George W. Bush Presidential Center is dedicated in Dallas
Five living U.S. presidents met in Dallas for the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
- (L-R) U.S. First lady Michelle Obama, former first lady Barbara Bush, former first lady Laura Bush, President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, former President Bill Clitnon, former President George H.W. Bush, former President Jimmy Carter, former first lady Hillary Clinton, and former first lady Rosalynn Carter arrive at the dedication for the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. (Mike Stone/Reuters)
- US President Barack Obama (L) and former Presidents (L-R) George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter arrive on stage for the George W. Bush Presidential Center dedication ceremony in Dallas, Texas. (Jewel Samad/Getty Images)
- US President Barack Obama (L) and former presidents (L-R) George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter arrive on stage for the George W. Bush Presidential Center dedication ceremony in Dallas, Texas. (Jewel Samad/Getty Images)
- Former U.S. President George W. Bush (L) waves as U.S. President Barack Obama (R) leaves the stage at the conclusion of the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. (Mike Stone/Reuters)
- Former U.S. president George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush are pictured on stage alongside (L-R) First Lady Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama, former first lady Barbara Bush and former president George H.W. Bush as they attend the dedication ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. (Jason Reed/Reuters)
- Father and son, and former U.S. President’s, George H.W. Bush (L) and George W. Bush, shake hands at the dedication for the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. (Mike Stone/Reuters)
- Former U.S. presidents George W. Bush (C) and his father George H.W. Bush laugh alongside former first lady Laura Bush (R) during the dedication ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. (Jason Reed/Reuters)
- US President Barack Obama laughs as he chats with former First Lady Barbara Bush during the opening ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Center April 25, 2013 on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU)in Dallas, Texas. (Jewel Samad/Getty Images)
- U.S. President Barack Obama (C) gives a thumbs up at the dedication for the George W. Bush Presidential Center seated next to First lady Michelle Obama (L) and former first lady Barbara Bush (R) on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. (Mike Stone/Reuters)
- Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter leaves the stage at the end of the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. (Mike Stone/Reuters)
- Former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton (L) and Jimmy Carter (2nd R) are pictured with former first ladies Hillary Clinton (2nd L) and Rosalynn Carter during the dedication ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. (Jason Reed/Reuters)
- (From L-R) U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama stand alongside members of the Bush family, former first lady Barbara Bush, former presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush, as they participate in an invocation during the dedication ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. (Jason Reed/Reuters)
- A display on the White House Workplace is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- A pistol captured with Saddam Hussein on December, 13, 2003, is displayed during a tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- Docent Patricia Flynn shows president of Southern Methodist University R. Gerald Turner the interactive table of conflicts in the Middle East called Defending Freedom at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance. ((Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- A display of presidential campaign memorabilia is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University i seen on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance and an expected 8,000 invitation-only guests. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- A display on the Bush administration’s education reform is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University i seen on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance and an expected 8,000 invitation-only guests. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- Boots commemorating George W. Bush’s tenure as general managing partner of the Texas Rangers baseball team are displayed at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- Statues of former Presidents George W. Bush (R) and his father George H.W. Bush are on display during a tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- The bullhorn President George W. Bush used at Ground Zero after the September 11 terrorist attacks is on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- A photo from the September 11 terrorist attacks portion of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University is displayed on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- Steel dog bowls with paw shaped feet given as a gift to Presidents George W. Bush sit on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- Statues of former Presidents George W. Bush (L) and his father George H.W. Bush are on display during a tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- A lion presented to President George W. Bush by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete during his trip to Africa in 2008 is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- A display on Building a Hopeful People is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- A display on Building a Hopeful People is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- A display of presidential campaign memorabilia is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- A display on the Bush administration’s faith-based and community initiative is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- A display on the September 11 terrorist attacks portion of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University . (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- Statues of former Presidents George W. Bush (L) and his father George H.W. Bush are on display during a tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- The 360-degree LED high definition video wall inside the Freedom Hall is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- Steel beams from the World Trade Center are displayed in the September 11 terrorist attacks portion of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- US President Barack Obama speaks with former First Lady Barbara Bush during the George W. Bush Presidential Center dedication ceremony in Dallas, Texas. (Jewel Samad/Getty Images)
- U.S. President Barack Obama (2ndL) laughs with former first lady Barbara Bush (2ndR), as he sits with first lady Michelle Obama and former U.S. President George H.W. Bush (R) at the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. (Mike Stone/Reuters)
- The five living Presidents: (from left) Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter, are introduced at the George W. Bush Presidential Center dedication in Dallas, Texas, Thursday, April 25, 2013. (Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News/MCT)
- Former U.S. president George W. Bush walks behind a military choir at the end of a dedication ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. (Jason Reed/Reuters)
- (L-R) Former first lady Laura Bush, President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, former President Bill Clinton, former President George H.W. Bush, and former President Jimmy Carter, arrive at the dedication for the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. (Mike Stone/Reuters)
- U.S. President Barack Obama (L) applauds as former President George W. Bush arrives on stage at the dedication ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, April 25, 2013. Bush returns briefly to the U.S. political stage with the dedication of his presidential library on Thursday, an event that will offer Americans a fresh look at his eight storm-tossed years in the White House. (Jason Reed/Reuters)
- L-R) Former President George H.W. Bush, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush attend the opening ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- Former colleagues and relatives of former U.S. President George W. Bush, (L-R) Tony Blair, Condoleezza Rice, Dick Cheney, Jenna Bush Hager, Henry Hager, Barbara Bush, her friend Miky Fabrega and George W. Bush’s brother Jeb Bush, sing the national anthem during the dedication ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. (Jason Reed/Reuters)
- The five American presidents and their wives onstage, Michelle and Barack Obama, Barbara and George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Laura Bush, Bill and Hilary Clinton and Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter as dedication ceremonies take place for the new George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, Thursday, April 25, 2013. (Paul Moseley/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)
- Former cabinet member Colin Powell, center, arrives before the dedication ceremonies for the new George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, Thursday, April 25, 2013. (Paul Moseley/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)
- Former First Lady Laura Bush speaks during a dedication ceremony at the George W. Bush Library and Museum on the grounds of Southern Methodist University April 25, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. The Bush library, which is located on the campus of Southern Methodist University, with more than 70 million pages of paper records, 43,000 artifacts, 200 million emails and four million digital photographs, will be opened to the public on May 1, 2013. (Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
- L-R) First lady Michelle Obama, former first lady Laura Bush, former first lady Hillary Clinton, former first lady Barbara Bush and former first lady Rosalynn Carter attend the opening ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
- Former US President George H.W. Bush (C) and George W. Bush (2nd-R) sit with former First Ladies Barbara Bush (L) and Laura Bush (R) during the George W. Bush Presidential Center dedication ceremony in Dallas, Texas. (Jewel Samad/Getty Images)
- (L-R) US First Lady Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama, former First Lady Barbara Bush, former President George H.W. Bush, former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush pray during the George W. Bush Presidential Center dedication ceremony in Dallas, Texas. (Jewel Samad/Getty Images)
- US President Barack Obama (R) and former President George W. Bush shakes hands during the opening ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Center April 25, 2013 on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU)in Dallas, Texas. (Jewel Samad/Getty Images)
- Former Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi (C-blue suit) attends the George W. Bush Presidential Center dedication ceremony in Dallas, Texas. (Jewel Samad/Getty Images)
- Former First Lady Laura Bush listens while former US President George W. Bush speaks during a dedication ceremony at the George W. Bush Library and Museum on the grounds of Southern Methodist University April 25, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. The Bush library is dedicated to chronicling the presidency of the United State’s 43rd President, George W. Bush. (Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
- (L-R) US First Lady Michelle Obama, US President Barack Obama former First Lady Barbara Bush, former President George H.W. Bush, former President George W. Bush and former US First Lady Laura Bush laugh during the George W. Bush Presidential Center dedication ceremony in Dallas, Texas. (Jewel Samad/Getty Images)
- Jeb Bush (L) greats former British Prime Minister Tony Blair before a dedication ceremony at the George W. Bush Library and Museum on the grounds of Southern Methodist University April 25, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. The Bush library is dedicated to chronicling the presidency of the United State’s 43rd President, George W. Bush. (Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
- Former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino stands with former NBA Houston Rockets player Dikembe Mutombo before a dedication ceremony at the George W. Bush Library and Museum on the grounds of Southern Methodist University April 25, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. The Bush library is dedicated to chronicling the presidency of the United State’s 43rd President, George W. Bush. (Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
- Guests wait for a dedication ceremony at the George W. Bush Library and Museum on the grounds of Southern Methodist University on April 25, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. The Bush library is dedicated to chronicling the presidency of the United State’s 43rd President. (Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
- U.S. President Barack Obama, former first lady Barbara Bush, former President George H.W. Bush, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush attend the opening ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- (L-R) First lady Michelle Obama, former first lady Laura Bush, former first lady Hillary Clinton, former first lady Barbara Bush and former first lady Rosalynn Carter attend the opening ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
- Former President George W. Bush (R) speaks as former first lady Laura Bush applauds during the opening ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- (L-R) First lady Michelle Obama, U.S. President Barack Obama, former first lady Barbara Bush and former President George H.W. Bush attend the opening ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
- (L-R) George W. Bush’s daughter Jenna Bush Hager, her husband Henry Hager, sister Barbara Bush, Miky Fabrega, former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush, and his wife Columba Bush attend the opening ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
- Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell (L) attends the opening ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Center April 25, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. The Bush library, which is located on the campus of Southern Methodist University, with more than 70 million pages of paper records, 43,000 artifacts, 200 million emails and four million digital photographs, will be opened to the public on May 1, 2013. The library is the 13th presidential library in the National Archives and Records Administration system. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
George W. Bush returns to spotlight with library dedication
Steve Holland Reuters
11:25 a.m. EDT, April 25, 2013
DALLAS (Reuters) – Former President George W. Bush returns briefly to the U.S. political stage with the dedication of his presidential library on Thursday, an event that will offer Americans a fresh look at his eight storm-tossed years in the White House.
Bush will be joined by his successor, President Barack Obama and all living predecessors, including his father, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter for the ceremony at the 23-acre complex on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
The former president has seen his image rebound from the 33 percent approval rating he had when he left office in early 2009 after two eventful terms at the White House that began with the September 11, 2001, attacks and wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and ended with the 2008 financial crisis.
A Washington Post-ABC poll this week put his approval rating at 47 percent, basically equal to that of Obama, who has struggled to bring the economy back to strong growth.
Bush, 66, has resolutely avoided getting involved in politics since leaving the White House, preferring to build his library and museum, get involved in charitable projects and relax with golf and mountain biking. He has even taken up painting.
Though he would have preferred that Republican Mitt Romney defeat Obama in last November’s presidential election, he stayed completely out of the campaign and has avoided commenting on Obama’s performance as president out of respect for the office.
Last week’s Boston Marathon bombings was a sharp reminder of the threat of terrorism that Bush confronted throughout his tenure, and one that Obama has shared.
Obama, at a Democratic fundraiser soon after he arrived in Dallas on Wednesday night, said he was looking forward to attending the Bush library dedication and that he would project a bipartisan spirit.
“One thing I will insist upon is whatever our political differences, President Bush loves his country and loves its people and…was concerned about all people in America, not just those who voted Republican. I think that’s true about him and I think that’s true about most of us,” Obama said.
Bush has shown no indication of self-doubt about some of the decisions he made as president in a series of interviews he has conducted in the run-up to his library dedication.
Bush told ABC News that those who wonder if he has sleepless nights about his presidential decisions should not worry.
“No, sleeping pretty well,” Bush said. “It’s nice of ’em that can be concerned about my sleeping habits, but … I’m rested. I know I’m rested.”
The museum exhibits cover major points of Bush’s presidency and offer visitors an opportunity to decide how they would have responded to those challenges.
A central feature of the museum concerns the September 11 attacks on the United States.
(Reporting by Steve Holland; editing by Patrick Graham)