Bush Will Miss Airforce One, White House Cooking

WASHINGTON — President George W. Bush is relishing the chance to see "the klieg lights shift somewhere else," although he admits he'll miss perks like White House cooking and flying on Air Force One.

"Frankly, I'm not going to miss the limelight all that much," Bush said in an intimate family conversation with his sister, Doro Bush Koch, about how he'll feel when he leaves the White House to make way for Barack Obama on Jan. 20.

"Been a fabulous experience to be president," Bush told Doro in the conversation recorded for the oral-history organization StoryCorps. But he said he'll be ready to go when the time comes.

Bush did acknowledge in the Nov. 12 conversation _ aired Thursday on National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" _ that he would miss the trips on the presidential jet and not having to worry about traffic. He and first lady Laura Bush both agreed in the talk that they would miss the chefs at the Executive Mansion, but disagreed about who would be in charge of meals when they move back to Texas in January.

"I'm sure I'm going to lose a lot of weight, because Laura's going to be the cook," Bush deadpanned. The first lady responded, "You're going to be the person grilling, though, I think."

The president also said he would miss spending time with his sister, who lives in the District of Columbia area.

"This is a job which, you know, obviously had a lot of stress to it; it has a lot of pressure," Bush said. "But when you're around your family at all, all that pales."

Since 2003, the nonprofit StoryCorps has helped people record nearly 25,000 interviews at stationary booths in New York and with mobile operations traveling around the country. Participants receive a CD of their 40-minute interview, and all recordings are archived at the Library of Congress.

Comments

[NoSillyName]

I remember his remark about "How good those Filipinos are in the kitchen." or something like that.

Guess Laura isn't a very good cook? Too bland?

[editgirl]

The only thing Bush liberated was the cash from our pockets!

[Wiserone]

With all the oil money the Bush family lined their pockets with, I'm sure he and Laura can afford a jet. Hey! I know a couple of car companies that are selling theirs! Also, heard on the news this morning that Bushie wants his legacy to be that he freed 50 Million Iraq's. Is he for real??? With an 87% NON APPROVAL rating and he even wants to be considered for any positive decision much less a monemental one? I'd say he shouldn't forget he got us into an ILLEGAL WAR.

[ohioan73]

Its only fair that he will miss the presidential perks because I will certainly miss laughing at his reels and reels of gaffes. My 16 year old son loves to watch Dubya bloopers on youtube. He falls out of the chair laughing as if its a SNL skit. You know you have screwed up when kids find you just as laughable as Will Farrell.

[kareemachan]

Okay, Shrub, whatever - just don't let the door hit you on the way out.

[missjabez]

Please get the hell out now. Why wait until January 20? We are all sick of you and you have done enough damage. If you need any help, I'd be happy to drive the moving van.

[dspencer3491]

How about abusing his power? He will be powerless now

[66rock]

Wait a minute, I don't think I even heard of this spoiled poor excuse even going to visit his mother this week.
He had time to pardon the turkey while his mom was in intensive care. Did I miss it, anyone know for sure??

[hilary916]

Did he just insult his wife's cooking?

[NoMoreFreepers]

He sure did. I'd feed him chopped glass if I were Laura ;-)

[wm1066]

I doubt Laura has ever cooked anything. People in her 'class' have servants that do that.

[wendynyc]

Its all about me, me and me with the President. Its amazing how the GOP constantly dole out the "personal responsibility" mantra.

More like "selfish responsibility" with these greedy people.

[wendynyc]

Perhaps he'd like to join the cooking staff there??

[StillIRise]

Sort of like a robber missing the loot he stole when he has to give it back!

[MufsMom]

Dear President Obama,
Please remember to change the locks. This ninny needs to be denied access to anything but a criminal defense attorney.

[bbridges1962]

Be sure and change ALL the matresses and get new chairs and couches. You don't want to sit where Bush has been...you never know where that has been.

[bbridges1962]

Make sure to check all the compartments on Air Force One. He may have stashed some cash or some illegal substances while down in South America. Oh yeah...you might want to release a few roach smoke bombs and replace the seating in Air Force One, also.

[ohrly]

So... does that mean we can let Bush keep the chef and give him unlimited access to a private jet for the next 53 days in exchange for stepping back and abdicating all authority NOW? Because I would be OK with that arrangement.

Sadly, I think what he will miss most is the feeling of having absolute power. Clearly, what he relished most was the feeling of omnipotence devoid of conscience.

[RJII]

just go already. i hope you are already packed.