President George W. Bush was Jay Leno's guest on the Tonight Show Thursday. President Bush continues to make appearances to promote his new book, Decision Points.
Thankfully, Leno reined in his liberal leanings for the night, treating President Bush with the respect he deserves. It was so nice for a change to not have to suffer through the nightly string of stale "Bush is dumb" jokes.
As Leno was about to introduce President Bush, he began with an appropriate statement about what a privilege it is for him to have the opportunity to host former presidents on his show.
Transcript
JAY LENO: I want to welcome my first guest to the show. His new memoir, Decision Points, debuted number one on the New York Times best-seller list. It sold almost a million copies so far. It's a candid and personal account of the key decisions that defined his presidency.
You know, hosting the show, there's no greater honor than having a president of the United States. So please welcome the 33rd, 43rd president, George W. Bush.
One thing that President Bush clearly conveys during these guest appearances and interviews with the press is that he is at peace with himself. He's secure enough to honestly admit his faults and acknowledge that he has regrets. He seems very comfortable and relaxed, not forcing anything or trying to impress anyone. He seems genuine, no pretense. He's not campaigning for anything.
Some highlights from the interview--
LENO: Something I admire you greatly for, you have not commented on any of our current president's problems or anything. Tell us why.______________
PRESIDENT BUSH: Because I don't think it's good for the country to have a former president criticizing his successor.
LENO: Where do you get your sense of humor from do you think, your mom or your dad? I know your mom can be pretty sarcastic.______________
PRESIDENT BUSH: Mother's funny. My dad is very funny although a lot of people don't know it. I tell the story in the book about the time he was at a famous hospital. He came out of an operation, and the nurse walked in, and he said, "Are my testicles black?"
And of course the nurse was somewhat taken aback that the 41st president would ask that. And he said it again, and then she reached for the sheet and he said, "Are my test results back?"
LENO: What do you say your proudest accomplishment is?______________
PRESIDENT BUSH: Protecting the homeland from an attack.
LENO: What do you think of this midterm deal, the whole election? What's your take?______________
PRESIDENT BUSH: I think that I'm not going to be a political pundit, but I appreciate the effort.
LENO: Have you met Sarah Palin?
PRESIDENT BUSH: I have, and I found her to be a very kind and thoughtful person.
LENO: Do you think she'll run? What do you think?
PRESIDENT BUSH: Don't know. My candidate is not going to run - my brother, Jeb.
LENO: Oh, he's not? He's not going to run?
PRESIDENT BUSH: No. It's too bad. He's a good man.
LENO: OK. Maybe somewhere down the road?
PRESIDENT BUSH: I hope so. Better ask him though.
PRESIDENT BUSH: One time I said, 'Laura Bush was the greatest first lady ever,' and then realized Mother was in the audience.______________
LENO: You seem happy. You seem relaxed.______________
PRESIDENT BUSH: I'm a happy guy. I love serving our country. I gave it my all and I'm glad to be home.
Video:
President Bush, Part 1: Jay Leno thanks Former President George W. Bush for all the material for the past 10 years and talks about his book Decision Points.
President Bush, Part 2: President George W. Bush talks about 911, visiting Ground Zero and his successes & disappointments.
President Bush, Part 3: President George W. Bush talks about hanging out with President Clinton, Sarah Palin in 2012 and if Jeb will run for President.
President Bush, Part 4: President George W. Bush talks about Thanksgiving plans in Texas and being happy, relaxed and glad to be home.
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President Bush Exit Strategy
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