DALLAS — At a conference Monday exploring the power and mystique of first ladies, Laura Bush and her mother-in-law, Barbara, talked about life in the White House.
Former President George W. Bush introduced his wife and mother, telling the crowd, “Obviously, I don’t mind being surrounded by strong women. I was raised by one, I married one, and I believe we’re raising two.”
During the conversation moderated by presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, Barbara Bush touched on the current presidential campaign, calling it the worst she’d seen. “People think compromise is a dirty word,” she said.
Anita McBride, who served as Laura Bush’s chief of staff in the White House, said, “Every first lady writes her own job description.” She said she hoped the conference — a collaboration between the White House Historical Association, American University and the National Archives — helps people “gain a broader understanding of the significance of this role.”
