George W. Bush's 15 Most Memorable Pop Culture Moments
The former president's memoir comes out tomorrow—but can it compare to his earlier appearances in pop culture?
George W. Bush's memoir, Decision Points, comes out tomorrow. The first full account of the Bush administration from his own point of view, the book has already provided some unexpected insights: that the worst moment of his presidency was when Kanye West called him racist, and that he considered ditching Dick Cheney as his vice president for the 2004 election.
But can Decision Points compare to Bush's other appearances in pop culture? He's been impersonated on Saturday Night Live, re-imagined as a comic book hero on The Daily Show, fictionalized as a Wisconsin beef tycoon in American Wife, and more. Before reading Bush's take on his presidency, a look back at his 15 most memorable pop culture moments:
Will Ferrell on Saturday Night Live
Ferrell has played many roles, but he may be best known for his definitive impression of the former president on the late-night sketch show.
Funny or Die's Presidential Reunion
Ferrell revived his famous impression for an all-star viral video featuring former SNL cast members—plus Jim Carrey—playing former presidents giving advice to Barack Obama.
Frank Caliendo on Mad TV
SNL's rival sketch show also had a rival Bush impressionist. Caliendo and his bit became so popular that the Dish Network used him—in character as Bush—as its spokesperson.
Bush Impersonator Appears at White House Correspondents Dinner
The real President Bush proved a good sport when he appeared as the opening act for host Stephen Colbert, making fun of himself alongside presidential impersonator Steve Bridges at the annual reception.
Andy Dick Plays Bush's Speech Writer
In the intro to this viral video, Arianna Huffington says: "There's a genius behind the stupidity." Andy Dick plays that person, Harlan McCraney, a fake speechwriter who takes credit for all of Bush's famous public speaking gaffes.
That's My Bush! (Comedy Central Sitcom)
From the creators of South Park, this short-lived comedy series turned the daily operation of the Oval Office into a workplace sitcom starring a fictional George and Laura Bush.
Meet the Spartans (Kicked in the Nuts During Credits)
Not many people saw the genre-spoofing film, but those who stuck around to the end saw a brief cameo of a Bush impersonator getting beat up by an angry Spartan.
Bush as a Little Kid (Lil' Bush)
The Comedy Central animated series aired for two seasons, re-imagining Bush and his Cabinet as children—students at Beltway Elementary School.
"Black Bush" (Chappelle's Show)
In this skit on comedian Dave Chapelle's sketch comedy show, situations that the former President really encountered are recreated with Chappelle in Bush's shoes.
Bush as "The Decider," a Comic Book Hero (The Daily Show)
The conceit in this bit on Jon Stewart's show recreates Bush as superhero, who "decides without fear of repercussion, consequence, or correctness."
Bush as a Folk Singer (JibJab Spoof)
The website famous for e-cards ventured into viral territory with their flash video of then-presidential candidates Bush and John Kerry as animated caricatures singing the Woodie Guthrie classic, "This Land Is Your Land."
W. by Oliver Stone
In the vein of Nixon and The Queen, the 2008 film was not as much a anti-Bush political feature as it was a biographical portrait attempting to piece together the seminal events in Bush's life and administration.
American Wife: A Novel by Curtis Sittenfeld
The story of a mid-Western woman who eventually becomes First Lady of the United States is a not-so-thinly veiled account of Laura Bush's life, from growing up in Wisconsin, to meeting an Ivy-League boozer, to finding her ideals at odds as she stands beside her husband in the Oval Office.
You're Welcome America (Ferrell's Broadway Show/HBO Special)
Ferrell's one-man show, fully titled You're Welcome America: A Final Night With George Bush began as a one-man send-up of the former president staged soon after he left the White House. It was so successful that HBO filmed it for a television special.
Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore
The documentary takes a critical look at how the goverment—particular Bush—responded to the September 11th tragedy. Released just before the 2004 elections, the film made nearly $120 million, making it the highest-grossing documentary of all time.