The defeated George H.W. Bush's letter to Clinton on the day of their peaceful transfer of power

[Dennis Donovan]

Link to tweet

Michael Beschloss @BeschlossDC

The defeated George H.W. Bush’s letter to Bill Clinton on the day of their peaceful transfer of power, 1993:



12:27 PM · Sep 24, 2020

...and President Clinton's letter to Dubya, 2001:

[Ilsa]

1. And HRC attending IQ45's inauguration with Bill was an example

of patriotic behavior emphasizing the democratic principle of peaceful transition of power and simple graciousness, even though it was difficult.

[SWBTATTReg]

2. Men of character, that stand out above others (trump is truly, a joke in comparison to other ...

presidents, a PINO).

[DonaldsRump]

3. Whatever negatives I have for W or his father

or Nixon or Reagan, for that matter, there was absolutely NO question that they loved the USA, and put it first and foremost. They also valued international relationships, understanding that there was a greater good involved that also coincided with the interests of the USA.

This is totally unlike the Orange Squatter occupying our White House in every respect. His "businessman" approach to all things (business and governing) has been and is a total catastrophic failure.

[intheflow]

4. 45's "letter" to Biden will be pissing in every corner of the White House,

and slashing portraits of liberal presidents.

[TreasonousBastard]

5. THIS is what Makes America Great-- not a stupid red hat with a criminal head underneath it.

[Zambero]

6. Class act

GHWB and Bill got to be good friends over the years. Hopefully a return to civility will be in order at some point in the not-too-distant-future.

[soothsayer]

7. Classy

[moose65]

8. Makes me wonder...

I wonder what Obama's letter to Trump looked like.

On inauguration day, the Obamas were gracious as usual, but Michelle looked SO sad when they were greeting the Trumps and going through all of the protocol. I can't see the Trumps doing that when the Bidens come around - can anyone??

[demmiblue]

9. I was curious, too. Here is the text:

Dear Mr. President -

Congratulations on a remarkable run. Millions have placed their hopes in you, and all of us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure.

This is a unique office, without a clear blueprint for success, so I don't know that any advice from me will be particularly helpful. Still, let me offer a few reflections from the past 8 years.

First, we've both been blessed, in different ways, with great good fortune. Not everyone is so lucky. It's up to us to do everything we can (to) build more ladders of success for every child and family that's willing to work hard.

Second, American leadership in this world really is indispensable. It's up to us, through action and example, to sustain the international order that's expanded steadily since the end of the Cold War, and upon which our own wealth and safety depend.

Third, we are just temporary occupants of this office. That makes us guardians of those democratic institutions and traditions -- like rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties -- that our forebears fought and bled for. Regardless of the push and pull of daily politics, it's up to us to leave those instruments of our democracy at least as strong as we found them.

And finally, take time, in the rush of events and responsibilities, for friends and family. They'll get you through the inevitable rough patches.

Michelle and I wish you and Melania the very best as you embark on this great adventure, and know that we stand ready to help in any ways which we can.

Good luck and Godspeed,
BO

[Dennis Donovan]

11. ....and after this composition, President Obama filled his wastebasket...

...with his lunch, I'm sure.

[StarryNite]

14. He knew what was coming.

[demmiblue]

17. Yep, especially that third point.

Ugh.

[Delmette2.0]

18. The letter was to long

The Dipshit probably took one glance at the length and ignored it.

[belpejic]

10. Trump's letter to Biden:

F**ck you, Loser!!! I will see you in Cort!!!!!

[cynical_idealist]

12. "can i please have twitter in my prison cell"

[George II]

13. Here is bush's letter to Obama, and Obama's letter to the dotard:

Appears that the original isn't available, probably trump's first violation of Federal law as president, destroying a public record. He probably burned it and then sanitized his hands.

Dear Mr. President -

Congratulations on a remarkable run. Millions have placed their hopes in you, and all of us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure.

This is a unique office, without a clear blueprint for success, so I don't know that any advice from me will be particularly helpful. Still, let me offer a few reflections from the past 8 years.

First, we've both been blessed, in different ways, with great good fortune. Not everyone is so lucky. It's up to us to do everything we can (to) build more ladders of success for every child and family that's willing to work hard.

Second, American leadership in this world really is indispensable. It's up to us, through action and example, to sustain the international order that's expanded steadily since the end of the Cold War, and upon which our own wealth and safety depend.

Third, we are just temporary occupants of this office. That makes us guardians of those democratic institutions and traditions -- like rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties -- that our forebears fought and bled for. Regardless of the push and pull of daily politics, it's up to us to leave those instruments of our democracy at least as strong as we found them.

And finally, take time, in the rush of events and responsibilities, for friends and family. They'll get you through the inevitable rough patches.

Michelle and I wish you and Melania the very best as you embark on this great adventure, and know that we stand ready to help in any ways which we can.

Good luck and Godspeed,

BO

[Mr. Ected]

15. I hope someone leaves a Big Chief tablet in the Oval Office after Joe trounces Trump

Doubtful he'd write anything at all, and probably thinks of a letter as something something alphabet something, but just in case, a box of crayons may also be useful.

[StarryNite]

16. I would like to see Jimmy Carter's.