One of George W. Bush’s post-presidency goals was to hit the lecture circuit and — in his words — make a “ridiculous” amount of money. The Dallas Morning News reports that Bush’s first speaking engagement will be “a conversation with George W. Bush” on March 17 in Canada. The former president will reportedly “share his thoughts on his eight momentous years in the Oval Office.” The event is not open to the public and “organizers declined to say whether Bush will be paid a fee.” However, the Canadian firm managing the lunch paid President Clinton $150,000 for a March 2006 speech.
Update:
Presidents traditionally make their first foreign trips to Canada. However, Bush broke with this tradition and surprised people by going to Mexico in 2001. Obama’s first trip will be to Canada.