BUSH: Barbara spends a lot of time here. She's sort of searching around now that she's off of her South African venture.
VARGAS: Do you like having -- I imagine you must like having them near.
BUSH: Yeah, I really do. You know, they're independent, little -- I call them little -- but independent women.
VARGAS: They will always be your little girls, however!
BUSH: ... be my 'little girls.' I almost stumbled! But I love them dearly and I tell them that and because of that they have this I hope a sense of independence and daring and willingness to use their talents and you know their strong opinions. And they don't mind telling me.
VARGAS: That's good!
BUSH: ... which is good.
VARGAS: Actually I think that's a great thing to encourage and inculcate in your children. I think that sense of curiosity and that sense of confidence to stand up for yourself.
BUSH: Well, I'll tell you something that people accuse me of not being very introspective and maybe they're right at times, because I'm a guy who likes to get things done and focus on results and the future. But one of the reasons I'm standing here is I'm convinced is because my dad gave me a great gift which is unconditional love. And when you get unconditional love from somebody you care about and you love, it gives you a confidence to take risks. To dare to fail.
VARGAS: Because, you know, that they will be in your corner no matter what.
BUSH: That's it because it's and it's really an important part of parenthood I think. And I've tried to do that for our girls. I've tried to be as loving a dad to them as my dad was to me. And knowing the effect it has had on me throughout my life and, it's, and this is an interesting place to practice. And to do it right here in the White House.
VARGAS: It's interesting you hold the most powerful position in the world, truly, but what do you think you were put on this Earth to do?
BUSH: That's a really interesting question. I think first is to honor my family. Family is a really important part of civilization and honor my mother and dad and honor my role as a dad. History will prove whether or not my presidency has been an agent for peace. And that's what I want it to be. I want it to be said that George W. Bush defended America and at the same time laid what I've called the foundations for peace.
BUSH: Anyway this is the Rose Garden.
VARGAS: It's beautiful.
BUSH: By the way, this tree was planted by Andrew Jackson.
VARGAS: Really!
BUSH: The magnolia, it's the oldest tree here.
BUSH: The rose garden is obviously barren now.
VARGAS: But in the spring it must be ...
BUSH: It is spectacular. It is fantastic. Unbelievable.
VARGAS: And how long does that last?
BUSH: They're kind of constantly replanting, so it's a lush and vibrant environment starting in the spring throughout the summer.
VARGAS: And do you come this way often between the Oval Office and the residence?
BUSH: I do, I do. Unless I'm walking the dogs out here in their playground, which is the South Lawn.
VARGAS: How are the dogs?
BUSH: The dogs are comfortable.
VARGAS: As they always seem to be.
BUSH: Not only comfortable but quite independent.
VARGAS: Every time we've been here, we have chronicled some mischief that one or the other has been up to.
BUSH: They're handy in Washington. They don't talk back, they don't argue with you. They're good.
VARGAS: They also just treat you like anybody else. I mean, that must be nice, I mean I'm sure your family does that too.
BUSH: You know, it's interesting, you said that one of the things that we love doing is to invite our buddies up from Texas. And I think about the time we had Jones, Procter and Selee [sic]. These are guys we grew up with in Midland, Texas. They are down to earth, you know, they have no agenda, except being with their friends Laura and George.
VARGAS: They call you George?
BUSH: No, they call me Mr. President.
VARGAS: I was going to say...
BUSH: They probably don't want to call me Mr. President, but they do call me Mr. President. And we sit up there in the White House. First of all, it's a great joy to see their joy about being here. It's a fantastic experience for people to be able to come here.
VARGAS: To come and visit.
BUSH: Yeah.
VARGAS: That's great
BUSH: They're not jaded. The other thing is that they remind us of what's important in life. And that we're not here in this office -- really pretty brief period of time. And yet your friendships which became the foundation of your life last forever. And I'm real pleased that our buddies who were friends before government will be friends after government. No matter what their status is in life. And it's really one of the neat things to do, to welcome people here. Have them come up from West Texas and kind of walk around in their accents and go, "Man, this is something else!"
VARGAS: [With twang] This is great!
BUSH: "This is unbelievable Bush! We can't believe we're here nor can we believe you're here."
VARGAS: Do you alter the White House cuisine when they come? Do you serve BBQ more?
BUSH: No, pretty much, we pretty much keep it the way it is, you know.
VARGAS: One of the great perks living here.
BUSH: That and having a gym above your bedroom.
VARGAS: Now that's a perk! Do you work out everyday?
BUSH: I do. Six days a week.
