    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [February 27, 2008]
    [Page 285]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of William F. Buckley, Jr.
    February 27, 2008

        America has lost one of its finest writers and thinkers. Bill
    Buckley was one of the great founders of the modern conservative
    movement. He brought conservative thought into the political mainstream
    and helped lay the intellectual foundation for America's victory in the
    cold war and for the conservative movement that continues to this day.
    He will be remembered for his principled thought and beautiful writing,
    as well as his personal warmth, wit, and generous spirit. His legacy
    lives on in the ideas he championed and in the magazine he founded,
    National Review.
        Laura and I send our prayers to Chris
    Buckley, the Buckley family, and all who
    loved this good man.