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26/06/1990 President Bush gives up his "no new taxes" pledge

1:43

Convention flashback: 'Read my lips ...'

7:20

George H.W. Bush’s broken promise that changed the Republican Party

Written by speechwriter Peggy Noonan, the line was the most prominent sound bite from the speech. The pledge not to tax the American people further had been a consistent part of Bush's 1988 election platform, and its prominent inclusion in his speech cemented it in the public consciousness.
    • Essentials 

    • Vice President Bush and taxes 

    • Pledge 

    • Taxes raised 

    • 1992 election 

    • Later views 

    • George W. Bush