“One of the things I’ve learned is that words have consequences that you don’t intend them to mean.”

Words have consequences. And wifey Katie says, “It took him this long to figure that out?!” This set of quotes from an interview with several newspapers yesterday is full of so many Bushisms, that you don’t know where to begin fisking. (Second Thoughts About ‘Bring ’em On’):

President Bush, pausing to reflect on the lessons of his first term, yesterday admitted his “bring it on” and cowboy-style “dead or alive” call for Osama bin Laden’s capture after the 9/11 attacks were gaffes – and vowed to choose his words more carefully.

“I can remember getting back to the White House and Laura said, `What did you say that for?’ ” Bush said. “I said, `Well, it was just an expression that came out. I didn’t rehearse it. It just was there when they asked me my opinion.’ ”

Added Bush: “One of the things I’ve learned is that words have consequences that you don’t intend them to mean.”

” `Bring ’em on’ was a classic example,” he said. “Those words had an unintended consequence. Some interpreted it to be defiance in the face of danger. That certainly wasn’t the case.”

[Um…like…something unintended such as encouraging an insurgency? Egging on on a holy war?]

As the interview session ended, Bush – who has drawn criticism for declining to admit any mistakes in the past – added, “I speak plainly sometimes, but you gotta be mindful of the consequences of the words. What would you call that? A confession, a regret, a something?”

Please, can someone give this guy the hook? What a f*cking embarrassment to the country.