WASHINGTON - Two years of retirement haven't dulled George W. Bush's political zest - and President Obama and Sarah Palin are among his under-the-radar targets. The 43rd President has told friends the ex-Alaska governor isn't qualified to be President and criticizes Arizona Sen. John McCain for putting Palin on the 2008 GOP ticket and handing her a national platform.
"Naming Palin makes Bush think less of McCain as a man," a Republican official familiar with Bush's thinking told the Daily News.
"He thinks McCain ran a lousy campaign with an unqualified running mate and destroyed any chance of winning by picking Palin."
As he prepares for the Tuesday launch of his memoir, "Decision Points," Bush scrupulously gives his successor a public pass - a statesmanlike stance urged by his father, President George H. W. Bush.
"I want my President to succeed because if my President succeeds my country succeeds, and I want my country to succeed," Bush typically says when asked about Obama.
"He won't call Obama by name but he won't trash him," a confidant noted, referring to Bush's comments in post-presidency speaking appearances, which have netted him millions, often at $100,000 or more a pop.
Still, he thinks Obama has failed as a President - a judgment supported by this week's robust Republican gains.
Several Bush friends, associates and longtime political allies said President 43 is worried about Obama's Afghanistan policy.
He supports the troop surge and more muscular drone strikes against terrorist targets, but also believes Obama has made a mess of relations with Pakistan.
"He thinks the policy is adrift," one insider reported.
Predictably, Bush also believes his tax cuts shouldn't be allowed to expire, including those for the wealthiest of Americans Obama wants to deep-six.
For the most part, Bush lets others worry about the politics these days while he focuses on building his presidential library and his lucrative speech business.
What Bush calls "my internal alarm clock" still gets him up at 4:30 to 5 every morning. He makes Laura coffee before beginning his exercise workout. Just as in Washington, he hits dirt-bike trails around Dallas regularly.
Like Obama, Bush has become a zealous golfer. He and Laura joined Brookhollow Country Club, and he's on the links there or at Preston Trail Golf Club three times a week most weeks.
"He's getting better," a friend says, guessing he may be playing at a 12 handicap. He has installed putting greens at his North Dallas home and Crawford ranch.
The Bushes eat out with pals at least once a week. The wives typically choose the venue. He's a big fan of the ham and cheese souffle at Rise, a trendy Inwood Village souffle bistro.
He misses some of the old perks, like the aide who cleaned up after his Scottish terrier Barney, but at 64 and comfortable, he has no complaints - and as his book makes clear, few regrets.
"He's got a great life and he knows it," an old friend told The News.
"He's so relieved to be out of Washington - you have no idea."
