Each of the 4 former U.S. presidents — Joe Biden, 83; Barack Obama, 64; Bill Clinton, 79; and George W. Bush, 79 — sat down with “TODAY” co-host Jenna Bush Hager and shared a message for the American folks forward of the nation’s 250th anniversary in July.
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Bush Hager, the daughter of Bush, shared Monday in a “TODAY” unique that she spoke individually with every at a non-public occasion over the weekend in Philadelphia hosted by the History Channel. The occasion, named “History Talks,” historically options former presidents, and was executed in partnership with Comcast, which owns NBCUniversal.
The “TODAY” co-host additionally requested every of the 4 presidents about what impressed them to run for the best workplace within the nation — and what moments have been most significant to them throughout their time within the Oval Office.
Excerpts of their conversations have been shared on “TODAY” on Monday. The full interviews will seem solely on the present Tuesday.
“So I think my message is, don’t give up on America,” Clinton stated. “We’re the longest-lasting, freely elected government in history. And a lot of people didn’t think we’d make it this long. I think it would be a good thing if we made it longer. So everybody should be thinking about that this year.”
“We are the most unique country in the world in the sense that we really do think democracy is dictated by the rules of the Constitution,” Biden stated. “And we do believe that all men are created equal. Everyone’s entitled to a shot. That everybody has a shot. And I think as we do that, it grows instead of focusing on divisions. Because we’re not nearly as divided as we’re being portrayed.”
Each of the presidents additionally shared what they wish to say to the American folks forward of the nation’s 250th anniversary July 4.
“If we hold true to that idea that we the people have been gifted this chance of self government … if we pay attention to our responsibilities and our duties, and if we extend respect and thoughtfulness to our fellow citizens — even if we disagree with them — if we understand that part of this democratic project is to sort through our differences in peaceful, legal ways, then I’m confident that we’re going to have another 250-year run that’s going to be just as good,” Obama stated.
“My message is: ‘Consider yourself fortunate to be a part of a great nation,’” Bush stated. “Study our history so you have a better sense for what the future will be like. And be a citizen, not a spectator. And by that I mean participate in the process, but also love a neighbor like you’d like to be loved yourself.”
