George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
This evening, my roommate (the creative genius behind the design of the Ricochet twitter page) and I watched George W. Bush’s interview with Matt Lauer. An ardent critic of President Bush, my roommate was surprised by how likable and warm Bush seemed. She was also intrigued by how little significance President Bush ascribes to criticism of his person and his actions.
The interview revealed Bush to be a relatable, reflective, sympathetic man with the maturity to acknowledge his faults and the humility to accept the blame for his mistakes.
I was especially moved by the tenderness with which Bush spoke about his father, his lingering sadness over being accused of racism by rapper Kanye West, his conviction that he did all he could to protect the American people after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and his desire to fade into anonymity once he's finished his book circuit.
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Jun '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
Having watched the interview, all I can say is what an incredible guy George Bush is. This man is ineffably better than his critics.
Jun '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
Diane Ellis, Ed.:
The interview revealed Bush to be a relatable, reflective, sympathetic man with the maturity to acknowledge his faults and the humility to accept the blame for his mistakes.
These are the virtues of a man who has internalized his Christian faith. Why does the left so easily dismiss faith when its transformative affects are so manifestly clear? Contrast the man of faith with an ideologue of the left and look at the results. I'll take the man of faith any day over the faux bravado, arrogant elitism, and total lack of introspection on display from our current president. Conservatives should make the case for religion more often even if truth is sometimes self-evident.
Aug '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
He looks especially genuine, human, and competent now, in contrast to the Alien in the Black Ops House. He's infinitely classier and more gracious, honest and warm.
But I have one burning question: Why didn't he defend himself?! It would have made a difference. The consequences of allowing America's enemies to dictate the false narrative on Iraq, WMD, and IslamoNazism have been dire. In part, George W. ushered in The Alien.
Edited on Nov 9, 2010 at 4:06amRe: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
I completely agree, Diane. My husband and I watched it together and felt he was a man at peace with himself, his life, his intentions, and his all important, yet mocked "decisions." He never resorted to cliches nor did he avert his eyes from Lauer. He was not arrogant; he was not deluded; he was not secretive or defensive. I agree with Paules that he seems to be a man whose strength comes from within, not from polls or popularity -- which he so aptly calls a "puff of air."
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
Jul '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
Why have a book ghostwritten for you if you want to be anonymous?
Some people might say, "He's at peace with his decisions."
Others might say, "He's deluded beyond all hope."
He gives too much ammunition to his critics.
To wit: He did all he could to protect the American People after the 9/11 attacks? Is that why Iran and North Korea have nuclear capabilities?
Aug '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
It was abundantly clear - Matt Lauer was stunned by W's lack of concern over approval ratings, good or bad. Of course, Mr. Lauer lives and dies by ratings. In his world, the ONLY thing that matters is ratings.
Oct '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
I remain deeply unthrilled with a lot of what the Bush administration did during its time, but I'll freely admit that I feel a little guilty about being such a critic since I really like George W. Bush as a person. I suspect I'll feel even more like a wretch after I read his book because he's such a decent person.
I do know that I wish him nothing less than unlimited happiness in his retirement. He's certainly earned it especially after enduring and continuing to endure a tremendous amount of unreasonable and unprincipled criticism from his enemies.
Jul '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
Everybody likes Dubya. That was never the problem. Up until Obama, he was the biggest spending president since LBJ. Guns, butter and would you like a little icing for your cake -- it's on the taxpayer! George never seemed to realize the veto was one of the powers of the presidency. The left is fond of Reagan now. The same will happen to Bush. Give it 20 years.
Jun '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
I think you have to place the veto that was never used in the context of what he was up against given that W needed support on the war. As for North Korea and nukes, the country had them when Clinton was in office. Indeed, it was Jimmy Carter who famously mid-wifed a nuclear North Korea.
Edited on Nov 9, 2010 at 8:25amRe: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
Your Grace: Everybody likes Dubya. That was never the problem. Up until Obama, he was the biggest spending president since LBJ. Guns, butter and would you like a little icing for your cake -- it's on the taxpayer! George never seemed to realize the veto was one of the powers of the presidency. The left is fond of Reagan now. The same will happen to Bush. Give it 20 years. · Nov 9 at 7:43am
Well, GOP types always liked him, but liberals have always hated him. And not just his actions as president in a "love the sinner, hate the sin" sort of way, but in a deeply personal way. I think that it's really something that the more fair minded liberals can now appreciate two years out that he's actually a really likable and good man.
One other thing I neglected to mention in my impressions of the interview: the guy is actually a decent speaker one-on-one. He doesn't make you cringe for fear that he might say something really stupid sounding. He must just be one of those who can't speak well under pressure.
Oct '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
Diane Ellis, Ed.
One other thing I neglected to mention in my impressions of the interview: the guy is actually a decent speaker one-on-one. He doesn't make you cringe for fear that he might say something really stupid sounding. He must just be one of those who can't speak well under pressure.
He's positively charming one on one. I had the honor of having a brief conversation with him when I was living in Iowa during one of the many political functions that happen there because of it's first in the nation caucus status.
He was also capable of doing very well in a mass communication situation when the chips were really down like his post 9/11 address to Congress.
Iowa is a small state so if you want to meet these folks during the caucus season, it doesn't take much effort. In fact, they seem omnipresent in some cases. I think Lamar Alexander mowed my lawn a couple times, Joe Biden wrote a term paper for me, and I think Dick Armey delivered a pizza once.
Jul '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
I'm tempted to grump about Bush's many policy failures. But in the spirit of this post, I do recall the one most inspirational moment of his presidency - the time he showed up, unannounced and with only a very small entourage, to share Thanksgiving dinner with the troops in Iraq. I'll admit to have been a bit misty over that.
What a contrast to the pomp and extravagance of Obama.
Jul '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
Publius
Diane Ellis, Ed.
He's positively charming one on one. I had the honor of having a brief conversation with him when I was living in Iowa during one of the many political functions that happen there because of it's first in the nation caucus status.
He was also capable of doing very well in a mass communication situation when the chips were really down like his post 9/11 address to Congress.
Iowa is a small state so if you want to meet these folks during the caucus season, it doesn't take much effort. In fact, they seem omnipresent in some cases. I think Lamar Alexander mowed my lawn a couple times, Joe Biden wrote a term paper for me, and I think Dick Armey delivered a pizza once. · Nov 9 at 9:20am
Are you sure Biden didn't palm off one of Neil Kinnock's term papers on you?
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
Kenneth: I'm tempted to grump about Bush's many policy failures. But in the spirit of this post, I do recall the one most inspirational moment of his presidency - the time he showed up, unannounced and with only a very small entourage, to share Thanksgiving dinner with the troops in Iraq. I'll admit to have been a bit misty over that.
What a contrast to the pomp and extravagance of Obama. · Nov 9 at 9:41am
Phew! Crisis averted. I was certain that you were going to start griping about Bush's nation-building and that Duane would fly in to defend the man, and that my post would be the victim of a thread-jacking.
Jul '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
Diane Ellis, Ed.
Kenneth: I'm tempted to grump about Bush's many policy failures. But in the spirit of this post, I do recall the one most inspirational moment of his presidency - the time he showed up, unannounced and with only a very small entourage, to share Thanksgiving dinner with the troops in Iraq. I'll admit to have been a bit misty over that.
What a contrast to the pomp and extravagance of Obama. · Nov 9 at 9:41am
Phew! Crisis averted. I was certain that you were going to start griping about Bush's nation-building and that Duane would fly in to defend the man, and that my post would be the victim of a thread-jacking. · Nov 9 at 9:49am
And I didn't even mention his affair with Christine O'Donnell.
May '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
Kenneth
Diane Ellis, Ed.
Kenneth: I'm tempted to grump about Bush's many policy failures. But in the spirit of this post, I do recall the one most inspirational moment of his presidency - the time he showed up, unannounced and with only a very small entourage, to share Thanksgiving dinner with the troops in Iraq. I'll admit to have been a bit misty over that.
What a contrast to the pomp and extravagance of Obama. · Nov 9 at 9:41am
Phew! Crisis averted. I was certain that you were going to start griping about Bush's nation-building and that Duane would fly in to defend the man, and that my post would be the victim of a thread-jacking. · Nov 9 at 9:49am
And I didn't even mention his affair with Christine O'Donnell. · Nov 9 at 9:55am
Well...... Cas Balicki actually beat me to it. But, Diane, just wait....
BTW, Bush is quite articulate- what he is not is glib off-the cuff. He needs to think for a moment before rambling on, rather than being able to prattle some nice-sounding bull while formulating an appropriately contentless, politic answer.
Oct '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
Kenneth
Are you sure Biden didn't palm off one of Neil Kinnock's term papers on you?
Hmmmm...never thought about that. You know, he did get it done quicker than I thought was possible.
Aug '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
Can you believe Matt Lauer didn't ask him why he blew up the levees in New Orleans? Or did Cheney do that?
Aug '10
Re: George W. Bush's Interview With Matt Lauer
I'd double-check that term paper from Biden, if I were you. Good chance he lifted it off the Internet.
Rats. I have GOT to learn to read to the end of the comments - if only to be sure Kenneth has beaten me to the punch....
Edited on Nov 10, 2010 at 7:31am