4 living former presidents reflect on America's 250th with 'Today'

The four living former U.S. presidents remain hopeful for the future as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.

During recent interviews with "Today" host Jenna Bush Hager, former Presidents George W. Bush, Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton reflected on their time in the Oval Office, each sharing a message with the nation ahead of America250. Each former president spoke on their hope for the country's future.

Bush Hager, 44, is the daughter of former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush. She and her sister, Barbara Pierce Bush, lived in the White House while their father was president from 2001 to 2009.

Here's what each former president told Bush Hager ahead of America250.

What did each former president say about America's 250th anniversary?

During each interview, Bush Hager asked the former presidents if they had a message to share with the American people ahead of the landmark anniversary. Here's what each of them said:

Joe Biden

"We're the most unique country in the world," Biden said. "We really do think democracy is dictated by the rule of the Constitution. We do believe, and we act and we do well that all men are created equal."

Barack Obama

"Remember what's best in us. The basic principle upon which this country was founded, which is, we don't have rulers, we don't have kings or monarchs or atrocities. We have citizens," Obama said during the interview. "If we hold true to that idea, that we the people have been gifted this chance of self government, if we pay attention to our responsibilities and our duties, and if we extend respect and thoughtfulness to our fellow citizens, even if we disagree with them, if we understand that part of this democratic project is to sort through our differences in peaceful, legal ways, then I'm confident we'll have another 250-year run that's going to be just as good."

George W. Bush

"Consider yourself fortunate to be a part of a great nation," Bush told his daughter. "Study our history so you have a better sense for what the future will be like and be a citizen, not a spectator. By that I mean, participate in the process but also love a neighbor like you'd like to be loved yourself. One of the beauties of this country is that there are thousands and thousands of citizens who volunteer on a daily basis to help somebody in need. They're often not heralded, but they make a huge difference of one person at a time. I would hope people would take a look at our history and realize we're an imperfect nation trying to be more perfect. Be optimistic about the future of the country."

Bill Clinton

"The country will survive as much by the process, by the freedom to speak, the freedom to vote, the freedom to be active in politics, as by any particular issue. Because it's like it is, compromise is essential," Clinton said.

How to watch interviews with former presidents

The interviews aired live on "Today" on Tuesday morning, April 21. The interviews can now be watched on the "Today" website.

When did the interviews with the former presidents take place?

Bush conducted the interviews while the former presidents were in Philadelphia for a History Channel event called History Talks on Saturday, April 18.

Contributing: Michelle Del Rey, USA TODAY

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].