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Laura Bush on George W. Bush's decision

Former First Lady Laura Bush told the Associated Press Thursday that her husband's decision to decline an invitation by President Obama to join him at
Laura Bush reading to children today at a Dallas elementary school.
Laura Bush reading to children today at a Dallas elementary school.

Former First Lady Laura Bush told the Associated Press Thursday that her husband's decision to decline an invitation by President Obama to join him at Ground Zero after the death of Osama bin Laden today is due to  the former president's desire to stay out of the public eye.

According to the former First Lady, former President George W. Bush "thinks that's for President Obama to do at this point."

Mrs. Bush was asked about her husband's decision while speaking at a Dallas elementary school where she announced grants from her foundation to school libraries. Education and childhood development were part of her central platform while in the White House.

The AP also reports Mrs. Bush stated the couple was out to dinner when they received word that Obama would like to speak with the former president; he then went home to take the call. Mrs. Bush emphasized the great pride that she and her husband felt for the military and intelligence services after hearing the news of bin Laden's death.