President Bush Doesn't Believe He Will Live Long Enough to Witness His Legacy, But Finds Comfort in Knowing He Didn't Sacrifice His Soul for Politics

"He was quoted as saying that any future president who questions whether or not we really are in a war against extremists and radicals will 'learn differently when they get in there and hear the intelligence I hear.'"

(Air Force One)?Following his Thanksgiving Address to the nation in Virginia, President Bush climbed aboard Air Force One and was interviewed by reporter Kathleen Parker. (Photo: fairpress.org)

Parker says that President Bush "has accepted that he won't live long enough to witness his legacy, although he still hopes to capture Osama bin Laden before leaving office."

In the interview, the President spoke candidly of his experience as President of the United States during the tumultuous years following 9/11 and his conviction to protect America from terrorist threats. He was quoted as saying that any future President who questions whether or not we really are in a war against extremists and radicals will "learn differently when they get in there and hear the intelligence I hear."

Says Parker: "I asked the President if he found comfort in the possibility that, assuming democracy ultimately flourishes in the Middle East, history will vindicate him."

She said he answered, "No," adding that he finds comfort in knowing that he didn't betray principle for popularity, that "I didn't sacrifice my soul for politics."