I think I’d be a better president because I was in combat.

Meaning of the quote

This quote suggests that George H.W. Bush believed his experience in combat would make him a more effective president. The idea is that the challenges and decision-making required in combat situations could translate to being a better leader and making tougher choices as president. However, simply having military experience does not necessarily mean someone will be a better political leader. Many other factors, such as policy knowledge, decision-making skills, and understanding of government, also play important roles in being a successful president.

About George H. W. Bush

George H. W. Bush was the 41st president of the United States, serving from 1989 to 1993. He had a long and distinguished career, including roles as vice president, ambassador, and director of the CIA. Bush navigated the end of the Cold War and led the country through the Gulf War, but lost his bid for re-election in 1992.

More about the author

More quotes from George H. W. Bush

Gulf Lesson One is the value of airpower.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

But let me tell you, this gender thing is history. You’re looking at a guy who sat down with Margaret Thatcher across the table and talked about serious issues.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don’t always agree with them.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

It’s no exaggeration to say that the undecideds could go one way or another.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

I can tell you this: If I’m ever in a position to call the shots, I’m not going to rush to send somebody else’s kids into a war.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

I think I’d be a better president because I was in combat.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

It’s a very good question, very direct, and I’m not going to answer it.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

I do not like broccoli. And I haven’t liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. And I’m President of the United States and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

I’m going to be so much better a president for having been at the CIA that you’re not going to believe it.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

What’s wrong with being a boring kind of guy?

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

We are a nation of communities… a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

America is never wholly herself unless she is engaged in high moral principle. We as a people have such a purpose today. It is to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

I’m conservative, but I’m not a nut about it.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

I am not one who – who flamboyantly believes in throwing a lot of words around.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

You cannot be President of the United States if you don’t have faith. Remember Lincoln, going to his knees in times of trial in the Civil War and all that stuff.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

Read my lips: no new taxes.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

Please don’t ask me to do that which I’ve just said I’m not going to do, because you’re burning up time. The meter is running through the sand on you, and I am now filibustering.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

I’ll be glad to reply to or dodge your questions, depending on what I think will help our election most.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

We don’t want an America that is closed to the world. What we want is a world that is open to America.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993

We are not the sum of our possessions.

George H. W. Bush

President of the United States from 1989 to 1993