Former President G. W. Bush
Former President George W. Bush has selected the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia to conduct a comprehensive oral history of his presidency, the Miller Center and the George W. Bush Foundation announced today.
“I am delighted that the Miller Center of Public Affairs will record for history detailed interviews with key members of my administration,” Bush said. “This oral history project will offer future generations a comprehensive look at what it was like to lead the country during some extraordinary challenges.”
Scholars of the George W. Bush Oral History Project will conduct interviews with the key figures of the Bush White House and cabinet, as well as with outside political advisers, members of Congress and foreign leaders. The Miller Center plans to conduct approximately 100 interviews during the expected five-year run of the project.
The Bush Oral History is a continuation of the work the Miller Center began in 1981 with its acclaimed Presidential Oral History Program, which has conducted extensive interview projects on presidents Carter, Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Clinton. Each of these projects has been undertaken with the endorsement of the president being studied.
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Comments
As the home of Mr. Jefferson’s academic village, I was disappointed that The University would associate itself with President Bush. Mr. Jefferson was a true patriotic that believed in human rights and diplomatic actions while this President is the antithesis.
For Mr. Weis: Perhaps - all the more reason for undertaking such a project. You may also consider how some have described the nature of our founder; consider reading American Sphinx.
John,
While I understand how you feel, one of the best ways to prevent what happened during President Bush’s rule from happening again is to document the evidence. Just as an defense attorney may work to acquit a guilty client, the Miller Center must document this dark time in our nation’s history.
What a shame that some feel compelled to comment in such a negative way about the University’s effort to record history and pursue truth, wherever it may lead. I would think that this undertaking, in and of itself, should be free of personal political attacks.
“We are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it.”—Thomas Jefferson
To those who have read the above posts, and specifically to Mr. Ripley, the Bush years may be a dark time in our nation’s history, but just wait until we have to pay off the massive federal debt that is growing day by day, it may be more like lights out.
Mr. Jefferson’s academical village is establishing a truly unique national resource with the Presidential Oral History Program. Those who criticize according to their personal political biases have little interest in what the University is accomplishing. I am proud of the University’s association with all of these formal presidents and hope that the program continues well after I am gone.
As an occasional contributor to the Miller Center, I am pleased to see that some of my money will be used for such a worthwhile endeavor, wherever the truth may lead. I would urge all Hoo’s to read up on the Miller Center and perhaps consider lending some support as well. We can be proud of the positive recognition that the Miller Center and, separately, the Center for Politics vis’ a vis’ Larry Sabato has brought to the University.
The Presidential Oral History Program is a supreb idea and would be much less valuable if only some Presidents were explored and documented in this way. I sincerely hope that all future Presidents will participate.
“Scholars” and “George W. Bush” in the same sentence?
Art Trujillo, M.A. GSAS, 71
Glad to see this project is taking place at UVA. Lets see if history may judge George W Bush in a much better light than what we hear today and maybe this project will help add some depth to our underatanding of this President. I recall Truman left office unpopular and carrying the memories of an upopular war. 5o years later many saw Harry in a very different light. Lets see what happens with W as we have more information and a longer perspective on his actions and decisions.
It is unlikely that history will shine a favorable light on the Bush administration’s inability to prevent the 9/11 attacks, as well as a financial crisis. However, I still agree with those who say we must learn from President Bush’s mistakes. The Miller Center’s oral history will be an excellent way to do so.
I find the illiberal comments of my fellow University alumni concerning President Bush disturbing, but typical of the Left who tolerate all viewpoints….as long as they are in sync with theirs. Bush certainly had his failings (perhaps Clinton and Carter had a few?), but he also will be remembered for rallying America after the Islamic terrorism of 9-11, and liberating Iraq from Saddam Hussein. Historians will see this in a much more benign light in several decades, when Iraq becomes only the 2nd democracy in the Middle East (after Israel), free from the polemics displayed by these alumni who can only document history and truth from those who share their biases and narrow viewpoints.
Dear God in heaven. Why is it so hard for some people to get past pure hatred that they can’t see the value of a program like this? This kind of narrow mindedness will always keep our country divided.
While I agree that it would be wonderful to get to the bottom of the corruption that was the “W” administration, I think that this project may legitimize some of the Orwellian things that were done while Americans were scared to death. The Bush administration and the loyal Bushies evaded any attempt to provide information and/or clarification for eight years. They thumbed their noses at the Constitution and at Congressional oversight—not to mention the Geneva Convention, and now this corrupt gang want to gain credibility. This project is better left for “Faux News”.
Isn’t it naive to think that the Miller Center will have more luck getting the facts published and confirmed, given that some people in the Bush administration will face prosecution if those facts ever see the light of day? I’m afraid what will emerge is a white-washed version that includes just what Bush, Cheney, and Rove want released. The University will be diminished by having been a partner in this farce.
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