George W. Bush

NAME George Walker Bush

WHAT FAMOUS FOR George W. Bush served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009.

He led the country’s response to the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001 and initiated the Iraq War in 2003.

BIRTH George Walker Bush was born on July 6, 1946, at Grace-New Haven Hospital (now Yale–New Haven Hospital) in New Haven, Connecticut.

FAMILY BACKGROUND George W. Bush is the eldest son of George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, and Barbara Pierce Bush. He comes from a prominent political family with deep roots in public service. Both George W. Bush and his father share the middle name "Walker."

CHILDHOOD Bush spent much of his childhood in Midland and Houston, Texas. He was head cheerleader in high school and enjoyed an active social life. His upbringing in a politically engaged family significantly influenced his later career.

EDUCATION Bush graduated from Yale University with a degree in history in 1968. He then earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1975, making him the only U.S. president to hold an MBA.

CAREER RECORD George Walker Bush, a man of many hats and even more adventures, took to the skies in his twenties, piloting warplanes for the Texas Air National Guard. After a stint at Harvard Business School, where he graduated in 1975, he dabbled in the oil industry, a fitting endeavor for a Texan. Not one to be confined to a single career, Bush co-owned the Texas Rangers baseball team before stepping into the political arena as the governor of Texas in 1994.  He served as the Governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000 before being elected President of the United States in 2000 and re-elected in 2004.

APPEARANCE Bush is known for his Texan charm and often sports a casual style with cowboy boots and hats. He stands about 6 feet tall with a robust build and a distinctive grin.

Official photograph portrait of former U.S. President George W. Bush.

FASHION Bush’s fashion sense is a blend of formal suits for official duties and casual Texan attire for personal engagements.

CHARACTER Bush is often described as charismatic, decisive, and determined. His leadership style was marked by a direct approach and a focus on loyalty and personal relationships.

SENSE OF HUMOUR He is known for his folksy, self-deprecating humor, often using it to connect with people during speeches and public appearances.

RELATIONSHIPS Bush was engaged to Cathryn Lee Wolfman in 1967, but the engagement did not last. 

George W Bush first met Laura Welch in July 1977 at a barbecue hosted by mutual friends, Joe and Jan O'Neill. George was immediately attracted to Laura, saying he felt "heart palpitations" when he saw her blue eyes. Laura, for her part, thought George was "cute" and appreciated that he liked to talk while she liked to listen. 

After dating for a few months, George proposed to Laura at her rental house in Austin, where she was working as a teacher. Laura accepted immediately, saying she "didn't have to think twice about it."

Their wedding took place the day after Laura's 31st birthday on November 5, 1977, at the First United Methodist Church in Midland, Texas. This was the same church where Laura had been baptized

They have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, born on November 25, 1981.

Laura and George W. Bush with their daughters Jenna and Barbara Bush

MONEY AND FAME Coming from a wealthy and influential family, Bush has had significant financial resources. His presidency and subsequent public speaking and writing engagements have kept him in the public eye.

FOOD AND DRINK Bush enjoys Texan cuisine, particularly BBQ and Mexican food. While staying at his Crawford, Texas ranch, he likes to drop in at the Coffee Station where he always orders a cheeseburger with onion rings. At the White House, he kept to a low-calorie diet. His favorite dishes included pea soup, chicken, and chili. He gave up alcohol on his 40th birthday.

MUSIC AND ARTS Bush has a deep appreciation for country music and classic rock. He is also an amateur painter, a hobby he took up after his presidency.

LITERATURE Bush authored several books, including:

A Charge to Keep (1999) details his life and political philosophy. The title comes from Charles Wesley's 1762 hymn, "A Charge to Keep I Have". Wesley's title is a paraphrase of Leviticus 8:35: "keep the charge of the LORD, so that you may not die."

Decision Points (2010): Bush's memoir details the critical decisions he made during his presidency, including responses to 9/11, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Hurricane Katrina.

41: A Portrait of My Father (2014): This biography of his father, George H. W. Bush, provides personal insights into his father's life and legacy.

Out of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants (2021): A collection of paintings and stories celebrating the contributions of immigrants to American society, showcasing Bush's talent as an artist.

NATURE Bush is an advocate for environmental conservation and enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking.

PETS The Bush family had several pets, including Barney, a black Scottish terrier, and a cat, Willy. Spot, a brown-and-white Springer Spaniel born to Millie in the White House during his father’s presidency, was the first pet to live in the White House twice. 

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Bush is an avid runner and enjoys golfing and baseball. He completed the 1993 Houston Marathon in 3 hours, 44 minutes, and 52 seconds. He also collects autographed baseballs and owns over 250.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Bush's administration supported various scientific research initiatives, including space exploration.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Bush was brought up an Episcopalian and, in 1985, after a meeting with Billy Graham, experienced what he described as "a gradual warming of the heart." He joined his wife’s United Methodist Church denomination, gave up alcohol, and began reading the Scriptures and praying. He attributes his faith in God as critical in his decision to give up drinking.

POLITICS  Bush’s presidency was marked by significant events, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and major domestic policies like No Child Left Behind and Medicare prescription drug benefits. His succession to the presidency was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court after a month-long battle over the 2000 election results.

George W. Bush served as the governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000, and his time in office was nothing short of eventful. He was a man on a mission, championing tort reform, bolstering education funding, raising school standards, and overhauling the criminal justice system. Not to be outdone in the energy sector, he also played a pivotal role in making Texas a leader in wind-powered electricity production.

The 2000 presidential election was a nail-biting affair, with Bush narrowly edging out Democratic Vice President Al Gore in a hotly contested Electoral College victory that hinged on a Supreme Court decision to halt a Florida recount. Once he settled into the Oval Office, Bush wasted no time in rolling out a significant tax cut program and the No Child Left Behind Act, aiming to revamp education. His socially conservative agenda included the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act and various faith-based initiatives, alongside the launch of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in 2003.

The tragic events of September 11, 2001, cast a long shadow over Bush's presidency. These attacks led to the war on terror and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. Bush authorized the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan to dismantle the Taliban, obliterate al-Qaeda, and capture Osama bin Laden. The Patriot Act, which he signed into law, expanded surveillance of suspected terrorists.

In 2003, Bush ordered the invasion of Iraq, based on the flawed premise of weapons of mass destruction and supposed ties to al-Qaeda. On the domestic front, he signed the Medicare Modernization Act, introducing Medicare Part D. Bush secured a second term in 2004, winning a close election against Democratic challenger John Kerry and clinching a majority of the popular vote.

During his second term, Bush busied himself with a flurry of free trade agreements and appointed John Roberts and Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court. His ambitious attempts to overhaul Social Security and immigration laws were thwarted by Congress. The handling of Hurricane Katrina and the midterm dismissal of U.S. attorneys earned him widespread criticism. As his popularity waned, the Democrats seized control of Congress in the 2006 elections. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq dragged on, and in January 2007, Bush initiated a troop surge in Iraq. By December, the U.S. found itself in the throes of the Great Recession, leading the Bush administration to secure congressional approval for various economic rescue programs, including the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

His time in office saw him swing from being one of the most popular presidents, post-9/11, to one of the least popular during the financial crisis of 2007-2008. 

After his presidency, Bush retreated to Texas, maintaining a relatively low profile. 

SCANDAL Bush faced controversies during his presidency, particularly regarding the Iraq War and the handling of Hurricane Katrina. He was also the first president to receive and win a Razzie Award for Worst Actor in the film Fahrenheit 9/11.

MILITARY RECORD Bush served as a pilot in the Texas Air National Guard from 1968 to 1974. His military service has been the subject of scrutiny and debate.

Lt. George W. Bush while in the Texas Air National Guard

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Bush is known for his commitment to fitness, regularly running and biking. He has maintained good health throughout his life, apart from minor health issues typical of aging.

HOMES Bush resides in Dallas, Texas, and has a ranch in Crawford, Texas, where he spends much of his time post-presidency.

TRAVEL As President, Bush traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally. He continues to travel for speaking engagements and personal interests.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA George W. Bush has been a prominent figure in the media, both during and after his presidency. His media appearances span various formats, including documentaries, interviews, books, television, and films.

Bush has appeared on numerous television programs and news shows. Some notable appearances include interviews on 60 Minutes, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. His candid discussions about his presidency, personal life, and post-presidential activities have provided insights into his time in office and his life after the White House.

Several documentaries have focused on Bush's presidency, policies, and the events that defined his time in office. Notable documentaries include:

Journeys with George (2002): This documentary by Alexandra Pelosi follows Bush on his 2000 presidential campaign trail, offering a behind-the-scenes look at his journey to the presidency.

Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004): Directed by Michael Moore, this controversial documentary critiques Bush’s response to the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Bush's Brain (2004): This film explores the influence of Karl Rove, Bush's political advisor, on his political career and presidency.

The World According to Bush (2004): A French documentary that examines Bush’s foreign policy and its global impact.

Bush's presidency and personal life have been depicted in various films:

W. (2008): Directed by Oliver Stone, this biographical film stars Josh Brolin as George W. Bush and provides a dramatized account of his life, focusing on his early years, presidency, and relationship with his father.

Recount (2008): This HBO film, starring Kevin Spacey and Laura Dern, dramatizes the events surrounding the 2000 presidential election recount in Florida.

ACHIEVEMENTS Bush’s achievements include his response to the 9/11 attacks, the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security, significant education reform, and efforts to combat HIV/AIDS globally. His post-presidency has been marked by his work with veterans and continued influence in political and charitable activities.