White House starts referring to Bush as "former president"

In the final press schedule of George W. Bush's presidency, a sudden, dramatic change in language.

Published January 19, 2009 10:05PM (EST)

Below, the final press schedule of George W. Bush's presidency, as released by the White House. Read through it, and down near the end you'll notice an important change in the wording:

8:00 am INTOWN TRAVEL POOL gathers in the Brady Press Briefing Room

9:55 am THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush welcome the President-elect and Mrs. Obama
North Portico, The White House
EXPANDED POOL COVERAGE
(Pre-set: 9:00 am; Final call: 9:30 am)

10:05 am THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush participate in a Coffee with the President-elect, Mrs. Obama, the Vice President-elect, Dr. Biden, and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies Leadership
Blue Room, The White House
CLOSED PRESS

10:45 am THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush depart The White House en route United States Capitol
INTOWN TRAVEL POOL accompanies in motorcade (Gather time: 10:25 am)

10:55 am THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush arrive United States Capitol

11:30 am THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush participate in the Swearing-in Ceremony for the 44th President of the United States of America
United States Capitol | Washington, DC
OPEN PRESS

1:25 pm THE FORMER PRESIDENT makes Remarks at Departure Ceremony
Andrews Air Force Base – Hangar 6 | Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland
CLOSED PRESS


By Alex Koppelman

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon.

MORE FROM Alex Koppelman


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

George W. Bush War Room