George Herbert Walker Bush on Tax Pledges

Parade: During your presidency you gave in on your ‘no new taxes’ pledge. You’ve been vindicated in many respects for that decision. I wonder how you view the ‘no new tax’ pledge from Grover Norquist that seems to be requisite for GOP political candidates?

George Bush: The rigidity of those pledges is something I don’t like. The circumstances change and you can’t be wedded to some formula by Grover Norquist. Who the hell is Grover Norquist, anyway?

Barbara Bush: I think he ought to go back to Alaska. [Laughs] Don’t quote me! [This is a reference to a comment made by Barbara Bush about Sarah Palin in a 2010 interview:” I think she’s very happy in Alaska — and I hope she’ll stay there.”]

— Parade, July 15, 2012

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