Former President George W. Bush joked about the presidency, his painting pastime and his interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Tuesday.
The 43rd President has tried to stay out of the limelight since leaving office, but he agreed to appear on Jay Leno’s show — a fact that surprised the soon-to-be-retiring host. Leno thanked Bush for agreeing to appear.
“Only ’cause of you,” Bush responded to Leno. “I mean, you’re about t0 head out to pasture. Just wanted to see what you look like before you got to the gate.”
Of course, the host asked Bush about his paintings, some of which have made headlines. Leno questioned if Bush listed “painter” right under “President” on his resume.
“Depends whether you like the painting or not,” Bush responded.
Leno showed the audience a painting Bush had created of his dog, Barney, and then asked if there was a favorite story of the dog. Bush then told about introducing the dog to Putin. The U.S. President said the Russian President didn’t seem too impressed with Barney.
“A year later, Putin introduced me to his dog,” Bush said. “A huge hound, bounding across the lawn. And he says, ‘Bigger, stronger and faster than Barney.'”
“You should have nuked him,” Leno responded.
Bush had Leno cracking up with well-timed quips throughout the show, but also made time for some serious topics, such as his legacy and the office of the President. The 43rd President said he wasn’t too worried about how history would view him, since there are still biographies being written about the First President, George Washington. He joked that it would take historians a while to get to the 43rd President.
Leno also asked Bush why he had remained relatively out of the public eye and hadn’t been openly talking politics.
“I don’t think it’s good for the country to have a former President criticize his successor,” Bush responded.
Leno pointed out that President Barack Obama is now currently feeling the heat from the late-night TV show hosts.
“Better him than me,” Bush said with a laugh.
Leno asked about the cause of Bush’s heart issues — discovered during a routine physical exam — which led to the 43rd President getting surgery. The former President blamed it on some smoking during his young years.
“Any advice for the Mayor of Toronto?” Leno asked.
“Have an annual physical,” Bush responded.
Watch the funny interview below:
