George H.W. Bush Interview: Reflections on His Life & Presidency

President George H.W. Bush recalls the example his father set that gave him his sense of service, advice he received from his mother while in the White House, and the enormous role and impact of his wife Babara. He discusses the lessons he learned from Ronald Reagan while serving as his vice president, the importance he places on loyalty, and reflects on his time as president.
George Herbert Walker Bush, 41st President of the United State, was born in Milton, Massachusetts on June 12, 1924. He became a decorated naval pilot who flew torpedo bombers during World War II. He was shot down on September 2, 1944 while completing a mission over Chi Chi Jima Island and lost his two crewmen. By the time he was honorably discharged in September of 1945, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the U.S. Navy Air Medal with two gold stars. On January 6, 1945 he married Barbara Pierce. They had five children. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Yale University in 1948 with a degree in economics, and immediately moved to Texas with his family to begin making his way in the oil business. President Bush's career in politics and public service began in February of 1963, when he was elected chairman of the Harris County (Texas) Republican Party. He was elected in 1966 to the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas' Seventh District and served two terms. Before serving as vice president from 1981 to 1989 under Ronald Reagan, President Bush held a number of senior-level positions: Ambassador to the United Nations (1971-1973); Chairman of the Republican National Committee (1973-1974); Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in China (1974-1976); and Director of Central Intelligence (1976-1977). He was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States on January 20, 1989. President Bush helped usher in a new and more hopeful geopolitical era marked by the spread of freedom and free markets. During his term in office, the West prevailed in the Cold War; the Soviet Union gave way to a democratic Russia; the Berlin Wall “fell” and Germany was unified within NATO; and President Bush signed two treaties to drastically reduce the threat of nuclear war. After Iraq’s unprovoked invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Mr. Bush forged a coalition of disparate nations to uphold international law. His handling of this international crisis enabled him to convene the Madrid Peace Conference later in 1991. President Bush passed away November 30, 2018.
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George H.W. Bush, 41st U.S. President
Interviewed By: Hugh Sidey
Interview Date: May 24, 1996
Chapter Markers:
Family & the Bush "Dynasty" (0:12)
Inspiration (2:25)
Advice from His Father (4:00)
His Father's Life in Washington (5:16)
Measuring Up to His Father (6:01)
His Mother (7:06)
The Influence of Church (8:56)
Yale & Baseball (9:37)
The Navy (10:09)
Moving to Texas (11:55)
The Loss of His Daughter (12:39)
Barbara's Role (14:03)
A Privileged Family (15:38)
The First Thought of Becoming President (16:32)
Being Vice President (18:18)
Ronald Reagan (19:31)
Avoiding Becoming a "Prisoner in the White House" (24:33)
Being Misunderstood as a President (28:49)
The Gulf War & The End of The Cold War (32:54)
"Read My Lips, No New Taxes" (41:56)
Imagery (44:31)
Loyalty & Morality (47:19)
His Legacy & Life After Presidency (50:55)
Descriptions of Other Presidents (54:24)
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
#GeorgeHWBush #kunhardtfilmfoundation

[@LuisJimenez-yn5rk]

Watching these interviews of past presidents illustrate how different American politics are today.

[@bradyfry8031]

Every living former president was interviewed for this program except unfortunately Reagan who was suffering from alzheimer's.

[@Ori-lp2fm]

Would like to see George w interview

[@dr.debbiewilliams4263]

I am not bragging about this, but was honored to meet President Bush. I think it means even more now than before.

[@clifforddriver9434]

Better thee than me.

[@yeahnoonecaresifyouarefirst]

I really wish the interviewer would let him talk

[@williamgregory1848]

If it wasn’t for that damn Ross Perot, Bush Sr. would’ve won a second term.

[@tbc9096]

He would’ve been in the last year of his second term in this video had he been re-elected.

[@mwj9080]

I've always believed this is the Bush that deserved a 2nd term. One of the best foreign policy presidents we've ever had. I wish he would've gotten a 2nd term smh.

[@mwj9080]

This is the Bush that deserved a 2nd term. One of the most qualified men to ever serve as President. Rest in Peace Mr. Bush Sr. 💪🏿

[@Yobbie72]

America was ready for a change. 12 years of Republican rule. And time for a Generational Change. The Clintons fit the bill

[@JohnRoland]

Absolutely

[@clifforddriver9434]

Are you serious. That's the exact reason why a literacy test needs to become mandatory for the right to vote. Then, we have a real antidote for individuals such as you. And those like you. There's no excuse for ignorance.

[@clifforddriver9434]

@Yobbie72 Literacy examinations are America's only chance of coming out of this. Most Americans, such as yourself, are oblivious to what's really happening right in front of your very eyes. It's referred to as ignorance, and plenty of it.

[@kraamoseidu2629]

Papa Bush, RIP Sir, carried himself well, spoke well with grace n humility. Excellent work ethic n resume... one of those who could lie to you but you wouldn't take it personal. An exemplary leader.

[@tyronesmartnick6206]

What a wonderful man of character

[@kristopherburrus5110]

I love him again

[@marycahill546]

Canadian here. I always liked Mr. Bush. "Decency". We need more of that in leaders today!

[@RobertGSwan]

GHW Bush - Class. Decency. Integrity. Respect.

[@rickwillard2002]

should have run in 96 instead of Dole.

[@Dlovitz1024]

One of the best. Humbled. Dignified. Respectful. Character. Best generation ever!

[@readmelancholystrumpetmaster]

And ran the CIA with wonderful secrecy! Smoke crack!

[@EricPham-gr8pg]

The best President Goerge W. H. Bush Quote was : " To make a kinder and gentler generation " great start and I learned the same lesson from vietnamese history great teacher " Nguyễn Trãi "

[@araysfan8243]

What do you think of Ross Perot?

[@inmarvillatoro6700]

Great leader! Gotta love how he respects Ronald Reagan A true patriot!

[@brianclough]

It's amazing in this day and age that what he says is so true. You have this tiny group of conspiracy theorists going around making all sorts of allegations against him and his family. Yet if you lived during his time as President, you'd understand what a good man he was. How he had the right ideas on how to do his job. His heart was in the right place. How he shirked gloating and how calm he was during the Reagan assassination attempt Here was a man who knew his duty and did it. A bit better campaigning and he'd won re-election. His messaging wasnt right enough to counter Clinton's. But see what kind of man he was that he and Clinton forged a great relationship thereafter. And what he said is also true, he prepared the recovery and it was working but it took time, past his re-election campaign and Clinton gets most of the credit for the work started by him. Just like how Trump claimed all the success from work started and developed under Obama. And just how now, Biden inherited al the rubbish from Trump and it's starting to pay. But if Trump wins. he'll again take credit for it. And ten leave a mess behind when he leaves office.

[@stephencummings2975]

simply the best not an easy way to the TOP not sure whats more of a celebration Europe Theatre or 100th birthday of Great Uncle George!!

[@readmelancholystrumpetmaster]

Sounds like the interviewer is doing an HW Bush impression

[@rrickarr]

George Bush was a great President, no one can take that away from him. BUT we must be honest and admit that he grew up with extreme privilege and that certainly helped.

[@Yobbie72]

Bush likes to wax lyrical about Reagan, but he never invited him to the White House when he was president except for the unveiling of his portrait in 1989 and then again in 1993 when he was almost out the door, and it was decided that he should probably give Reagan the medal of freedom. Also fired all the Reagan staff who were still there when he took over. Friendship is shown in deeds, not words. And the deeds just weren't there.

[@user-jb4mt3kq6i]

КАТЮША, Я ТЕБЯ ОЧЕНЬ СИЛЬНО ЛЮБЛЮ 💞💘 ТЕБЕ понравились 🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾?❤

[@chrislang6652]

Just bothers me when someone who does come from so much financial privilege says what is more important is parents who pass along good values. It sort of deflects or undermines the importance of the financial privilege itself. I give a lot of credit for him leaving that comfortable life for military service though.

[@JohnRoland]

Such a great man! One of our best presidents. Very underrated

[@andrewharris9302]

The man left his term of office with the country and world on fire

[@kunkkufani]

@@andrewharris9302 he didn’t; he left the Office with the Cold war ended, Eastern Europe free, Kuwait liberated from a dictator; and thereby a dictator defeated. Moreover, Bush was greatly respected, and one has to remember Bush Sr understood Saddam Hussein was needed for the stability of the middle-East, and he stopped the militarismia attack after the mission was achieved; he didn’t invade Iraq. And, I have to add, he stopped the bad operations he was able to as President.

[@gayatrisardana6076]

Love 😘❤ Proud 😘❤️🔥💎🦁🤟

[@guymanges3628]

Honor and Values...

[@JesusWarriorBush]

Grandpa 🇺🇲👑🇺🇸💯😎

[@user-sf6bj4ug8z]

Buona fortuna presidente

[@NamGungEun]

George H.W. Bush Interview: Reflections on His Life & Presidency

[@GanacsadeCabdi-sf4cx]

Thank you president bush really u are right why u tell them that system olso our district has a peace and stability so they can come to me but i think it hasn't camera room because it easy how to get me easily so tell them what you have told me that is great olso you have won

[@1877keeganj]

Look how smug he is first 15 seconds when he thinks he’s not on film vs on film. One of the All Time Great Phonies.

[@Edensghost]

Good catch. He was a career spy that carefully curated his “timid” public image

[@ellischaney]

Mr NWO himself

[@curtingdebaptismcurtgolp262]

#CurtisGolphinToNorthKorea

[@epic6434]

😂 George learned from Reagan is hard to imagine 😅 George is probably more the type of man to coach than to be coached in my humble opinion and humble is not my best quality 😂

[@epic6434]

I like Reagan even if he was the fall guy that's bravery and he was a great personality the smooth talker joke slinger he was chosen for a reason although he did say he wasn't sure he wanted to be known as a mouthpiece because he had a mouthpiece. Thought I should explain my thoughts about a fall guy being a man who in the most criticized nation is blamed on the leadership and that's the type of position no one with a fear of taking the blame is expected will take the fall as God asked who will go for US and men being brave or just seasoned will stand alone not because he was first to accept many would stand but 1 is chosen he was chosen for the POTUS as they say in general wanted a man who could be convincing and not everyone would agree but the majority did and he did his best taking all the negative side show he had no control of in a country so riled up about what it should be and represent is vain at the highest level wanting to be recognized as informed we see where they're being informed and have to worry about that type of guidance and I might seem radical or indoctrinated I would probably be more sure of my views compared to the mob protesters who give democracy a bad name and sure some conservatives do the honors for Republicans but we as people are vulnerable not being able to make or be qualified have a say in anything the media stirs up like chum to sharks are you that serious?

[@lindafrench7574]

Father

[@user-gr9il3hf7s]

تحياتي حسن عارف عيسي ❤

[@lindafrench7574]

She will be aware😊

[@Pete_Partak]

I'm estatic for coming across this channel. Great men, even greater teachers.

[@aloner245]

Makes me sad looking at what politicians have become today. These past presidents like Bush, Reagan, Ford, Carter, Nixon, were dignified and civil in their disagreements compared to today.

[@Pete_Partak]

@@aloner245 We can and will get back to it. It will take time to get the right people in order to produce transformative change.

[@duanehart9812]

Lord, are you people in for a surprise.

[@richardtscott7489]

What were your thoughts when you heard he'd been shot? He's still alive, he's still alive!!! 😢

[@EricPham-gr8pg]

President Woodrow Wilson siad " the war to end all war " was to never compromise but never fear to negotiate and never give up our principle and Monroe Doctrine was principle if that failed we can kiss liberty good bye

[@thuydoan7496]

I'll always remember him as the guy who wanted to be a good president, but did not know how to win the people's heart in keeping the presidency. "read my lips, no more taxes". LOL

[@laurencebrooks7699]

Loved President George H.W. Bush; worked at the Pentagon under his administration....great leader.

[@evanhopton2554]

I'm a Democrat and I am biased. But respect where it is due here. RIP President Bush. The only legitimate President Bush.

[@tbc9096]

I would rather have seen him elected to a second term, than I would have seen his son elected to any terms.

[@civlyzed]

@@tbc9096 Agreed. My first two votes in Presidential elections were for George H.W. Bush. 1992 was also the last time I voted for a Republican for president.

[@williamrowlett740]

@@civlyzed I have considered voting for some Democrats and actually have. They were local judicial candidates. On a national scale, I can't vote Democrat. I won't apologize for my masculinity. The national Democrat party has evolved into a freak show with Dr. Rachel Levine and Sam Brinton being just a few high profile examples.

[@civlyzed]

@@williamrowlett740 I too have voted for some local Democrats and one House member. He was in office for 14 terms in a majority Republican area but lost his bid for a 15th term. My girlfriend at the time worked for him, so I got to visit his office on Capitol Hill a few times, and through him, was invited to attend Clinton's second inauguration. To me, both major parties have gotten too crazy, on a national level anyway. Cheers!

[@davemills2822]

Losser

[@angloaust1575]

He lasted one term then clinton younger and more Attractive won the vote Did two terms then bush Junior managed to gain The presidency !

[@user-gd4wt6oi7y]

Europe was coming out of such broken turmoil of wars, had no resources to fund anything, besides building themselves, then how did even Russia break apart? those funds somebody funded it otherwise it is not possible for that breaking apart to happen, weapons to be given to dissident fighters of states, breaking away from Russia, without arsenal there is no dissident or wars the principal in this truth is very simple. Yet too much water has flown under ancient Bridges of those times, and one should see what Now? how to move forward with peace and prosperity for all, and how to reach that goal, contain situations, like populations out of control, and how to use technology to streamline lot of things which can now be done, and new way of thinking in Monetary financial systems and currency valuation hurting half of world and encouraging looting pillaging embezzlements frauds, funding grisly disturbances, dissidents, upheavals, because they can be bought cheap and now even crony circle currencies are of almost same value so they must be in use also

[@user-ol1qm9ey7g]

ฉันจะสร้างเมืองในแนวคิดใหม่ความคิดแบบอเมริกันจะไม่เกิดขึ้นณที่นี้มันจะเป็นแนวคิดแห่งอนาคต

[@Mrpolite5018]

The greatest piece of Sh eet in the history books

[@Edensghost]

The Lebron of the Deep State

[@BazzokaJoke]

Like a good wine the older the better. What a beautiful human being, civilized, respectful, thoughtful. Does anybody from our leadership today even come close to him and his generation? Unfortunately not. What a great man and leader. ❤ him.

[@user-gd4wt6oi7y]

It's good to listen from horses'mouths so to speak about their life and progress then others cut paste voice overs clips made, unless it comes with solid proofs, still are hearsay, sure to be listened to yet keeping an open mind to what is made up and what are truths. They really are funny for sure with sense of humor , and as far as my observation goes, people with sense of pleasantness are mostly on good temperate side, they can be little economic corrupt but then who isn't in cut throat business world they come from,or they can be little easily swayed by others hearsay propaganda like his son paaji pussycat George Junior somewhere they know also the truths of fuel manipulation lobbies which made them take lot of that time political decisions of invading Iraq all the time, middle east fuel wars with western partnerships and then horrific 9/11 and then their backed black club. Their time and little later they had great dignified presence and way of their speaking , see he said it, respect for position, which later ' landars' hardly have.

[@user-ds8hb3yg7r]

George WH Father. with scart 4. guard with van possible aur but body perfect mary. Shahbdullah baba. shaan. make most important Dubai UAE talk do aur no accepte talk Agha Khan fiber dawi hand shower facilities by her location ache standard do. Nauman wali

[@user-uk3te3us8k]

Hola sensor bush

[@michellehuzarsky5493]

a wonderful man and consequential President.

[@user-gd4wt6oi7y]

they all admit of good work not being done because of congress members, and nay sayers versus yes sayers, as I pointed out the faulty Democratic systems which doesn't let good work happen asap as it should, then it means there is hand tied by too many asscooks spoiling the broth for Donkey's years, it means the blame game always given to Top head after his hands are tied but blame, they should take,

[@lindafrench7574]

She is very very tired

[@DeshangShah]

Army moklo

[@GanacsadeCabdi-sf4cx]

Thank you president bush really you know the system of soldiers so fantastic president

[@johnk5061]

I wish he was alive today. We need a leader like this!

[@lindafrench7574]

Very very confused

[@vcab6875]

Decent human being

[@surreyboy84]

I don’t consider being able to afford healthcare in a Western country that spends spends billions on defense & space exploration a privilege. Healthcare should be a human right.

[@thomasg.109]

What a terrific interview, President Bush is full of character and loyalty, a wonderful man, we miss that elite presidency today. A war hero, honorable, and one of our best. Respectful in every way. I would have loved to have met President Bush. A great family man that cares about the common man. A wonderful interviewer too, so well done, respectful and kind, a real kinship between the two, great work.

[@dr.debbiewilliams4263]

I remember hearing the bombs go off over the phone.

[@Torontolaw]

Of of 5 Best foreign policy president of America 🇺🇸

[@geoffbirchall7552]

What a vial creature!

[@carl5381]

vile, dumbazz

[@ChunkySoupfortheSoul]

Funny cherry picked interview that polar pop mommies use to teach young people that the bush family are monotone, out of touch, monarchs. The interview is quite old, for one thing and represents a different era of talking points which is taken out of context and used to influence people who don't know the family better.

[@ChunkySoupfortheSoul]

The second half of the interview is worthwhile.

[@3joewj]

He was a terrible President...his economy was horrible, 7.8% unemployment. I remember there was no work in construction. He was quickly voted out after one term.

[@GymMusic-xq4nu]

A very evil man.

[@ResilientWon]

Sn ki snek. Fertir the were wolf. You lucis trust. Lou che liz ard.

[@alextisu5851]

😅