Former Presidents Honor One of Their Own at Kennedy Center

The Points of Light Institute hosted an event honoring former president George H.W. Bush and his years of service at the Kennedy Center's Opera House Monday night. The tribute featured speeches from all four living former presidents: Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. The last time all the former presidents met was at the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama.

Also in attendance was Andrew Card, George W. Bush’s chief of staff, Maine Senator Susan Collins, and the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, Ichiro Fujisaki. The program was intertwined with musical performances, short-winded speeches, and inspiring stories of service. Several musical artists performed including Kid Rock, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, and Cee Lo Green.

The night was not only a reflection on President Bush’s life and the lives of those who were recognized for their voluntary service, but the night had its share of laughs. President Clinton said Barbara Bush calls him her “black sheep son.” Neil Bush, Chairman and CEO of Nexus Energy, called Clinton “a brother from another mother.”

On a more serious note, Bush explained how his dedication to service completely changed his relationship with his father, George H.W. Bush. Brooks mentioned the temptations of becoming separated by the online virtual world and praised H.W. Bush’s hands-on approach toward service. “This is what he’s advocating: lets get face to face,” Brooks said.

The tribute will air on NBC next Monday, March 28, at 8 p.m.

Carter Discusses His Term as President

Former President and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Jimmy Carter spoke about his new book, White House Diaries, Monday evening at the Lincoln Theatre on U Street. The event, sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution, was originally scheduled to occur on September 29^th at Lisner Auditorium, but Carter fell ill and postponed the trip.

Carter discussed his opinions on domestic and global events including the construction of the Panama Canal, the Iranian hostage crisis, and the Camp David negotiations. Carter stated he does not regret any decisions he made as president. Carter also explained his opinions on Obama’s presidency, the ongoing talks to ratify the START treaty, and the ongoing energy crisis.

Speaking about the current polarization of political parties, Carter said he feels the divide has led to policy gridlock among other policy-halting schemes. Carter expressed that he was fortunate to have a Republican leadership in Congress during his presidency that was willing to work toward bipartisanship. Obama, Carter claims, does not have this luxury.

Following the event, Carter signed copies of his new book. On Tuesday morning, Carter continued his D.C. trip with a book signing event at the bookstore Politics and Prose.

Day One at the DNC: Audio Version

[caption id="attachment_398" align="alignleft" width="286" caption="Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife made an appearance on Monday night."][/caption]

The first day of the Democratic Convention gave all those gathered in Denver a little taste of what the week has in store.  From a surprise speech by Senator Ted Kennedy to a short video chat with future nominee Barack Obama, Monday night's events kept the delegates on the edge of their seats.  Check out some of the highlights below!

DNC Night One 

- Mallory Thompson