Former President George W. Bush on Friday revealed his portraits of world leaders — and the tidbit that Russian President Vladimir Putin thought he had a better dog.
Mr. Bush told his daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, a correspondent for the “Today” show, that he had a good relationship with Mr. Putin, but “it became more tense as time went on.”
Mr. Bush, who took up painting after his presidency and showed off a new exhibit Friday, said it was clear that Mr. Putin viewed the United States as an enemy, and that the Russian president viewed the world as a power struggle between the nations.
Mr. Putin, the former president said, also wasn’t impressed by his late dog Barney, a small Scottish terrier known as the “First Dog” at the White House.
During a visit to Russia, Mr. Putin decided to show off his own dog, a large hound.
“Bigger, strong and faster than Barney,” Mr. Putin said, according to Mr. Bush.
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• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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