Bush 43 talks with daughter Jenna on Friday's 'Today' Show, unveils portraits of world leaders

On NBC's "Today Show" Friday, NBC correspondent Jenna Bush Hager will talk with her mom and dad, former First Lady Laura Bush and President George W. Bush, as her dad unveils 24 portraits of world leaders that will make up his first-ever art exhibit.  "The Art of Leadership: A President's Personal Diplomacy," will be on display at the Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas.

The former president, who has turned into quite a talented painter since leaving the White House, said he hopes it is realized he painted the portraits in "the spirit of friendship and that I admire them as leaders and was willing to give it a shot in terms of getting people to see how I felt about them."

His 2013 cardinal Christmas decoration hung on our tree this past holiday season. The former president has completed self-portraits, landscapes, pictures of animals, and even a portrait of Jay Leno that he presented to the comedian when he left "The Tonight Show."

Thirty-two-year-old Jenna has been with the "Today Show" since 2009, recently as part of the 2014 Winter Olympic coverage in Sochi, Russia, and afterward as a fill-in for Kathy Lee on NBC's "Kathie Lee and Hoda." She is married to Henry Hager, son of Virginia former Lieutenant Governor John Hager and his wife, Maggie. Jenna and Henry has one daughter, Mila, who will be a year old on April 13.

Opening session of 2014 Green Valley Book Fair

I stopped by the Green Valley Book Fair earlier this week and this was my first stop. Always. LOL. Downstairs to the political section to see what was new.

There were lots of books about past presidents including my favorite. These books? I already have them all. In fact, I've bought extras throughout the years to give as gifts to volunteers who helped at GOP headquarters and working campaigns.

The book fair is open this run until April 13. See the entire 2014 schedule here.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 30, 2014

Valentine's Day: Henry Hager surprises wife Jenna who is working with Today Show in Russia for Winter Olympics

Imagine being on assignment halfway around the world on the most romantic day of the year. Now imagine an on-air Valentine's Day surprise that brings tears to a young wife's eyes.

That was what happened this morning on the Today Show, in Sochi, Russia, to cover the Winter Olympics, when Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, and her fellow female hosts were surprised by their significant others in America.

Standing in an NBC studio in the States, each gentleman held a bouquet of red roses and expressed love and appreciation for their wives. Included was Henry Hager, Jenna's husband and son of Virginia's former Lieutenant Governor John and Maggie Hager, whose wife has been in Russia the past week. The surprise brought tears to Jenna's eyes, maybe because not only has she been away from her husband but also her five-month-old daughter Mila.

This will be a Valentine's Day to remember for the young Hager family....

Baking Wednesday ... Laura Bush's Texas Governor's Mansion Cowboy Cookies

Laura Bush's Texas Governor's Mansion Cowboy Cookies

What's not to love about former First Lady Laura Bush's Texas Governor's Mansion Cowboy Cookies? These big yummy cookies are chocked full of goodie ingredients that make them perfect for an occasional indulgence.

During the 2000 presidential campaign, Mrs. Bush's cookies beat out Tipper Gore's gingersnap cookie recipe when readers voted for their favorite in a contest in Family Circle magazine.

During the years while President George W. Bush was in the White House, I often baked these and carried them to our local GOP headquarters to share with volunteers. Today I doubled the batch and made two pans of bar cookies to share with neighbors plus drop cookies for home. A word of warning: doubling the recipe makes a big batch of dough so be prepared to have a large container (I used a deep dutch oven pan), long-handled big spoon, and plenty of arm power to dig and stir to adequately mix all the ingredients.

The good thing with these cookies is you can add or omit according to what is in your baking cabinet. Today I left out the coconut because there was none here and not worth a trip to the store. I stirred in two cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, two cups of dark chocolate chips, and three cups of butterscotch chips. Instead of pecans (because I didn't have any), I used three cups of sliced almonds that were left over from Christmas. Delicious!

Texas Governor's Mansion Cowboy Cookies
Laura Bush

Ingredients:
3 cups all purpose flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 Tbsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter (room temperature)
1  1/2 cups granulated sugar
1  1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
3 eggs
1 Tbsp. vanilla
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
2 cups pecans, chopped
2 cups sweetened flake coconut

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in bowl.
3. In mixer bowl, beat butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about one minute. Gradually beat in sugars; beat to combine, about two minutes.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each. Add vanilla.
5. Stir in flour mixture until combined. Add chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans.
6. For each cookie, drop one tablespoon dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them three inches apart.
7. Bake in 350-degree oven approximately 12 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Remove cookies from rack to cool.

Yield: 8 dozen cookies

Note: For larger cookies, increase baking time to 15 minutes.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

George W. Bush: 'On this solemn anniversary, Laura and I join our fellow citizens in honoring our 35th President'

From Dallas, former President George W. Bush commented on the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy:

"Today we remember a dark episode in our Nation's history, and we remember the leader whose life was cut short 50 years ago. John F. Kennedy dedicated himself to public service, and his example moved Americans to do more for our country. He believed in the greatness of the United States and the righteousness of liberty, and he defended them. On this solemn anniversary, Laura and I join our fellow citizens in honoring our 35th President."

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

Jenna Bush Hager reveals 5 life lessons learned from her grandparents

Jenna Bush Hager, one of the twin daughters of former President George W. and Laura Bush who is married to Henry Hager, son of Virginia's former Lieutenant Governor John Hager, recently shared five life lessons that were passed along from her grandparents. Those grandparents are former President George H.W.  and Barbara Bush.

Be sure to read Jenna's article for her expanded explanations of the five life lessons passed along from George and Barbara:

1. Don't talk too much about yourself.
2. Have lots of loyal friends -- and be one.
3. Laugh.
4. Love.
5. Write handwritten notes.

Video: Humorous ABC News interview with George W. and Laura Bush

President George W. Bush is a gracious man with the wisdom of one who has observed, listened, and learned along his life's journey. This humorous, light-hearted ABC News interview that was taped after the President and Mrs. Bush returned from their African trip shows the genuine, witty, caring personality of #43, something the other side of the political aisle overlooked in their continual bashing of him during his eight years in the White House.

Because of GWB's gracious nature, and my observation of years of abuse from his political enemies, I have tempered my own public criticism of President Barack Obama, realizing the hurt it causes not only to the Obama family but to his supporters. Too bad the extremists on all sides of the aisle can't tone down the rhetoric and try to work together.

Robin Beres's article in Sunday's Richmond Times-Dispatch, "The expanding legacy of George W. Bush," touched on Bush's just-completed humanitarian trip to Africa, his continued involvement with the Wounded Warrior Project, and his overall giving-back to America during his retirement years:

In an interview with CNN on July 1, Bush was questioned about the Obama administration and accusations about the White House’s invasions into Americans’ privacy. But, as ever, he refused to criticize Obama. “I don’t think it does any good,” he said. “It’s a hard job. He’s got plenty on his agenda. It’s difficult. A former president doesn’t need to make it any harder. Other presidents have taken different decisions; that’s mine.”

The difference in the two men’s political views has always been apparent. Unfortunately, another difference that is obvious is the content of their characters. Despite attacks and accusations by the Obama administration, Bush has kept his silence.

Even as he watched the successful surge in Iraq go for naught and the Middle East fall apart, he said nothing. Even as he stood and listened to Obama’s backhanded compliments at the George W. Bush Presidential Library dedication, he held his peace. He has been the picture of graciousness and tact. These are traits that the self-absorbed Obama should study – and perhaps try to emulate.

GWB brought class to the office of President, something he learned from his parents and that is, sadly, lacking in others. His self-deprecating humor is legendary, and his modesty was ingrained by a strong mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush, who taught her children not be be "braggadociouses."

George W. Bush ... boy, do I miss his leadership.

George W. Bush carries on humanitarian work in Africa

After a week of renovating, President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush opened the Mosi-Oa-Tunya clinic, a cervical cancer facility in Livingstone, Zambia. The trip demonstrates their continued commitment to the people of Africa through the work of the global health initiative at the George W. Bush Institute. June 30-July 1, 2013

GWB has spent his time traveling the country and the world on behalf of human freedom, global health, education, economic freedom, and AIDs research in Africa, something he began while President. In 2008, he received the Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Award for his work in Africa, and in December 2011 he and Mrs. Bush traveled to Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Zambia in their continued commitment to the people.

Not many are aware of Bush’s humanitarian work in other parts of the world. In the summer of 2011, Bono of the rock group U-2 praised Bush for his fight against AIDs in Africa, a stand that has saved over five million lives during the past eight years.

In addition, human rights activist John Prendegast noted that it was during Bush’s administration and with the help of America’s influence that South Sudan was able to successfully obtain peace with the north. Democratic consultant and Fox News contributor Bob Beckel, co-host on Fox News Channel’s “The Five,” praised Bush’s African work and picked him as one of his two all-time favorite presidents.

The President's tee shirt in this photo is a reminder that on the home front, most of the time he has spent with America’s military members is unknown to the public as he greets solders at airports when they return home from service overseas, reaches out to individual families, and works with injured military veterans and the Wounded Warrior Project including the W 100K mountain bike ride.

More about George and Laura Bush's work in Africa can be seen here and here.

Cross-posted at Va Political Pineapple

Photos by Paul Morse
For the George W. Bush Presidential Center

WaPost: 'Obama yet to leave a lasting legacy for Africa on the scale of Bush and Clinton'

Laura and George W. Bush in Zambia, June 30, 2013.

The pictures are all over Facebook showing Former President George W. Bush and wife Laura traveling Africa this week as they continue their humanitarian mission that began before leaving the White House four years ago.

Slowly but surely liberals have begrudingly had to admit GWB has played a large role in AIDs relief that has been credited with saving millions of lives. The Bushes have been instrumental in other global health advances, too, and are almost revered in that part of the world.

President Barack Obama? Not so much, and the Washington Post has noticed:

Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush passed innovative Africa initiatives while in the White House and passionately continue their development work in the region in their presidential afterlife. Obama’s efforts here have not been so ambitious, despite his personal ties to the continent.

It must be a tad awkward for Obama to find himself in Bush's shadow after spending the first four years of his administration blaming his predecessor for everything that went wrong in America. The Post notes that Obama is five years into his administration and just now on a major tour of Africa, just the second time while President:

His first major tour of Africa as president is coming just now, in his fifth year, while Bush and Clinton are frequent fliers to Africa. Bush even will be in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, next week at the same time as Obama, although they have no plans to meet. Instead, their wives plan to appear together at a summit on empowering African women organized by the George W. Bush Institute, with the former president in attendance.

The people of Africa had expected more from America's first black president after he told them in his first year, "I have the blood of Africa in me."

Meanwhile, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush captured the heart of Africa with work that continues to this day:

Clinton first drew extensive attention to Africa in 1998 when he made the longest trip ever by a U.S. president, with stops in six countries that had never before been visited by any occupant of the Oval Office. Bush’s trip this week is his third in 19 months to promote his Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon partnership to combat breast and cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. On this visit, he and his wife, Laura, plan to help renovate a cervical cancer screening and treatment clinic in Zambia before heading to Tanzania for the African First Ladies Summit advocating investment in programs for women and girls.

After a week of renovating, President and Mrs. Bush opened the Mosi-Oa-Tunya clinic, a cervical cancer facility in Livingstone, Zambia. Their trip demonstrates their continued commitment to the people of Africa through the work of the global health initiative at the George W. Bush Institute. June 30, 2013

Photos from the George W. Bush Presidential Center

Democrat commentator: 'George W. Bush has saved more lives than any American president'

Ellen Ratner doesn't pull any punches as she begins her article praising George W. Bush:

George W. Bush, not Barack Obama, is the real American hero in Africa.

Take it from me, a liberal Democrat who voted for Obama twice. I know a little about Africa: I have been to the continent 17 times over the last 32 years.

She ended her article with a thank you to 43:

... this liberal commentator thanks president and Mrs. Bush every single day for their amazing and tireless work for humanity.  They are wonderful role models for future leaders around the world.  I wish more leaders would follow the shining example of George W. and Laura Bush.

In the article, Ratner talks about her interest in South Sudan, that civil war-ravaged country, and how they have benefited from financial help pledged by President George W. Bush during his administration. It's a fact the African nation and her people recognize and are appreciative of, as Radner notes:

In fact, South Sudanese today are thinking more about another U.S. president: that would be Obama’s predecessor, Bush 43. As a liberal Democrat and Obama supporter, I was particularly struck by this. Yes, Bush is a hero in Africa, and Americans, too, should know why.

No American president, before or since, has had Bush’s vision and determination to save so many millions of lives.

For Africans, that vision traces back to the early years of his presidency. In his 2003 State of the Union Address, Bush introduced the "President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief" (PEPFAR.)

And that proposal had real meat: $15 billion over five years, as well as a serious look at African health problems, beyond HIV/AIDS.

Bush proposed it, and his proposal wasn’t just a few throw-away lines in a speech; even as the Iraq war raged, Bush spent precious political capital to get PEPFAR enacted.

The result was the largest upfront contribution ever made by any country to fight HIV. And the numbers are staggering.

Five million children, women and men have received antiretroviral treatment under PEPFAR. In 2010 alone, 600,000 pregnant mothers received treatment so their newborn children would not be infected.

Yes, millions of people live productive, healthy lives due to Bush 43.

Ratner give credit to the President for his vision:

Orphans turning to theft or even worse can destabilize communities and countries.

George W. Bush saw this, too. He had a vision. He understood what saving lives would mean not only to the individuals and families saved, but also to the communities who have experienced so much death from HIV. As a result, a whole continent is much better off, including my beloved South Sudan.

Bush 43 is no longer president, of course, and yet his great work continues. Even as his presidential library is dedicated in Dallas on Thursday, April 25, he is still looking to mobilize resources to make real change in Africa.

Ratner is the latest in a line of liberals who have shown surprised gratefulness to George W. Bush's work in Africa and, while it is nice to hear their praise, it's sad they did not recognize and write stories about this side of the 43rd president while he was in office.

Photo - Granddaughter Mila Hager with grandparents President and Mrs. Bush

From former President George W. Bush: “Laura and I are thrilled to announce the birth of our grandchild, Margaret Laura 'Mila' Hager. Mila, daughter of Jenna and Henry Hager, is named for her grandmothers. She was born last night, April 13, at 8:43 p.m. in New York City. We met our beautiful granddaughter today."

What a beautiful family photo. Jenna's husband, Henry, is the son of Virginia's former Lieutenant Governor John Hager and Maggie Hager. First grandbabies ... that has to be a special feeling. Congratulations to all.

It's a girl! Bush and Hager families have new grandbaby

It's a girl! Congratulations to the new parents Jenna and Henry Hager on the new little member of their family.

Congratulations also to grandparents former President George W. and Laura Bush, and former Virginia Lieutenant Governor John and Maggie Hager ... and to great-grandparents former President George H.W. and Barbara Bush.

Former President Bush said in a statement, “Laura and I are thrilled to announce the birth of our grandchild, Margaret Laura 'Mila' Hager. Mila, daughter of Jenna and Henry Hager, is named for her grandmothers. She was born last night, April 13, at 8:43 p.m. in New York City. We met our beautiful granddaughter today."

Laura Bush also released a statement on her Facebook page: "We are thrilled to announce the birth of our grandchild, Margaret Laura “Mila” Hager. Mila, daughter of Jenna and Henry Hager, is named for her grandmothers. She was born last night, April 13th, at 8:43pm in New York City. We met our beautiful granddaughter today. Jenna and Mila are healthy. And our family is elated."

Happy for everyone and for the next generation of the Bush and Hager families.

Holiday greetings from George and Laura Bush

[Thank you, SWAC Daughter, for my copy of "Decision Points." I've got my Christmas reading....]

When Laura and I left the White House in January 2009, we decided to stay out of the spotlight.  We’d enjoyed many years in public office, and we looked forward to starting a new chapter of our lives at home in Texas.  Plus, we both had books to write.

Laura’s memoir came out this spring, and mine – Decision Points – hit the shelves this fall.  I’ve enjoyed traveling around the country for book signings and interviews.  I’ve had a great time meeting book buyers, and I’ve been honored by the reception the book has received.

As I explain in the opening pages, my goal in writing Decision Points was to give people a sense of what it was like to serve as president for eight years.  I write about the challenges we faced, some of them expected and many not.  I describe the information I received, the options I considered, and the decisions I made.  My hope is that readers will gain a better understanding of why I made the choices I did – and decide for themselves what they would have done in my position.

I also wrote because I wanted to give future readers a perspective on this remarkable era in American history.  As president, I had good days and tough days.  But every day, it was an honor to represent the nation I love.  I will always be inspired by the courage, resilience, and compassion of the American people.

I’ve seen all those traits as I’ve traveled the country on my book tour.  I’ve met people who serve their fellow citizens in countless ways, from volunteering in their communities, to teaching our children, to defending our nation by serving in the military.  I am grateful to all those make sacrifices to keep our nation great, and I am touched by those were interested enough to read my story.

Thank you for the support, and Laura and I wish all readers a joyful holiday season, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

George W. Bush

Laura Bush

I was working on a blog post this morning about Virginia's closed rest areas ... Fox and Friends was on in the background ... when I heard a familiar voice with a soft Texas accent saying, "Be a friend ... be a mentor...."

I turned to the TV in time to see former First Lady Laura Bush sitting with dozens of children doing a "Big Brother/Big Sister" ad.

It was a comforting voice.