Politics | George W. Bush Bush Farewell: 'I Followed My Conscience' By John Johnson Posted Jan 15, 2009 6:56 PM CST Copied President George W. Bush gives a farewell address to the nation, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) President Bush made his farewell address to the nation tonight, acknowledging "setbacks" and the wish to do some things differently but insisting that he "always acted with the best interests of our country in mind." The president—who said he had always followed his conscience and "done what I thought was right"—reminded Americans that the nation had not suffered a terrorist attack since 9/11, the Washington Post reports. "There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions, but there can be little debate about the results," said Bush. The address will be Bush's last public appearance until Tuesday's inauguration of Barack Obama, a moment that would be filled with "hope and pride," he said. "Standing on the steps of the Capitol will be a man whose story reflects the enduring promise of our land." Read These Next A space capsule carrying ashes of 160 people crashed in the ocean. A lesson in minding your own business ... at 30,000 feet. The death toll in the Texas floods has risen to 27, including 9 kids. Desperate search for missing campers continues in Texas. Report an error