Laura Bush says George is really, really great with young people

Washington, Dec 22 (ANI): US First Lady Laura Bush has said that President George W. Bush is really, really great with young people.

In a rather 'unplugged' telephonic interview, Laura talked of all the tragedies that struck the nation in Bush's tenure as President, and revealed how the couple used to comfort families of the victims of 9/11 or the war.

She also revealed her husband's private efforts to comfort families who lost loved ones in the wars and to encourage wounded soldiers in their recovery. "One of the things that the president does and that I think is so great. George is really, really great with young people. I mean I've always known that. He's always been really terrific with kids, and with young people," the Washington Times quoted her as saying.

"Of course, he was a really wonderful father to Barbara and Jenna.

"He has great way of sort of laughing and talking, especially with boys. I remember when we met with the astronauts' families and the big family of the Israeli astronaut that had four boys, maybe even five. I can't remember for sure. But how George talked to each one of them and just could talk in a way that a man can talk to young men that is I think both reassuring for them and in a lot of ways is supporting them, that builds them up with what they say and what they are interested in.

"So I see that when we meet also with the families of the fallen, the way he talks with brothers and sisters who have lost their brother or sister.

"It is just so unbelievably emotional to be with the families, for everybody involved. I mean for us and for them and for everyone. I'm very aware of how emotional it is and how draining it is for the president and for me, too.

"Both of us. But I think we do support each other, not by saying anything so much but just by the comfort of each other's presence, both when we are with the families and then afterwards when we are alone," she added. (ANI)