An author and former aide to President Bush's father has revealed a number of audiotapes he secretly recorded of the current president for more than a year leading up to Mr. Bush's nomination five years ago.
Doug Wead told The New York Times in a story published Sunday that he made the recordings of his friend, who was then governor of Texas, because he viewed Mr. Bush as a historic figure.
In some conversations Mr. Wead played for a reporter, the future president expresses concern about gaining support of conservative Christian leaders, and discusses several opponents, including Democratic Vice President Al Gore. At one point, Mr. Bush calls the man he would defeat in a close contest in 2000 "pathologically a liar."
Mr. Bush complained repeatedly about the news media, which he accused of a "campaign" against him.
Some information for this report provided by AP.
