These Are Historic Times
This repeat offense features Dubya referring to his term in office as historic times, mainly in connection with his wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and often tied in with Christian symbolism and rhetoric, or in hopes of getting someone elected. (Gee, that's a line that has been blurred more than once...)

1. These are historic times. This is an historic opportunity to change the world. And America will continue to lead. (Jan. 23, 2004)
2. These are historic times, because we're at war — you're a war Congress. (Jan. 31, 2004)
3. These are historic times, times of change. In Afghanistan and Iraq, more than 50 million people once lived under tyranny. And now they live in free societies. (Feb. 5, 2004)
4. These are historic times. These are times where we have a chance to define a more peaceful world for our children. I mean, we'll keep America secure by taking — making the tough decisions, by speaking clearly and by being strong. But it's also important for our fellow citizens — and people who wear our uniform can attest to this — that a free Iraq in the midst of a part of the world where there's such hatred, such despondency and hopelessness, will be an historic moment for world peace. (Feb. 9, 2004)
5. These are historic times. A free and democratic Iraq will change the world. (Mar. 30, 2004)
6. During that dinner I also thought about making sure we fulfill the mission we're on in Iraq so that an American President could ultimately sit down with a duly-elected Iraqi leader and talk about how to make the Middle East more secure, or how to deal with current security problems that might be affecting the security of the American people. These are historic times. (Apr. 20, 2004)
7. These are historic times. It's a historic opportunity to spread peace and freedom. I believe that freedom is not America's gift to the world, freedom is the almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world, and free societies will be peaceful societies. (Apr. 26, 2004)
8. A free society in the part of the world that breeds resentment will be a peaceful influence in a part of the world that needs peace. These are historic times. These are really important times in our country. ...These are historic times. Our troops are performing brilliantly, and we will succeed. (May 3, 2004)
9. See, freedom is not America's gift to the world. Freedom is the Almighty's gift to each man and woman in this world. These are historic times. It's an historic opportunity. The Iraqi people, of course, are watching very carefully. ... These are historic times. This is a time in which the world has an opportunity to change for the better. America is leading the way. (May 4, 2004)
10. No, these are historic times. These are times that require strong will and strong determination. These are times in which we could literally change the world by the spread of freedom. Freedom is not America's gift to the world. Freedom is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. (May 8, 2004)
11. The world will be more free and more peaceful, thanks to the United States of America and our military. These are historic times. ... No, these are historic times. We're being tested. People are testing our mettle. And I will not yield to the whims of the few. (May 13, 2004)
12. This will send a message, a powerful message, from Damascus to Tehran, that democracy can bring hope to lives in every culture. And this advance of freedom will bring greater security to America and to the world. These are historic times, it's an historic opportunity. (May 18, 2004)
13. These are historic times. This is an historic moment. The world watches for any weakness. They will see no weakness in America. They will see no weakness in Italy. We will answer every challenge. (May 19, 2004)
14. These are historic times we're in. And it's such an honor to serve the American people during these times. But with America's leadership in the world, and by being true to our values, we can change the world. (Jun. 17, 2004)
15. These are historic times. That's why it's vital we stand with those who love freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq. (Aug. 5, 2004)
16. I'm convinced that these are historic times. These are times when people look back and say, thank goodness the American people stood true to our belief, that liberty is a transforming moment in the history of the world. (Aug. 9, 2004)
17. I believe these are historic times. I believe history — historians will look back and say, this was a really important period. This is a time where we need firm resolve and clear vision about the stakes. (Aug. 12, 2004)
18. See, we believe that freedom is not America's gift to the world, freedom is the Almighty God's gift to every man and woman in this world. These are historic times. These are historic times. We've done a lot of hard work, I know that. But we're headed toward a freer world and a more peaceful world. (Aug. 17, 2004)
19. I want you to walk out and look in the camera and I want you to thank the moms and dads of our service people, and the taxpayers of America for liberating you and making you free. These are historic times. These are historic times. I'm asking for four more years to spread freedom and peace. (Aug. 18, 2004)
20. I like to tell people these are historic times. I truly believe they are. One reason I say that is because I've seen what's happened in Afghanistan. This is a country that has gone from darkness to light, a country where the Taliban wouldn't even let young girls go to school. (Sep. 3, 2004)
21. I believe in the transformational power of liberty. That's why I say these are historic times. The world is changing. As liberty moves on, so will peace, the peace we all want. (Sep. 5, 2004)
22. You know why I feel so strongly about the power of liberty is because I believe that freedom is the almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. That's what I believe. These are historic times we're living in. These are historic times we're living in. The free societies in Afghanistan and Iraq are going to affect the neighborhood that's desperate for freedom. (Sep. 7, 2004)
23. These are historic times. It's essential that we have this great faith in the ability of liberty to transform the world. Those are the stakes in which we live. It's a chance to really use our influence with friends and allies to lead toward a more peaceful world. (Sep. 16, 2004)
24. These are historic times. This is a historic moment in history, as far as I'm concerned. (Sep. 17, 2004)
25. No, liberty is powerful. It will serve as the beacon. These are historic times. In the short-term, we'll defend ourselves by staying on the offense. In the long-term we'll work to spread liberty. And I believe people yearn to be free. Freedom is not America's gift to the world, freedom is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. That's what I believe. (Sep. 20, 2004)
26. I'll tell you what — [audience applaudes] — not yet, not yet. The stakes are high. These are historic times. I clearly see where I want to lead this country. (Sep. 20, 2004)
27. These are historic times. I'm driven by my desire to protect the American people. I'll be steadfast in my resolve to do everything I can to make you secure. But I'm also driven by my deep belief that every soul yearns for liberty. Listen, freedom is not America's gift to the world, freedom is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. (Sep. 22, 2004)
28. Well, I think — look, in a campaign, it's — the war of Iraq is going to be part of a campaign. It's — this is a major moment in American history. These are historic times. And I view it as a great opportunity to help secure our country. As I said before, Iraq is a central part of the war on terror. And I believe it's important for us to succeed there because of that. (Sep. 23, 2004)
29. These are historic times, historic times, and the work is hard. But we've done hard work before in this country. I believe that millions in the Middle East plead in silence for their liberty. I believe that women in the Middle East long to be free. (Sep. 23, 2004)
30. The society is going from darkness to light, because of freedom. And we're better off for it. We now have an ally in the war on terror. We now have a free society in a part of the world where there needs to be free societies. These are historic times, and the world is changing. (Sep. 24, 2004)
31. These are historic times. The world is changing for the better. I told the people in my convention speech, we've done the hard work and climbed the mountain, we see the valley below. It's a valley of peace, based upon freedom and liberty. (Oct. 11, 2004)
32. Freedom is not America's gift to the world. Freedom is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. These are historic times and a lot is at stake in this election. The future safety and prosperity of America are on the ballot. (Oct. 31, 2004)
33. See, freedom is not America's gift to the world. Freedom is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. These are historic times, and a lot is at stake in this election. The future safety and prosperity of America are on the ballot. (Oct. 31, 2004)
34. Freedom is not America's gift to the world. Freedom is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. These are historic times, and there is a lot at stake in this election. The future and safety — the future safety and prosperity of America are on the ballot. (Oct. 31, 2004)
35. I believe — I believe that everybody yearns to be free. Freedom is not America's gift to the world, freedom is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. My fellow citizens, these are historic times and a lot is at stake in this election. The future safety and prosperity of America are on the ballot. (Oct. 31, 2004)
36. Freedom is not America's gift to the world. Freedom is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. These are historic times, and there is a lot at stake in this election. The future safety and prosperity of this country are on the ballot. (Nov. 1, 2004)
37. I believe every soul in the world yearns to be free. I believe mothers and dads want to raise their children in a free world. I believe all these things, not because freedom is America's gift to the world. I believe it because freedom is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. My fellow citizens, these are historic times, and a lot is at stake in this election. The future safety and prosperity of America are on the ballot. (Nov. 1, 2004)
38. Freedom is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. These are historic times, and a lot is at stake in this election. The future safety and prosperity of America are on the ballot. (Nov. 1, 2004)
39. I understand freedom is not America's gift to the world, but I do understand freedom is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. My fellow citizens, these are historic times, and a lot is at stake in this election. The future safety and prosperity are on the ballot. (Nov. 1, 2004)
40. These are historic times, and the United States of America will continue to lead with friends and allies by our side. I set a goal in my inaugural speech that said, over the generations, over time, the free world must work to end tyranny. If you believe that freedom is the Almighty's gift to every soul, it makes sense to assume the duty to work with others to spread freedom so everybody, every soul can be free. (Feb. 3, 2005)
41. These are historic times, and they're challenging, but I've got to tell you, I've got great hope, too, for the future. You know, in our response to terror and tragedy, we have seen how great suffering can awaken an even greater love — and we've been reminded there is no evil from which our Creator cannot draw forth greater good. (Sep. 21, 2005)
42. These are historic times. We have an obligation and a duty to protect the American people. And we'll do just that. (Dec. 9, 2005)
43. It's such an honor to be the President of the great country that we are during such historic times, and I want to thank you for giving me a chance to describe to you some of the decision-making processes I've used to do my duty to defend the American people. God bless. (Jan. 23, 2006)
44. I'm going to remind people we're living in historic times, and that we have a chance to make decisions today that will help shape the direction of events for years to come. I'm going to continue to talk about an optimistic agenda that will keep — that will remind folks we've got a responsibility to lead. (Jan. 26, 2006)
45. Now, we're living in historic times when you think about this world we're in. It is a time of challenge, and it's a time of opportunity. We've got the challenge to protect the American people. My most important duty is to protect you from harm. And we have an opportunity to lay the foundation of peace for generations to come. (Feb. 17, 2006)
46. We're living during historic times. I wish I could report to you that the war on terror was over, but it's not. It's — these are serious times that require serious thought and serious purpose in order to do our most important duty, which is to protect the American people. (Feb. 23, 2006)
47. I'm — this is historic times, and I know you know that. And so I want to thank you for your service to our great nation. I want to thank you for bringing dignity and honor to the offices you hold. And so now I'd like to offer a toast to the governors of the United States. (Feb. 26, 2006)
48. We're living in historic times. We are a country still at war. I wish I could report — give you a different report. My job is to see the world the way it really is, not to see the world the way some would hope it would be. (Mar. 9, 2006)
49. We've got a — we've got a lot to do in this country. We're in — we're going through historic times, and it's important to have people in the United States Senate who understand the stakes, understand the world in which we live. It's important to have clear-eyed realists working with the administration to lay the foundation for peace. (Mar. 27, 2006)
50. Andy Card has served me and our country in historic times. On a terrible day when America was attacked, during economic recession and recovery, through storms of unprecedented destructive power, in peace and in war. Andy has overseen legislative achievements on issues from education to Medicare. (Mar. 28, 2006)
51. I've got to be able to look at myself, by the way — after the presidency — in the mirror and say, I didn't come to Washington, D.C. to try to chase political opinion. I came to lead this country in a very historic time. And you heard my discussion about my reaction after 9/11. That's what I believe. And that's what I'm going — those are some of the beliefs on which I'm going to continue to make decisions. (Apr. 10, 2006)
52. You know, I've gotten to see [Republican Congressman Jim] Nussle during some interesting times in our country — we are living in historic times. I wish I could report to you that this was a nation that wasn't at war, but we are. And it's a deadly serious war. It's a war that requires strong leadership and resolve. (Apr. 11, 2006)
53. Because of your service, we've liberated people from the clutches of a tyrant. And because of your service, we're laying the foundation of peace for a generation of Americans to come. These are historic times, and your service makes me incredibly proud. (Apr. 23, 2006)
54. Democracy can help change the world and lay the foundation for peace. And that's what's happening today. These are historic times. My job is to lead this to protect you. And my job is to lay the foundation of peace for generations to come. (Apr. 24, 2006)
55. These are historic times in which we live, and we're in a war. We're in a war against an enemy that is ruthless, an enemy which adheres to an ideology of hatred, a backward ideology, an ideology that can't stand freedom. Ours is a nation that loves freedom and will never back down. (May 17, 2006)
56. These are historic times, and I'm proud to be working with Republican members of the Senate and the House who are making sure we do our duty, and that's to defend the American people. (May 17, 2006)
57. We're living in historic times. They are exciting times. If you're a student getting ready to graduate from NKU, you've got a job available for you that's paying better than a lot of other college graduates have ever been able to get. This is a good time to be getting out of college. On the other hand, these are difficult times in some ways, when you think about it. I mean, we're at war. And war is unsettling to people. War puts a strain on the United States of America. War causes people to think about the future in different ways. (May 19, 2006)
58. These are historic times. The mission that you're accomplishing here in Iraq will go down in the history books as an incredibly important moment in the history of freedom and peace, an incredibly important moment of doing our duty to secure our homeland. (Jun. 13, 2006)
59. We're dealing with some big issues. We really are. These are historic times. And one of the reasons I feel so strongly that Heather [Wilson] needs to be reelected is she understands the stakes of the world in which we live. See, we need people who see the world the way it is, not the way we would hope it would be. (Jun. 16, 2006)
60. These are historic times in which we live, and these are times that require people to make hard decisions. I'm proud to be serving with people here in Washington, D.C. who make decisions on what's right, not what the focus groups say and what the polls say. And what is right is doing what it takes to defend the United States of America from attack again. (Jun. 19, 2006)
61. These are historic times in which we live, and it is essential that we have people in the United States Senate who are clear-eyed realists who see the world the way it is, not the way we would hope it would be ...There's a group in the opposition party who are willing to retreat before the mission is done. They're willing to wave the white flag of surrender. And if they succeed, the United States will be worse off, and the world will be worse off. These are historic times. We will defeat the enemy by, one, bringing them to justice before they hurt us again, and we will defeat the enemy, we will defeat their hateful ideology by spreading liberty. (Jun. 28, 2006)
62. We ought to be confident in the pursuit of that strategy, because liberty is universal. And by standing with those who desire liberty, we will help extend freedom to millions who have not known it, and lay the foundations of peace for generations to come. These are historic times, and I thank you for putting on the uniform, and for volunteering to serve this country during these important times. I have confidence in our country and I have faith in our cause. (Jul. 4, 2006)
63. These are historic times we're living in, and this country can make the decision to be confident about the future, or to retreat from the future. And I believe we ought to be confident. (Jul. 7, 2006)
64. These are historic times. We will lose if we leave too early. The stakes of success are vital, but a free Iraq is going to help inspire others to demand what I believe is a universal right of men and women. (Jul. 7, 2006)
65. These are historic times in which we live. And I'm glad to have had Congressman Green in Washington, D.C. during a time where the President has had to make some tough decisions. (Jul. 11, 2006)
66. First of all, I want to thank the Italian people and the government for their contributions in Iraq. They were there during some of the most difficult times. And the previous government made a commitment and met its commitment. And we're very grateful for that. The current government campaigned on not staying in Iraq. That's what they said. So when you win elections, you're supposed to do what you say you do. So I'm not surprised. I would hope — and I appreciate the commitments. I would hope they would — toward, for example, training through NATO or reconstruction aid. This is an historic time. And one of the messages I'll be sending people at the G8 is, liberty is universal. The world is better off when there's free societies. (Jul. 11, 2006)
67. You know, we're living in historic times. These are difficult times for the American people because we're in a war. We're in a war we did not ask for, but in a war that we must wage and win, for the sake of our future generation of children. (Aug. 16, 2006)
68. We face historic times here in this country. These are tough times. They're difficult times because we face an enemy that longs to hurt America. ...These are historic times, and we must have people in the United States Congress who understand the stakes. After September the 11th, I vowed to the American people we would use all assets at our disposal to protect you. And the best way to defend America is to stay on the offense against these killers and bring them to justice before they hurt this country again. (Aug. 30, 2006)
69. These are historic times in which we're living. This generation of ours is being challenged, and it's a tough challenge because we're facing an enemy that knows no bounds of decency, an enemy that uses tactics that are beyond our imagination to achieve certain objectives. (Aug. 31, 2006)
70. These are historic times in which we live. These are — and that's why it's important to have people in the Congress who clearly see the challenges this nation faces. We are a nation at war. I can't tell you how much I wish I could come to Savannah, Georgia and say we weren't at war. I wish I could report that to you. But I can't. (Sep. 7, 2006)
71. These are historic times, and they're tough times, and they require steady leadership from the United States of America. And I need steady support in the United States Congress to protect this country. (Oct. 3, 2006)
72. You are witnessing historic times, and this is a historic election. You're witnessing a struggle between moderation and extremists, tyranny and freedom. You're witnessing a struggle between those who would impose their dark vision on others and people who just want to live in peace. These are historic times, and it's going to require strong U.S. leadership to help win this ideological struggle. (Oct. 4, 2006)
73. These fine [Hispanic] Americans, like the other Americans in our military, are working hard to secure this country. They're answering the call to history. They have volunteered to serve in an historic time, a time when this United States will do what it takes to defend ourselves from people who spread evil by killing the innocent. (Oct. 6, 2006)
74. This election is taking place in an historic time for our country. When people look back at this period of time, the question will be, did we do everything in our power to protect the American people and win the war on terror? ...These are historic times. These are challenging times. It is such an honor to represent the United States of America during these historic times. (Oct. 28, 2006)
75. We're meeting in historic times. This election is happening during historic times. And when our children and grandchildren look back at this period, one question is going to overwhelm all the rest: Did we do everything in our power to fight and win the war on terror? (Oct. 30, 2006)
76. This election is taking place in an historic time for our country. Our children and grandchildren are going to look back on this period — one question will overwhelm all the rest. Did we do everything in our power to fight and win the war on terror? That's the question people will ask. (Oct. 30, 2006)
77. This election is taking place in an historic time. When our children and grandchildren look back on this period, one question will overwhelm all the rest: Did we do everything in our power to fight and to win the war on terror? (Oct. 31, 2006)
78. This election is taking place in an historic time for this country. When our children and grandchildren look back on this period, one question will overwhelm all the rest: Did we do everything in our power to fight and win the war on terror? ...Some day duly elected leaders from the Middle East will be talking about keeping the peace with an American President, and generations of Americans will be better off for it. And that's why I say these are historic times. In the election — the differences of opinion in this election are clear. If you want your taxes to go up, just go ahead and vote Democrat. If you want your taxes to stay low so this economy continue to grow and create opportunity, elect Conrad Burns to the United States Senate. (Nov. 2, 2006)
79. This election is taking place in an historic time for our country. And when our children and grandchildren look back at this period, one question will overwhelm all the rest: Did we do everything in our power to fight and win the war on terror? ...These are historic times, and you can make a significant difference in how our country responds. (Nov. 3, 2006)
80. This election is taking place in an historic time for our country. And when our children and grandchildren look back on this period, one question will overwhelm the rest: Did we do everything in our power to fight and win the war against the terrorists? That is the question which faces this generation. (Nov. 3, 2006)
81. This election is taking place in an historic time for our country. And when our children and grandchildren look back on this period, one question will overwhelm all the rest: Did we do everything in our power to fight and win the war on terror? (Nov. 5, 2006)
82. These are historic times. When our children and grandchildren look back on this period, there will be one overriding question — one question will overwhelm all the rest: Did the United States do everything in our power to win the war on terror? (Nov. 6, 2006)
83. This election is taking place at a historic time for our country. And when our children look back at this period, they're going to have one question: Did we do everything in our power to protect America and win the war on terror? (Nov. 6, 2006)
84. We live in historic times. The challenges and opportunities are plain for all to see. Will this country continue to strengthen our economy today and over the long run? Will we provide a first-class education for our children? And will we be prepared for the global challenges of the 21st century? Will we build upon the recent progress we've made in addressing our energy dependence by aggressively pursuing new technologies to break our addiction to foreign sources of energy? And most importantly, will this generation of leaders meet our obligation to protect the American people? (Nov. 8, 2006)