George W. Bush offered Bill Clinton some grandparenting advice during a friendly discussion Monday about their partnership for a new scholars program.
Speaking at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., Mr. Bush told his predecessor to get ready to be “like, the lowest person in the pecking order in your family,” Politico reported.
“Be prepared to fall completely in love again,” he said. “You’re not going to believe it. You’re just not going to believe the joy and the fun. And I’m looking forward to talking to you after that child is born. And we all wish the very best for Chelsea. … It’s going to be an awesome period for you.”
Mr. Clinton’s only daughter, Chelsea, announced in April she was pregnant with husband Marc Mezvinsky.
The two former presidents joined Monday to announce their Presidential Leadership Scholars Program, a partnership between the presidential centers of Bush, Clinton and former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson, Politico reported.
The discussion was often light and friendly, with the former presidents praising one another and cracking jokes, Politico reported. Mr. Clinton revealed that Mr. Bush while in office often called him to get his opinion on important issues facing the U.S.
“It meant a lot to me,” Mr. Clinton said, praising Mr. Bush’s “clarity and decisiveness.”
Mr. Bush praised his predecessor as having “great empathy” and for being a good speaker, Politico reported.
“There’s a lot to admire about Bill Clinton,” he said. “First of all, he’s an awesome communicator. I’ve always admired that. He can really lay out a case and get people all across the political spectrum to listen.”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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