 41 is still taking credit for the Clinton economic boom.
Kenneth Chadbourn N.C.
Jack, President Bush can continue his efforts to make the transition as smooth as possible. We must remember that regardless of the party affiliation of the President-elect or the current president, there should be no confusion that this is America; the White House and the Presidency are representative of all of the people of America, not just the individuals who currently or will occupy the White House . A smooth transition is required and expected.
Our President Elect is a doer, wastes no time in what ifs, and can stay ahead of the mischief and laws placed in favor of big business and friends of some Republicans. Glad that our country finally saw the light!
Dagmar George, Palm Coast, Fl.
By letting him in on whats really going on in the nation and our relationship with the world.
He could help by not screwing with the nation any more than he has. And just sit there, keeping his hands off pens and those pens away from contracts and wait till Obama's inauguration.
Bush could simply STOP issuing orders that are contrary to the will of the people – orders that will have to be REVERSED as soon as Administrations change. NOBODY with a 20% approval rating should be allowed to do ANYTHING without oversight and Congressional approval. He's doing whatever lobbyists want at this point – selling his office for future contributions to his library.
You have to wonder though – How does he have the time to do anything besides writing pardons at this point?
Bush should leave ASAP.
By not being a stubborn, strong-willed thorn in his side, and by not putting any roadblocks in his way and preventing Obama from changing policies once January 20 gets here.
Resign now
President Bush should advise President-elect Obama on the kinds of things all former presidents have left to their successors. If I were a fly on the wall in the White House today, I imagine that I would have seen the issue of Bush being criminally prosecuted, once he returns to being an ordinary citizen, for war crimes being whispered about between the two. Remember the kind of talk that Richard Nixon had with Gerald Ford?
Brownwood, Texas
Resign, return to Texas
I think he is already being very helpful by instructing his staff to ensure they offer whatever assistance is necessary to the incoming administartion members. A gracious handover is the least he can offer after such a disasterous eight years. It can't be easy being Gearge Bush right now.
As much as I'm not a Bush fan, I have to say, he's been real good with this process. I guess it's cause he technically has no chose. If I had a disapproval rating like that, I'd bow out gracefully and quietly too!
Just hand him the keys and walk away!
Bush will be most useful if he allows Obama and the Democrats to take control of the rescue plan for the economy before Obama is sworn into office. If change is truly needed in an urgent manner, then there should be an unofficial transfer of power as soon as Obama can effectively manage control. Why wait until January 20th for the new administration to start effecting change when it is needed asap?
Jacksonville, FL
President Bush should invite newly elected Obama for a longer stay at the White House before the transition to Power and grant President Elect Obama early vote on all key issues and start sending his admistartion home early begininng with his white house secretary.
Jack, by simply being straight with Obama on the issues most critical to our security and well being. God bless President Bush and President-elect Obama.
Just leave!
Bush should do everything he can to tie Obama's hands so that he can not undo alot of the great things that have been accomplished in the last 8yrs.
he could stop signing any more reactionary executive orders and not rescind environmental regulations, as he is doing with the uranium mining- which will absolutely pollute the colorado river. its almost as if he figured well let me leave an even bigger mess insuring that obama and democrats can get blamed for not doing enough.
Aside from shutting up and staying out of the way? Hmm....isn't he about due for a nice long vacation back on the ranch? He could go down for Thanksgiving, stay through Christmas & New Years, and then go skiing with Uncle Dick in Wyoming until January 21. After that, who cares what he does?
W should do what is best for the country, and that is to seek Obama's counsel on EVERYTHING he tries to do in his last two months in office. On top of that, he should defer to the President-elect if they disagree.
W's mantra for the next two months should be: WWOD
What Would Obama Do? Then he should do it.
It's not like W is king of the hill when it comes to good judgment.
The best way for Bush to help is to sit down and shut up. The next time we should hear from him is when he steps out in front of the White House to hail a cab to take him to the train station. Get him a one way ticket to the ranch and send him packing!
By not waiting until January 20th to leave.
Pack up and leave tonight!
Thom
Negaunee, MI
Simple, stay our of the way.
President Bush could be most helpful to P-E Obama by not lying to him. I'd ordinarily say "tell the truth" but in this case "not lying" seems to be far more appropriate.
By not committing to more presidential goof ups.
Jack,
The best thing Bush could do is to put down the veto pen and let the lame duck session at least pass extending unemployment benefits. The domino effect of people not having jobs or money will lead to a crash never seen in this country before. At least try to put the brakes on it if you can, Mr. Bush. It's the least you owe not only President-Elect Obama, but the American people, whose lives you single-handly destroyed.
I believe the best thing he can do is to simply shut up and stay out of the way. He's screwed up enough, so he should be put in a 2-month "time out" to think about what he's done.
George should go to his room and just be quiet until he leaves office. Any crisis we face as a nation, i will look to Pres.-elect Obama for a sane solution. Pres. Bush has acted like an incorrigible child for the past 8 years. Like a misbehaving child he should go to his room, be silent and think about the consequences of his actions. Isn't there some law that says Obama can take over early in a state of national crisis?
Bush could fire all the Bushies he installed to various govermental departments. Their combination of incompetence, ideology, and blind loyalty mean they are at best useless in correcting the crises they helped to make.
Stand up like a man and say I've screwed up this country for the last 8 years.
President Bush should meet regularly with his successor so as to develop the deepest understanding of the issues which lead to our current state in the newcomer. The more detail and honesty with which President-Elect Obama is informed, the better he will be able to prepare to redress the situation.
Resign, move away & out of Texas! Oh, and take "Gov" Rick Perry too!
Retire early. It'll help the country, too.
This new administration's policy will be lead, follow, or get out of the way. President Bush falls in the category of get out of the way. We've had enough of trying to follow him and his failed policies on every front. President-Elect Barack Obama knows what President Bush has done – he just wants a chance to change it.
Stay out of the way.
He can show Obama all of the illegal things he did that need to be reversed and then help Obama to reverse those things, and then submit himself and Dick Cheney to an international war crimes tribunal.
He can be most useful if he does his best to NOT help Obama. He's screwed everything up enough. Do nothing except go back to Crawford for a long vacation starting now.
For starters he can move out of the White House now.
Leave before January!
Duluth, MN
George Bush can stop pushing through executive orders and other changes that he knows are going to be reversed under the Obama administration. In other words just get out of the way!
Don't do anything underhanded in secret while pretending to be gracious and helpful. Beware a bush being gracious.
Allow stimulus package discussions to go along without whining and threatening to veto. I know it's asking too much, but wouldn't it be amazing if Congress got something figured out along those lines that Obama agreed with and Bush just let it happen without pitching a fit?
Bush could clear the brush around the White House grounds and make sure that Cheney is not loading his trunk with office supplies.
Brian
Delray Beach, FL
"How can Bush be most helpful to Obama in transition?"
By agreeing to move inauguration day to Nov. 27.
He can sit back, "do nothing," and watch a REAL PRESIDENT at work
Bush can best help Obama by losing his veto pen, telling the republicans to pass any bill submitted by Obama or the Dems for economic recovery or a new stimulus package. He should not sign any treaties or spend any unnecessary money. Above all, he should communicate with Obama daily (if not more) before doing anything.
That's a no-brainer Jack...Post-It Notes!!!
Yes they should. It's better to do it when they have the opportunity, rather than wait for them to infiltrate here and attack us.
Jack, by not giving any advise. He should be giving Obama a tour of the Oval Office and call it a day!
say thank you and goodbye.
The best thing that Bush can do is do what he can to derail Obama's Socialist/Marxist train before it destroys this country.
The best way Bush can help President Obama (Gosh I love writing that) is to be gone by next Tuesday.
Show him where all the bunkers are!
HIDE,
Page in Boise, Idaho
Show Obama where the executive orders are, so Obama can reverse them as soon as the inauguration is over.
President Bush can be most helpful to President-Elect Obama and to the country as a whole by being honest and open regarding all situations facing our nation, without a partisan skew.
Beyond showing him around the White House, I doubt Bush could tell Obama anything he doesn't already know.
Despite a bazillion Bush haters who blame him for every ill since the fall of man in the Garden Eden, he seems to be working toward making this a smooth transition. Bush has made more than his share of mistakes but he can also share with Obama how he's kept us form being attacked since 9-11. We hope President Obama will do as well. He can, and has, put in place a formal and detailed transition plan. Today's meeting was a good start.
Joe in VA
Chatham, VA
Jack: President bush can get out of the way. President Bush should endorse any idea President-elect Obama may present during the transition period. New ideas will be refreshing since for the last 8 years there have only been Cheney ideas or Rove ideas in the White House. Just think, Jack, a President who can think and chew gum at the same time. I look forward to the next 4 years with President-elect Obama.
John
Alabama
Stay out his way and do not give him advise on how to run the Presidency.
He might start with the truth
The only thing that Bush can do right now is be as honest to the core.
He has lied to us long enough, about everything. I just hope that he tells Obama the truth since this meeting was private. Without that he can't give this country on to the Obama without that
Take a 2 month vacation.
By leaving tomorrow.
Get out of Obama's way.
He needs to sit very still and not say or do anything.
apologise for every second he was running the circus.
Bush can be most helpful by going on vacation for the next 2 months and not making things worse.
Jack,
We hear about executive orders which were pretty public. How about the signing statements that reversed many legislative decisions. Can Obama reverse those?
President Bush can be most helpful to President-Elect Obama by offering to vacate his office today.
He himself could show his spirit of willingness to cooperate by repealing some of his Executive Orders that Obama has vowed to repeal once he takes office. Since Bush knows this will happen anyway, it might signal to the country that he is, for once, finally listening. He could pick something that shows a recognition that the country will turn to science and the future, like stem cell research, or to some climate related issue.
Bush can help Obama (and the country) the most by resigning early.
move out early...... i am sure a refund of last months rent would apply!
Rock A. Allen
Sudbury, Ontario, Can.
Just continue to do what he's doing. At least give the guy some credit for doing the right thing, and the proper thing, on this specific issue folks.
By leaving the White House ... tomorrow!!!
Vacate early!
Jack! It's simple. Pack and move as quickly as possible.
Bush can get out of Barack Obama's way. That is the only help that he could possibly offer. Just look at what he did for McCain...
Meredith
Indianapolis, IN
Bush can issue an Executive Order allowing himself to step down and at the same time ordering Obama to take over immediately.
Leave next week and let Obama start the healing process...
Kindly, offer to depart early from office. Of course, in the best interest of our America. Like he's always thought of first...cough, cough, cough
Don't offer any advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
President Bush could start by being candid with President-Elect Obama. Something he failed to do with the American people over the last eight years.
Arizona
By President keeping his mouth shut. The less he says the better it wouldl be for the American people and more so the world and the easier the world would forget him..
Try not to do any other dumb things between now and January 20th.
By leaving as soon as physically possible, and lending no bad advice
Hand over the keys, get out of the way.
The ultimate assistance would to be to pack up and be out of town tonight.
President Bush can be most helpful by doing nothing between now and January 20, 2009. Nothing, just sit there and wait to pack and leave.
By stearing clear outta the way, much like he did with McCain/Palin!!!
Provide the measurements for the curtains already!
Go back to his Texas ranch and take a vow of silence!! No one needs another moment of him or any of his advice!!
Simply stated, Bush just has to listen and be honest with Barack Obama about how this country can get back on track. Keeping to party lines right now will just drive us deeper into the giagantic hole we are digging, even Bush knows that.
Don't do anything else for him to undo.
He can help best by having all of his bags packed and ready to go on the Jan 20th.
Leave the keys on the counter on the way out.
Leave the White House now. And give Obama the keys to the door.
President Bush is so ready to leave Washington, He'll do anything to accommodate Obama. I only pray that he accommodates Obama's economic agenda also...The early the better. He obviously has no solution to these economic problems.
All Bush's good for is changing the drapes for Obama...Maybe not even good for that!!
Nothing.
Simple, all Bush has to do is tell Barack not to emulate him.
President Bush can make the transition smooth by leaving office now and letting Obama get sworn in early. Bush needs to stop leading this country NOW.
He, W, can leave earlier than January 20th. He can help that way.
He could leave now. Jeremy Toronto
Leave the White House now.
The answer is simple... leave office early... like next Monday...
By getiing out fast!
Urmilla
Austin, TX
Two words, Jack. Early Retirement.
Hi Jack! How bout leave early.
He can take a leave of absence for the next 70 days.
there is absolutely no way Bush can be of help to Obama except to adopt his failed policies. Jack we need a break from anything bush!
By leaving office 10 weeks early.
Stay out of the way.
Pres Bush should already know the new direction the white house will be going in, he should not inpliment anything thet he knows would slow down or hinder the new president. he should also put back the silverware. Then barack will not have to spend taxpayer money at k mart on a new set.
Ask him if he can start tomorrow...
The only thing that Bush can do right now is be as honest to the core.
He has lied to us long enough, about everything. I just hope that he tells Obama the truth since this meeting was private. Without that he can't give this country on to Obama without that.
T Kabani in VA
President Bush can help soon-to-be President Obama first by apologizing to him for making his job a lot harder than it could have been and then by joining the military to go to the front lines of Afghanistan and help the troops finish his war.
How can President Bush help to ease the transition? Easy. He can make like a tree, and leave.
Euan
St. Catharines, Ontario
By telling him exactly what he's going to face on January 21st. It's probably a reality the rest of us don't even want to know about.
George W. Bush can help Obama by just being there when he needs him. Also he (Mr. Bush) can give helpful hints to help Obama run this country.
President Bush should personally go to Iraq to oversee the troop withdrawl!
Andrew P. (New York)
He can get out of the way. Hasn't he done enough?
President Bush can be most helpful to Obama by just getting out of the way and letting the pros do their job. Our country can't afford to have even one more Bush screw up.
President Bush can continue to stand up for what he believes and for those policies that he has enacted. I fear that with the historic nature of Obama's election Bush might be worried that any differences of opinion he has with the president elect may be seen as socially unacceptable. I hope he continues to be the President of the United States, and does not become a lame duck.
Step down sooner.
Get ou of the way!
Basically bush can just pack all his stuff up and leave a.s.a.p. Since all he is doing is occupying space. He can also take all his bowling balls and pins with him since it will be replace with basketballs.
Its quite simple Jack. President Bush needs to man up and admit the mistakes he has made. He may be the worst president in our history, but giving Obama some advice would help.
The best thing Bush could now do would be to forget all the deregualtion plans he has been entertaining which would only further tarnish his legacy in terms of comsumer and environmental rights. How could he possibly consider not deregulating the sludge that goes into the waters need coal mines. It defies logic.
By not doing anything (else) stupid these last few days.
By finally telling the truth.
I know what President Bush can do. Do NOTHING! He's done enough!
President Bush should be first President in these ill times to give President elect Mr Obama carte blanche to help fix the money crisis with no strings attached.
He should leave NOW!!!!!!
President Bush can help Bararck Obama best by 1) coming clean on all the lies he has told, 2) by not passing a lot a lame-duck legislation to add to Prresident Obama's list 3) ceding power as smoothly and quickly as possible, because the country needs help NOW 4) put a leash on Chaney and get him away from the White House today.
Hey Jack- Big fan! Maybe Bush will just say, hey, I'm tired of screwing things up; wanna start early? I could use a break. That could help everybody.
New Bern, NC (used to be Republican state)- now nice and Blue. Oh yeah, good ridance Senator Dole.
The best thing Bush can do is not touch anything else, put his hands in the air and back real slow!
President Bush can help the transition of power to president-elect Barack Obama by resigning today.
Don't touch anything. If he really needs to do something Presidential... run it by Obama first.
President Bush can do just about nothing. He gives a tour of the White House to Mr. Obama's family, and that is all. It is up to government defense agencies to protect Mr.Obama and America from terrorist attacks who try to disrupt this historic transfer on power.
He has done enough by giving him the White House tour today. We don't want any of his ideas rubbing off on Obama. We've all seen where Dubya has gotten us in his eight years. All in all, Obama doesn't need any more from him.
President Bush can help the transition by simply doing nothing that might seem intelligent
President Bush can be most helpful by leaving the White House on November 20th!!! Pack his bags and go back to Texas... with an approval rating that low, He should want to move out by the 20th.
Educate Obama on The War on Terror. Preach vigilance and hopefully America will stay safe.
in my opinion, mr. bush can be most helpful to president elect obama by writting an executive order that mr. bush resigns as president official today and allowing presdent obama to start his term, tomorrow am............he has a lot of cleaning up to do after the bushs leave. then mr bush can retire and do what he did his entire presidency, nothing.
Mr. Bush can head back to Crawford, Texas and stay out of sight.
The world has been scared long enough.
Jack,
Bush's Presidency has been an unmitigated disaster. I'm sure he gave a great tour of the white house and that is the only task this administration should allowed to do for Mr president elect Obama. My advice to President Bush is to just stay out of the way and focus on packing his bags because he will be the only American President that will be handed a one way ticket to his hometown and never to return.
Matarr
Fairfax, VA
Bush could help the transition by packing up and leaving sooner than later.
L. Davis
Atlanta, GA
Bush can help President Elect Obama with the transition by getting out of the way!
He can insist that obama starts work today
By leaving immediately and letting Obama take over. Given Bush's historic disapproval ratings and the negative view of him all over the world, I'm sure the voters who gave him the Presidency would approve.
President Bush can help President-elect Obama immensely by offering no advice.....nothing.....nada....not a peep. Then he can just quietly leave and take that darn dog with him. Then all American would breathe a sigh of relief and cheer!
By Resigning Now ! And leaving the country...
He can provide a complete list of his signing statements
Perhaps Mr. Bush can refrain from stripping the White House like President Clinton and his staff seemed to take advantage in doing. Instead of taking certain keys off keyboards as well as other vile things, they can leave them on so that the incoming administration can get right to work for us instead of fixing childish pranks before getting down to business.
President Bush and his VP could help, by calling u-haul and leaving early.
The best thing George W. can do for President-elect Obama is to take a hike out the back door of the White House and let Obama take over now!!
By making certain the drapes are measured correctly.
By leaving.
Dee, Illinois
Bush should turn off the microphone, set down his pen, and slowly back away before anything else gets demolished.
Mr. Bush can best finish his term by given the President Elect as much breifing as possible. This will best serve our country and help the learning curve of the new adminstration.
Bush should just leave quietly,for the sake of this country. No one cares about his input in the transition.
He'd be most helpful by not offering any advice.
Hey remember the saying the truth shall set you free our president just need to be 100% honest about everything that led his approval rating to record numbers low
phila, pa
Issue an executive order to himself to leave ASAP
by keep hes mouth shut, and not suggesting any Ideas, and if he wants to leave with some Grace, he should take an Early vacation and disappear forever
waleed
NC
he can be most helpful by packing his bags as soon as possible and by telling the far right wingers they shouldn't be scared of President-Elect Obama. The guy you should have been scared of is on his way out the door.
Bush could assist with the transition by nominating Obama's cabinet apppointees on January 3 so that their confirmations can be underway and a cabinet is in place when Obama takes the reigns on January 20.
It would assure continuity of government and enable the new administration to hit the ground running.
It would also improve Bush's dismal approval by the electorate, begin to repair his image and legacy, and go far towards healing the divisiveness in the country.
Don't touch or change any thing else in the weeks leading to the inauguration. Oh, and by the way, Leave the keys behind.
Steve
Texas
If I was Bush, I'd get in touch with Joe The Plumber and see if he can get me a book deal or maybe an agent. At this point, Joe The Plumber might have better name recognition.
By keeping his mouth shut! Hasn't the country undergone enough under the Bush administration already? Considering the housing crisis, skyrocketing unemployment rates, a declining economy and a highly contested war, the biggest help Bush can offer to Obama would be to not help at all.
Jack,
The best thing President Bush can do to help President-Elect Obama
is to keep his mouth shut and stay out of sight as much as possible
for the remainder of his term. He has harmed this country enough
for the past eight years.
Carolyn
Chicago
I think the current administration should just get out of the way and allow the new administration to get comfortable with the task at hand. As President Elect Obama is the change that this country needs and hopefully won't be getting in the way. I am hopeful that the United States can overcome this situation and be the country that we've known.
That would be back out real slow!
Wow! Everybody beat me to it. 😀
Yeah; Bush go home.
Jack, The best thing Bush could do for Obama would be to neatly type up rescissions of every order or directive he has made in the last eight years and have them waiting on the desk in the oval office, ready for signing.
President Bush should do all that he possibly can do to shore up the wars for success! Obama will try to tuck tail and run ASAP. THis will open the doors of Terrorism to the lands that we are now responsible for returning to safety. Leaving there now will leave the door open for terorist camps to rule, as in pre-war Afghanistan. We need to finish BOTH of these wars strong! Wether you believe in the reason for being there or not: quitting is not an option!
Jack, President Bush should help President-elect Obama by leaving the White House now. Let's face it, Jack, this country would have done better without a president.
Kina
Jack, the single largest thing that President Bush can do to assist President-Elect Obama is to be extremely honest about any and everything that has occurred during his administration as well as things that are currently on the table and future items that may come up after President Obama has taken office. He has to be willing to admit to his mistakes, as well as communicate the unknowns. This will allow for complete transparency and allow President-Elect Obama to be equipped with the information necessary to get our country moving in the right direction.
Raina
Las Vegas, NV
Just leave! There is nothing else he can do but that! He's already messed up this country, and frankly he has too much time on his hands to do more damage before Obama takes office. I suggest he packs his bags and leave. Obama and his team will figure it out!
Jack:
How about putting the slogan of Change for the Obama campaign to work by strictly enforcing any vandalistic acts by those now working in the white house. It not only is chidlish and corrupt, but it costs us tax payers even more money that we do not have.
Jack, simple stay in hideout.
By not making an executive orders that President Obama will need to recind immediately - such as orders that allow coal miners to dump mountain tops into streams.
We need to first understand Bush cannot give Obama any powers he won't already acquire in the office of the presidency. Once that is understood, there are only three things any sitting president can provide:
1) Any information they feel is important to the Pres.-Elect.
2) Any information the Pres.-Elect desires.
3) Informing the public the Pres.-Elect's decisions are supported by him because he will soon be his president as well.
President Bush should simply get out of the way
Bush can help Obama by telling his party members still left in office that there 8 year vacation is over and they better agree to do something by standing behind this new president. They need to stop ruffling there feathers.
Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.
By keeping his mouth shut and allowing the transition teams to do what is necessary for OUR country!
Don't screw up anything else.............
Within the next 70 days, he can make the transition run smoothly by not screwing things up any more than he already has the past eight years.
Early flight to Houston, Texas would be good.
Bush can be most helpful with the transition by turning himself, Cheney and Rumsfeld over the Hague to be tried as international war criminals. Also Cheney must forfeit all monies he has earned from Haliburton's war profitering because of all the No Bid contracts he got them.
Move the swearing in for tomorrow, why wait till Jan 20? He can do it by executive order, maybe it would be the one thing he ever does right!!!!
I think Bush should be as cooperative as possible, given the fact that he is leaving a mess of historic proportions for Obama to clean up.
Robin
North Little Rock, Arkansas
Wow! Everybody beat me to it. 😀
Yeah; Bush go home.
By sitting on his hands and not keeping his mouth shut. It seems like every time this guy makes a move it costs me something. My rights, my savings, my job, you name it.
Shredding and looting, shredding and looting, thats what I believe will be the top priority of this administration into January.
Step down early. Simple as that!
Ummmmm....... oh wait , I know this one... Leave. Leave Now! Don't bother packing, we will send you your clothes.
Perhaps Mr. Bush, whom I admire, can take a lesson from President Clinton and leave the White House intact and thereby letting the incoming administration get to work immediately instead of fixing childish pranks such as replacing keyboard buttons. Mr. Obama isn't entering High School!!
By making one last executive decision, changing the inaugural date to November 11.
He cant , the damage has been done. Only God's divine intrevention can help President elect Obama to sort out this mess. Every person who voted for President-Elect Obama has to get invovlved and stay invovled on a grassroot level. America is on the brink of a lake of fire for the years of abuse, slavery, and deception not to mention america's foreign policies which have painted the U.S. in a very bad light, prior to Obama's win.
How can President Bush be most helpful to President-elect Obama in making the transition?
Be deciding to LEAVE EARLY!
Don't do anything stupid !!!!
pack his desk and leave in the morning... before he does any more damage.
How about a voluntary impreachment or a trip to the Federal Pen for "lying to the governmnet". What Bush has done to this country FAR surpasses anything Martha Stewart even THOUGHT about doing. Why no one in Congress called for impeachment of this man is beyond me. He has singlehandedly brought this country to its knees and has seriously damaged what world standing we had.
What he can do is get out of the way, keep his mouth shut and his hand off any kind of pen. Better yet – he should just announce he's leaving for the good of the country and turn the White House over to a REAL President.........how about next week?. That's plenty of time to get his stuff OUT.....and if it isn't, I'm sure many citizens would gladly show up and help him pack.......
Mr. Bush can best serve his country, by breifing the President as much as possible. This will be the most effective way for the new administration to hit the gound running.
Erroll, Atlanta
He could use his executive power to reschedule the date that President-Elect Obama takes office to a sooner date, December 20 maybe. President Bush could regain some popularity by doing so.
Dear Jack, Bush could resign immediately and the place his hands outstrched so the handcuffs could be installed without any fuss.
Jack,
George Bush can be most helpful to Barack Obama by renewing the United States' commitment to the World Court (which he dis-avowed prior to invading Iraq). Then, he and Dick Cheney and any others of his cabinent responsible for the Iraq war turn themselves in for war crimes that they commited. Especially for the deaths of 4000+ brave American servicemen & women, as well as over 1/2 million innocent Iraqi men, women and children.
Bush should present complete transparency on current issues so that Obama could pick them up and work them out quickly
It's simple Jack President Bush should just keep quite and pack up his bags. For an administration that literally drove this country and it"s economy to it"s knees we need no imput from him what so ever. Just get out of the way.
Hi Jack!
The best way for Bush et al to help ease the transition for President Elect Obama into the White House is for him to leave now and let us get to work for the people of the US. Too many people are hurting – losing their jobs and homes. It's way past time for change! YES WE CAN!
the best way bush can help is to just leave
For once in his administration, Bush could do the right thing for America and share leadership responsibilities with President-elect Obama. People are anxious for Obama to take charge while at the same time, people are scared to death at the thought of President Bush still being in office for another 69 days. At a 24% approval rating, Bush has a chance to improve some feelings before leaving office. What does he have to lose?
Dean
Not lie like he did to the American people.
I believe that Pres. Bush and Pres. Elect Obama, could make this transition most easiest by monitoring and keeping a watchful eye on the most important issue of all, our economy. President Bush can also start by giving America's true bread winner the auto industry the boost that it truly needs. That should hopefully keep a firm grip on things. From there I guess Pres. Bush could just grab a box and follow the other guys in uniform.
How can President Bush be most helpful to President-elect Obama in making the transition?
Resign, and allow a real statesman take the helm to steer our ship-of-state through these troubled waters.
Craig Sveska
Owosso, MI
Jack,
He could go quail hunting with Dick Cheney.
Richard
Prov. RI
Jack,
Bush can be most helpful in the transition process by issuing no orders or entering into negotiations or agreements that would require Pres.-Elect Obama to reverse or rescind. In short, he should seek to do no harm or damage to the new Presidents chances of succeeding on behalf of the people of the United States of America.
As I think it is well deserved, he can be the first person in history to actually let the door knob hit him on his way out!
get out of his way. obama is hiting the ground running and the last thing he needs is a huge wall like george bush standing in his way.
George can be the most helpful by detailing President Obama about the detainees postions at Guantanamo. Becuase there are people who were detained without trial and people who don't need to be released.
He can best help by going on national TV and telling all the ultra right wing conservatives that the world is not coming to an end just because there will be a Democratic President. No one could possibly do a worse job than Dubya did, yet mainstream Republicans are screaming doom and gloom to all who will listen. Bush can go along way towards establishing unity for our nation, and thereby re-claim some of the dignity he has lost.
Bush can give him the keys to the White House today so we can start repairing America now. Obama, Michelle and family can move in immediately. Thanks
first, get a restraining order on Cheney, dont let him get within 100 yards of Obama. Second, take Cheney's shotguns from him 'till feb..
ken
Harrison, Nj
Move out. Surrender his constitutional authority, dont touch anything, just leave.....turn over the Keys Of The Kingdom, before it crumbles like corrupt empires past
He is got no other choice but to fully cooperate in a very helpful way. If he doesn't, then there is still time impeach him.
Barack often quotes Abe Lincoln- this is one quote that someone should give to Bush. "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."
Mr.Bush should do us all a favor and step down now rather waiting till Janurary he's not effective. Do America a favor leave now !
Tell him the truth about what is happening.
Consult the new president before taking any new actions..
Hi Jack. What can Bush help? Give Obama all the advice he needs, and leave with dignity. 1/20/2009 the end on error and hopefully the start of progress.
Jack, Bush can tell Obama that he is leaving tonight and not on Jan. 20.I am sure Obama would even carry his bags out for him and give him a ride or cab fare to Texas.
Resign tonight. Failing that, disappear to Crawford and disconnect the phone and computer.
Just let President Elect Obama start early............ Why wait until January !!!!
President Bush should make no substantive policy changes or make non-emergency executive policy orders during his remaining couple of months in office.
He is still the President, and has a responsibility to lead this nation fairly and carefully until the President-elect is sworn in and assumes office.
The only way Bush can be helpful to Obama is by staying out of anything and everything. Obama didn't constantly say "8 years of failed economic policies" just to waste breath. He meant those words and he isn't going to take them back. Bush is being hospitable, but that's all he really can do to help Obama. Does he really need his help anyway?
Bush should get on his knees and plead with Obama not to push to indict him for treason. George W, has done more harm to our country than Al Qaeda could ever hope for. Barack Obama does'nt need Bush's help in transition.
Dan from Pennsylvania.
The most helpful thing President Bush could do is resign so he doesn't screw up this counrty anymore. Wait, that means Cheney would be President... OK maybe they should tell Bush to sit in the corner of the Oval Office, that would waste about month or so.
Bush needs to call a tv 10 minute speech and say he is dead tired of ruining this country, and Obama is President as of Monday.
Bush can help by trying not to make anymore huge mistakes, such as in the war, the economy, our international reputation, and the environment.
Instead of being a fly on the wall during the Obama-Bush meeting, I'd rather be a fly on the wall after the meeting, when Bush talks to his advisors on what he plans to do during the transition.
How can President Bush be most helpful to President-elect Obama in making the transition?
How about taking the rest of his term off before he does any more damage? It would for be the best at this point... he needs to find something else to do, and far away. . The sooner we get this menace out of our lives the better.
How can President Bush be most helpful to President-elect Obama in making the transition?
How about taking the rest of his term off before he does any more damage? It would be for the best at this point… he needs to find something else to do, and far away. . The sooner we get this menace out of our lives the better.
Contrition plays an integral part in both the American judicial system and our sense of those deserving redemption. The best thing Bush could do as he exits the presidency is to apologize for not being up to the job. But since party politics precludes such ownership of failure, I can only say 'Don't let the door hit you on your way out!'
Tell the truth about what has happened.
George Bush should not lie about anything. Tell the truth and tell everything.
I think the bushes did a most respectful thing today nothing wrong with that , i think that president bush knows that if he did not do this his legacy would potentially be even worst and even he cant afford that
so good move on george bush's part it shows how the impact president elect Obama is having on the country as a whole
he can be helpful to Obama and the rest of the country by moving out today. i am sure there are millions of people across our great nation who are willing to go to the white house and help him pack. the last person that needs to be giving advice to Obama on how to run a country is Pres. Bush....... why not ask vice PRESIDENT Cheney?
President Elect Obama ran for president, we chose him because he nodoubt is an intelegent man. Having had reviewed the past failures of now President Bush, he, Obama I conclude will find no good thing to use in our future. For sure Bush's politicest have not worked in eights years, what makes any of us think that any of it will work in our future.
President Bush probably would make it clear that this job is not a picnic. It will take the youth out of you. That things you feel passionately about may not be accepted. He probably will remind him to look at all the past Presidents and see how much they have aged.He most likely told him you will always inherit some type of mess from the previous administration and be blamed that this was your mess on your watch. God bless you, your famiy, and America. I'm' out of here, back to Crawford Texas
The best thing he can do is nothing. Over 70 percent disapproval rating, right?
President Bush can get the "Second Stimulus Check" ball rolling between now and the December Holiday season since this is the direction that President-Elect Obama is heading. During this lame duck season, the country would enjoy a meaningful transition. It would jumpstart the economy at a time that small and big business could use it. After a difficult 8 years and a low approval ratings this would be a supportive.
Bush can help by not signing anything else and by stepping down early!
The most helpful thing Bush can do is pack his bags. Obama's got this.
Leave politics at the door. After the meeting Bush would do us all a favor by packing his bags, letting Obama take over and fade into the sunset.