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Bushies Work to Salvage Boss' Rep

Rove, Fleischer, Perino look to set the record straight, combat spin

By Gabriel Winant, Newser User

Posted Mar 11, 2009 1:25 PM CDT

(Newser) – Two months out of office, President Bush rarely warrants mention these days, but his old aides quietly work at rebuilding his reputation, reports Politico. “We’re invited to comment on the events of the day and along the way, we remind people that there was, indeed, good news under President Bush,” says former flack Ari Fleischer. “We believe that history will get it right in the end,” adds Dana Perino.

One former Bush lawyer complains that President Obama has won praise for repudiating Bush, when in fact he’s continued his policies—“The spin is bogus,” he says. But the defense isn’t a conspiracy to salvage his reputation, say the Bushies. “A lot of us still hear from you guys, looking for reaction,” says a former spokesman. “There’s no coordinated effort to push back on these things, but if there’s a charge, we’ll set the record straight.”

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (2)]

President Bush, left, walks with Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten, center, and personal aide Jarred Weinstein, right, from his motorcade to the Oval Office of the White House, June 20, 2007. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino responds to a reporters question, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, during her daily briefing. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

A tear runs down President Bush's cheek as he takes part in a Medal of Honor Ceremony for Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham of Scio, N.Y., Jan. 11, 2007, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)

White House Deputy Press Secretary Dana Perino, left, Jared Weinstein, Assistant to the President, center, and Director Of Communication Kevin Sullivan look into the Oval Office, March 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

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And then on this recent trip, our new secretary of state wants to press the reset button and improve the relationship with Russia. And I think: Why isn’t there any critical thinking going on? - Dana Perino

A loose confederation of people united in our belief in what President Bush did, and we’re freer now to talk about some things than we used to be — good and bad. - Ari Fleischer

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Bushies Work to Salvage Boss' Rep