President George W. Bush Denounces Divisive, Racist Politics

NEW YORK, NY — President George W. Bush denounced racism, white supremacy, divisiveness and bullying while lauding American democracy in a speech Thursday at the Bush Institute’s Spirit of Liberty event. Many observers noted that his remarks appeared to be a thinly veiled rebuke to President Trump, who the former president has been reluctant to publicly criticize.

"Bigotry, in any form, is blasphemy against the American creed and it means the very identity of our nation depends on the passing of civic ideals to the next generation," Bush, the nation's 43rd president, said. "We need a renewed emphasis on civic learning in schools."

He continued: "And our young people need positive role models. Bullying and prejudice in our public life sets a national tone, provides permission for cruelty and bigotry, and compromises the moral education of children." (For more information on this and other political stories, subscribe to the White House Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Bush said that he sees a persistent threat to American ideals and the country's values worldwide. He blamed the media, congressional gridlock and political polarization for draining the confidence of the American people.

Denouncing Russian efforts to influence American politics — which Trump has called a "hoax" — Bush said, "Foreign aggressions, including cyberattacks, disinformation and financial influence should never be downplayed or tolerated. This is a clear case where the strength of our democracy begins at home.”

Bush added that, historically, American identity has not been defined by race or geography — "soil or blood" — but instead by a collection of ideals that are central to the country's spirit.

"This means that people of every race, religion, ethnicity, can be fully and equally American," he said. This point, in particular, could be read as a direct rebuke of Alabama GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore, who once questioned the legitimacy of Rep. Keith Ellison's oath of office because of his Islamic faith.

Watch: Bush Says Bigotry, White-Supremacy Is Un-American

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