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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker clarifies his stance on military service, first stating they will not have an all-volunteer army, then correcting himself to say they will not have a draft.
In plain terms
I am changing my mind about how we get soldiers.
What can you take from it?
Clarify your position clearly when you make a mistake.

Where it applies

  • policy announcements
  • press conferences
  • political debates

Putting it to work

  • clarify public statements
  • manage audience reaction
  • correct misinformation

Questions to consider

  • How should leaders handle public corrections?
  • What does this say about policy stability?

Another view

The context suggests the speaker may be struggling to articulate a consistent policy position.

More from George W. Bush

  1. In all due respect, I'm not so sure it's credible to quote leading news organizations about - oh, never mind.

    Permalink to quote #162

  2. September the 4th, 2001, I stood in the ruins of the Twin Towers. It's a day I will never forget.

    Permalink to quote #164

  3. I just don't think I ever said I'm not worried about Osama bin Laden. It's kind of one of those exaggerations.

    Permalink to quote #161

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