George W. Bush downplayed father’s advice

DALLAS — Former President George W. Bush acknowledged on Sunday that he may have downplayed how much he sought advice from his father during his presidency, a sign of the influence George Herbert Walker Bush still has over his son.

It was a reminder the father’s legacy could have a powerful impact if another son, Jeb Bush, wins the White House.

George W. Bush made the acknowledgement in a public forum Sunday, talking about his father’s biography with the book’s author, Jon Meacham.

During their talk, Meacham recalled a conversation he’d had with George W. Bush for the book: “I think you downplayed at times how much you talked to your dad.” The younger Bush nodded.

The forum at the George W. Bush Presidential Center came two days before Meacham’s “Destiny and Power” becomes publicly available.