Dallas (CNN) - In a rare public appearance since his heart troubles earlier this year, former Vice President Dick Cheney was on hand as his former boss, President Bush, broke ground on his presidential library in Dallas Monday.
The former Vice President looked significantly thinner than he once was, but still showed he doesn't mind throwing around the political jabs, making a reference to President Obama's stimulus projects that this Republican-friendly audience just loved to hear.
"Of course the George W. Bush Presidential Center isn't much to look at just yet, but the workers are ready, construction will move fast after today's groundbreaking. This may be the only shovel ready project in America," said Mr. Cheney.
A spokesman attributed Cheney's weight loss as the result of his long hospital stay in the wake of his heart surgery last summer.
Meanwhile, President Bush told the crowd of about 3,000 supporters that "the decisions of governing are on another president's desk and he deserves to make them without criticism from me."
The event also served as a class reunion for hundreds of people who worked in the Bush White House. Several friends of advisers to the former President said that Mr. Bush is enjoying his life after the presidency. He's more relaxed and comfortable about the years he spent in office.
Mr. Cheney looked much different from his years in the White House. He's lost a lot of weight, looking much thinner and walked around with the help of a cane. Officials say along with Mr. Cheney's well-publicized health troubles that he's also dealing with knee troubles as well.
– CNN's Ed Lavandera contributed this report
From CNN Politics
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LOL! The Bush CENTER, no library word associated with this guy.
And furthermore, Cheney just can't keep his smart mouth shut, regardless of the event.
So sick and tired of both of them.
I don't find much to admire in George W. Bush, but I do admire the respect he shows President Obama when says Obama deserves to make decisions "without criticism from me." Too bad Cheney doesn't agree.
Where does the Connecticut Clown from Crawford even begin to think he has a right to criticize his successor when all that successor is trying to do is clean up the Clown's mess?!?!?!?!
Funny thing, too, "W" your alma mater, or at least the place that let you sit in a classroom for four years to the tune of a C- average, isn't interested in your library being there? Speaks volumes.
Dick Cheney needs to use the shovel, dig a hole, get in the hole and fill it up with the "dirt bag" he is. Scooter Libby served prison time for Cheney, so when will Cheney get his prison time for war crimes.
The respect that Bush shows this current Democrat president is respect he was never shown from 2 previous Democrat presidents while he was in office.
Always the same, republicans have class, respect, dignity, and decency, the Democrat has none of these.
Bush was one of the best presidents we've had and only a blinded liberal will disagree.
Methodists? Aren't they sort of like Baptists who can read? Have a nice day!
Ahhh yes, the same old same old Bush bashing...that bugger, back in the good old days when America had jobs...nice Randolph now transpose that thought to a Muslim or a black and what are you, a liberal?
@sniffit – that's too funny and just about says it all about these two clowns who held us hostage for eight very long years!!
This moron should be in jail. He is a war criminal.
ONLY in Texas would they build a monument to give praise to the worst President and most corrupt Vice President in U.S. History. GOP witch-hunts or impeachment hearing for Obama by Issa? How about full criminal investigation for Bush/Cheney then? Be careful what you wish for Issa.
They let the devil in to the sanctuary.
As for Cheney.. .evil lingers on and dies slowly in this corrupted world.
He'll be screaming after the judgement.
Barbara Bush Should have been fixed.
Barbara Bush shoulda been FIXED
Another sad day in America.War criminals get praise.
Former Pres. Bush and VP Cheney are certainly not among my favorite people. However, rehashing what was done in the past does not improve our future. Yes, President Obama inheirited a terrible mess. our Government needs to stop the infighting and power grabbing. Please take a look at what is happening around the World, Greece, France, England and of course the Middle East. The World is on a slippery slope. We all need to be learning how to survive with very little.
Ah, yes. The poster boy for Planned Parenthood returns. Sure is a shame he wasn't the kid in Barbara's bottle. But then again, maybe he was and somehow escaped.
Sorry, I hit post before I had finished my thought. All of the finger pointing, gnashing of theeth and wailing is futile. We all need to find a middle ground. As usual the rich will be fine but the Middle class and the poor will be devastated
My same old song is, why do we need over 400 elected Congress people? Think of the salaries of the reps, their staff, their offices and expenses and think about where you are. Think of the huge dollar amount that we would save if we could see a huge cut back with the Congressional Reps.
Why is a building needed for this guy? His entire "book collection" would fit into a portable outhouse.
Bush is a criminal and should be in jail for the thousands that he sent off to die in a needless war.
Having said that, he was a weak puppet unable to say no to the evil that he was surrounded by: the GOP and Dick Cheney.
I really do not believe in y heart of hearts that Bush was evil, he was just stupid, blindly loyal, and easily manipulated.
He george, they broke ground at The Hague for a new coutroom too, just for you.
Great...a library filled with Bibles and coloring books. I'll pass! I have nothing to do with war criminals!
First time I've seen a viewing where the deceased was standing at a podium.