Bush to Daley: “Thanks for Giving Me the Chance to Sell My Book”

President George W. Bush emerged from the wings of the Union League Club in Chicago Thursday morning to a standing ovation from the Chicago crowd.

"Thanks for giving me a chance to sell the book," Bush, who's on tour to promote his book "Decision Points," said to the audience gathered at the Union League Club.

The former commander-in-chief then took a seat on the stage next to Mayor Richard Daley, who embraced the former president as a friend.

The two politicians are poles apart politically, but remain close. "They asked to be together," said the Union League's event organizer. "They're good friends."

Bush praised his host's city -- "I wasn't pandering when I said Chicago is the best run city in America," he said -- then quickly addressed his former troubles with alcohol.

"I want somebody who reads the book to say, 'I can stop drinking too,'" Bush said.

Bush has been on a whirlwind tour selling his book. He sat down with Oprah Winfrey a few days ago and also spoke with NBC's Matt Lauer this week.