Former president Bush promotes daughter’s book in Kennebunkport

KENNEBUNKPORT – Former President George H.W. Bush and his daughter Dorothy Koch got a standing ovation while promoting Koch’s book, “My Father, My President: A Personal Account of the Life of George H.W. Bush.”

For the book, Koch used personal correspondence from her father’s years in the White House as well as interviews with more than 100 people, including all living presidents. She also asked everyone on the family’s Christmas card list to send an anecdote.

“Writing this book was the most remarkable thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Koch said Saturday of her book, which came out in October.

The audience was treated to a laugh when Koch read aloud a section from the book about how Bush awarded the “Brent Scowcroft Award for Somnolent Excellence” to various staffers who fell asleep during meetings.

“Now you know why I lost to Clinton,” Bush quipped after she finished the reading. “I was playing those games.”

Spurred by audience questions, Bush revealed the fastest he has ever operated his speedboat was 70 mph. His boat, Fidelity III, has three outboard engines. Bush also said his next skydiving venture is already booked for his 85th birthday.

When asked about his relief work with former President Clinton, Bush said it was his son, the current president, who brought them together after the 2004 tsunami.

“Barbara keeps calling us the odd couple, and I understand that. [But] it’s all about this concept of service to others,” Bush said. “The point is, you can be political foes without being personal enemies.”

The former president took the time to encourage 9-year-old Nickolas Fulchino of Pomfret Center, Conn., to pursue his goal of someday becoming president.

“It’s a long process. Before you run, accomplish something. Get a job. Maybe join the military. I’m a big believer in that. Serve your country,” said Bush, a former naval aviator who survived being shot down in World War II.