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Master of bygone civility, Bush is hailed at funeral as U.S. 'soldier-statesman'

By Steve Holland

 

A military honor guard carries the casket out of the state funeral for U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former President George H.W. Bush was hailed at his state funeral on Wednesday as a warrior-statesman of uncommon personal kindness who went from being a hero of American conflicts to representing a bygone era of civility in politics.

 

Amid an unusual bipartisan spirit at the service at the Washington National Cathedral, both Republican and Democratic politicians honoured a president who called for a "kinder, gentler" nation.

 

Bush, the 41st U.S. president, died last week in Texas aged 94. He occupied the White House from 1989 to 1993, navigating the collapse of the Soviet Union and expelling former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's forces from oil-rich Kuwait.

 

“George H.W. Bush was America's last great soldier-statesman,” Jon Meacham, a presidential biographer, said in a eulogy. "He stood in the breach in the Cold War against totalitarianism. He stood in the breach in Washington against unthinking partisanship," he said.

 

At a ceremony full of pomp but also peppered with laughter, the capital's current political feuds were briefly set aside in honour of the late president, a naval aviator who survived being shot down by Japanese forces over the Pacific Ocean in World War Two, and a former head of the CIA during the Cold War.

 

Still, there were reminders of lingering tensions.

 

U.S. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Hillary Clinton sit in the front row together at the state funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

 

President Donald Trump shook hands with his predecessor, Barack Obama, and former first lady Michelle Obama. But he made no attempt to greet the other two former Democratic presidents, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, sharing the front pew, or their spouses, including Hillary Clinton, Trump's 2016 election opponent.

 

A patrician figure, Bush was voted out of office in part for failing to connect with ordinary Americans during an economic recession.

 

But he has been remembered as representing an earlier era of civility in American politics, an image burnished in recent years by the divisiveness and anger in the United States that accompanied the rise of Trump.

 

Former President George W. Bush said his father "valued character over pedigree, and he was no cynic. He'd look for the good in each person, and he usually found it."

 

“The best father a son or daughter could ever have,” the former president said in his eulogy, his voice cracking with emotion as he spoke near his father's flag-draped coffin.

 

TEARS AND MEMORIES

Trump, like Bush a Republican, infuriated the late president by attacking his sons, George W. Bush and Jeb Bush, a rival in the 2016 Republican primary campaign.

 

Trump sat mostly motionless next to first lady Melania Trump throughout much of the service.

 

He had tweeted earlier that he was "Looking forward to being with the Bush family. This is not a funeral, this is a day of celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life. He will be missed!"

 

Bush did not endorse Trump in the 2016 presidential election. He did not publicly say who he voted for but a source told CNN at the time that he had voted for Hillary Clinton.

 

Bush, who was ailing in recent years, did send Trump a letter in January 2017 saying he would not be able to attend his inauguration because of health concerns, but wishing him the best.

 

All surviving former U.S. presidents were at the cathedral. During one of the eulogies, Bill Clinton wiped away tears and Michelle Obama leaned over to pat him on the arm.

 

'RESOLUTE AND BRAVE'

Canadian former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney lauded Bush's role in handling the end of the Cold War and helping the delicate reunification of Germany.

 

Bush put together a U.S.-led international coalition that ousted invading Iraqi forces from Kuwait in 1991 and was president when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989.

 

"When George Bush was president of the United States of America, every single head of government in the world knew that they were dealing with a gentleman, a genuine leader, one who was distinguished, resolute and brave," Mulroney said.

 

The guest list included Britain's Prince Charles and leaders from Germany, Jordan, Australia and Poland, along with a host of former world leaders, such as former British Prime Minister John Major, who was in office during Bush's term.

 

Trump closed the federal government on Wednesday to mark a day of mourning for Bush, and several U.S. financial exchanges were closed.

 

During his presidency, Bush was dogged by domestic problems, including a sluggish economy, and he faced criticism for not doing enough to stem the tens of thousands of deaths from the AIDS virus ravaging America.

 

When he ran for re-election in 1992, he was pilloried by Democrats and many Republicans for violating a famous 1988 campaign promise: "Read my lips, no new taxes." His opponent Bill Clinton coasted to victory.

 

Bush is to be buried on Thursday at his Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas.

 

Before Wednesday's service, his body lay in state since Monday evening in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington.

 

Thousands of people filed past to pay their respects, some getting a chance to see Sully, a service dog who was Bush's friendly companion. Sully became an internet sensation after being photographed lying next to his late master's coffin.

 

(Additional reporting by Richard Cowan, Susan Heavey and Jeff Mason; writing by Alistair Bell and Steve Holland; Editing by Frances Kerry and Peter Cooney)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-12-06

[Scott]

Troll post removed.

 

[IAMHERE]

Civility went out of politics when the 'W' keys were all removed as the Democrats left their political appointments back in 2001.

[keemapoot]

I have a hope that civility, statesmanship, diplomacy, decorum and competence will return after this current aberration of a Presidency is extinguished.  The Bush funeral shows the respect and level we used to operate at and I am hopeful this will return.

[helpisgood]

I am taken aback by Trump's body language in the photo.  Okay, maybe the photographer just caught him at a bad moment.  But, that doesn't appear to be a momentary pose.

 

Otherwise, he could at least, being president and all, pretend that he is comfortable about being there.  If you choose to enter politics and are an adult, is that really that hard to do?  How old is he...emotionally?  

 

 

[keemapoot]

The potentially scary part of that emotionally retarded and abrasive President has captured the imagination and hearts of so many Americans, and has for now, at least, become the face of the Republican Party. Again, I think and trust that true Republicans will take back their party from this pretender.

[ReMarKable]

Despite the cemented scowl on her face, I would like to do to her what Trump is doing the the country.  She is as high class as they get in her profession.

[freebyrd]

GHW Bush, despite his faults, which all human beings have to varying degrees, was IMO a gentleman of the old school and a rare breed these days -  and by the way I'm not American.

[Becker]

6 minutes ago, freebyrd said:

GHW Bush, despite his faults, which all human beings have to varying degrees, was IMO a gentleman of the old school and a rare breed these days -  and by the way I'm not American.

Indeed, Bush was the polar opposite of what currently infests the WH.

[neeray]

17 minutes ago, freebyrd said:

GHW Bush, despite his faults, which all human beings have to varying degrees, was IMO a gentleman of the old school and a rare breed these days -  and by the way I'm not American.

I second that !

Like you, I am not American. But being from the country "above America", I follow their politics closely. In my opinion, his leadership, his family and fellow man-values were second to none.

Salute G H W Bush.

The world gave him a grand send off, full of the class that he deserves.

 

 

[bristolboy]

Let's not get too carried away here. Remember that bush preemptively pardoned players in the Iran contra scandal. The odds are that if he hadn't he would have been implicated as well.

In addition, when he started his political career in the House of Representatives he voted against the 1964 Civil Rights Act. He claimed it favored the rights of the 14% over the 86%. This despite coming from a family that had always supported civil rights and desegregation.

[bkkcanuck8]

1 hour ago, helpisgood said:

I am taken aback by Trump's body language in the photo.  Okay, maybe the photographer just caught him at a bad moment.  But, that doesn't appear to be a momentary pose.

 

Otherwise, he could at least, being president and all, pretend that he is comfortable about being there.  If you choose to enter politics and are an adult, is that really that hard to do?  How old is he...emotionally?  

 

 

No, I see that pose all the times especially when someone talks about something that he opposes and I think he just does not want to entertain the idea/thought/position.  It of course be that I always see him in the news at that time, maybe he is just uncomfortable with his girth... but the only time I see it is when he is in a position where he is not being treated with reverence but followers.

[bkkcanuck8]

39 minutes ago, freebyrd said:

GHW Bush, despite his faults, which all human beings have to varying degrees, was IMO a gentleman of the old school and a rare breed these days -  and by the way I'm not American.

I remember when he fell out of favor during the end of his first term and into the election campaign, but I personally really liked and respected him.  Whether I agreed or disagreed with him on a given position, I felt he was trying to do what was right for America and for the world. 

[freebyrd]

18 minutes ago, bristolboy said:

Let's not get too carried away here. Remember that bush preemptively pardoned players in the Iran contra scandal. The odds are that if he hadn't he would have been implicated as well.

In addition, when he started his political career in the House of Representatives he voted against the 1964 Civil Rights Act. He claimed it favored the rights of the 14% over the 86%. This despite coming from a family that had always supported civil rights and desegregation.

Like I said earlier - GHW Bush, despite his faults, which all human beings have to varying degrees (including you and I) was IMO a gentleman of the old school and a rare breed these days.

Edited December 6, 2018 by freebyrd

[Tug]

The difference in ethics and character intelligence logic planning fitness team work planning morality ect ect are stark indeed thank you you are missed.perhaps that’s why Donald looks so pissed because he knows we see the differences 

[keemapoot]

1 minute ago, Tug said:

The difference in ethics and character intelligence logic planning fitness team work planning morality ect ect are stark indeed thank you you are missed.perhaps that’s why Donald looks so pissed because he knows we see the differences 

Yes, but I think it goes much deeper than that too. Trump knows in his heart that there will never be a State funeral of this magnitude for him with the outpouring of love, respect and bi-partisan and global support shown today. 

[bristolboy]

9 minutes ago, freebyrd said:

Like I said earlier - GHW Bush, despite his faults, which all human beings have to varying degrees (including you and I) was IMO a gentleman of the old school and a rare breed these days.

Faults and flaws in character are one thing. Misdeeds quite another.

[Cryingdick]

It isn't that simple. Many people hated Bush back then and more so now because of his son. The Bush dynasty has been rejected 41 was okay but it doesn't mean that he wasn't involved in some very shady stuff. The fact he worked his way up as a CIA director should tell you something. The sudden revisionist history coming from the news about the Gulf War is simply disgusting.

 

It reminds me of the time Michael Jackson died and then everybody loved him.

 

Trickle down economics, if you had AiDS Bush was better than Reagan but not 1,000 points of light. 41 was okay but not quite what the entire American media is making him out to be now. Things were very divisive back then, 41 was hardly the great unifier he is being proclaimed as now.

 

His economic policies drove a major recession I remember very well.

Edited December 6, 2018 by Cryingdick

[freebyrd]

25 minutes ago, bristolboy said:

Faults and flaws in character are one thing. Misdeeds quite another.

And you've never committed any misdeeds? What did the old book say? Let him who is without sin....

 

This is the second time that I've got into an exchange with you and I'll make sure it is the last. We are both Brits, or so I would assume from your username, but you come across as a very sour person and very opinionated, nearly 4,500 posts in 8 months on this forum, what a 'star' you have the potential to be.

 

 

Edited December 6, 2018 by freebyrd

[keemapoot]

47 minutes ago, bkkcanuck8 said:

No, I see that pose all the times especially when someone talks about something that he opposes and I think he just does not want to entertain the idea/thought/position.  It of course be that I always see him in the news at that time, maybe he is just uncomfortable with his girth... but the only time I see it is when he is in a position where he is not being treated with reverence but followers.

If you carefully watch the entire proceeding, you will see that Trump came in wearing that famous pouty face, sat down, and only shook hands with Barrack and Michelle reluctantly. He made no effort whatsoever to greet or even acknowledge or show a modicum of respect for the oldest living President, Carter, never mind the Clintons, which might be understood given the mutual animosity.

 

Contrast that with when George W. entered. He personally shook hands with and greeted every single member of the "President's Club," as would be expected of someone of his stature.

 

One former President showing total class, and the current leader of the free world and America showing total crass.

[Enoon]

 

Self absorbed narcissists rarely get much of a kick out of attending occasions that are not pointedly and determinately about them.

 

It is not the presence of others that upsets them.

 

Merely that they are unable to monopolise the "attention".

 

This is almost as bad for him as attending another 8 year olds birthday party.

 

He's bored and wants to go out to play.

 

 

Edited December 6, 2018 by Enoon

[Cryingdick]

2 minutes ago, Enoon said:

 

Self absorbed narcissists rarely get much of a kick when attending occasions that are not pointedly and determinately about them.

 

It is not the presence of others that upsets them.

 

Merely that they unable to monopolise the "attention".

 

This is almost as bad for him as attending another 8 year olds birthday party.

 

He's bored and wants to go out to play.

 

 

Is that you?

[Syduan]

3 hours ago, bristolboy said:

Let's not get too carried away here. Remember that bush preemptively pardoned players in the Iran contra scandal. The odds are that if he hadn't he would have been implicated as well.

In addition, when he started his political career in the House of Representatives he voted against the 1964 Civil Rights Act. He claimed it favored the rights of the 14% over the 86%. This despite coming from a family that had always supported civil rights and desegregation.

He also helped murder JFK amongst thousands of others.

 

[bristolboy]

2 hours ago, freebyrd said:

And you've never committed any misdeeds? What did the old book say? Let him who is without sin....

 

This is the second time that I've got into an exchange with you and I'll make sure it is the last. We are both Brits, or so I would assume from your username, but you come across as a very sour person and very opinionated, nearly 4,500 posts in 8 months on this forum, what a 'star' you have the potential to be.

 

 

Just objecting to the ongoing beatification. I didn't even mention the Willie Horton issue. Oops!

[Thingamabob]

4 hours ago, Becker said:

Indeed, Bush was the polar opposite of what currently infests the WH.

Rubbish

 

4 hours ago, Becker said:

Indeed, Bush was the polar opposite of what currently infests the WH.

 

[Becker]

5 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Rubbish

 

 

Succinct and to the point - that's exactly what he is! Couldn't have said it better myself

[freebyrd]

2 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

Rubbish

 

 

In what world do you live?

[stevenl]

He is getting to much praise, but I guess that is what happens.

[bristolboy]

Postal service was canceled for 1 day in honor of George H.W. Bush. Here's a tweet about that:

Jess Dweck‏Verified account @TheDweck Dec 4

More

Jess Dweck Retweeted KMOV

Lot of people criticizing this, but in fairness, the best way to honor a Republican is to deny Americans a vital government service they rely on

[Opl]

13 hours ago, bkkcanuck8 said:

No, I see that pose all the times especially when someone talks about something that he opposes and I think he just does not want to entertain the idea/thought/position.  It of course be that I always see him in the news at that time, maybe he is just uncomfortable with his girth... but the only time I see it is when he is in a position where he is not being treated with reverence but followers.

yes, exactly... " While speakers talked about Mr. Bush’s civility, his commitment to the institutions of government and his faith in alliances, Mr. Trump was sitting feet away, his arms tightly crossed, as if in defiance."

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/05/us/politics/bush-funeral-national-cathedral.html