On domestic policy, Bush was asked if he made progress in some areas for which he hasn't and probably won't get credit. Topping his list was his unsuccessful drive in 2005 to reform Social Security. Bush said his effort showed it's politically safe to campaign on changing Social Security and then actually seek to change it.
He also said it was important to have raised private investment accounts as an attractive option in reforming Social Security. Bush believes the cost of living increases should be means tested so well-to-do recipients would get smaller hikes than those with less wealth and income.
Bush also cited the faith-based initiative as a step forward. When Congress balked, he issued an executive order that implemented part of the initiative. The program has a $5 billion budget today, the president noted.
After two terms, the president has developed strong views on how administrations ought to work. One thing that matters enormously, he says, is for the president and the secretary of state to keep in close touch, as President Truman did with Secretary of State Dean Acheson and as he has with Condoleezza Rice, his secretary of state in his second term.
But Bush believes disagreement among top advisers can be helpful to a president. In his first term, Bush says, he benefited from differences between Secretary of State Colin Powell and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. They disagreed on Iraq, among other issues.
A final impression: Bush is mentally ready to leave Washington, a town he never really liked. He says he
has a lot of packing to do. But my guess is he won't look back with regret at what he might have done if he had more time in office. He's proud of what he achieved. And proud he should be.Fred Barnes is executive editor of THE WEEKLY STANDARD.
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