On former National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft’s night of honor you, might expect his boss, the former president of the United States, to give a serious and dignified speech in his honor. Or perhaps not. On Tuesday night, President George H.W. Bush along with former first lady Barbara Bush had a hoot, via video, roasting Scowcroft at an Atlantic Council dinner held in his honor.
Bush started out seriously, commending Scowcroft for being a top-notch professional and a good friend to many. “Brent’s many close friends in the room tonight will agree with me that what makes him so unique and well qualified, well regarded among his peers, is that he possesses a talent and ability for remaining humble and warm,” Bush said.
But then Barbara whispered something into her husband’s ear. “Brent, Barbara just brought up a good point, are you still awake?” Bush 41 cracked.
Apparently Scowcroft is known for an “award” given in his honor to whomever decides to nod off at a public event. To illustrate this, Bush showed several pictures of Scowcroft sleeping peacefully through meetings over the years.
“I’m asking my co-honorary chair Bob Gates to give a gentle nudge, Bob, is he back?” the former POTUS joked. Even Henry Kissinger got in on the fun, retelling a tale when he took the podium, of when he won the “Scowcroft Award.”
The Bushes also explained why they couldn’t attend in person. “When I do videos likes this I begin by saying, ‘I wish I could be there with you tonight,’ — rarely true, maybe never,” Bush said to laughs. “If it weren’t for what I call ‘old ages issues,’ Barbara and I would be with you at the Atlantic Council,” the 87-year-old said.
While the Bushes made remarks from afar, attendees included former Defense Secretary Gates, who delivered the keynote, General James L. Jones, former National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski, former Sen. Chuck Hagel and former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who attended with his wife Silda Wall Spitzer and sister Emily Spitzer.
