Former Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush have accepted President Obama's request to lead a private fundraising effort to help Haiti. (Photo Credit: Getty Images/File)
(CNN) - Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have agreed to help the Obama administration's efforts to help bring swift aid to Haiti, according to two officials familiar with the discussions. The two former presidents will reprise the role that Clinton and ex-President George H.W. Bush played after the tsunami, and are expected to tape public service announcements urging American to make charitable donations. The two leaders are also likely to travel to Haiti at an appropriate time, according to the officials.
Update: Former Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush issued the following statement Thursday evening.
We are deeply saddened by the devastation and suffering caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti. The people of Haiti are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are pleased to accept President Obama's request to lead private sector fundraising efforts. In the days and weeks ahead, we will draw attention to the many ways American citizens and businesses can help meet the urgent needs of the Haitian people.
Americans have a long history of showing compassion and generosity in the wake of tragedy. We thank the American people for rallying to help our neighbors in the Caribbean in their hour of suffering – and throughout the journey of rebuilding their nation.
For information on how you can contribute, please visit www.georgewbushcenter.com/haiti and www.clintonfoundation.org/haitiearthquake.
From CNN Politics
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Will GWB handle it like New Orleans?
Now before you ignorant morons start with the "why didn't GWB respond to Katrina quickly" rants, it is good to see that he is stepping up to the plate to help out the people of Haiti. Although I hated the his politics, I want to say thank you to GWB and to Clinton for their efforts. Okay, now you can go ahead with your silly remarks.
It's unfortunate that it takes a tragedy to see true bipartican cooperation.... but thank god for their efforts!
The time for pitching in is way past due, but then many know this FACT anyway! Wonder how the global corporations are doing in Haiti? Wonder why the people have been forced to live in such abject poverty? Wonder why they have had to cut down their forests for heat, wood, and all the rest?
Now all the global wealth-holders come forward to pronounce the facts to us from their media-granted bully pulpit stage! Pat Robertson with his insane rambling theories of devil worshipping and the blaming of these peoples. Bill and all the wealthy gang tell us to help pay to fix this when they together COULD END IT All – the CORRUPTION induced Poverty – IF they collectively WANTED TO DO SO. I applaud giving and the details are not as simple as just passing out some momentary assistance until the Majority gets back to making, taking all the wealth of these OUR Commons! Peace
Way to go former Presidents!! I feel good about America when I see two presidents as different as these two working for the common good and helping in situations like this. I wish we could get congress to do this.
A picture is worth a thousand words ....
President Obama .... flanked by former Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton.....
it's a picture that screams bi-partisan cooperation.....
Finally George W Bush is doing something good. Probably because he isn't listening to Cheney anymore. Thanks, George.
I"m not saying this to be smart but if you think Bush is going to get his hands dirty, wake up. I am surprised that he agreed to do what he could with Mr. Clinton, to help the Haitians, in their time of need.
Now if only all of you wing-nuts on the right could take a page from your man W's book . . . .
I didn't think that I would live to see hell on Earth. Mother Nature is cruel and unpredictable. Instead of giving this type of problems to the rich once in a blue moon, it seems bent on destroying the people who have experienced more than their fair share of hell. If what this poor nation has suffered is not hell, I don't believe in hell. How can this nation be so unlucky. Imagine asking for the last drop of blood from a corpse. But what is worse, why the world that supposedly cares so much for human and civil rights allows this to happen. They form alliances to fight wars to kill civilians that have nothing to do with the politics of going to war, but always end up paying for the broken dishest , and could care less to declare war on poverty, preferring to give billions to corporations than a decent way to live to millions. Something is definitely wrong with this world.
This is a good move....offer a few cigars, make the rich give up some of their monies to help those less fourtunate.....if any boys can do it...these two can! Go get 'em!
I wonder what stupid republicans are gonna have to say about this , next thing you know they'll throw ole Geogie under the bus.....
Whooooo! Two of the greatest presidents ever! I'm so excited! Both had their ups and their downs, but they are great. Thank you both, you are truly remarkable men!
GW can advise Bill on how NOT to do it!
The only thing GeorgeW. Bush will do is sit on the beach sipping a "cool one"! He's pitching the Republican Party NOTHING ELSE.
Since when is George W. concerned with poverty and destruction.......?
What Prince Obama wasn't avaliable to do it himself?
What a "JOKE" he is.
If i see these two in a full-on embrace man-hug, i will send $100.
obama can't even travel to haiti? he has to rely on two former presidents to do it?
Pkm good for you mr georgeie i knew when you wanted to be a nice guy you could help poor people
Pat Roberts is a piece of dreck.
Unity! Coming together to aid another country in need no matter the party affiliations, political bull etc.....
Bush should be a role model for all the loud anti-Obama republicans. Human garbage like Rush Limpballs should take a leaf from W's book. Instead he embarrasses the nation and himself by turning the tragedy in Haiti into an opportunistic moment. He comment was as disgusting as he is.
That is a great example of two leaders of different parties working together.
It won't work for George W. Bush. He didn't care about the 3,000 people who were killed during Katrina, and he certainly doesn't care about Haitians. Give me a break. The last place GW wants to be in down in Haiti with people he can't stand.
Give it up George, your legacy as the 7th worst president ever has been written in stone.