Author Jon Meacham in Conversation with David Rubenstein on "George H.W. Bush"

John Meacham, Pulitz Prize winning biographer (Andrew Jackson '09) has written a new biography "George H.W. Bush - Destiny & Power."  Monday night, financier & philanthropist David Rubenstein engaged Meacham in a rapid fire, fascinating and intelligent discussion on the life & legacy of our 43rd President; the last living Pres of the greatest generation.  Meacham is a prolific biographer, author & political commentator.  His biography of Pres Bush is the first bio he's written on a living individual.  Meacham replied promptly when queried whether this made the process easier or more difficult, "much more difficult."  However, Meacham was able to interview his subject and was made privy to the many audio tapes that Pres Bush recorded immediately following meetings of utmost importance regarding our nation's foreign & domestic policies & his own reflections on the determining factors leading to his decisions.  Pres Bush, Sr. is our last living president that served in WWII.  He enlisted as a US Navy Pilot prior to his 19th birthday, making him the youngest aviator in WWII.  Meacham discussed the harrowing escape from his nval plane during the war that claimed the lives of 2 of his crewmen.  The tragic & painful loss of their young daughter was discussed. In the hour long discussion, which flew by, Mr Rubenstein did a masterful job of illiciting absorbing information about the Pres, events of the time and defining moments from a razor sharp and intriguing Mr Meacham.  Neither man resorted to notes or fell short of riveting in their conversation.  I was captivated by the lively discussion.  I felt a sense for a man with wisdom and integrity & whose life is endlessly fascinating.  I was thrilled to be present & anticipate reading Bush's biography with avid interest.  It's set for release Nov 10th.  Copies were not made available. That was the only disappointment to a stirring event.