Bush Blasts Obama Handling of Economy, Gitmo

Former president says his administration's interrogation policies were within the law, asserts the private sector -- not government -- will fix the economy and rejects nationalization of health care.

(Fox News) - Former President George W. Bush fired a salvo at President Obama on Wednesday, asserting his administration's interrogation policies were within the law, declaring the private sector, not government, will fix the economy and rejecting the nationalization of health care, the Washington Times reported.

"I know it's going to be the private sector that leads this country out of the current economic times we're in," the former president said to applause in Erie, Pennsylvania. "You can spend your money better than the government can spend your money."

Repeatedly in his hourlong speech and question-and-answer session, Bush said he would not directly criticize the new president, who has moved to take over financial institutions and several large corporations, the paper reported. Several times, however, he took direct aim at Obama policies as he defended his own during eight years in office.