Getting to Know the 43rd President Informally: The Man Behind the Politics
As the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush was in the public eye for eight years. His presidency was marked by a number of notable events, such as the September 11th terrorist attacks, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the financial crisis of 2008. While his policies and decisions as president have been widely discussed and debated, less is known about the man himself. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some aspects of Bush’s personal life and background to get a better understanding of the person behind the politics.
Early Life and Family
George W. Bush was born in New Haven, Connecticut on July 6, 1946, the eldest son of George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush. His family moved frequently during his childhood due to his father’s career in the oil industry, and he attended several different schools before graduating from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. Bush went on to attend Yale University, where he earned a degree in history in 1968.
After college, Bush joined the Texas Air National Guard, where he served from 1968 to 1974. During this time, he also attended Harvard Business School and worked in the oil industry. In 1977, he married Laura Welch, whom he had met at a mutual friend’s backyard barbecue.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
In addition to his political career, Bush has a number of personal interests and hobbies that he enjoys pursuing in his free time. One of his favorite pastimes is reading, and he is said to have a particular interest in biographies of historical figures. He also enjoys painting, having taken up the hobby after leaving office. Bush’s paintings have been exhibited in several galleries and have been the subject of much commentary and analysis.
Another hobby that Bush is known for is cycling. He is rumored to have a collection of over a dozen bikes and has been spotted riding around his Texas ranch and other locations. Bush is also an avid sports fan and has been known to attend baseball games and other sporting events.
Post-Presidential Activities
Since leaving office in 2009, Bush has been involved in a number of activities and initiatives. He has continued to be involved in the George W. Bush Presidential Center, which houses his presidential library and museum. Through the center, he has worked on a number of initiatives related to education, economic growth, and global health.
Bush has also remained active in promoting causes related to veterans and military families. He has worked with organizations such as the Military Service Initiative, which aims to help veterans transition back into civilian life after serving in the military.
Conclusion
While George W. Bush is perhaps best known for his time as president, there is much more to the man than his political career. Through his personal interests and post-presidential activities, we can gain a deeper understanding of his values and priorities. Whether he is reading a biography, painting a picture, or working on an initiative to help veterans, Bush’s personal life speaks to his commitment to service and to making a positive impact in the world.
