First lady: ‘World is safer’ without Saddam

“Today” national correspondent Jamie Gangel went to the White House Tuesday for an exclusive interview with first lady Laura Bush. Here's her report:

Laura Bush talked about the advice she's given her daughters, speculation her husband should replace Dick Cheney as his running mate and what she thinks of the Democratic ticket. But the interview started with the subject of Iraq. In light of the Senate's highly-critical report on prewar intelligence, does her husband have any regrets?

Laura Bush: “You know, I just don't think you can regret that Saddam Hussein's no longer in power. We know he had weapons of mass destruction. We know he used them against his own people. The world is safer. It's safer with a democracy being built there in the heart of the Middle East. Is it tough? Absolutely. Have we sacrificed in our country? Absolutely. But we can do hard things.”

It is vintage Laura Bush. Composed, direct and on message.

'John Kerry saw exactly the same intelligence that the president saw. He also voted for the resolution to use force against Saddam Hussein, as did John Edwards.' — Laura Bush

Even though she likes to joke her husband once promised she would never have to make a political speech, there is no question the first lady has become the campaign's secret weapon — on the trail, charming crowds, ever present in campaign commercials and ready to play political hardball.

Gangel: “John Kerry is saying, quote, "No young Americans will go to war needlessly if I'm president," implying perhaps that your husband sent …”

Bush: “Well, John Kerry saw exactly the same intelligence that the president saw. He also voted for the resolution to use force against Saddam Hussein, as did John Edwards. You know, are they sorry that Saddam Hussein's no longer in power? You know, I just wonder if they're sort of stuck because they can't give any credit to anything good that's happened because it would be credit for President Bush.”

She is her husband's staunchest defender, but also brushes aside some recent controversies: On Ron Reagan — the son — addressing the Democratic Convention, supporting  embryonic stem cell research, breaking with President Bush:

Gangel: “Is this embarrassing for the Republican Party at all?”

Bush: “No, I don't think so.”

Gangel: “Do you think he's being used by the Democratic Party?”

Bush: “Well, I'm not going to say that.”

And on attacks from Hollywood celebrities at a John Kerry fundraiser:

Bush: “I think they're just part of what happens in a campaign.”

Cheney stays on the ticket
But she's eager to talk about Dick Cheney.

Gangel: “Your husband was very direct when asked what he thought of John Kerry's vice-presidential pick. John Edwards versus Dick Cheney.”

President Bush had said: “Dick Cheney can be president.”

Gangel: “What do you think of John Edwards? Do you think that he matches up to Dick Cheney?”

Bush: “Of course not. Absolutely not.”

Gangel: “There has been a lot of speculation your husband would have a better chance of winning if he replaced Dick Cheney with someone else. Maybe Colin Powell? Is there any basis for that speculation?”

Bush: “No.”

Gangel: “It's not going to happen no matter what?”

Bush: “No.”

Voting problems, how voting systems work, contacting state election officials

Daughters hit campaign trail
On a personal note, the Bushes are clearly happy to have some new help. Daughters Jenna and Barbara are now out on the campaign trail.

Bush: “I'm sure she's [Jenna] giving him a lot of advice.”

Gangel: “Did you give them any advice about this stuff?”

Bush: “Yes, like stand up straight. Keep your hair out of your eyes. You know, that sort of advice.”

Gangel: “For so long they didn't want anything to do with politics and you were very good about giving them their private space. What changed?”

Bush: “Well, they grew up, you know? They're 22 now. They'll be 23 in November. They graduated from college. Jenna actually said to her dad that she didn't want to look back on this last campaign of his and be regretful that she wasn't a part of it.”

Gangel: “How do they feel about going public. Are they nervous about it?”

'Jenna actually said to her dad that she didn't want to look back on this last campaign of his and be regretful that she wasn't a part of it.' — Laura Bush

Bush: “They are nervous. They've written introductions of their father that they intend to give at some point when they're traveling with them. But, so far, they felt too unsure of themselves to actually give their introductions. So they're just traveling with him now.”

Gangel: “They have made their debut in Vogue magazine with a stunning photo shoot. Do you have a favorite photo?

Bush: “I like the picture of the girls walking in the restaurant in the more casual clothes. I think it's terrific.”

But going public also means the first daughters are giving away some family secrets.

Gangel: “They say that you love to clean. And they say that their father is very funny with teasing boyfriends. Here's the quote: ‘He's not the shotgun-dad type. He's the joking around to the point where he scares the heck out of them type.’”

Bush: “He is very, very funny. And he's a lot of fun to be with. And I think even the boyfriends have liked to — you know — like to be around him. And I am clean. I'll admit it. I love to clean. So I was always working on Barbara and Jenna to clean their rooms—with very little success, I might add.”

REGISTER TO VOTE Forms available for most states Click here for voter registration forms that you can fill out and mail in for the next election.

Finally, Laura Bush says she knows the next four months will be brutal. But that said, the "secret weapon" is ready.

Gangel: “Do you feel the campaign's already tougher than usual?”

Bush: “No. Not really. I mean, I think they're always tough, every time. We just forget between elections how tough they are. And I think our children are finding this race very tough as they watch from the sidelines. But when you're in the midst of it, you know, that's what it's going to be. You know that's what politics are like.”

Gangel: “Goes with the territory?”

Bush: “It does.”

Expect to see a lot more of Laura Bush. She will speak at the Republican Convention, and expect people to compare her with Teresa Heinz Kerry. In many ways they are very different, but they do share one thing—both have changed parties in their lifetime. Mrs. Kerry used to be a Republican, and a long time ago, Laura Bush, then Laura Welch, was a Democrat.

MORE FROM TODAY

Today Section Front

Sad development: The last Kodachrome film lab Mom of boy set afire: ‘His courage is incredible’ Murder, he wrote: Al Roker pens mystery novel Gasp! Babies’ fat rolls being airbrushed away? Your shopping type: Black Friday? Cyber Monday? Stars are out at White House state dinner Once again, first lady’s fashion sense dazzles It's down to the final four on 'Biggest Loser' 60 years of White House meals for India Susan Boyle to her bullies: ‘I’m all grown up’ Today Section Front   Add Today headlines to your news reader: