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Laura Bush: I was angry about criticism of George
Paul Thompson in Miami14.01.09
GEORGE Bush's wife Laura has revealed for the first time how some of Barack Obama's criticism of her husband had hurt her.
The First Lady and Mr Bush were being interviewed on the Larry King Live show on CNN to mark the departing president's eight years in power.
Mrs Bush admitted that she took it personally when Mr Obama attacked her husband during last year's election campaign and blamed the economic crisis on his bad management.
Asked if she was angry, she replied: "Yes, sort of. George didn't really even know about it because he didn't really watch it that much."
Her husband quickly chipped in, saying: "So what's new?"
He continued: "When you make big decisions and tough calls, you're going to get criticised. Of course I have been disappointed by the silly name-calling in Washington." But Mr Bush said the most hurtful jibe of his presidency came from critics such as rapper Kanye West after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in 2005.
West claimed that "George Bush doesn't care about black people" during a live telethon for Katrina victims immediately after the disaster.
Mr Bush told Larry King the comments were unfounded and unfair. He said: "I think being called a racist because of Katrina was a low point.
"I can remember people saying George Bush is a racist because of the response.
"In fact, the truth of the matter is the response was pretty darn quick - if you think about the fact the Coast Guard and a lot of brave kids were pulling 30,000 people off of roofs as soon as the storm passed and as soon as they knew people were on the roofs."
the President said he was looking forward to Mr Obama's inauguration on Tuesday and was pleased to have a "front row" seat to what he called a historic moment for America.
Mr Bush has held regular telephone conference calls with his successor as the president-elect has attempted to put together a stimulus package for the economy.
With so much riding on the first 100 days of his presidency, Mr Bush warned Mr Obama against making too many predictions. The Democrat has already said that the US faces a tough year ahead with further job losses being one of the biggest of his problems.
But Mr Bush said: "He'll learn not to become an economic forecaster once he gets to be president. I think he can say it's going to be a tough period but to predict what the economy is going to do ... it is going to be bad, but how bad, how long?
"What he ought to be saying, and I know he feels this way, is he's going to take the steps he thinks are necessary to get us back on the road to recovery and we will recover."
Mr Bush will address the American people tomorrow night for the final time in a prime-time slot on television. The 15-minute speech from the East Room of the White House will be the last time he makes a speech as America's 43rd president.
All the major TV networks have agreed to carry the address which will be aired at 1am UK time on Friday.
Reader views (19)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
I wish only the best for you all and your entire family.
- Jane Theriot, covington la. USA
President Bush and Laura Bush,
God bless you both...go and enjoy your live's
God keep you and your family safe.
- Margie Wilson, Philadelphia, Pa.
george bush is the kind of president that every nation most try to have,nomater what people are saying thats there own idea, god bless u mr bush u are kind man,
god bless the whole of ur family
- okey akuebionwu, lagos nigeria
Iam so blessed to have a President that fears God. For me that is the important thing. I whish the President & Mrs. Laura Bush luck as they begin the next chapter in their lives. May God richly bless both of you and your family. I love you.
- Christine Manese, Ca, Orange, CA - USA
Just the fact that a lot of people, also believers in God Almighty, think that G.W.Bush and Dick Cheney ought to be tried in an international Court for crimes against humanity speak by itself. Yes, we know, criticizing is always easy, unfortunately assessing results in G. Bush's presidency is also easy. And sad.
- Silversurfer, Paris, France.
I am not much on politics, but I do know that President BUSH is a good man and I believe he is a man of integrity and compassion.He has done well and I felt very safe with him as president.Yes the economy is in bad shape but I think it is more the peoples,s fought and the bank.s and so on then his fought we were out of control and now the people want to blame someone and they are giving him the rap.God Bless you and your family President Bush.This approval rating will change watch you will see.GREAT JOB
- Will Reed, owings mills md. united states
The short memory of Americans is unfathomable. George Bush is a real statesman who has recognized who our enemy really is. He hasn't been fighting the other political party, but taken the war against terrorism off our soil to where our enemies are. He's fought for freedom and democracy and kept America safe. Bush likewise came into the Oval Office in a recession, but he rightly cut taxes and kept our economy strong during the economic turmoil following 9/11. Our consumer conficence was strong, the Dow Jones was at its highest, and unemployment low until 2006 when the Democrats took over Congress. Why we voted in 2008 for more Democrat control is beyond me. I admire and respect President George Bush for his character, his integrity, and wisdom. I believe history will reveal the big picture and show the Bush presidency favorably.
- Carol, Muncie, IN
President Bush has proven to be a caring, fair-minded, loyal and faith-filled man. His ability to act according to his principles in the face of enormous criticism is proof of his stability in times of stress, (which exist every day of a term as president of the United States of America). Thank God for men like George Bush, without them our country will fall prey to terroristic attacks, unemployment and untold numbers of other crises.
- Joy Watkins, Midlothian USA
I am extremely proud to have had George W. Bush serve our great country for the past eight years! I believe that history will show what a great job he has done. He and his wife are classy people (unlike so many of their critics). It is perfectly fine for the critics to disagree with his policies and decisions; however, the name calling, mud slinging, etc. only serve to prove how truly classless these people really are. Thank you, Mr. President, for the sacrifices that you (and your family) have made on our behalf. I pray God's richest blessings on you and your family as you begin the next chapter in your lives.
- Pearl, Tennesse - USA
I give President Bush a lot of credit for all the wonderful things he has done for our country . A president who has had to deal with the Democratic party and Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi in itself has been his biggest challenge .Those people need credit for the mess we are in right now .One man does not make ALL the decisions to keep our country safe and with great economy .President Bush is a very truthful , honest person with a great love for the United States and all our Service men . He is a believer in God Almighty and without faith , your no body . I wish him and all his family the best as he steps down from a very important task and has done well considering all he had on his plate the last eight years of his presidency .
- Shirley Casale, San Marcos United States
Congs Mr Bush!!! i thank you for your selflessness in addressing malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberclosis and other health issues, especially in Africa. The faults in your foreign policy could have been a miscalculation in the beginning but let us not blame the current or yet-to-be economic recession squarely on you. Still i believe given the circumstances, any other President could have done the same. History will absolve you.
- Muhame Natukunda, Kampala, Uganda
How sad we don't have the decency to thank the President for the four years of his life trying to make this a better place. Well, at least he will have the money to spend! I do believe history will give a better story of his presidency as it deserves. Hopefully, Joy, on The View will be put in her place also!!
- Barb Walsh, Willoughby Hills, Ohio
Mud-slinging spite-grams? How unexpected!
Those who don't like, and never have liked the man - never will. Those impressed by the job he has done despite having to make hard decisions in hard times? They are not going to change either.
I just hope the new guy doesn't screw up and give away the store! One thing is certain, there will always be someone ready and willing to send him his own share of spite-grams - just because they can. Just like now.
- Rogan, Irving
The sooner we can throw him in the same rubbish bin as Blair, the better! The only difference between the two leaders wives are that at least Laura Bush comes across as being a human being, unlike her husband, Tony Blair, or, that unmentionable embarrassment who is his wife!
- Kevin Sullivan, Roehampton, London.
She must have been livid about what the rest of the world were saying about him.
- Bob, Cheam
We silly Americans have come to expect one person to be able to solve all problems and be all things to all people. And further, we expect the same things from our government. It is quite impossible and we are now doomed for sure.
- Mark, Eden NC USA
she should be more upset by her husbands management of the economy than anything else!
- Harvey, Barbados
As George maintains that he received guidance from God I am surprised that he hasn't allocated the blame equally between the two of them. If there is a God then I trust he will sort it out with George when the time comes.
- H Alton, Acton England
U aint heard nothing yet love.
- Kev, London-UK
