They may be from opposite parties, but Bill Clinton and George W. Bush actually share a lot in common these days. They're baby boomers, about a month apart in age, and among 13 president who have served two consecutive terms.
They’re also devoted grandfathers who love to brag about how smart their progeny are.
The two men met Thursday for a panel discussion as part of the 2017 graduating class of the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program. That’s when Bush posed a challenge to Clinton.
“Can your granddaughter sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in Mandarin? Mine can,” said Bush (or “Jefe,” as his grandkids call him).
“Pop-Pop” Clinton admitted his granddaughter could not.
“But she can in Spanish,” he shot back.
Clinton was elected to the White House by defeating Bush’s father in a 1992 re-election bid. But despite that history, the two are now such good friends that Bush called Clinton “a brother from a different mother.”
Jump to 18:10 to hear the two discuss their grandchildren
Their discussion took place in Dallas at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Without mentioning President Trump, they both agreed that humility is the most important quality for a person to have to become a successful commander in chief.
Bush recalled how Clinton was humble following his victory against his father, a quality that is “very important in dealing with other people.
“I think it's really important to know what you don't know and to listen to people who do know what you don't know,” Bush said.
Clinton, who has deepened his friendship with his predecessor after leaving office, agreed.
"I think the most important thing is to be humble. To listen, to realize everybody's got a story," he said, adding: "Realize it's about the people, not you."