Passing the Torch?
A chat with Laura Bush and Cindy McCain.
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Laura Bush is wrapping up an eight-year run as America's First Lady. Cindy McCain is hoping to succeed her. NEWSWEEK Editor Jon Meacham sat down with the two at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul to discuss mothers, fathers, life in the spotlight, and the sudden emergence of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin onto the national stage.
NEWSWEEK: Thank you all so much. I want to start with the news. You both have been in politics for a long time, you have been engaged in firestorms that have flared up around you, probably more times than you would like to remember. What advice have you given or would you give to Governor Palin as she deals with this intersection with the personal and the political?
Laura Bush: Well we met with her [Tuesday] morning. But I knew her already, of course, because, we'd met her a number of times. We didn't dare give her any advice, frankly…We know she can take care of everything; she's very, very strong. But the one thing I said to both of them—to Cindy McCain and to Sarah—is to say to the press, 'Our kids are off limits, and that's just absolutely the way it is.' Because they're not running, and it's just really not fair to have the press ask about family members.
Do you feel with your daughters that was by and large…
Bush: By in large, I think that they were left alone, and we appreciate [that], very much.
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You met Governor Palin, before the meeting in Sedona.
Cindy McCain: Oh yeah, we met her some months ago.
There seems to be an instant simpatico, between the senator and the governor. Is that a fair way to put it?
McCain: It is. She's very much like my husband in how she approaches things, her attitude—her maverick attitude, her straight talk, her intelligence. The very first night we met her, which was months ago…you could see a great deal of similarities and also, good things. It was really fun. And more importantly, she will really work well with him, because they had a great understanding…their attitudes are all about reform, and prosperity, and so she could not be a more perfect pick for him. I'm so glad he did it.
It's an historic pick, obviously, and it's an historic year. As our late friend Tim Russert would say, 'What a country.'…Did you expect to see a woman on the ticket?
Bush: I didn't. I was surprised, and I'm absolutely thrilled, I've been looking forward to the chance to vote for a Republican woman and now I'm going to get the chance and I'm very, very happy about Sarah. And I do know Sarah. I've known her through the NGA, the National Governor's Association. George and I were with her in Alaska on August 4th on our way to Asia for the Olympics. And everything Cindy says is just right about her. She has a certain grit that I think Western women have and that I admire very much. And I'm very excited about her being on the ticket.
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