W Plans Windy City Visit

By Marcus Gilmer in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 9, 2009 5:00PM

Former President George W. Bush will be entering rare personal territory when he visits later this month for a fundraiser. It'll be one of the few speaking engagements for the ex-prez since he left office in January. (In America, anyway; the former president recently made a few speeches and diplomatic appearances in Asia.) So why is W coming to the city of his successor? He'll be speaking at a private function of the Turnaround Management Association, filling in for former GE CEO Jack Welch who had to back out due to illness. The November 19 appearance is closed to the public and media, but reservations jumped by 50 percent when the announcement was made.

Meanwhile, another public appearance for Pres. Bush, a "discussion" with former President Bill Clinton, was announced but then almost immediately canceled due to a hyperactive press release that billed the event as a "debate."