Speaking on leadership, he emphasized the need for personal values and believed that throughout his time in office, he never compromised his tenants on freedom and its power to "ultimately prevail."
Citing the fact that his father, another former president, fought [image-nocss] in a World War against Japan, the younger Bush told of his friendship with then Japanese president Junichiro Koizumi. After 9/11, the Japanese official proclaimed his country's commitment to Bush in the fight against terrorism.
Bush said the offer underscored his belief was that eventually, "enemies can become allies."
Defending his decision while president to send troops into Iraq, Bush said that if Saddam Hussein was still in power, he would continue to fuel a weapons race that would destabilize the area.
"Instead you have 25 million people [allowed] to show what freedom can do," he said, noting that he hopes that his efforts would eventually yield peace in the region. "It's an ideological struggle."
On the topic of the recession, he said he made very critical decisions while in office, but was guided by advisors who understood the gravity of the situation. "I made the decision to bail out the people who created the house of cards," he said. "But [my advisors] were telling me the choices were depression or no depression."
He stood by his decision saying that the financial institutions who took part in the bailout would repay the money with interest.
When the conversation turned to small businesses, he said treating the customer well was a path to success. While the work is gratifying, "it's still hard work," he said.
Bush also expressed his admiration for past presidents, his father, former Pres. George H. Bush and former Pres. Lincoln in particular. About his father, he said the senior Bush made him who he is today, noting how fathers must love their children unconditionally.
About Lincoln, he said he admired how the 16th president was not afraid of making difficult decisions, such as holding fast to the notion that the United States remain a single nation.
Ultimately, Bush professed his love and passion for what America stands for. "America is great because we can worship however we want. You get to choose. Never should your government tell you who to worship."
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