Watch Bush: Drill More to Cut Prices

Politico reports:

Former President George W. Bush wants to see more oil drilling to combat prices at the gas pump that are nearing $4 a gallon, he said Wednesday.

“I would suggest Americans understand how supply and demand works. And if you restrict supplies of crude, the price of oil is going to go up and it affects gasoline,” Bush said on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” before telling host George Stephanopoulos that he’s not too interested in talking about policy or politics.

“You know, I really appreciate your giving me the chance to opine on the issues of the day, but as you know I made the decision to support causes I’m interested in without feeling like I’ve got to get an opinion on every issue,” Bush said. “So you’re still going to try, nevertheless. You haven’t lost a step, Stephanopoulos.”

Bush has largely steered clear of politics since leaving office more than two years ago, saying last year that Obama deserves to be able to govern “without criticism from me.” And in January, he said he had no plans to campaign or raise funds for any candidates or to become a TV talk show political commentator.

But before the former president begged off discussing policy in an interview about a bicycle tour he’s taking with wounded veterans, he did weigh in on reports that his successor will appoint Leon Panetta to be the next defense secretary and Gen. David Petraeus to take on the job of Central Intelligence Agency director.

“You know, both of them are good men,” Bush said. “I have the great respect for David Petraeus, I got to know him well. I also got to know Leon Panetta, not as well as I did David. Both of them are good public servants and I wish them well.”