Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush dead at 94

 

FILE PHOTO: Former President George H.W. Bush smiles as he listens to Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speak as he met with Bush to pick up his formal endorsement in Houston March 29, 2012. REUTERS/Donna Carson/File Photo

 

(Reuters) - Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, who presided over the end of the Cold War and routed Saddam Hussein's Iraqi army but lost a chance for a second term after breaking a no-new-taxes pledge, died on Friday at the age of 94, a family spokesman said.

 

Bush, the 41st president of the United States, lived longer than any of his predecessors. His death at 10:10 p.m. Central time was announced in a statement issued by longtime spokesman Jim McGrath. No further details about the circumstances of his death were immediately available.

 

He was the father of former President George W. Bush, who served two terms in the White House from 2001 through 2008, and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who unsuccessfully sought the 2016 Republican nomination for president.

 

The elder Bush, a Republican like his sons, also served as vice president for eight years during Ronald Reagan's two terms as president, before being elected to the White House himself.

 

He defeated former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, the Democratic nominee, in the 1988 presidential campaign, and lost his 1992 re-election bid to Democrat Bill Clinton.

 

Bush's death came seven months after that of his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, to whom he was married for 73 years.

 

The former president, who served as a U.S. naval aviator during World War Two, had attended his wife's funeral in Houston in a wheelchair and wore a pair of colourful socks festooned with books, in honour of his late wife's commitment to literacy.

 

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-12-01

At least hes back with his wife now, and in no pain. 

 

R.I.P.

 

RIP George.

You weren't my favourite president ever, but a damn sight better than some.

Very honorable man, highly respected. Had his warts and all, but a gentleman and kind-hearted. RIP Mr. President.

11 minutes ago, AnnaBanana said:

Here he was being rescued after being shot down.

 

 

Edited December 1, 20187 yr by UncleTouchyFingers

He struck me as a decent bloke.

A veteran,and a damned sight better President than his son.

 I did not agree with his policies but respected the man

RIP

Reported post and response to it removed.

I'll take a contrary view. I predict G.H.W.Bush left instructions that Trump be barred from all his funeral services. At best he may be allowed to the Capital viewing.

1 minute ago, pegman said:

I'll take a contrary view. I predict G.H.W.Bush left instructions that Trump be barred from all his funeral services. At best he may be allowed to the Capital viewing.

I can't imagine that he did that.

RIP Mr President.

40 minutes ago, marko kok prong said:

A veteran,and a damned sight better President than his son.

Agree but let him rest in peace...

 

 

6 minutes ago, Basil B said:

Agree but let him rest in peace...

 

 

Yes, of course, as if we could stop his resting at this point. 

But it's normal to discuss the legacy of famous men after they die and overall there is little doubt in my mind he is regarded warmly by the vast majority of American people on a bipartisan basis.

Which in these dark times, is really quite REMARKABLE. 

All the icons from my 80s youth exit stage more rapidly each day, 'tis another farewell then, Mr. President.

RIP

A inflammatory post and the resultant replies to it have been removed.

Reported Post removed and response to it.

 

Please do not take the "reporting of a death" as an opportunity to besmirch the man or politicize the topic.

 

Thank you.

I give my condolences and platitudes, but reserve the right to think otherwise.

12 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Yes, of course, as if we could stop his resting at this point. 

But it's normal to discuss the legacy of famous men after they die and overall there is little doubt in my mind he is regarded warmly by the vast majority of American people on a bipartisan basis.

Which in these dark times, is really quite REMARKABLE. 

 

You can't help yourself, can you.  

One down 

Funny but my impression of George Bush has improved over time. Like many I disagreed with his policies, but life was good in the US at the time and coming after Reagan he seemed a step up in IQ.

He seems to have been the last President with any sense of morality. He fought a just war, didn't over reach, and had an exit strategy. 

President Obama visited with President George H.W. Bush just three days ago.

 

His statement today on the latter's passing was quite eloquent...

 

 

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-statement-on-the-death-of-president-george-h-w-bush

Rest in peace sir.

Another troll post trolling about Trump has been removed. 

Sensible policy re Iraq

 

Drive Saddam's goons far back into Iraq and then go home.

 

Much wiser than GW.

 

This president illuminates Trump in sharp contrast.

A steady hand, great integrity, and not afraid to say he didn't broccoli. It took him until age 65 but he had given it a fair chance and had made his personal decision. He will be missed.

A fine pres.very underrated gave the world a soft landing after the Cold War had the courage to fix regans (voodo econimocs)dident backstab or attack people or allies a vet a survivor did for his counter did not do his country for what it could do for him if you catch my drift rip 41 you are missed thankyou sir

A former self made oil millionaire who made it to the White House  -with grace and dignity