PUNDIT ROUNDUP
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Bush as Motivational Speaker? It's Not That Funny
Ex-president's new gig elicits generates mockery, some populist cred
By John Johnson
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Posted Oct 22, 09 1:52 PM CDT
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(Newser)
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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."
- Chrisopher Beam, Slate: "A friendly audience, a nonthreatening agenda, and a cast of luminaries to back him up: It sounds a lot like a presidential town hall, circa 2004. Maybe this is the perfect venue for Bush after all."
- Jonathan Turley: Bush "also has a fantastic diet and fitness plan involving stress positions and gruel. Nine out of ten detainees report rapid weight loss and loss of appetite."
- David Kurtz, Talking Points Memo: "How down on your luck would you have to be to pay money to go hear George W. Bush explain to you and a few thousand other people how to get back in the work force?"