Former President George W. Bush was Jay Leno’s guest on NBC’s Tonight Show Tuesday.
When Leno mentioned that President Obama is getting all the late night jokes now, Bush marvelously responded, “Better him than me” (video follows with transcript and absolutely no need for additional commentary):
JAY LENO: It's a privilege to welcome my first guest back to the show. The greatest honor of hosting a show like this is being able to welcome the President of the United States. It's just unbelievable. Please welcome the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush. [Cheers and applause]
LENO: Welcome back. You look terrific.
GEORGE W. BUSH: Thank you.
LENO: I know you've tried to stay out of the spotlight for the last few years or so, so I was actually pleasantly surprised you accepted our invitation.
BUSH: Only because of you. [Cheers and applause]
LENO: Well, thank you. Well, that's very kind. That's very kind.
BUSH: I mean, you're about to head out to pasture. [Laughter] Just wanted to see what you looked like before you got to the gate.
LENO: Well, thank you. That's very kind. Now I know you've avoided talking policy for the last six or seven years. Explain why.
BUSH: I don't think it's good for the country to have a former president criticize his successor. [Cheers and applause]
LENO: Yeah. Now, President Obama is kind of getting all the late night jokes now.
BUSH: Better him than me. [Laughter]
LENO: Well there you are. Are you glad you aren't president now?
BUSH: Yes, I am. Eight years is plenty.
