Former First Lady Supports Obama Speech

WASHINGTON (AP) - Former first lady Laura Bush says she supports
President Barack Obama's decision to speak to the nation's school
children.
In an interview with CNN, Mrs. Bush says Obama deserves the
respect that goes with the office. She says there is a place for
the president to encourage children to stay in school. She says
parents and others also need to send that message.
Conservatives and others have charged Obama with attempting to
indoctrinate children. She says critics are within their rights,
but decries extreme political partisanship. Mrs. Bush says people
on the left and right are polarizing the nation.
Mrs. Bush also praises the president's performance under
difficult circumstances.
She notes that her husband has refused to criticize the
president because he believes the new president "deserves
respect" and doesn't need "second guessing on the part of a
former president."

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)