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Laura on legacy
Inevitably, the topic of her husband’s legacy came up this morning when Laura Bush was interviewed by CBS’ Maggie Rodriguez:
Rodriguez: As you get ready to wrap up your time here at the White House, you are having to deal with attacks on your husband and his legacy and his presidency. We saw it last night during the Democratic debate.
Bush: Yes.
Rodriguez: There were attacks coming left and right or, I guess, left and left. But we do even see Senator McCain campaigning on change and the need for change. How are those attacks received here in this house, in this family?
Bush: Well, I’ll have to say they’re received with a grain of salt. And we’ve been in many, many debates, as you know. I’ve been on the front row for lots of debates, from the time when George ran for governor the first time. And I know what these debates are like. I know they’re sound bites. I know that people try to get in a quick jab of something to say that makes news - in a good way for them, of course. And I also know that it’s a lot easier to tear something down than it is to really say what you’re for. And I think that’s what we see.
Bush: And that’s partly what the candidates are doing to try to get a quick sound bite. But it’s also, I think, the way it’s covered and the questions that are asked, that aren’t long and thoughtful questions, but, rather, you know, rather quick - looking for a quick, interesting answer.
Rodriguez: Do you worry that all of this talk will tarnish your husband’s legacy?
Bush: No, I really don’t. I really don’t. I think that over the long term, as historians look at his presidency, there are so many, many accomplishments. And I think that that’s what will, when the partisan rancor is gone that that’s what will show up.
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