George W. Bush: The World Is Safer Today Than When 9/11 Hit

April 19th, 2013 10:16 AM

George W. Bush thinks the world is safer today than it was when 9/11 happened.

In an interview with Parade magazine, the former president also said that he doesn't believe the Republican Party is doomed forever:

Is the world safer today than it was 12 years ago, after 9/11?

GB: I think it is, because there’s a recognition that there are people who are willing to murder the innocent to achieve their objectives. As a result, our country went on the offense and hardened our defenses … And so, yes … my administration and President Obama’s administration have gone on the offense against people who would do us harm.

What could the GOP do to better position itself for the White House in 2016?

GB: The party ought to nominate somebody who can stand by principles and explain why conservative principles are better for the vast majority of the citizens. I’m not one who believes that the Republican Party is doomed forever.

Your brother Jeb has been talked about as a potential candidate for president. Is the country—I mean this respectfully—ready for another Bush?

GB: That’s for Jeb to figure out, you know what I mean? [laughs] I would hope that people would judge [him], if Jeb were to run, on his merits and his track record. … So I hope he will run.