The scene was Southern Methodist University. The forum was a discussion on the role of the first lady. The honored guests were Barbara Bush, wife of George H. W. Bush and Laura Bush, wife of George W. Bush. Now, I’ve got nothing against Laura Bush. She’s a great example of the perfect presidential spouse who always says and does the politically correct thing. But give me the Barbara Bush approach of unapologetic this-is-what-I-think-whether-you-like-it-or-not candor.
The SMU event illustrated the difference. When asked about the vitriolic nature of present day politics, the two women offered the following responses.
Laura Bush: “…It’s just a part of American politics.” She recalled the campaigns of the 1860’s as also being contentious.
Barbara Bush, referring to the current primary campaign:
“I think it’s been the worst campaign I’ve ever seen in my life… I hate that people think compromise is a dirty word. It’s not a dirty word.” And later, ““I think the rest of the world is looking at us these days and saying, ‘What are you doing?’”.
Seems to me we’ve lost something since the days of George H. W. and Barbara Bush when politicians and political spouses didn’t have to be cookie cutter perfect in every affect and opinion, and when compromise wasn’t a dirty word.
You can learn more about the conference from the Dallas Morning News.
Contributor, aka tidbits. Retired attorney in complex litigation, death penalty defense and constitutional law. Former Nat’l Board Chair: Alzheimer’s Association. Served on multiple political campaigns, including two for U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR). Contributing author to three legal books and multiple legal publications.