Posted on 12/06/2008 3:31:41 PM PST by daisyscarlett
President George W. Bush playfully kicked a football and presided over the pre-game coin toss on Saturday as he basked in the pageantry of the annual Army-Navy game, one of the sport's most storied rivalries.
The crowd at Lincoln Financial Field let out hearty cheers of "USA, USA" as Bush made his way to midfield for the ceremonial coin toss,…MORE
Earlier in the day, Bush got a look at how history will remember him — at least in one artist's view — as he presided over the unveiling of his portrait at The Union League of Philadelphia.
"Welcome to my hanging," Bush said, drawing laughs from the well-dressed audience in The Union League's ornate hall.
The portrait shows Bush staring straight ahead, looking comfortable but not quite smiling, against the backdrop of the White House's Treaty Room. The sitting took place in March, when artist Mark Carder took hundreds of photographs to capture details, such as Bush's skin color.
The president put his hands on his hips and eyed the painting when it was unveiled, as if to judge whether Carder got it right. "He did a really fine job with a challenging subject," Bush said.
The club was founded in 1862 to support the policies of Abraham Lincoln. Bush received its gold medal for service to the country and thanked members for honoring Lincoln's life and work.
"I have drawn strength from his example," Bush said....
The subjects of the President’s Radio Address today were Defense and Iraq.PRESIDENT'S RADIO ADDRESS
Our First Lady, Laura Bush, participated in a Holiday Mail for Heroes packing event at the American Red Cross headquarters in Washington.
Hi.
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Hi daisy
I’m really gonna miss that guy.
Hi and thanks for the ping
Hi MamaB
President George W. Bush particpates in the unveiling of The Union League of Philadelphia Presidential Portrait at their club in Philadelphia, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008.
(Chosen for Photo of the Day because it is so nice to see the President smiling. I think he likes his portrait!)
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "Throughout the past eight years, I've seen the tremendous talent and courage of those who wear the uniform. Their efforts have overthrown tyrants, made our Nation safer, put terrorists on the run, and opened the door to liberty for more than 50 million people. And now, thanks to their work in Iraq and the courage of the Iraqi people, a hopeful new era is dawning for their democracy and ours.
Thank you.
Fact sheet In Focus: Defense
Fact sheet In Focus: Iraq
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This weekend I'm attending the Army-Navy game in Philadelphia, and I'm looking forward to a great day of college football. But more importantly, I'm looking forward to spending time with the brave men and women of the United States military.
Throughout the past eight years, I've seen the tremendous talent and courage of those who wear the uniform. Their efforts have overthrown tyrants, made our Nation safer, put terrorists on the run, and opened the door to liberty for more than 50 million people. And now, thanks to their work in Iraq and the courage of the Iraqi people, a hopeful new era is dawning for their democracy and ours.
Earlier this week, Iraq's Presidency Council approved two landmark agreements that will solidify Iraq's democratic gains, affirm its sovereignty, and put its relations with the United States on a strong and steady footing.
The first agreement that America and Iraq have signed is called a Strategic Framework Agreement. This pact sets out a common vision for U.S.-Iraqi relations in the years ahead. Under this agreement, we will work together to bring greater stability to Iraq and the region. We'll promote trade and investment between our nations. And we will support Iraq's leaders and their citizens as they strengthen their democratic institutions.
Only a few years ago, such an agreement was unimaginable. Chaos and violence were consuming Iraq. Terrorists were seizing new ground and using violence to divide the Iraqi people along sectarian lines. And the nation was nearing the point of political collapse and civil war.
Today, violence is down dramatically. Our forces have struck powerful blows against al Qaeda. The Iraqi military is growing in capability, taking the lead in the fight against the extremists, and working across sectarian lines. Sunni, Shia, and Kurdish leaders are sitting together at the same table to peacefully resolve their differences and chart their country's future. And there is hope in the eyes of young Iraqis for the first time in many years.
The second agreement that America and Iraq have signed is a Security Agreement, known as a Status of Forces Agreement. One of the primary purposes of this agreement is to ensure protection for our troops and Defense Department civilians as the Iraqi government begins to exercise greater sovereignty. Our military commanders have assured me that the agreement's provisions meet this purpose. At the same time, it also respects the authority of the Iraqi government. And it lays out a framework for the withdrawal of American forces in Iraq -- a withdrawal that is possible because of the success of the surge.
This withdrawal will take place in two stages: The first stage will occur next year, when Iraqi forces assume the lead for security operations in all major population centers, while U.S. combat forces move out of Iraqi cities and move into an overwatch role. After this transition has occurred, the drawdown of American forces will continue to the second stage, with all U.S. forces returning home from Iraq by the end of 2011.
As we enter this new phase in America's relations with Iraq, we have an opportunity to adopt a new perspective here at home. There were legitimate differences of opinion about the initial decision to remove Saddam Hussein and the subsequent conduct of the war. But now the surge and the courage of brave Iraqis have turned the situation around. And Americans should be able to agree that it is in our Nation's strategic and moral interests to support the free and democratic Iraq that is emerging in the heart of the Middle East.
The American people have sacrificed a great deal to reach this moment. The battle in Iraq has required a large amount of time and a large amount of money. Our men and women in uniform have carried out difficult and dangerous missions and endured long separations from friends and family. And thousands of our finest citizens have given their lives to make our country safer and bring us to this new day. The war in Iraq is not yet over -- but thanks to these agreements and the courage of our men and women in Iraq, it is decisively on its way to being won.
Thank you for listening.
President George W. Bush, leaves the White House for Philadelphia to attend the Army against Navy football game, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, in Washington.
President George W. Bush departs the White House to attend the Army/Navy college football game December 6, 2008 in Washington, D.C. This year marks the 109th playing of the game.
President George W. Bush waves as he is escorted by Brig. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward, Commander, 89th Airlift Wing, at Andrews Air Force Base, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. President Bush is going to Philadelphia to watch the college football game of Navy versus Army.
President George W. Bush waves from Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. President Bush is going to Philadelphia to watch the college football game of Navy versus Army.
President George W. Bush particpates in the unveiling of The Union League of Philadelphia Presidential Portrait at their club in Philadelphia, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008.
President George W. Bush speaks at the unveiling of his portrait at The Union League of Philadelphia at their club in Philadelphia, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008.
U.S. President George W. Bush looks at himself with his hands on his hips as he attends the unveiling of The Union League of Philadelphia's Portrait of the President at their headquarters in Philadelphia, December 6, 2008.
U.S. President George W. Bush looks at himself with his hands on his hips as he attends the unveiling of The Union League of Philadelphia's Portrait of the President at their headquarters in Philadelphia, December 6, 2008. From L-R are: Bruce Hooper, Eileen Hooper, Bush and artist Mark Carder.
Air Force One flies past Lincoln Financial Field before the start of the Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania December 6, 2008. President George W. Bush will perform the official coin toss prior to today's annual college football rivalry.
U.S. President George W. Bush (top) joins a group of cheerleaders from the United States Military Academy before the start of the Army versus Navy football game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 6, 2008.
U.S. President George W. Bush holds a football presented to him by Army football coach Stan Brock (R) while visiting the Army locker room before the 2008 Army vs Navy football game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 6, 2008. 
U.S. President George W. Bush is escorted onto the field for the coin toss before the 2008 Army vs Navy football game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 6, 2008
U.S. President George W. Bush kicks a football during warm ups before he attends the 2008 Army vs Navy football game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 6, 2008
U.S. President George W. Bush participates in the coin toss before the 2008 Army vs Navy football game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 6, 2008.
We are all going to miss him
U.S. President George W. Bush (R) is joined by Defense Secretary Robert Gates before the start of the Army versus Navy football game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 6, 2008.
President George W. Bush walks into the stands at the start of the Army-Navy football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008.
U.S. President George W. Bush (C) walks across the center of the field at half-time next to U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (R) during the 2008 Army vs Navy football game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 6, 2008.
President George W. Bush, center, with Vice Admiral Jeffrey Fowler, Superintendent U.S. Naval Academy, second from left, are seen during the second half of the Army-Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. 
President George W. Bush arrives at the White House after attending the Army/Navy college football game December 6, 2008 in Washington, D.C.
U.S. President George W. Bush waves as he walks on the South Lawn of the White House upon his return to Washington December 6, 2008. Bush attended an Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia.
Our First Lady, Laura Bush, participated in a Holiday Mail for Heroes packing event at the American Red Cross headquarters in Washington.
MRS. BUSH: Okay, I just wanted to remind people in the United States that this holiday season is the time to think about other people. And everyone that's here today -- and you can see how many volunteers we have, lots of volunteers -- are here remembering our troops who are deployed who will be away from their families. Tens of thousands of members of our military will be away from their families over the holidays.
And Americans have until December 10th to send them a holiday card, thanking them for their service and for keeping us free. If you send your card to a designated post office box, "Holiday Cards for Heroes" post office box, then Pitney Bowes, who's the partner in this Red Cross project, will make sure the letters are sorted and sent to troops, our troops that are deployed around the world. MORE
Howdy.
First lady Laura Bush, left, participates sorts cards during a Holiday Mail for Heroes packing event with U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Griffin, at the American Red Cross headquarters in Washington, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008.
First lady Laura Bush holds the hand of 7-month-old Dawson Oclander as his father U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Oclander, left, holds him during a Holiday Mail for Heroes packing event at the American Red Cross headquarters in Washington, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008.
First lady Laura Bush, second from right, participates in a Holiday Mail for Heroes packing event with American Red Cross president and CEO Gail McGovern, left, Tre Cox, and U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Griffin, right, at the American Red Cross headquarters in Washington, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008.
Great pix tonight - thank you.
I wanted to see the President at the game on my TV, but I had the channel muted and then completly forgot about it. When I looked the game was already on and the score was 7-0 for the Navy
Are you all ready for Christmas? My granddaughter and her husband already have their present from me—a 56” tv and my grandson's is on the way. Bought him a pedal steel guitar. He is such a musically gifted person that I want him to learn to play as many different instruments as he can and not many young people are taking up the pedal steel guitar. Love the music of one.
Do not have anything for the baby yet. No one will send me a list of things that they will not buy and I am not going out to buy something and she end up with 3 of the same things. She had her first trip to the ER last weekend. She pulled 2 wooden tv trays down on her head. Since she has everything she needs may just put a lot of money in a savings account for college or private school when she is ready for that.
Have a small tree up in here which has blue LED lights and Beanie Baby teddy bears. Was in a store and they had some mini Christmas Beanies so got a set of those and they are so cute.
Am getting ready to start some needed repairs to the house—new roof, new garage doors, new exterior doors including storm doors, a new floor in the kitchen, dining room and den, a crack in the basement wall repaired, and when all of that is done, need to have the raised patio redone and am going to have a Sunroom added. I want it to be all glass including the roof. I love them and have wanted one since we bought this house in 77 so it has taken a long time!!! Want to take the fireplace out and have double doors leading to the sunroom with a window where the single door is now. Have a guy working on plans. Oh, am going to redo the bathrooms. Want to make a powder room out of the hall bath with a door to a room with a huge tub and that will have a door to the bedroom bath which will be redone with a new shower. The guy has plans to bring my washer and dryer upstairs but that really does not matter. Since it is just me, I only have to wash about every 2-4 weeks since I stay home mostly. These are the plans hubby and I had before he died and am just now getting around to it.
Remember that train trip we took the summer of 07? Well, it is a very good thing that we went then since they closed their doors in August of this year. We had perfect timing. Everyone says the same thing, “I sure am glad we got to go” and I agree 100%.
Have a wonderful Christmas if I do not not get to post to you again.
Wonderful and awesome pictures.
Thanks so very much! :-)
Navy Won....
The President looks like he had a fabulous time! I saw some of these pictures earlier today.
The jets that flew over the game flew over our house before the game started (we live in southern NJ).
His portrait looks great, the artist did a good job.
It’s really nice he had such a fun day.
We are going to miss this man...
Was listening on the car radio and the producer turned the sound down when the huge roar from the crowd began as the president entered the field.
GGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRR
We’ll be remembering when we had a real President.
God Bless You President Bush.
AWESOME Dose. Thanks.
daisyscarlett: THANK YOU for posting tonight’s DOSE — I just love the photos of our President with his beloved troops; I also loved the fact that he got a THUNDEROUS ovation when introduced (and after kicking the football)!
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The following article makes me VERY happy — we supporters of President Bush must draw our lines in the sand NOW and then burnish these ‘lines’ with subsequent books, speeches, seminars, and eventually the President’s Freedom Institute:
KARL ROVE LAUNCHES ‘BUSH LEGACY PROJECT’ WITH IRAQ WAR CLAIM
By Philip Sherwell in New York
Karl Rove made the claim as the president’s inner circle launched an unofficial “Bush legacy project”, with their old boss preparing to leave the White House next month.
The final mission on behalf of President Bush is reportedly being spearheaded by two trusted member of his Texan kitchen cabinet - Mr Rove, the architect of his two White House election triumphs, and Karen Hughes, his former communications chief.
They have been meeting senior figures in the current Administration to discuss how to “roll out the president’s legacy”, according to Stephen Hayes, a prominent conservative commentator and Vice-President Dick Cheney’s official biographer.
You can read the entire article here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/3628402/Karl-Rove-launches-Bush-legacy-project-with-Iraq-war-claim.html
I think the Prez had a great time today and I love the portrait. I hope the official one for the WH turns out as well.
Me too and I will miss Laura just as much. She said today that she will continue to do volunteer work when she returns to TX.
Hi lysie, you are welcome.
I mailed a package to my daughter yesterday morning for my grandson. She should be getting it at the beginning of the week. I called her last night and told her so she can keep an eye out for it
We sure are. Feel like crying already.
You can say that again
How lucky your grandkids are to have a generous granny like you...a real live Santa Claus.
I am so pleased, but not surprised, that our military gave him a great welcome and no boos, much to the MSMs chagrin.
Well, I knew I was getting the guitar for my grandson but I did not know it would come at Christmas. It was just going to be something I wanted him to play. Well, when granddaughter heard what I was spending on him, she decided that I could do the same for them. I mean that gal can bargain over prices. She found a great deal on the Friday after Christmas and bought it with my money. That is what my money is for. I love being able to afford to buy things they want or need. I was not able to do something like that for so many years and I really, really enjoy it. The guitar will be here Tuesday and they are really going to inspect everything to make sure UPS did not damage anything but the man I bought it from told me that he really packed it good to prevent any damage.
About the sun room. I have always wanted one because I love to watch it rain or our occasional snow but I wanted a tin roof on it. Then I got on some websites and saw the ones with the glass roof and that is what I want. Just maybe I can see a few stars at night. I want it AC/heated so it can be used year round. I have not decided if I want wood on the lower part of the wall or completely glass but that is what the guy is for who is working with me. I do not think I would want to be in one when it is tornado type weather. That just might not be the place to be if one hit this area! If you come across some neat pictures of some, send the link to me, please.
President George W. Bush shakes hands with artist Mark Carder Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at the unveiling of the Union League of Philadelphia's Portrait of a President. Looking on at left are Bruce and Eileen Hooper, Commissioners of the portrait, which will join 26 others of American Presidents in the Union League's Presidential Portrait Collection. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush stands next to his portrait as he delivers remarks Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, to the Union League of Philadelphia. Founded in 1862, the Union League has hosted U.S. Presidents, heads of state, industrialists, entertainers and visiting dignitaries from around the globe. The portrait, painted by Mark Carder and presented by the League, will become part of its Presidential Portrait Collection. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush receives the Union League of Philadelphia's Gold Medal Award from League President Fred Haab Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, during ceremonies at its Philadelphia headquarters. Said the President, "One can learn a lot from the past, and The Union League is doing its part to tell the true story of our great nation. In short, I thank you for your service to your community and our country." White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush walks onto the playing turf at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field with U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, for the 2008 Army-Navy game. The rivalry, a tradition since 1908, was won by the Midshipmen, who delivered a 28-0 shutout to the Black Knights. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush is swarmed by the Army cheerleading squad Saturday, Dec. 8, 2008, on the field at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, for the 2008 Army-Navy game. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush reaches up to the Cadets of West Point Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at Lincoln Financial Field where he joined the global millions in watching the 2008 Army-Navy game. The rivalry, pitting West Point and the Naval Academy, has been a tradition since 1908. The 28-0 win by the Midshipman gave them 53 wins to Army's 49. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush shakes the hand of Navy outside linebacker Craig Schaefer of Fairfax, Va., prior to the start Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, of the 2008 Army-Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. White House photo by Eric Draper
You are welcome. Great day for our W today. Sadly, the President Elect decided to hog the news cycle today with announcements etc so that took away from some of the positiveccoverage W would have gotten. I think O planned it that way.../rant.
Any link to video of him at the game today?
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