News

George W. Bush honors father at benefit for hurricane victims

Former President George W. Bush honored his father, former President George H.W. Bush in his remarks at the One America benefit concert for hurricane victims on Saturday.

In brief remarks delivered to the crowd at Texas A&M University, Bush welcomed former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton to the university and honored his father while standing alongside the four former leaders onstage.

“First of all, I’m thrilled to be able to introduce 39, 42, and 44 to one of the finest universities in the United States,” Bush said, referring to the former presidents.

“I too am here to give to this fine fund, and I want to thank all the volunteers, but I’m here for another reason,” Bush continued. “I speak for the folks right here when I say, ‘we really admire and love George H.W. Bush.”

Bush then joined the three other leaders in an embrace of his father as the crowd cheered.

Bush’s brief remarks at the concert were his first since a major speech this week that many took as a direct rebuke of President Trump, as well as white supremacy and bigotry.{mosads}

“Bigotry or white supremacy in any form is blasphemy against the American creed,” Bush said in his remarks on Thursday.

President Trump did not attend the event in Texas, but sent a video message thanking the former presidents to be played at the concert.

“This wonderful effort reminds us that we truly are one nation under God, all unified by our values and our devotion to one another,” Trump said in the video.

“I also want to thank every person, including everyone here tonight, who has contributed to this vital effort,” Trump added.

The joint effort has raised $31 million for disaster relief, according to an announcement made before the concert.