Uncommon Knowledge: George W. Bush

This week on Uncommon Knowledge President George W. Bush discusses postpresidential life and his work at the Bush Institute.
To listen to an mp3 of the interview go to:
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[@CommanderDragonLily]

Why does bush seem a million times more articulate here than he ever did as president?

[@bmoore4313]

Because these sound bites are unedited, uncondensed , and not delivered by the major News Networks. Remember the "Mission Acomplished." Speech - and how stupid and Naive Bush was for claiming the Iraq War was successful after such a short time period, and with so much still going wrong? Fabricated. Made from whole-cloth. Bush never said ANYTHING to that effect. During the speech, he said that "much work continues to be done." and "the persuit of freedom is long, though not endless." etc etc. But he gave the speech under a banner which said: "Mission Accomplished." which was hung on the deck of the U.S.S Lincoln. It was hung up for the Lincoln crew specifically, because they had just completed the longest tour of duty in over a decade by an aircraft carrier. Bush says: War is long from over. Snapshot says: "Mission Acomplished." Which story gets printed? Which meme persists. Do the news networks report what is said in the speech, or selectively deliver sound bits that conform to the narrative they can push by the image? There's your answer. The people we all pay to collect information from the world and deliver it to us are instead telling us the stories they want us to hear, and then collecting AND culling information from the world to make it seem legitimate.

[@agirlyoudontknow332]

TheShockmaster he's grown

[@timstein7158]

It is all about the media outlets you watch.

[@MorphingReality]

Public speaking is also one of the most common fears people cite, maybe addressing hundreds of millions of people live induced a few slips :p

[@brianvivickers3712]

TheShockmaster: Maybe because he’s not speaking under the pressure of being a US President.

[@GMBGFX1]

Wow; he’s much more articulate and shows much more critical thinking than the media has ever portrayed. Not a bush fan but wow did this surprise me.

[@bangthehankers1985]

"Striving for a legacy is a complete waste of time. A legacy will emerge with the reach of time." Someone ought to send Obama the memo.

[@tophersupreme5573]

Honestly, not what I expected. A very interesting interview.

[@Allen1029]

PEPFAR is huge; he deserves immense credit for that.

[@thedragonbroke]

I think Bush shows that he is a very critically thinking individual and is highly intelligent in this interview. Also a very down-to-earth guy with an easy sense of humor. But by no means do I think he's stupid. Very in touch with world issues and well-informed. I admire his patriotism, faith and idealism. I think he brings up some intriguing ideas and standpoints that I'll have to think over for a few days. Very good interview that brings up some extremely interesting foreign policy ideas.

[@rubenaerts7284]

+TBL-TTB He has an MBA from Harvard. Don't be fooled by anti-Bush propaganda and his southern accent. He's as smart as they get.

[@bpw7b3a69]

I agree !

[@Aro2220]

We aren't existing very peacefully. So, no.

[@thedragonbroke]

I disagree with the wars in Iraq, but he invaded for a reason. Those sweet, sweet, petrodollars.

[@sleepyancient6655]

TBL-TTB Oddly enough, the US gets very little of its fuel from the middle east. Also, the House and Senate (both of those institutions with a Democrat majority at the time) voted unanimously to go to war. Blaming Bush exclusively for the war is just plain ridiculous.

[@Kitties_are_pretty]

I never thought I'd miss George W. Bush but here I am.

[@spencerlambert8570]

"Not paternalistic, but one based on partnership." I won't lie: I may lean to the left but that statement caught me very much off guard in the best possible way. Kudos, Mr. President.

[@superman789ification]

George W Bush may have supported some stupid legislation, however he was a very good leader and a respectable man. All these people that paint him as a war criminal don't even know what a war criminal is. He wasn't a bad president, he wasn't the best. He was able to help America through one of the worst catastrophes in recorded history and I think he deserves some well earned respect. I think he's a nice guy too.

[@The_Lucent_Archangel]

I think the main point he always made was - there is a standard. People must rise to meet it, because it will not be lowered to meet them. A far cry from the society of compromise and hand-outs we've spiraled into since.

[@medi9078]

Great interview. I love his sense of humour and Peter is great at conducting an interview. So much to learn from this.

[@dukerwong3900]

Rewrite. President Bush is a very kind and decent guy. He and the former 1st Lady Laura Bush went to Africa to ease and help ADIS and cervical cancer women to conquer their sickness, he danced with them and even brush painted their houses with the 1st Lady Laura Bush together. He is not even Black people's origin, but by his great kindness and decency as his nature. I remembered until now and very touched my heart. I can imagine how was he taught and brought up by his parents - our great President Bush 41 and 1st Lady Barbra Bush. He also helps and spends much of his own precious retired time to our country's disabled vets by talking, biking with them...etc by his patriotism and loyalty as well as his kindness, sincereness, caring nature. Although the Bush families were in highest level of the Governing leadership and accumulated much of Governing experiences, but they are just sooo humble, easygoing, down to earth always. He also never criticized his successor President Obama as his own manners and courtesy. This is why I love Bush family a lot. I pray for President Bush 41 healthy and long life. I love President Bush and all of their families.

[@brianvivickers3712]

Duker Wong: After what he and his wife did in Africa, not just during his post-presidency, but the legislation he signed while he was President-to help the people of Africa. I can say categorically, I have a greater appreciation, as well as respect for George W. Bush. It is my hope and dream to be able to meet George W. Bush one day.

[@jestersunshine]

When he is relaxed he is quite eloquent, used to the bumbling bush I used to see on tv, only he knows what he had to deal with durring his administartion...

[@BatusaiJack]

4:06 I was FAMOUS and I was POWERFUL...I have no desire for FAME and POWER anymore

[@dontsettlefor500mill]

Look how great this man is! Not a single comment is negative!

[@woke2woke153]

George Bush was not and obviously is not clueless. Just watch the interview. He is an intelligent compassionate man, and his thoughts on accountability are spot on.

[@DJxSGGxNeo]

They all act dumb, it's a part of the con... I mean job! >_>

[@Simon-pl2zi]

he's not dumb, but he is a war criminal

[@natbrownizzle3815]

George Bush, was president in a horrible situation. Country got attacked and they demanded a response. Plus he acted greatly towards Americas Muslim population, he defended Islam, even though the left claimed, he ran a war against Islam. So yeah, he came in a fucked up situation.

[@Aprinsa]

He seems compassionate, though I'm not convinced he's *particularly* so. Intelligent, though, I won't give you that. He doesn't sound intelligent here, he just sounds like he's been around the world a few times and been advised on many things by intelligent people, which he has, literally. His statement that adding an "education" component adds "oomph" to his library is one of the dumbest things one could expect to hear from someone who held the highest office in a land of 300 million people for 8 years.

[@valdillon7459]

was he intelligent?

[@mehrizi78]

I'm probably one of the very few who miss him. Not because if his Fame or Power but his comedy. He is so not what a President should be but he made it. The true American Dream. Cheers Mr. President.

[@MrTmj1991]

the last 2 minutes of this interview are the best...miss ya dubya.

[@RETSZTIRF]

"A legacy will emerge with the reach of time."

[@FoundingFathers-hb4tj]

Yeah, Barack missed the lesson. Can’t stay out of the spotlight. The press will never criticize him for it.

[@szymciooooo]

ask him about skull&bones :)

[@rbanerjee98]

I'll be honest, W struck me as far more thoughtful and pensive in this interview than he did during his presidency. He strikes me as someone who genuinely loves America and cares deeply for people, not just Americans. That being said, he surrounded himself with the wrong people and consequently made disastrous decisions which took us into a war which we didn't know how to end and plunged us into a historically deep economic recession

[@Sanddollar1]

Agree. GWB was not the president I and many like me had hoped for. Trump, strangely enough, is.

[@ndnow12]

It really shows you the influence that the media have on your opinions.

[@booognish]

Anyone that is here should watch this whole video, regardless of your opinion on Bush.. It is a very interesting watch..

[@rcmeyerson]

I would definitely not consider myself a big bush fan, but he's so humble and such a man of character.

[@jtl215731]

God Bless you Mr. President for standing up for all of us Americans during the most darkest moments in American History. I was and still to this day very proud to say you served as our commander and chief. Enjoyed the interview happy to see your doing well. May the Lord Bless you and family for your sacrifices made during your term as our President.

[@Act2702]

Wow who know he was so articulate when he is at ease

[@lizgichora6472]

Great Interview; Thank you very much for United States of America's leadership, Peace and Security around the world and enhancing development. Human life is valuable, I love all your initiatives. Grateful for you George W Bush.

[@tman040496tb]

When you fight against a market crash your whole presidency but get blamed for it anyway

[@mashotoshaku]

And people still dont get that Freddie and Fannie created the whole mess and poor old Goerge was left with the broom in his hands.

[@wedeldylan]

@@mashotoshaku Thank you! I have yet to see another person on the internet that realizes that. But Bush also greatly contributed to the mess with his American Dream Downpayment Assistance Act in 2003. He certainly wasn't fighting against a market crash

[@JRRodriguez-nu7po]

Very quiet for 8 years of Obama, and now (I write 2019) criticism of Trump? I am disappointed.

[@ride0RgetR0DE0n]

" Iraq is in pretty good shape" oh boy does that quote hold up well

[@Hapesky]

Having fun in bohemian grove?

[@alZiiHardstylez]

10:10 - 10:30 was nice to hear.

[@xXGOHHH123Xx]

47:00 Just marking this time down so I can find it later.

[@savvysavages6931]

I'm always impressed with the sincerity of George W. Bush.

[@Osiny-qu6it]

thank you

[@AsceticPriest]

GWB with some swag!

[@TheKlink]

Why is it that every time anybody says "first things first", I end up with "Livin' It Up" going through my head for the rest of the day? I remember listening to a lot of nu-metal watching the coverage of President Bush's first election. It's amazing how much the landscape of so much has changed over the last decade. Not just music, but tech, jobs, politics, balance of power. Certainly a lot less optimism around.

[@agiftedrighterdotcom]

The "fame and power" bit was a little disconcerting.

[@MrCOMEDYSCOUT]

I love the beginning when W has that good natured, bemused smile on his face as Peter, clutching his paper nervously, rambles through his pretentous display of post presidency knowledge. Bush reminds me of a high school quarterback smiling politely as some dorky freshman kid rattles off obscure football stats.

[@dukerwong3900]

President Bush is absolutely a very kind and decent person. He and the former 1st Lady Laura Bush went to Africa to help ease and help ADIS and cervical cancer sick African women and danced with them and even painted their houses with the brushes. They are not even African people origin. I still remember until now and very touched by his great unselfishness, caring, kindness and decency as his great nature. I can imagine how did he be taught, influenced and brought up by his parents great President Bush 41 and the former 1st Lady Barbra Bush. After he retired from President service, he has spent so much of his own precious time for our country's disabled vets always. He never criticize his successor at all. This is why I love President Bush and their families. They are very decent, easy going and down to earth, although they were in highest level of Governing leadership as well as accumulated much of their Governing experiences, but they are always sooo humble and never snobby to anyone, but to love Americans of all. He also appointed a great Secretary of State Rice and we love her a lot. President Bush 43 also made us safe during and after 911 incident. He is great.❤️

[@t3drill]

Mr Bush was and continues to be a leader. He understands the pros and cons of being a president and experienced great scrutiny during his presidency. His decision to show support to the current president and to only express his opinion whenever he agrees - is a sign of true leadership. I am sure that there are many things that he doesn't agree with; however, because of his personal experience he opted not to do to Obama what was done to him. He gave current president an opportunity to lead

[@MrButtnutter]

"Gootenburg Sweyden"

[@3D6Space]

I liked Bush Jr. much better after I saw Jimmy Kimmel's comedy skit "The President's Speech" featuring Mike Tyson as Bush's speech coach. That will probably always be 1 of my top 10 favorite comedy skits.

[@qwertyqart]

32:45 - “Iraq is in pretty good shape...” - Peter Robinson - "I'm not surprised" - Bush

[@dumyjobby]

hahahahaha what a joke sadly

[@traind]

what about "there is still a long way to go" said about a minute later don't you understand?

[@qwertyqart]

traind "there is still a long way to go" pretty much doesn't mean anything. Any country or anything that does exists has "long way to go", wherever that is that they are going to. It's not an evaluation or assessment, It's a blank statement devoted of any meaning, often characteristic of W.

[@joycebenton9368]

If a great President left no money to his children, but honesty, sincerity, humbleness, very forgiving but to teach others to learn more to understand more and do better things of down to earth kind of character, however, treated own children strictly and nicely for principles, patriotism and loyalty toward America’s greatness, honesty, humbleness and kindness nature by principles, this is why I love all President Bush’s families.

[@bnlearle]

I was thinking the same thing :)

[@johnstockwellmajorsmedleyb1214]

All governments and monetary systems need to be eliminated. All life is priceless. This man organized and allowed the single largest attack on US soil, then an embargo and bombing campaign on Iraq that caused the deaths of 500,000 children before their 5th bdays with no medicine clean water or food. All life is priceless.

[@r0b0hobo]

I love how on the internet if you don't feel like raising a valid point you can just criticize their grammar.

[@livisda]

Accountability George, really?

[@SeraphimGoose]

I'm amazed I was mislead as an adolescent to think this guy didn't have a clue. Well, maybe it's not so amazing. Adolescents & young adults are not wise..

[@imperiallion]

President Bush I hope you read this but we miss you so much, It felt like America really came back to its roots and what the country stood for when we new our freedom. There will never be another president who will match or compare to your leadership. During all the tragedies America faced by world wide evils I never once went to bed afraid or uncertain because your courage in words resonated in me our American Unconquerable Spirit. Sadly I wish you were still leading us in this darkest time.

[@dignityhousefloricailasi6361]

THIS MAN SAVED EASTERN EUROPE! GOD BLESS !!

[@joycebenton9368]

People do forget things. Young or younger people don’t even get chances to feel it. However, I do remember and believe that most people who appreciate the important great things done to make Americans safe physically or psychologically with our own heart of appreciation will or should really appreciate what our former President Bush has done for our great country and Americans of all. I respect honesty and heart of appreciation by our own beating heart. I believe both former President Bush and his father President Bush 41 are great governing leadership of patriotism, sincerity, principles, kindness and decency altogether. Although they are all retired, but I always appreciate and thankful to their unselfish services and contributions to our great country and Americans of all. This is why I always remember and love them and all of their families. President Bush although was two terms of President of America, but he and his families are not even richer than many middle sized business Americans. Many politicians are far richer than them. However, they are absolutely rich in the value of America’s patriotism and loyalty, honesty, unselfishness, generous mind to others, hard working and decency. I pray for America’s greatness. I pray for our own generous mind of forgiveness for our country’s unity. I pray for President Bush 41 healthy and long life. I also pray for Gov. Bush’s quality will be able to serve and contribute our great country again to get things done quickly too.

[@SJS4JC]

I completely agree with 'lewdestbeast' in realizing that there are some who do not like Bush and 'hate' him; however, there are some who realize some of the things that Bush did and admire and appreciate him. I agree, "Get over it". After all, many of us have gotten over Jimmy Carter who had to live 'through it'.

[@codewall1]

This is a man of great dignity, whether you you agree with the wisdom of all his decisions, no doubt they were all done for his sincere beliefs in the greater good for humanity.

[@gary83uk]

"Cut to the bottom a little faster than I hoped" - got to love Bush, no time for the bs.

[@shrapn0]

I was raised by an education system that taught me to dislike and mock Bush, for why I didn't know, but all I knew was that the "intelligent" people jeered him. Now I have finished University and secured employment, I look back and see that Bush was an excellent President. There certainly is an over-Liberal bias in the education system.

[@dukerwong3900]

President Bush is a very honest and kind principled person. He understand and believe the principles, but he doesn't like to comment any former and successor of new President as his nature, but has quietly done things to support disabled vets and help peoples are needed for help in the world after he was retired from his Presidency service as his nature too. I always cherish, appreciate and love President Bush and his families for anything they have done for our great country America. God bless them all be healthy.

[@On-Our-Radar-24News]

Unfortunately, Fmr President GWB will have the legacy of the Iraq war and the thousands of my brothers and sisters who did not come home or thousands more like myself who came home a shell of his former self with physical and mental scars. This of course doesn't even compare to the human toll in Iraq, millions dead, millions displaced, a country still divided along religious sects and no prospect of near stability. We can talk about the near 4 trillion dollar spending that has gone into Iraq since 2003 but it hardly seems relevant. All of this leads to today's legacy of 22 veterans per day killing themselves in this country with no abatement or attention from our leaders and a Military Industrial Complex thriving and a Biden Administration in lockstep with them. This is why when GWB can sit on that stage and just giggle and laugh when asked to ponder how history will write his legacy and have no real introspection on how profoundly destructive his decisions were ultimately to the country and the world is deeply troubling to me. It doesn't help that the questions asked were of such trivial nature that even "W" couldn't muster an ounce of remorse or thought provoking response.

[@joycebenton9368]

I can absolutely understand why the former President said that his inheritance from his dad the former President Bush 41 will be the awesome name, unconditional love and no money. Great families and Presidents.

[@pedintx]

Not only Uncommon Knowledge but Uncommon Common Sense and Uncommon Vision. The proof of GW's legacy is taking a hard and comprensive look at all of the accomplishments of his two terms. I love and appreciate everything he has done and continues to do. Thank you to GW and Laura for who you are and what you are. We are very proud to have you as a fellow Texan.

[@WhereisJesus]

Great interview.

[@hendersonjohnson3750]

I actually liked him as president. I still don’t like the way he was treaded during his presidency. We the people have to do better.

[@Heraclitean]

Shocking that for a post-presidency interview Bush chooses a most sympathetic interviewer.

[@johannesbrahms4237]

His comments about not "bloviating" about the current president, and other comments about not interfering with the current president "whoever he is" is staggering now that the President is Trump, who he has already talked about in month number ONE.

[@winstono75]

Bush is my favorite comedian no doubt.

[@yachtman86]

HE ORGANIZED IT

[@Gieszkanne]

He wrote a book? I cant believe it!

[@LaughBox20]

One of the CIA's top analysts said that starting a war with Iraq after 9/11 is the equivalent of if when America was bombed at Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, we immediately invaded Mexico.

[@eohare1000]

does that include you?

[@rocketlauncher2]

He's aging awesomely

[@jacobkent2457]

"I don't wanna undermine our president... and a former president can do that. And I think it's bad for the presidency itself." Take notes Obama

[@elucio98]

Being interviewed by an institution named after Herbert Hoover.....how fitting.

[@hornyreptilian2664]

I feel sad that he had to be picked in this agenda, but he picked it up like a real man, noticed he said people wil just remember me as nr 42,

[@brianvivickers3712]

god Saturn El: He said “number 43,” not 42.

[@jairehedselvillapando2110]

He actually the 42nd President and Obama is 43rd, Trump is 44th, Why? = President Grover Cleaveland

[@abz939]

The Prince By George W Machiavelli

[@Baby-Rich.Milly555]

Wow... 🇺🇸

[@crazyzabo]

Wow, incredible! Confessed war criminal feigns humility. We have seen this before.

[@BlooTanooki]

At 9:59 Sounds very similar to ""From each according to his ability"

[@DeMars3]

Brandenburg concerto #3, hell ya

[@xxxoo2131]

decision points

[@DJBuckCallYo]

Abe Lincoln was a gem of the past.. I think what the true problem is the fact that our nation loves to divide itself between Republicans and Democrats. To the point in which they start pointing fingers at each other. As Abe Lincoln has once said, "A house divided cannot stand".

[@Sundybell777]

I felt exactly the same when he was in the White House. He showed us what a true class act he is also - a polar opposite of the MOST thin-skinned amateur of a leader that's currently occupying the WH.. We MISS your leadership VERY MUCH, President Bush!

[@joycebenton9368]

I love free enterprise economic growing by private sectors, because this is exactly our country's own foundations of Capitalism systems of liberty and antrepreneurships as America's own greatness. I also love to move to Texas for a better business environment. My husband likes to move to Utah and believe it's cheaper to live and Weather is not too hot. California has the best weather and very convenient for everything, but it really extremely hard to run small business. For large businesses which financially very strong, it may won't be very affected much. When I see more department store, retail stores and restaurants are closed, I am sad for it, because I absolutely understand how hard any of small businesses can be. This is why I believe Government needs to ensure the best business environment for America's own greatness of economy as well as job opportunities for Americans of all. If our country's business are all knocked down from small businesses, medium businesses, gradually will affect not only the large businesses too, also it will absolutely impact America's own economy and defense capability quickly and too late to patch up, because Americans need massive jobs for stable life of all and build our country America's own greatness together. This is why I believe President Bush said absolutely correct that free enterprise economic growing by private sectors are very important and necessary to get things done quickly by our country's own patriotism and loyalty as well as our country's own constitutions to maintain, protect and defend America's own foundations of Capitalism systems of liberty and antrepreneurships. Our country's Congress should support the newly elected President Trump together to make America's greatness quickly and efficiently from now on by both Parties. Only America's own greatness by America's own foundations and constitutions as well as our country's own patriotism and loyalty will make sure our country's own greatness, I guess.

[@wallysmith9162]

As much as I hate what Bush did as president I'm glad he was treated with respect.

[@Quantikk]

Paul R got rid of saddam. most those iraqis killed each other in their own civil war.

[@smhatman]

PREACH!

[@paulwinning]

agreed

[@joycebenton9368]

Listen more to learn more, nothing to loose, only gain more knowledge to be a good person and build our country altogether by America’s principles of freedom and equality of the opportunities. He is great as very nice and honest. I wish all of us unite together again by our learning experiences, generosity of forgiveness, kindness and decency and principles from now on for America’s greatness. God bless America. If we are willing to learn more, understand our principles of Foundation and Constitution better together, soon we may do better always again. I don’t understand much, but I love to learn to understand more. I also believe our unity by some or bit learning experience and appreciation by principles. Thank you President Bush.

[@TeeRavGainer]

I still disagree with Bush on certain topics and issues (and frankly some ideology) but he makes me smile. He deserves more respect than what he got. I truly believe he is an honest man and I can't ask more from a president than that.

[@fifth_elephant]

I thought he conducted himself well in this interview. The anti-bush sentiment is getting rather boring, clearly he isn't stupid as is proven with this video. Obviously there are a few things I disagree but overall a good interview.

[@dukerwong3900]

The fair tax is the best. It's simple and fair. Most important is it can develop people's responsibilities and patriosm. It doesn't matter how much you make, you have your responsibility for your share of tax responsibility. It doesn't matter how much you make, you will think about your responsibility to contribute your share of duty for our country. This will also gradually incubate people to be more unselfish and less habits of just take as granded. It also will not go to the direction of people dividing by rich or poor and races. There are no equality in any countries, including in Communism countries. There are equalties in front of the duties, opportunities, freedoms, and laws by principle. This is why I believe the flat tax is the one of the real equalities. It should be adopted by Gov't.

[@MrTmj1991]

Miss ya Dubya. You are a class act.

[@millamilla10]

"in order to get federal funds you HAVE TO MEASURE"

[@joycebenton9368]

I love President Bush and his families, because I know he is a very patriotic and principled Governing leadership as the former President Bush. He promotes the freedoms and equality of the opportunities. Most important is that he is very honest, sincere, down to earth kind leadership, also he is very kind and generous mind of forgiveness under principles to promote freedom and equality of the opportunities as his nature. Thy are very good and responsible to their families as fathers, grandparents, children or siblings. They are also extremely kind to Americans of all too.

[@grtflmark]

The Best Example of Class Exhibited by a politician in the History of The United States, one of the most perspicacious, intelligent and well-spoken representatives of The Eclectic American culture alive, God Bless George W. Bush for honoring his office and keeping America's Liberty and Freedoms safe!

[@Edruezzi]

Don't worry Dubya. The historians are gonna love getting to work on your legacy.

[@mrbear88]

Norway..!

[@TheDrReif]

Even with all the mistakes, what a leader! A man who truly loves his country and leads by example. I really miss this in Washington.

[@dukerwong3900]

I love this interview and made the comment for the reason that I love President Bush and their families. Unfortunately sent out and disappeared.

[@joycebenton9368]

President Bush 43 has the character of decency, a very honest guy.

[@AndrewD624]

i stand corrected