Dubya Ready to Speechify

Former President George W. Bush will embark next month on a series of speeches that will take him to Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia, advisers said.

The former president already has plans for about 10 speeches over the next year, and will do more.

During his final news conference, Bush had predicted that he would be back in the saddle quickly. He has stuck to that: An offering for speeches went up on the Washington Speakers Bureau website on Jan. 29, the week after he left the White House.

The president, who moved to Dallas last week after spending the first month of his ex-presidency at his ranch, is also working on a book about major decisions he made as the 43rd president.

The first speech will be March 17 in Calgary, Alberta. The Canadian event, to be held in a convention center before a largely business audience, is being promoted as “A conversation with George W. Bush,” and is scheduled to last from noon to 2 p.m. It is closed to the press.

“President during a period of great consequence, George W. Bush shares thoughts on his eight momentous years in the Oval Office and discusses the challenges facing the world in the 21st century,” the brochure says.

Washington Speakers Bureau also represents the former first lady, Laura Bush, and the younger brother of the former president, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush

The suggested topic is “Remarks by George W. Bush.” The offering notes that he travels from Texas. “Fees based on event location,” the bureau says

Here is how the former president is described in the Washington Speakers Bureau’s online catalog:

“President George W. Bush served in the Oval Office for eight of the most consequential years in American history. Faced with challenges from a terrorist attack to a global financial crisis, he made difficult decisions that will shape the nation's course and world affairs for decades to come. His leadership after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, was an inspiration to millions of Americans. His policies, while controversial at times, kept the country safe for more than seven years and liberated more than 50 million people from tyranny.

"Working with leaders in Congress and elsewhere, President Bush also raised standards and accountability in public education, added a prescription drug benefit to Medicare that helped more than 40 million beneficiaries, improved air quality and made America’s energy supply more secure, designated more ocean area habitats for environmental protection than any predecessor, launched historic efforts to fight HIV/AIDS and malaria in Africa, and strengthened America's relationships with strategically important nations like India, China and Japan. He shares with audiences candid insights on his eight years in the White House, his experiences with other world leaders, the nature of public leadership and decision making, and a wide variety of domestic and international issues.”

Copyright POLIT - Politico
Contact Us