Posted on 06/25/2004 4:41:21 PM PDT by Libloather
Laura Bush Grows Into Star Role
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2004
(CBS) For the Republican faithful, she is the political equivalent of a rock star. And like the most easily digestible pop song, her appeal is simple, straightforward and to the heart.
"The thing I get the most from her is how much she loves her husband and loves her country. And her strength, it just inspires me," said Bush supporter Susan Boring at a recent appearance by first lady Laura Bush.
"Well, of course I'm passionate about my husband," says Mrs. Bush. "I mean, that's why I'm here, because I married him. And I am passionate about my daughters. Family life and my friends are very, very important to me."
Middle American family values are what define the former Laura Welch. Born in Midland, Texas, she never had an appetite for politics. Education was her cause, as a schoolteacher, and later a librarian.
She admits she was reluctant at first about her husband's bid for the White House. And even as she takes her place in history among America's first ladies, the title still seems an uncomfortable fit.
"I'm not wild about the term first lady. I'd just like to be called Laura Bush," she says.
Like many of her predecessors, Laura Bush has championed issues – literacy, education and women's rights abroad in her case. But though she has the president's ear most nights, her influence on public policy is remarkably subdued.
"We talk about issues, but I'm not his adviser, I'm his wife," Mrs. Bush tells CBS News Chief White House Correspondent John Roberts.
"I find that it's really best not to give your spouse a lot of advice," she continues. "I don't want a lot of advice from him."
She also rarely contradicts her husband, even if it invites criticism – like her support for the president's restrictions on stem cell research. On Iraq, she was described as somewhat at odds with the president before the war. But now?
"Absolutely, that was the right thing to do," she says.
Was she comfortable with the timing? "Sure, I mean it's difficult, it's always difficult."
The two do part company on abortion. Mrs. Bush is on record as saying Roe v. Wade should not be overturned. But she is exquisitely careful not to stir the waters of controversy.
"In almost every single way, George and I share the same values," the first lady says. "And if we differ on some issues, it's very, very minor."
What Mrs. Bush is happy to talk about is her husband on the campaign trail. Giving speeches – despite the president's promise she wouldn't have to – targeting women voters, still a weak point for the Republican Party.
"I think she's President Bush's secret weapon. I think the more we see her out on the campaign trail, the populace and voters are going to get excited," says Bush supporter Gary Coberly.
"Probably the best reason to send me back is so Laura Bush will be the first lady for four more years," the president says at rallies.
That would mean four more years in the limelight for the woman who has embraced public life, but cherishes her privacy; who greets world leaders and motorcades across the globe, but still misses driving carpool.
Something has gone terribly wrong with the Liberal news media. They diss Fartingheit-911 and love Laura today. The world is coming apart in front of our eyes!
I doubt it. I'd like to see the words right out of her mouth than out of some reporter's.
When your great president came to our country Poland with his wife, she was very nice and classic.
Welcome to you.
And thank-you. He is a great President!
In Poland, it's like, 2 in the morning - no?
Oh, and yes.
Laura Bush is very classic and nice!
Thank-you!
And Let Me Say, WE LOVE THE POLISH PEOPLE! You Guys Rock!
She is only pro-abortion in your
words.
Actually, an interviewer asked "do
you think Roe v Wade should be
overturned?".
She said no.
My guess is that she, like so many
do, fears the return of the back-
alley abortion.
She never pushes pro-choice. Does
not fit the profile of pro-aborts.
Personally, carried her twins 'til
it almost cost her life, because
of complications. Which she knew
ahead of time was likely.
God bless her.
read later bump
"I find that it's really best not to give your spouse a lot of advice," she continues. "I don't want a lot of advice from him."
When one is married advise comes from the spouse without words having to be spoken.
Laura is oh, so well spoken, as her husband is!
I don't want Roe v Wade overturned either....I want women's hearts to change back to what they used to be when they KNEW that motherhood was the HIGHEST calling. Women nw see it as a burden instead of a blessig from God.
I think even the liberal media must see the sparkle in her eye and the sweetness of her ways, that's why they like her.
Ping to W-types.
:-)
I saw the end of this piece on CBS Evening News last night when I was channel surfing. It was very good & positive and put Laura in a very favorable light. I was shocked to see it on CBS like I would be on ABC, NBC or CNN.
Wish I knew the name of the artist!
Young Americans are conservatives. Many young, Black Americans are conservatives. All of America (except for liberal Dims) love Laura Bush!
The young people can see what a mess we have now, and they can also see for themselves who created this mess. They know they have to fix it, and it looks like they might have a shot at doing so. That's right, fix the mess their own Liberal boomer parents made.
I doubt that Laura is pro- abortion. The overturning of row v wade is a political bombshell and she side stepped the issue.
She is not a policy maker . Anything she says will be used as a weapon against her husband.
The press has to say nice things about her. Attacking her would be like attacking the Easter Bunny.
I hope we have her as First Lady for another 4 years...
I hate to think of Ta-RAY-sa in that role...ugh!!
Do not permit CBS to "overbuild" Mrs. Bush.
No human can stand up to that kind of expectation and scrutiny.
Better to be honest about it. Every married couple gets in a pinch every now and then; every mother snaps at her kids every now and then; every woman has b____y kind of days; and every human sins.
Now that I got that off my chest...YES! I like her....a lot!!
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