BushII returns as ... a comedian

[saskganesh]

He doesn't do impersonations (yet)  but based on the below story, I think he has a fine future being an after-dinner speaker, raconteur, and celebrity-charity do-gooder.

I hope he likes chicken.

Bush bash

Dawn Walton, 17/03/09 at 8:49 PM EDT http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/AlbertaWatch/

George W. Bush may not be the most popular president in U.S. history, but he's top-notch in the story telling department.

During a luncheon speech in Calgary today - the first since he left the White House - he regaled close to 2,000 people (those in attendance included former Alberta premier Ralph Klein and Senator Pamela Wallin as well as prominent Calgary businessman Fred Mannix and Brett Wilson) with tales of life inside and outside the Oval Office.

He said he's getting used to picking up dog poop, doing chores around his new Dallas home and running errands.

He said he was once "the most pampered man in the world," but now his wife, Laura, is busy reminding him of his status as a civilian and homebody.

"Just consider it your new domestic policy agenda," she told him.

He recalled the time he ventured out to buy a flashlight and batteries, but at the store he was met by a clerk who asked whether anyone ever told him he looked like George W. Bush, a sentiment to which he agreed.

"That must make you mad," the clerk responded, prompting a gusher of laughter from those assembled. (The clerk later asked him if he was looking for a job since the store was in need of a "greeter.")

Bush talked about his wife (She's awesome...She was an awesome First Lady.); his former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice (My dear, beloved Condi.); his former vice-president Dick Cheney (At least when my vice president shot somebody, it was on accident.); his dog, Barney (I'm crazy about Barney...I love that little guy.); former Russian president Vladimir Putin (Putin dissed my dog.); Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Harper has a good sense of humour.); whether Canada or the U.S. has the better financial system (You do.) and, movies that depict him (I don't pay attention to Hollywood.).

He went into detail about the time Putin tried to outshine Barney by showing off his massive hound during a summit as Harper looked on.

"Faster, stronger and bigger than Barney," said Putin.

"At least he only showed you his dog," Harper chimed in by way of support.

Bush also reflected on his popularity - or lack thereof - as hundreds of protesters gathered outside the convention centre. Four people would be arrested. Conjuring up the spirit of former Canadian prime minister John Diefenbaker, Bush said he never paid much attention to polls. "I've said many time that dogs know best the appropriate treatment of polls."

He mused more than once that he's going to get used to doing paid speeches. After all, he has a mortgage to pay and no longer living in social housing. He said he plans to write a book so people will understand what it's like to sit in the Oval Office, a memoir that he hopes will give history more perspective by which his administration will be judged. In it he plans to outline the 12 toughest decisions he had to make during eight years in office.

Bush was not oblivious to the tight security - and a delay by Ticketmaster in getting in position to scan the tickets - that had guests waiting for more than an hour in the cold only to be greeted by a full-body pat down and search that pushed back his speech. He promised not to cut his time short.

"I'll sit here all day," he said at one point, "I'm flattered people even want to hear me in the first place."

"Putin dissed my dog." priceless.

[DontSayBanana]

By all accounts, the guy seems fairly personable, and actually has a sense of humor that doesn't send you sneaking peeks at an encyclopedia. I remain convinced the guy got thrust into a bad situation as President and stands a real shot at being successful on the talking circuit.

[Caliga]

It would have been awesome if he took the greeter job at Wal-Mart.

[DontSayBanana]

You ever notice how, even when it's not what Bush actually says, most of the stories involving Bush also involve at least a minor element of "oh boy, he/she/they went there!"? Joking about Cheney shooting his hunting partner, f'rinstance.

[Admiral Yi]

You ever notice how, even when it's not what Bush actually says, most of the stories involving Bush also involve at least a minor element of "oh boy, he/she/they went there!"? Joking about Cheney shooting his hunting partner, f'rinstance.

Article makes it seem he raised Cheney himself.

[Richard Hakluyt]

"He went into detail about the time Putin tried to outshine Barney by showing off his massive hound during a summit as Harper looked on.

"Faster, stronger and bigger than Barney," said Putin."

A bit of an insight into the way Putin thinks there, foreign policy ministers and departments take note.

[Valmy]

I always thought Bush was a good guy.  But there is that saying about good men doing the most harm in this world.

It is amazing how much more likeable presidents become once they leave office I have to say.

[PDH]

Valmy, you are a good man.

[Valmy]

Valmy, you are a good man.

Take that back!

[derspiess]

It is amazing how much more likeable presidents become once they leave office I have to say.

Well, when the 24/7 smear machines are turned off (or redirected), it's easier to see them in a positive light.  That goes for Clinton as well as Bush.

[BuddhaRhubarb]

Harper is a humourless churl but otherwise funny story. I am sure Bush will do at least as well as Bubba on the post Prez cash-in via public speaking. (ironically enough)

[Valmy]

Well, when the 24/7 smear machines are turned off (or redirected), it's easier to see them in a positive light.  That goes for Clinton as well as Bush.

Yep.

[fhdz]

Harper's quip was funny.

[saskganesh]

Harper's quip was funny.

If he showed his "human" side more, it would be a big benefit to him. He comes off as cold and callous much of the time.

[The Brain]

I wish Hitler had gotten a chance to do what Bush is doing. I think people would have viewed Hitler in a different light.