NEW YORK (CNN) - In his presidency nears its end, a reflective President Bush proposed on Tuesday that he regretted some of his strongest statements on the war on terrorism for the past eight years and said that he wishes he had not spoken in front of a "Mission Accomplished" banner just one month after the U.S. in Iraq the troops were deployed.
"I regret to say some things that you should 'not have said," Bush told CNN' s Heidi Collins when asked to reflect on his regrets during his two terms as president. "Just like 'dead or alive' and 'to' em on. "My wife reminded me that, hey, as president of the United States, be careful what you say. "
The interview, aboard the USS Intrepid in New York, came after the president addressed a ceremony on Veterans Day.
Shortly after the attacks of Sept. 11, said the president of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden: "I want justice. There 's an old poster that says West,' Wanted, dead or alive. ' "
Bush also was criticized in 2003 for addressing their response insurgency in Iraq.
"There are some who feel like that conditions are such that they can attack us there. My answer is, 'em on, "he said then.
On Tuesday, the president also referred to the time aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln on May 1, 2003, during which he declared the end of major combat operations in Iraq.
"They had a sign that says' mission accomplished. 'It's a signal to the sailors aboard the ship, but conveyed a broader knowledge. For some states, well, Bush believes the war in Iraq is over, when I no "I do not believe that. But, nevertheless, was sent the wrong message. "
The president, whose legacy is sure to be debated for decades, said it is also much to be proud of.
"I am proud to be the commander in chief of the people who are so courageous and so selfless that volunteer to serve our country in a time of war," he said. "I 'm proud when I see people who feed the hungry. I 'm proud when I' m in Africa and see the volunteers help the people who die of HIV / AIDS. "
In the extensive interview, the president also talked about his Monday meeting with President-elect Barack Obama and said that former President Clinton consulted before his meeting with the future commander in chief.
"I remember the conversation I had with my predecessor, Bill Clinton," Bush said. As a matter of fact, [I] called him yesterday and said, 'Bill, I' m prepared to meet with the new president, and I remember how you were nice to me. I hope to be as gracious to President-elect Obama as they were for me. '' '
Bush described the atmosphere in his Oval Office meeting with Obama as relaxed and said that the future president offered advice on the transition process. Bush also said Obama was specifically interested in how his two young daughters to adapt to life in the White House.
"It's interesting to see who was going up," said Bush. "He wanted to see where her little girl went to sleep. Obviously, this is going to bring a sense of family to the White House, and I hope that Laura and I did the same. But I think he and I know that their girls are in his mind and wants to make sure first that is a good dad. And I think that 's going to be an important part of his presidency. "
Bush said he plans to return to Texas after he leaves office Jan. 20 and "can write a book," but otherwise has few plans. "No doubt I 'm heading directly home. I Miss Texas, I love Texas; I 'I have a lot of friends in Texas.
"I 'll probably go back and take a deep breath," he said.
Bush said he has begun to think of an outline for the book.
"I want people to know what you want to do some of the decisions I had to do," he said. "In other words, what was the moment like? And I 'I had one of the chairs, where' I had to make some tough calls, and I want people to know the truth about what it was like sitting in the Oval Office. "
Bush expressed his regret that Republican presidential candidate John McCain does not win the presidency, but called the election for Obama "good for our country."
