George W. Bush: Motivational Speaker

Former president tells crowd he relied on 'the Almighty'

(NEWSER) - George W. Bush commanded a 15,000-strong crowd at a motivational megashow in Dallas last night, flanked by signs reading "Achieve!" and "Motivate!" but not by the pyrotechnics that greeted other speakers—Secret Service said no. Bush told stories of both "great and not so great" days in office, saying setbacks only made him stronger. "All of us are going to be dealt a hand we don't want to play," Bush said. "The question is how to play the hand." More»

Ex-president's new gig elicits generates mockery, some populist cred

(NEWSER) - George W. Bush's upcoming gig as a motivational speaker in Fort Worth has wags weighing in:

• Jason Zengerle, New Republic: A bit "undignified," for sure, but remember that Bill Clinton and others make buckets of cash from speaking gigs. "At least Bush's buckraking is sort of populist. If you want to see him speak, you don't need to work at Goldman. In fact, you—and your entire office, for that matter—can go see him for just $19."

George W. Bush headlines Texas 'mega show' with $19 tickets

(NEWSER) - It sure ain't the G8: George W. Bush, nine months retired, is headlining a motivational speaking "mega show" in Fort Worth next week, which promises "more inspirational firepower than a stick of dynamite!" As the event's screaming website reveals, the former president is appearing alongside Colin Powell and Rudy Giuliani, as well as the "legendary" quarterback Terry Bradshaw and an alleged "top sales expert." Cost to see the former commander in chief: $19, helpfully glossed as "not per person, but per office." More»

Race is on for top Obama impersonator

(NEWSER) - Think impersonating the president is a joke? For the professional actors trying to scratch their way to the top—to become First Impersonator—it's serious business, Slate reports. "I see this as a chance to grow as a dramatic actor," says one faux Obama. "Besides, it can be very lucrative." The No. 1 Bill Clinton impersonator made more than $1 million in a year, and single appearances can pay five digits. More»

(NEWSER) - It’s not quite a landslide, but critics mainly agree that Will Ferrell gets his mission accomplished in lampooning the 43rd president with his Broadway show, You’re Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush. Though Saturday Night Live viewers will see the “retread” in Ferrell’s “loopy extrapolation” on Bush, Ben Brantley writes in the New York Times, “the show feels freshest when he goes off on surreal tangents that transport his blundering hero into the ether of pure absurdism.” More»