Bill Clinton and George W. Bush to Lead Haiti Effort

(Jan. 14) – Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have agreed to President Barack Obama's request that the two men help lead the United States' response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

In a slightly altered reprisal of the bipartisan effort that helped coordinate America's outpouring of support for victims of the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami, Clinton will be joined by his former partner's son, George W. Bush, CNN reports.

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Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have agreed to lead an American aid effort for Haiti.

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Bill Clinton is a United Nations special envoy to Haiti and is reported to have a friendly relationship with Bush.

White House officials confirmed to Fox News that Obama approached both men about lending their support for the American relief effort.

Writing in The Washington Post on Thursday, Clinton expressed optimism that out of this tragedy, a better Haiti could emerge.

"First we must care for the injured, take care of the dead, and sustain those who are homeless, jobless and hungry. As we clear the rubble, we will create better tomorrows by building Haiti back better," Clinton wrote.

Late Thursday, Clinton and Bush released a joint statement on their new partnership.

"In the days and weeks ahead, we will draw attention to the many ways American citizens and businesses can help meet the urgent needs of the Haitian people," the statement read. "Americans have a long history of showing compassion and generosity in the wake of tragedy. We thank the American people for rallying to help our neighbors in the Caribbean in their hour of suffering – and through the journey of rebuilding their nation."