Read my lips : no new taxes " is a phrase spoken by then-American presidential candidate George H. W. Bush at the 1988 Republican National Convention as he accepted the nomination on August 18 . 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 . The impact of the election promise was considerable , and many supporters of Bush believe it helped Bush win the 1988 presidential election
1988 Republican National Convention
1988 Republican National Convention
Read my lips: no new taxes