Former President George W. Bush visits the city to speak about the current state of American politics.

Bush took part in a forum at Lincoln Center called "The Spirit of Liberty: At home, In the World."

Some topics on the table include freedom, free markets, and security at home and abroad.

Bush also took aim at what he called the "democratic spirit," saying our nation is at risk.

"Great democracies face new and serious threats, yet seem to be losing confidence in their own calling and competence," he said. "Economic, political and national security charges proliferate and they are made worse by the tendency to turn inward. The health of the democratic spirit itself is in issue and the renewal of that spirit is the urgent task at hand."

Bush is also visiting West Point to receive the Thayer Award, which is given to citizens who reflect the academy's motto of "Duty, Honor, County."