Each of the four former U.S. presidents — Joe Biden, 83; Barack Obama, 64; Bill Clinton, 79; and George W. Bush, 79 — sat down with "TODAY" co-host Jenna Bush Hager and shared a message for the American people ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary in July.
Bush Hager, the daughter of former President Bush, shared Monday in a "TODAY" exclusive that she spoke individually with each at a private event over the weekend in Philadelphia hosted by the History Channel. The event, named “History Talks,” traditionally features former presidents, and was done in partnership with Comcast, which owns NBCUniversal.
The "TODAY" co-host also asked each of the four presidents about what inspired them to run for the highest office in the nation — and what moments were most meaningful to them during their time in the Oval Office.
Excerpts of their conversations were shared on "TODAY" on Monday. The full interviews will appear exclusively on the show Tuesday.
“So I think my message is, don’t give up on America,” Clinton said. “We’re the longest-lasting, freely elected government in history. And a lot of people didn’t think we’d make it this long. I think it would be a good thing if we made it longer. So everybody should be thinking about that this year.”
“We are the most unique country in the world in the sense that we really do think democracy is dictated by the rules of the Constitution,” Biden said. “And we do believe that all men are created equal. Everyone’s entitled to a shot. That everybody has a shot. And I think as we do that, it grows instead of focusing on divisions. Because we’re not nearly as divided as we’re being portrayed.”
Each of the presidents also shared what they would like to say to the American people ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary July 4.
“If we hold true to that idea that we the people have been gifted this chance of self government ... if we pay attention to our responsibilities and our duties, and if we extend respect and thoughtfulness to our fellow citizens — even if we disagree with them — if we understand that part of this democratic project is to sort through our differences in peaceful, legal ways, then I’m confident that we’re going to have another 250-year run that’s going to be just as good,” Obama said.
“My message is: ‘Consider yourself fortunate to be a part of a great nation,’” Bush said. “Study our history so you have a better sense for what the future will be like. And be a citizen, not a spectator. And by that I mean participate in the process, but also love a neighbor like you’d like to be loved yourself.”
