Who wouldn't take a company-paid trip to Florida in November? So I'm going but, no beach involved.This Sunday in Miami I'll be interviewing former President George W. Bush and his brother, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. To tell you the truth, even after decades of doing interviews, including many with George W. Bush, I'm a little nervous.The former president has broken his two-year silence with a series of interviews to promote his new book, "Decision Points." The book reveals what entered into his deliberations during key moments of his life and his presidency.
There are surprises. He writes that he considered dropping Vice President Dick Cheney as his 2004 running mate (at Cheney's suggestion). He talks about his disappointment that 2008 Republican presidential candidate John McCain didn't ask him for more help in the campaign. He also talks about his struggle with alcohol and his relationship with his parents.
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George W. Bush
Jeb Bush
Miami
Here's what worries me: finding new ground to cover, things the former president has not talked about in other interviews this week. Once a politician gets into a grove and hears certain key words in your question, (e.g.: WMD, TARP, Katrina), he reverts to familiar territory. So, it's pretty much all in the homework (what has he already said?) and in "gaming out" potential answers (what would he say if I asked this? What if I asked it this way?)The last time I spoke with President Bush was December 2008, just weeks after Barack Obama's sweeping election victory. It was a tough time for Republicans, as Democrats picked up a number of seats to build on their majorities in the House and Senate.
George W. Bush
Jeb Bush
Miami
Here's what worries me: finding new ground to cover, things the former president has not talked about in other interviews this week. Once a politician gets into a grove and hears certain key words in your question, (e.g.: WMD, TARP, Katrina), he reverts to familiar territory. So, it's pretty much all in the homework (what has he already said?) and in "gaming out" potential answers (what would he say if I asked this? What if I asked it this way?)The last time I spoke with President Bush was December 2008, just weeks after Barack Obama's sweeping election victory. It was a tough time for Republicans, as Democrats picked up a number of seats to build on their majorities in the House and Senate.
