George W. Bush Offers Bill Clinton Some Grandpa Advice

Grandfatherly advice trumps partisan politics, even among former commanders in chief.

>> 23 Fabulous and Famous Grandmas


President George W. Bush gave a heads-up to President Bill Clinton about how things will change in his family after Clinton welcomes his first grandchild. Clinton’s daughter, Chelsea, and her husband, Marc Mezvinsky, are expecting a baby sometime this fall.

The two former heads of state from rival parties appeared together Monday at the Newseum in Washington to announce the Presidential Leadership Scholars program, a partnership among the Clinton, Bush, George H.W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson presidential centers.

During the announcement, Clinton got an unexpected call on his cellphone. He noted that only two people — and both are related to him (presumably wife Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea) — had that number.

>> Get discounts on health services with your AARP Member Advantages.

Chip Somodevilla

“I hope I’m not being told I’m about to become a premature grandfather,” Clinton said.

“I look forward to talking to you after that child is born,” Bush said. “It’s going to be an awesome period for you.” He added with a smile, “Get ready, also, to be, like, the lowest person in the pecking order in your family.”

He should know. Bush and his wife, Laura, became grandparents when their daughter Jenna and her husband, Henry Hager, welcomed their first child, Margaret Laura “Mila” Hager, in April 2013.

Photo credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Also of Interest

• The New American Family
• 6 Places to Never Use a Debit Card
• Get Involved: Learn How You Can Give Back
• Join AARP: Savings, resources and news for your well-being

 

See the  AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more