Matson Photo blog

The LBJ Presidential Library hosted a one day conference on “The Enduring Legacies of America’s First Ladies, Thursday afternoon November 15, 2012. One panel featured children of former presidents.  Appearing were twin sisters Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush, Steve Ford and Lynda Johnson Robb. They shared memories both poignant and humorous.

Lynda Johnson Robb jokingly noted that the conference was very bipartisan, as she is the daughter of the only Democratic President represented at the conference.  She went on to discuss the friendship that developed between her parents and the Bushes.  She also mentioned an act of kindness by the Ford family.

Steve Ford recalled that when his family moved into the White House, he invited a school friend to over to spend the night.  He and the friend took his stereo up onto the roof of the White House and played Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.”  We were like dumb and dumber, ” said Ford.  The Bush daughters related that their mother Laura enjoys reggae music. Lynda Johnson Robb shared that her mother was an ardent fan of the television show Gunsmoke, and would get annoyed if  presidential duties interfered with her favorite show.

In this age when we tend to demonize politicians, it was a nice reminder that our leaders are people too.

See the Austin American-Stateman article for more information about the conference.