Anyone have a URL for the following Bush tidbit?

[eridani]

I've seen on several boards that on New Year's Eve, 2001, Bush said he was grateful that he and Laura had such a good year. Never been able to find a URL, and can't find it at Snopes. Did he say that, or is it something someone thinks he might well have said?

[Stephanie]

1. "Fabulous Year"

Google "fabulous year" bush & 2001 - you will find it.

"All in all, it's been a fabulous year."

[stevedeshazer]

2. It's all right here

<snip>

The other thing is, it's been an extraordinary year for us. We will continue to ask the good Lord's blessings on America during the holiday season, particularly on those who suffered incredible loss. And we -- I hope our soldiers are safe overseas. We appreciate the job they do.

I'm real proud of how the administration and our government has responded to the attacks on America. Got a good strategy in the first phase of the war, to rout terror. Held the doctrine that says that we will bring the murderers to justice and we will hold those accountable who help the murderers. Responded quickly to threats to our homeland. Tom Ridge is doing a really good job in coordinating with those whose job it is to keep America safe.

Every morning I come into the desk, and I would read the threat assessments to America. And it reminds me that my most important job of all is to protect the American people from further attack.

<snip>

But all in all, it's been a fabulous year for Laura and me. We're so grateful to be living in this compound and I'm grateful to be working in this office. It's a joy to walk in here every morning, realizing that I'm the President of the greatest country on the face of the Earth.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/12/20011221-2.html

We paid for this, assuming you are an American and pay taxes to your so-called federal government.

[PaDUer]

5. Sure was....

they don't have to worry that the twins are minors anymore and being charged for underage, Pickles had a facelift, he gets to pretend he knows what he's talking about by wearing an earpiece, they take trips to other countries on our dollars and sometimes have their daughter accompany them, they let donors sleep in the WH and bounce on the beds, they've learned how to successfully steal the elections and let the people think their vote counted, they've learned how to silence people, oh, we can add on to this treasonous mob! SHAME!

[Stephanie]

3. Here - all in all it's been a fabulous year

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 21, 2001

President Highlights Administration's First-Year Accomplishments
Remarks by the President and Mrs. Bush on Showing New Carpet in the Oval Office
The Oval Office

President George W. Bush hosts a meeting in the Oval Office decorated with the new presidential rug on December 20, 2001. The rug, which is unique to the Bush administration, arrived earlier in the week and was unveiled to the media on Friday December 21, 2001. Members from the Office of Homeland Security and other White House staff attended the meeting. The participants included (clockwise from the bottom), President George W. Bush, Governor Tom Ridge, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Admiral Steve Abbot, Karen Hughes, Dean McGrath, Karl Rove, Albert Hawkins, Mitch Daniels, Josh Bolton, and Andy Card. White House Photographer Paul Morse is at left. White House photo by Paul Morse.

11:10 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Don't step on the new rug! (Laughter.)

We wanted you to see the new rug. It's a tradition for each President to design a rug. And Laura helped design this rug, and I think she did a fantastic job, as you can see. It's just beautiful.

That's the seal in the middle. The border here has got a little Texan in it --

MRS. BUSH: We have the Lone Star.

THE PRESIDENT: The Lone Star. The rays are, I think, very dramatic. And so we wanted you to come by and take a look at it.

<snip>

I must tell you, I'm disappointed that the Senate did not follow up on the opportunity to pass a stimulus package that would have taken care of workers. We worked really hard with members of both parties to get legislation that would do two things -- one, help workers by extending unemployment insurance, as well as helping with their health care. And then there was a -- part of the package that would encourage investment and job creation. It just didn't get done, and that's a big disappointment.

I know there was enough votes to get it out of the Senate, had there been the will to get the bill done. And maybe early next year we can work on it again.

But all in all, it's been a fabulous year for Laura and me. We're so grateful to be living in this compound and I'm grateful to be working in this office. It's a joy to walk in here every morning, realizing that I'm the President of the greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Anything you want to say?

MRS. BUSH: Happy holidays to everybody. Very happy New Year.

THE PRESIDENT: Why don't you say something about the rug?

MRS. BUSH: Do you want to hear more about the rug?

Q Where was it made?

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Terry. (Laughter.)

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/12/20011221-2.html

[eridani]

4. Thanks all!

I knew someone here would have it. Is that just the sickest thing, or what? For most people in this country, 2001 was a seriously shitty year. Even in crappy years, nice things happen, but the Mariners winning 116 games just didn't tip the balance somehow.

[Stephanie]

7. And remember this is just three months after september 11th

The fires weren't even out yet.

[nostamj]

6. and don't forget the "big laughs"

the insipid chimp and laura had the night of 9/11 running around the white house in her fuzzy slippers....

and, they slept 'great' that night. did you?