I suspect, however, that many Americans are warming to Bush because they genuinely miss his down to earth leadership style, in marked contrast to the largely aloof and imperial-style presidency in Washington today. I had the opportunity to hear George W. Bush speak on several occasions at the White House and other venues in Washington when he was president. His speeches and statements were usually focused on core principles, and lacking in the kind of arrogance and bitterness that infuses a lot of the current president’s remarks today.
Bush never urged his supporters to seek “revenge” against political adversaries, and did not use his White House pulpit as a permanent campaign podium, or as a platform to constantly bash his political opponents. In an age of cynical, and at times brutal, political divide, George W. Bush was a remarkably humble figure, who projected a warmth and optimism that is largely absent in the Washington of 2013. At the end of the day, President Bush will be remembered as an honorable man who dedicated much of his later life to serving his country, with no airs and graces, and a keen dedication to the principles of freedom. As Bush himself noted in his address today:
