I too was appalled when Bush was elected, then re-elected. But you have to think of the background as to how this could happen. It's very simple. Look at John Kerry. Look at Al Gore. What more is there to say?

Paul, Toronto, Canada

George Bush was the wrong man at the wrong time. The US had the opportunity to really benefit from the end of the Cold War and to achieve all the noble aims of "democracy and freedom". However, foreign & domestic policy during this time has in fact done more to undermine the value of these ideals.

Sam, London, UK

lots of faults, but one remarkable success has been Bush’s work on combating AIDS. He has helped deliver an unbelievable about of funding and support for those affect with Aids in Africa….please look up the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

nigel, london , UK

Thank you President Bush for your 8 years of loyal service. After 9/11 there were no terrorist attacks on American soil and I thank you for that. Let's hope this diligence continues under the "O" administration. Best of good wishes for an active retirement in Dallas and Crawford.

John C., Dallas, USA

GW - A good man - consistent in his beliefs.

High moral standards & a desire to protect his country are commendable attributes.

Loved by my countrymen

Richard, Bucharest,

Goodbye to the worst of the very worst. Good riddance.

tony freeman, tampa, usa

This C-grade student only got into Harvard beacause of affirmative action for the rich. He ran every company he was in charge of into the ground. He led the country that I love, into the ground. America has had enough of stupid people in government. It is high time we had a President with a brain!

Karen Kraft, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Yeah yeah blame Bush for everything. I guess you just forget that 77 out of 100 Senators voted FOR the resolution INCLUDING Sen Clinton and Sen Biden.
So who you going to blame once your savior Obama is in and things still suck? Yup you'll blame Bush and say it will take longer than 8 years to fix.

Brandon, SLC, UT, USA

President Bush will go down in history as one of the greats.
I wish him well in retirement and will always be thankfull for his service.
He is a man of principle.

Dave Wissink, New York, United States

President Bush had policies that cannot be euphamistically called conservative. They were extremeist, radical and ideologically hidebound. On the economy he was virulently anti-regulatory which resulted in a meltdown. He never listened-He led by threat.Good riddance to a nasty era. He shamed us.Pray

alfred hathcock, lenoir city, United States of America

When George W Bush leaves his job as the President of the USA, He should applie for job as a comedian, everytime he gives a speach or does something you always make people laugh. keep up the good work George W Bush.

klodian kurti, Efield, uk

If Bush really believes he hasn't damaged America's reputation in the world, then he is an even bigger fool than we thought. The worst Us President we have seen is at last departing but it will take years to undo the damage he has wrought. May he have the retirement he desrves.

Peter Berman, Taunton, UK

George Bush - Tony Blair - Gordon Brown = Huge Jokes as leaders - the sooner we get rid of Brown the better - at least USA knows when Bush is going

Mick Tingey, Ramsgate, UK

This shouldn't be remembered as the end of the Bush presidency but as the end of the Cheney vice-presidency, the puppetmaster in chief.

Paul, Hounslow, UK

USA , UK MUST ask question: why do voters so often
elect 100% unsuitable leaders?

What happened to democracy when wars started majority does not support?
Policies forced through that are widely unpopular?
GITMO continued when whole world condemns?

This dilemma must be remedied. SOON.

Leigh Vernier, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

G Bush is a man you would invite to a party, great fun, but he was unsuitable as president. He was too easily led by those around him. He and Blair made the world a more dangerous place. The repercussions from these two in power will go on.

Mabs, Northants, UK

Most people will end up missing him.
The Emperor Claudius of modern history.
We have as much to answer for as Dubya.
Noone will understand him better than Obama after the first 100 days.

David, Amsterdam, Netherlands

I heard him talking testerday..
He said he was "misunderestimated" by the press.
How can an imbecile rule the world??

rick, Newcastle , uK

If re-electing GWB in 2004 was some mass U.S sick joke on the rest of the World, their current economic dire circumstances must be seen as fair retribution for it.
In 2004 Bush had already demonstrated his ineptitude yet the good ole US of A re-elected him. Go figure.

Joe, Geelong, VIC Australia

A strong record - he did what he thought was best, in the face of a malicious campaign from left wing and liberal intellectuals, and he has been proved right. History will judge him well and will forget the blathering from the oppostion.

Adam, London,

What a delusional and embarrassing performance by George Bush. If he can't see that his foreign policy decisions have affected America's standing in the world, we shouldn't be that surprised.
His presidency was about the self interest of his "cartel". If war was a consequence, big deal.

Green, London, UK

Weren't willing to help out? Why should "Britain and other European countries" help GWB disperse the illegality and immorality of his actions in detaining people without any sense of justice (or, as far as we know, any cause at all)?

Daniel J. Houghton, New York City, USA

President Bush has done more for Africa than any other president and continues to push for equal rights in Korea and China. Our country has not suffered another terrorist attack on his watch. He may be plain spoken but he is honest.

Brenda, San Angelo,Tx, USA

The end of the most appalling 'leader' the western world has know. A pathetic creature who got almost every major decision about 180 degrees wrong. His legacy will haunt the west for decades. He came in with the prediction of the 21st century being American. He leaves with that fantasy in tatters.

Mike, Norwich, UK

I don't need a history book to tell me about Bush. He's a horrible leader and there is no doubt that time will soften the negative effects he's had on all of us. For now, let's never forget what "The Decider" has put us through.

Jeff, Sacramento, CA, USA

The current economy situation....seems no medal to be granted....but some harsh souvenirs, but the history would give a rather full appraisal under a long, and wider perspective.

Yabin Li, Shanghai, P.R.China

History will be the judge of you Mr Bush. Good luck.

Ben, London,

A quite pathetic and cringe making performance
There was near silence when he left - good riddance

Josephus, London, UK