W to Michelle: "You're going to have the time of your lives, I promise you!"

[tblue37]

At the end, just before the Bushes entered the helicopter to leave, Michelle hugged W and said, "Thank you so much." He responded, "You're going to have the time of your lives, I promise you!"

To him, being president was never about the job, never about responsibilities and duties. It was always about being the star, the guest of honor at a big fancy dress-up party, where his every whim was catered to and everyone had to look at him all the time. That's why he can say every day was "joyous" and why he thinks being president means having the time of one's life.

(I am severely hearing impaired, so I am a skilled lipreader. That's why I know what they said to each other as they hugged goodbye.)

[Tuesday_Morning]

1. Thanks for using your skills there!

[tblue37]

3. No problem. We deafies are always willing to help hearies out

with their handicaps (LOL).

[Aloha Spirit]

9. haha thanks

[WinkyDink]

2. And why Bush said that 2001---2001!---was "a fabulous year for Laura and me."

[tblue37]

6. Yep. He told stories about the two of them yukking it up

after 9/11 and having a fun time.

[glitch]

28. Which is why I have never felt sorry for her, despite who she married. nt

[Waiting For Everyman]

4. Oh, man!

Thanks tblue37, I wondered what he said to her.

[spotbird]

5. Did you see what Bush and Obama

were talking about as they walked down the steps?

Thanks for that information, I wondered what they were talking about.

[tblue37]

8. Actually, I was grading papers and missed the inauguration

altogether. I forgot to keep track of the time. I will have to watch online or on CSPAN tonight.

I just turned the TV on a few moments before they came down the steps, and I headed to the kitcher for a glass of water. I came back in as they were all saying goodbye at the helicopter.

BTW, did y'all notice that Daddy Bush (41) either stumbled or hit his head as he entered the helicopter behind his wife? That seems to be a theme with the Bushes as they enter and leave aircraft. I can't help but wonder whether alcohol has anything to do with it.

[spotbird]

14. Yes, he was very feeble all day

He could barely walk into the inauguration he had to hold onto Babs to steady himself.

did you see McCain and Bill Clinton chatting, I'd pay cash to learn what they wee saying.

[kwolf68]

7. Very good point

"Time of Their Lives" would probably be a vacation. President Obama considers this a daunting task I am sure.

Everything is reciprocal I believe. Therefore, I believe Obama will be as good as Bush was bad.

[tblue37]

10. I noticed that Obama looks tired today, stressed even, as though the responsibilities of the

office are already aging him, though the nonstop events of the past few days would be enough to prevent him from getting sufficient rest.

[CLANG]

11. You've pegged him to a "T"

Thanks for "listening'. :pals:

[Flying Dream Blues]

12. That's amazing, tblue...what a thing for him to say! But very much in character.

If you pick up any more jewels when you watch later, be sure and share! Thanks so much!
:hi:

[tblue37]

15. I will try. One problem with watching on TV is that they don't always give us

a lingering face shot. They tend to move the camera quickly across faces or cut to another shot before I can quite focus on what I am seeing. I am 58, so my eyes don't focus as quickly as a young person's eyes do. It can be very frustrating.

Fortunately, the NBC camera held the shot of the two couples by the helicopter, so I had a clear view of W's and Michelle's lips.

[Flying Dream Blues]

21. There was also a lingering shot of Clinton and McCain where both faces were visible

and I was wishing I had your gift! McCain was quite animated and Clinton seemed to be shrugging him off or disagreeing. It could have been just McCain buttering him up, but it did make me curious! I think this was in the coverage where they're gathered just before the luncheon. Also, my eyes are over 50, too, so I know the feeling. :)

[tblue37]

23. If they show that shot tonight on CSPAN I will try to catch it. nt

[tblue37]

13. The young man who wrote the article in _Vanity Fair_,

about having dinners at the WH and watching movies with W, was appalled and astonished that Bush was so neglectful of his duties, especially after 911, letting Andy Card or other udnerlings handle business while he watched movies, taking the occasional phone call from Card, but never excusing himself to attend to that important business.

He also said that Bush ate very fast, and as soon as he was done, everyone's plate was whisked out from under their noses, even if they were barely into their meal.

I keep thinking about the Mel Brooks film, History of the World Part I. As French King Louis XVI, he frequently said, "It's good to be the king."

I am sure that is what was so "joyous" to Bush. Our presidency has become rather a monarchical office, and under W, the "royal" aspects of the position have been emphasized. The man wore the presidential seal on his socks, on the breast pocket of his track suits, on his baseball caps. I bet he had it stamped onto his boxers, too. He really lovd being the king. His face has seemed rather drawn to me lately, and I suspect he feels real loss over having to give up the one role that satisfed his deep emotional needs--and that also allowed him to instantly gratify his infantile whims.

[badgerpup]

22. Indeed....

I wonder if he's still going to insist on being addressed as 'Mr. President'.

I remember reading about a presser where one of the reporters called him "Sir"...
and Bush, with his customary tact and graciousness :sarcasm: informed him that the correct address was "Mr. President"; not merely "Sir".

Poor thing's gonna miss having the Presidential seal on everything too...
Now how's everybody going to know how important he is?

:evilgrin::nopity:

[tblue37]

24. Bush's actual words at that presser were,

"Who are you talking to?"

In other words, it was as snidely expressed as possible!

[tblue37]

16. Thanks for the recs! Can I get a 5th, so that

everyone can know what Bush said? It was very clear to me (and to other lipreaders, I am sure), but I imagine many people will be rather shocked that even W would openly express such a sentiment about the difficult and overwhelming job that a president is supposed to do.

[immoderate]

18. Thanks for this. Your analysis is so right on.

The notion of public service is so anathema to the Bush family. Bushies make Gordon Gecko seem like a philanthropist.

--IMM

[tblue37]

17. Thanks! nt

[TeamJordan23]

19. Once a frat boy, always a frat boy. nm

[ronnykmarshall]

20. That's cool thanks for posting.

I noticed Bush seemed really relaxed and happy as they left. He kept joking with President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama (I love writing that). Laura looked nice I think.

[renate]

25. I said the same thing to my husband

I thought his nose looked less pinchy and his face looked less hard.

[spotbird]

26. kick nt

[wordpix]

27. lest we forget, he also said what he'll miss about being pRez is Air Force One

Not being in a position to help people, protect the environment, get a sane energy policy going, promote peace...