President Bush's three things to miss

President Bush gave an interview to the correspondents of four Texas newspapers on Friday — a farewell gesture for his home state. It was convivial chat. Among the questions was one about what he'll miss about being president. Here's what he had to say, according to the official transcript:

THE PRESIDENT: Being the Commander-in-Chief. It's hard for me to describe to you what it is like to stand in front of the men and women in uniform. I've had a lot of experiences with our men and women in uniform. I have seen them in the battlefield, I have seen them in hospitals, I have met with the families of the fallen, I have seen them in dress uniform, I've seen them in combat fatigues, I have worked closely with them throughout my presidency and I am in awe of the men and women who serve. And I'll miss it.

I like Air Force One. It's a nice way to travel. But I also love the crew -- Colonel Tillman and Reggie. Marine One has been a fantastic luxury -- you walk out your back door, you get on a helicopter and you fly to somewhere.

And I'll miss "Frenchy" L'Heureux, the colonel with whom I ride my mountain bike. So I'll miss a lot of the luxuries and the people that -- it's hard to describe. I was trying to describe this to President-Elect Obama -- you will find the White House is very comfortable and people go out of their way to help you and your family. His little girls are going to love it here in the White House, they'll find it a fantastic place.

Comments

[Rob]

Some clever Obama staffer tried for the Blair House over-reach, in the usual effort to make Bush look bad. What he asked was simply improper, there is really only one President at a time. The meeting of all the Presidents with President elect Obama was Bush at his gracious best.

[MIlle]

I see you've swallowed the talking points like a good little Dim droid. The President doesn't handle accomodations. The arrangements for John Howard were made months before Obama was elected. If Obama wanted the Blair House, he should have gotten the word to the White House a long time ago.

Obama did request an unprecedented meeting with Bush and all the living former presidents. The current president very graciously made that happen and had very kind wishes for Obama.

Jimbo, that's grace. I wouldn't expect you to recognize it.

[jimbo]

Well he could have let the Obamas use Blair House beginning in January when they had to start their kids in their new school, but instead he reserved the whole thing for the former PM of Australia who was going to stay for one night. Gracious indeed.

[jojobo1]

I think everyone should give credit where it is due to president Bush.He has tried to make this transition easy for president elect Obama and Michelle. I think he and Laura have been very gracious.I do not remember him coming out and saying anything detrimental to Obama which says a lot for a republican