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George H.W. Bush Birthday: Looking Back At America's Most Popular 'President Bush' (SLIDESHOW)

Happy Birthday To America's Favorite Bush
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At the intersection of politics, race and social justice | www.gabwork.com

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Former President George H.W. Bush celebrated his 89th birthday on Wednesday.

His son, George W. Bush, can claim a few legacies that may not make the nation so proud, and polls suggest that the elder Bush is America's favorite Bush.

The 41st president isn't just known for his swanky socks. George H.W. Bush leaves behind several legacies in public service, including ushering through the Americans With Disabilities Act, a substantial step in ending discrimination against Americans with disabilities. Bush also signed the National Service Act, encouraging a bipartisan push for public service.

Bush was also among the most popular one-term presidents during his time in office, and made a mark by showing the nation the proper way to build an international coalition before engaging in military action in the Persian Gulf.

Happy Birthday, George H.W. Bush!

Look through the slideshow below to see all the ways the elder Bush has made his way into our hearts as the most popular Bush.

America's Most Popular Bush
The ladies love him.(01 of19)
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(credit:AP)
Kids love him.(02 of19)
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(credit:AP)
He's really got a way with the kids.(03 of19)
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(credit:Getty Images)
He knows how to relax.(04 of19)
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(credit:AP)
He wasn't afraid to pull the leg-on-the-table power move.(05 of19)
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(credit:AP)
He was in with the in-crowd. (06 of19)
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(credit:AP)
He's still in with the in-crowd.(07 of19)
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(credit:Getty Images)
He knew some pretty big deals.(08 of19)
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Then-Vice President Bush (right) pictured gesturing toward Frank Lautenberg (left).
He dedicated his life to public service, including the signing of the National Service Act and Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990.(09 of19)
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(credit:Getty Images)
He clearly passed down his good looks to his son.(10 of19)
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(credit:AP)
He wasn't afraid to get dirty.(11 of19)
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A youthful Bush senior pictured at summer camp in 1939. (credit:AP)
He's a snazzy dresser.(12 of19)
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(credit:Getty Images)
No matter who he hangs out with, he's always the best dressed.(13 of19)
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His socks always steal the show.(14 of19)
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(credit:Getty Images)
No one can compete with his socks.(15 of19)
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(credit:AP)
Seriously. No one.(16 of19)
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(credit:AP)
Not even George W.(17 of19)
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(credit:AP)
But he still knows how to share the spotlight. (18 of19)
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(credit:Getty Images)
And he has much to laugh about.(19 of19)
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(credit:Getty Images)

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