George W. Bush In Chicago: Praises Mayor Daley's Leadership

Former President George W. Bush made a stop in Chicago Thursday to promote his new book, "Decision Points" and get some face time with Mayor Daley.

During an appearance at the Union League Club, Bush praised Daley's leadership, discussed his alcohol problem and Chicago's role in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Bush said he wasn't pandering when he called Chicago the "best-run city in America" due to Daley's leadership, and said Daley responded "brilliantly" when Chicago's Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) was threatened by terrorists.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports:

"People forget that the Sears Tower was a target -- a genuine target, and the mayor responded, and his people responded, brilliantly to the threats," Bush said.

. . .

"This was one of the really interesting examples of federal, state and local cooperation. By necessity, we had to share assets and resources in a much better way."

Daley and Bush reportedly are good friends to this day, despite their political differences, according to the Sun-Times:

Bush and Daley have long been kindred spirits. They both know what it's like to be the son of a famous political father. They both know how it feels to be underestimated and stereotyped as inarticulate and a dummy.

Bush also talked to those assembled at the Union League Club about his alcohol abuse, adding that he hopes his book can inspire someone to say "If George W. Bush could quit, I can quit."