Picture: Christian Post
Former President George W. Bush joined President Obama Tuesday to solemnly commemorate the 15th anniversary of Osama Bin Laden's first attack on the United States while the two American leaders were in Africa this week on separate trips. But politics could be farther from President Bush's mind now as he spends his retired life focused on humanitarian works and avoiding partisan debate and caring too much about public approval ratings.
In 2003, President Bush implemented a five-year, $15 billion program to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa, known as the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR. The Stanford School of Medicine found the AIDS death toll had fallen by 10 percent between 2003 and 2007 in PEPFAR countries. In 2008, Congress reauthorized the program.
"I'm very proud of the American people for their generosity," Bush said. "Billions have been poured into a far-away land. I wish Americans knew how many lives are saved as a result of their generosity, and someday they will."
Last month, the former President received the first positive approval rating since 2005. A Gallup Poll found that 49 percent said they view him favorably, 46 percent unfavorably.
As CNN's Robyn Curnow asked Bush about the polls, he cut her off, mid-sentence.
"In the polls you are now sort of –"
"Couldn't care less," he interrupted. "The only time I really cared was on Election Day." Later, he thanked her for mentioning the positive polling, but added that he does not care about his current reputation.
Full Story: President Bush Meets Up With Obama in Africa; Cares More About Humanitarian Work Than Poll Numbers
Source:Christian Post