George W. Bush is history's president, a man for whom the long-term success or failure of democracy in Iraq will determine his place in history.

In this quote, Andrew Breitbart, a conservative commentator and media personality, reflects on the legacy of George W. Bush and his role in shaping the future of democracy in Iraq. Breitbart suggests that Bush's place in history will be determined by whether the long-term outcomes of the Iraq war—particularly the establishment of a stable democratic system—are viewed as a success or failure. The statement emphasizes the pivotal importance of Bush's decisions during the war and how they will define his historical legacy.

Breitbart’s comment underscores the idea that leadership and decisions in significant moments, such as the Iraq war, have lasting consequences. The success or failure of democracy in Iraq, in Breitbart’s view, will either validate or undermine Bush’s foreign policy, particularly his focus on nation-building and spreading democracy in the Middle East. This framing presents Bush’s legacy as directly tied to the outcome of his foreign interventions.

The origin of this quote lies in the broader political discourse surrounding the Iraq war and Bush’s presidency. Throughout Bush's time in office, his decisions regarding Iraq were intensely debated, with critics arguing that the war destabilized the region and supporters claiming it was necessary for fostering democracy. Breitbart, who was a strong supporter of Bush and his policies, uses this quote to underscore the high stakes of Bush's decisions and their impact on his historical reputation.

Through this quote, Breitbart makes a point about the long-term impact of a leader's choices, specifically in the context of global politics and military interventions. It highlights how historical legacies are shaped not just by short-term outcomes but by the broader consequences of decisions, especially those related to foreign policy and the promotion of democracy.