Laura Bush on Life After the White House

Former First Lady Shares Stories of Life with George W. Bush in Dallas Since He Left Office

(CBS)  Nearly a year after leaving the White House, former president George W. Bush and his wife Laura are still adjusting to life after Washington.

"Early Show" co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez recently sat down with the former first lady to talk about their new life and new home in Dallas.

So now that the couple is back home in Texas, does it feel like a million miles away from Washington?

Bush told Rodriguez, "It really does. ... There truly is -- not that I ever felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders, or that George did when I lived there -- but when it was gone, I could notice it.

Rodriguez asked, "Because you feel lighter?"

Laura agreed, saying, "And there's a great feeling of freedom."

Photos: Farewell to Bush

Laura may be a former first lady, but she's still as busy as ever. She's writing her memoir, giving speeches, and acting as chairwoman of the Dallas Performing Arts Center.

But what was the first morning like when she returned to Texas?

Laura said, "Well, I remembered the first night that we arrived at the ranch and we could tell things were different, when George was out in the garage putting away the -- everything that came off the cars -- you know, we no longer had the people that were helping do that."

She added the next morning the former first couple made their own coffee and did things for themselves they hadn't done.

"But it's really, you know, it's terrific," she said.

In addition to her work with the new, state-of-the-art performance center, Laura continues to be involved in a variety of causes.

Rodriguez said, "I know that you're still very passionate about education and women's health. Do you find that it's more difficult now to promote those, as a former first lady?"

Laura said, "Well, certainly the formers don't have quite the podium that the first lady does, but I still have a podium. I was the honorary chairman of the (Susan G.) Komen Race for the Cure that was here in Dallas."

As for the new first lady, Michelle Obama, Laura said she's using her podium for causes "very well."

"I noticed she was hula hooping. I saw that on television," Laura said. "And I think she's got some really good messages that she can get out -- to young people, and to women everywhere. And I know she will learn, if she doesn't already know -- what a really big podium she has."

And when the former first couple isn't working or planning the George W. Bush Presidential Library, Laura told Rodriguez they're trying to enjoy life as ordinary citizens.

Laura said she and her husband are both "a lot more relaxed."

Rodriguez asked, "Do you and President Bush watch the news together?"

"We watch some news, we do a little bit," she said. "We talk about the news now. We both have BlackBerrys. Maybe people would be surprised about that."

The former President is also keeping up on the economy and war, according to Laura.

"But does he ever say, 'I'm so glad that's not my problem anymore?'" Rodriguez asked.

"I never heard him say that," Laura said.

As for the leaving the pressure of the White House, she said it's been a "great relief" for George after serving for eight years.

Rodriguez pointed out that the Obama Administration says things about the Bush Administration were negative.

Why doesn't Mr. Bush say anything in response?

"Well, he just thinks that that isn't -- isn't his role," Laura said, "that he doesn't want to second guess the president.

However, Laura said she doesn't like when her husband is blamed for everything.

"I think that really, the President of the United States -- needs to remember the duty that he has and the obligation he has to -- the responsibility he has to the office," she said.

Laura elaborated, saying, "(The responsibility) is, of course, to treat it with respect and with dignity."

So, Rodriguez asked, does she think that when you say negative things about a former president that it's not dignified?

Laura said, "Well, I don't -- I think that's probably not a really -- you know, great thing to do especially -- this is coming from the wife of the former (president) -- so, surely you understand, Maggie."

As for former Vice President Dick Cheney's opposition to new policies in Washington, Laura said, he has the right to speak up.

"This is a free country," she said. "And -- I think it's important for people to express what they think."

As for the future, Rodriguez asked Laura what she expects her life to be like in 10 years.

Laura said she hopes the couple will have the Bush Library and Institute built and be involved in issues and programs there.

"I think it'll be really fun," she said. "I'm looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to a partnership with women in Afghanistan and women across the Middle East."

Rodriguez said, "It sounds like you have no plans of slowing down."

Laura said, "I don't think I'll slow down too much, but maybe I will."

[boston_teabugger]

Here is a far better design that accurately highlights our 43rd president's many great 'achievements' while providing fun fun fun for the whole family:

THE GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIUM
http://www.goodnightbush.com/librarium/

[FauxNews]

I hope she earns enough money from her books so she can get away from the husband whose most intelligent sounds are his bodily functions.

[watervliet]

CLASS ACT!!!

[run2jazz2]

Her and ole Dubba feel more relaxed huh? Must be nice knowing that your husband is responsible for 4,326 in Iraq (Today from the Washington Post) soldiers losing their lives for a war of convenience? I guess it would not be too much to ask Dubba and yourself to send a letter of sympathy to those parents, Mothers, Fathers, Grandmothers and children of the fallen who did not return? Thanks for the 8 years of incompetence!

[bvrioni]

Her husband is only responsible for making the country safer.

[petesis]

I am glad they are doing well and out of the pressure cooker. Whether you like W or not, Laura Bush is a class act. You people criticizing her are idiots.

[rickwar]

Stepford Wife

[mswolfestock]

Yeah, really! How in the BLEEP can a Stepford Wife do anything for "women's issues" when she's been walking two paces behind her moron of a husband. All she's missing is the burqua.

[mscapecod]

Laura Bush is a most beautiful, well spoken and dignified Lady !! IMHO

[patty101558]

my mother said it takes a moron to know one so i guess you all fit in the same class of just that morons

[whosaid1]

wow....!! I can tell...that you AND your mother are real "classy" folks...LOL..

[GRgrandma]

I think - whether you like GW's politics or not - Laura Bush is a consummate lady and choses her words very carefully. Even when they were in the White House I can't remember one time when she uttered a negative comment about other politicians. She knew it wasn't her place and she still abides by that. It is NOT the First Lady's position to spout off - contrary to what Hillary Clinton was/is.

[pluckerup]

She seems about as bright as that moron of a husband she has. What a pair.

[gehines]

I can't understand how Mrs Bush can think it's OK for the former vice president to attack President Obama, freedom of speech. well, President Obama is telling the truth about her husband. Bush is a great lier. Is this why he's not saying thing? Lier cause all of these American soldiers to die for no reason in Iraq...

[dblbar1]

Because she's an idiot, married to a worthless moron.

[Oregon_State_OSU]

Laura is an IDIOT.

Laura Bush can't even say the word "Sentence" correctly >> she says Sennence.

Laura there is a "T" in the word not two "Ns"

Laura was the most Worthless First Lady in the last 25 years !