President George W. Bush has made few public appearances since he left office more than four years ago, but he was out Tuesday night to cheer on the Baylor University Lady Bears as they took on Florida State University.
According to reports, Bush and his wife Laura walked into the arena alongside the Baylor coach shortly before tip-off, and visited both the home and away teams in their locker-rooms.
During the game, Bush sat next to none other than Ken Starr, the former independent prosecutor best known for his investigation into the Clinton White House and the Lewinsky scandal.
Bush’s retirement has garnered headlines in recent weeks for his new hobby, painting, as pictures of his artwork have been leaked by hackers. His art teacher recently told a local news station she believes he’ll “go down in the history books as a great artist.”
Bush has been largely absent from the political scene since leaving the White House. His most significant contribution to the 2012 campaign came when he endorsed his party’s presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, from inside an elevator as the doors were closing.
Next month, he’ll make perhaps the most political appearance since leaving the White House as he helps to unveil his official presidential library on the campus of Southern Methodist University.
While George W. has mostly avoided politics in recent years, his brother Jeb has been far more outspoken. On the same day the elder brother watched basketball, Jeb had a much more policy-centered appearance, telling reporters he believes marriage equality issues should be left up to the states.
Morgan Whitaker