George W. Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009. He was the eldest son of former President George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush. Bush was born in New Haven, Connecticut and grew up in Texas. He attended Yale University and Harvard Business School, and served in the Texas Air National Guard. Bush was elected Governor of Texas in 1994 and re-elected in 1998. He ran for President in 2000 and won a close election against Vice President Al Gore. During his presidency, Bush focused on domestic issues such as education reform, tax cuts, and the War on Terror. He also signed the No Child Left Behind Act and the Patriot Act. Bush's foreign policy was marked by the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the War in Afghanistan. He also worked to strengthen ties with allies such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and India. He was criticized for his handling of the Iraq War and the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Bush left office in 2009 and returned to Texas. He has since written a book, Decision Points, and established the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University. He is widely respected for his commitment to public service and his dedication to improving the lives of Americans.