Clinton, Bush Launch New Scholars Program

WASHINGTON — Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush are launching a new scholars program — but their opening act could have been a comedy routine.

The two former presidents traded laughs and friendly banter Monday as they announced a partnership to help people learn about presidential leadership.

With Hillary Rodham Clinton in the audience, Bush joked that he tells people who ask about another Bush-Clinton White House campaign: “The first one didn’t turn out too good.” Bush was referring to his father’s defeat in 1992 by Bill Clinton.

Bill Clinton said he and Bush laughed backstage about people coming up to them at restaurants and asking to take “selfie” photos.

Quipped Bush: “At least they’re still asking.”