Bush: I acted in nation's best interest

Outgoing US president defends his record over the past eight years, claiming success in foreign and domestic policies.

George W Bush completes his final live television address to the nation from the East Room of the White House.

WASHINGTON // Unpopular but unbowed, President George W Bush defended his tumultuous two terms in a farewell address to the nation last night, claiming a hard-won record of achievement. Reaching back to the Sept 11 2001, attacks, when the public rallied behind him, Mr Bush declared the United States will "never tire, never falter and never fail." Leaving office with the highest disapproval rating since Richard Nixon, Mr Bush said, "You may not agree with some of the tough decisions I have made, but I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions."

A bookend to eight years indelibly marked by terrorism, two wars and recessions, the 13-minute speech was Mr Bush's last opportunity before he leaves office on Tuesday to defend his presidency and craft a first draft of his legacy for historians. His next scheduled public appearance will be greeting president-elect Barack Obama on Inauguration Day at the White House's North Portico. Seemingly upbeat and confident, Mr Bush called the inauguration of Mr Obama, the first black president, a "moment of hope and pride" for America. "Standing on the steps of the Capitol will be a man whose history reflects the enduring promise of our land," he said.

Defiant until the end, the nation's 43rd president claimed foreign policy successes in Iraq and Afghanistan while crediting his administration with improving public schools, creating a new Medicare prescription drug benefit and finding more money for veterans. With the United States facing the worst financial crisis in generations, Mr Bush said his White House took "decisive measures" to safeguard the economy. The bottom line, Mr Bush said, is there have been "good days and tough days" during his term. On that, even his critics would agree. Self-assurance gave way to nostalgia as soon as Mr Bush left the podium.

Bush's presidency began with the worst terrorist attack on US soil and ends with the worst economic collapse in three generations. "These are very tough times for hardworking families, but the toll would be far worse if we had not acted," he said. "All Americans are in this together. And together, with determination and hard work, we will restore our economy to the path of growth." Already looking ahead, Congress yesterday laid the foundation for president-elect Obama's economic recovery plan, clearing the way for a new infusion of bailout cash for the financial industry at a time when there is fresh evidence of shakiness among banks. Majority Democrats proposed spending increases and tax cuts totalling $825 billion.

* AP