President Obama and all four living former presidents, including George W. Bush's father, plan on attending the ceremony just outside Dallas. And according to the poll, released Wednesday on the eve of the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, views of his presidency among all Americans are starting to improve. A new ABC News/Washington Post poll out this week found that 47 percent of people approve of the job Bush did as president, with negative sentiment softening considerably over the past few years. While 50 percent still disapprove, Bush hasn't seen approval ratings this strong since December 2005 -- less than a year into his second term.
– George W. Bush's library and museum get dedicated in Dallas tomorrow, and the former president has been making the interview rounds in advance. In one, he tells Diane Sawyer of ABC News that he is "very comfortable" with his decision to invade Iraq, even though no WMDs turned up. "I think the removal of Saddam Hussein was the right decision for not only our own security but for giving people a chance to live in a free society. But history will ultimately decide that, and I won't be around to see it." Other subjects: Jeb Bush in 2016? "He'd be a marvelous candidate if he chooses to do so. He doesn't need my counsel 'cause he knows what it is, which is, 'run.'" Dick Cheney: Asked by CSPAN to describe his relations with his former VP, Bush used the subdued term of "cordial," notes the Washington Post. “You know, it’s been cordial,” Bush said. “But he lives in Washington and we live in Dallas. And one of the saddest things about departing Washington is that you miss your pals. A lot of people were there for all eight years, and I became good friends with them, like Vice President Cheney. And you know, I just don’t see him much. And I don’t see many of the people I worked with much. And it’s kind of sad.” Rising poll numbers: A CNN poll finds that 42% of Americans consider Bush's presidency a success, up 11 points from when he left office. Meanwhile, 55% rank his presidency a failure, down 13 points. Tea Party resentment: Many in the movement are rankled by what they see as a revival of Bush's legacy, writes Dave Weigel at Slate. Click for that post.