One on One with David Frost: George Bush: A President's Story

Poor George. "Ya throw up on one guy in Japan--as I did on the Prime Minister down there--and everybody writes Bush has had it; he's too old; he's over the hill.'" Not so; the former President retains his health (and his penchant for wonderful quotes) on this world-hopping junket with Sir David Frost, wife Barbara and Brent Scrowcroft. In Beijing, the quartet reminisce about Bush's days as Ambassador, and discuss the Tiananmen Square massacre, followed by stops in Moscow, Kennebunkport and the Bush Library in Texas. Viewers will learn interesting biographical tidbits, such as the fact that this millionaire's son spent the taxpayer dollar to attend Yale on the G.I. Bill, but won't hear why Bush entered politics; in fact, Bush remains politician enough to avoid answering Frost's questions when he wants to, and Frost is so chummy he doesn't bother to follow up when given the dodge. (Frost used to be a journalist; but now he's just Barbara Walters with a British accent.) So while this isn't really journalism, it is as cozy as two old maids chatting over tea. Having had a pretty lucky life, all things considered, Bush was surprised when he lost his bid for re-election in 1992; and while he has nothing but kind words for Reagan and restrains his on-camera comments about Clinton, it's possible that Poppy may yet have his revenge: history may judge Bush a better President than Reagan. It is also possible that George Bush, Jr. will replace Bill Clinton in the White House, making the nation's first father-son President duo since John and John Quincy Adams. How's that for the history books? Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Reagan)