Bush's principles, popularity and pragmatism

Last night, GW Bush spoke for a few minutes and answered some questions in front of the Economic Club of Southern Michigan.

Bush said his 2nd most troubling time was the near economic collapse last year. Told inaction would lead to a crisis worse than the Great Depression, Bush said he decided he had to intervene to prevent widespread stock market collapse and bank failure.

"That's a sobering moment," he said. "I thought about it, and I didn't really want to be that president. So I abandoned free-market principles."

Later in the Q&A portion he was asked how he wanted his 'legacy' to read in the history books. "I hope it is this," Bush said. "'The man showed up in the office with a set of principles and he was unwilling to sacrifice his principles for the sake of popularity.'"

Hmmm....He was will to sacrifice them in the face of facts and practicality over the nation's finances. I think that's a great thing that he should be lauded for. Pity he wasn't willing to give up his principles in the face of facts earlier or on other policy matters.

Oh, and he also said the words "freedom" and "God" countless times. I guess that would be the extent of his principles.