Way too convenient although the idea that the knowledge would not be imparted to a temporary office holder like the President sounds plausible.
My son is really into conspiracies and I once asked him if he thought Sen Mark Warner would run for President and he responded “Why would he take a demotion?”. He assumes long term senators have a lot more power and knowledge than anyone.
Your son is on the right track with Warner.
It is not just that he is a long term senator—it is his bloodline and family connections.
The article states the information was told to George H. W. Bush after his term of office, not while he was the sitting president.