W appears as guest of Jay Leno and jokes, 'You're about to head out to pasture'

It was vintage George W. Bush Tuesday night as the former president and first lady appeared with Jay Leno on NBC's "Tonight Show." The opening exchange went something like this:

Jay Leno: "I know you've tried to stay out of the spotlight for the past few years so I was actually pleasantly surprised you accepted our invitation."

President George W. Bush: "Only because of you. (laughter) I mean you're about to head out to pasture (laughter) ... just wanted to see what you looked like before you got to the gate." (laughter)

Talking about a variety of subjects during the twenty-minute interview, W and Leno joked back and forth before being joined by Mrs. Bush to discuss the humanitarian work the Bushes do around the world and at home.

The former president emphasized his belief in laying low after leaving office:

Leno: "I know you've avoided talking policy for the last six or seven years. Explain why."

W: "I don't think it's good for the country to have a former president criticize his successor."

W didn't show up empty-handed and presented Jay with a caricature painting of Leno as they talked about the president's hobby of painting since leaving office.

The classy Bush family values would go far in today's toxic political atmosphere. He is missed. To see the entire 20-minute interview, check out the links:

President George W. Bush with Jay Leno on NBC's "Tonight Show":
 - Part 1
 - Part 2
 - Part 3
 - Part 4

For archives of the Bush Administration and the humanitarian work the president is still doing, check out these links:

George W. Bush Institute
George W. Bush Presidential Library
George W. Bush Center

George W. Bush raises $500 million for presidential library, dedication is April 25

The George W. Bush Presidential Library is ready for its dedication on April 25, 2013, and it will open knowing the lofty fundraising goal of $500 million set by the former President has been surpassed. It is one of the most successful post-presidential fundraising events ever.

Politico reported:

About half of the lump-sum will go toward building the library and museum on Southern Methodist University’s campus in Bush’s honor. The building will be dedicated April 25 and opened to the public the beginning May. Some of the funds will go to a mandatory endowment to the government and yet another portion will be gifted to the University, and the rest of the money will go to the George W. Bush Institute, a public policy center in Dallas founded by the former president and his wife, Langdale told Time.

Under construction for two years, the presidential library, museum, and policy institute sits on 23 acres at Southern Methodist University. More than 43,000 artifacts from the Bush presidency as well as numerous records and documents will be included.

At the dedication, President Bush will host President Barack Obama as well as former presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and his father, George H.W. Bush.

The library will open to the public May 1.