Sad history lesson. January 18, 2001, Inauguration Day, George W. Bush

[from LexisNexis transcript of CNN Inside Politics]

“(APPLAUSE) [clip of speech]

BUSH: I will treat the office with care, never take it for granted, and always remember to whom it really belongs.

The presidency does not belong to any one person, but to all of us. It belongs to the American people. As Vice President-elect Cheney has said, every inaugural continues the oldest commitments of our country, to the rule of law and the enduring power of our Constitution.

At the same time, a new administration is an opportunity for change and a new direction. That is the promise I have made and a promise I will keep, to give America a fresh start.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: My administration will serve all Americans.”

[cut to]

“(APPLAUSE) [commentators Bernie Shaw, Judy Woodruff]

SHAW: As we get closer to Inauguration Day, this man, every hour, beginning to appear to be the president.

WOODRUFF: Bernie, I thought it was significant that George W. Bush managed to say, in those very brief remarks -- he said, I will treat the office with care, I will never take it for granted, and always remember to whom it belongs.”

 [cut to] [clip from interview]

“CROWLEY: ... what is the most -- you know what the African- American community and some of the leaders have been saying in terms of, you know, we don't think this was a legitimate election. You know, we don't think that he cares about -- how can somebody who came from such a privileged background understand, you know, what's going on in some of these communities?

What's the most reassuring thing you can say to people of color, to minority communities, about your tenure as president and how you...

BUSH: Well, the most reassuring things is that I've been a governor of a diverse state and that, the first time I ran I didn't get a lot of votes in the African-American community, but I assured my fellow Texans from all walks of life that I'd be their governor; that I'd work to promote a more civil society; that I would promote values that made -- that stood the test of times; work on education; and criminal justice matters in a fair way.

And I did that; and as a result, gained the confidence of people who didn't have confidence in me the first time around. I'm -- you know, I'm not the type -- I wish I had done better in certain communities and in certain states around the country.

That's not going to prevent me from being their president. And I'm going to be fair and even-handed. I hope people have taken notice that, in my national security apparatus, for example, the -- two of the key players are African-Americans. They're there not because they're African-Americans. They're there because they're going to be fantastic at the job.

You know, when people get to my know heart and understand the goals I've set for America pertain to everybody, I believe that people will come around. And I hope they do. And if they don't, that is just -- that is democracy. I understand that.”