Politics | George W. Bush Bush as Motivational Speaker? It's Not That Funny Ex-president's new gig elicits generates mockery, some populist cred By John Johnson Posted Oct 22, 2009 1:52 PM CDT Copied George W. Bush will try to motivate the masses. (Get Motivated) George W. Bush's upcoming gig as a motivational speaker in Fort Worth has wags weighing in: Jason Zengerle, New Republic: A bit "undignified," for sure, but remember that Bill Clinton and others make buckets of cash from speaking gigs. "At least Bush's buckraking is sort of populist. If you want to see him speak, you don't need to work at Goldman. In fact, you—and your entire office, for that matter—can go see him for just $19." Chrisopher Beam, Slate: "A friendly audience, a nonthreatening agenda, and a cast of luminaries to back him up: It sounds a lot like a presidential town hall, circa 2004. Maybe this is the perfect venue for Bush after all." Jonathan Turley: Bush "also has a fantastic diet and fitness plan involving stress positions and gruel. Nine out of ten detainees report rapid weight loss and loss of appetite." David Kurtz, Talking Points Memo: "How down on your luck would you have to be to pay money to go hear George W. Bush explain to you and a few thousand other people how to get back in the work force?" Read These Next The Air Force has changed its tune on Ashli Babbitt. Details trickle out on 2 more victims of the Minneapolis shooting. Open that wallet big time for a trip to Disney, if you can afford it. A 'tense' clash with RFK Jr. led to CDC chief's trouble. Report an error