George Bush, the 41st president of the United States and the father of the 43rd, who steered the nation through a tumultuous period in world affairs but was denied a second term after support for his presidency collapsed under the weight of an economic downturn and his seeming inattention to domestic affairs, died on Friday night at his home in Houston. He was 94.
His death, which was announced by his office, came less than eight months after that of his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush.
Mr. Bush had a form of Parkinson’s disease that forced him to use a wheelchair or motorized scooter in recent years, and he had been in and out of hospitals during that time as his health declined. In April, a day after attending Mrs. Bush’s funeral, he was treated for an infection that had spread to his blood. In 2013, he was in dire enough shape with bronchitis that former President George W. Bush, his son, solicited ideas for a eulogy.
But he proved resilient each time. In 2013 he told well-wishers, through an aide, to “put the harps back in the closet.”
Mr. Bush, a Republican, was a transitional figure in the White House, where he served from 1989 to 1993, capping a career of more than 40 years in public service. A decorated Navy pilot who was shot down in the Pacific in 1944, he was the last of the World War II generation to occupy the Oval Office.
The outpouring of sentiments was immediate.
Statement from President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush pic.twitter.com/qxPsp4Ggs7
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 1, 2018
America has lost a patriot and humble servant in George Herbert Walker Bush. While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude. Our thoughts are with the entire Bush family tonight – and all who were inspired by George and Barbara’s example. pic.twitter.com/g9OUPu2pjY
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 1, 2018
Statement by President George W. Bush on the death of his father, President George H.W. Bush https://t.co/wDD0vnlN8U pic.twitter.com/t7UsDYSKY8
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) December 1, 2018
Hillary and I mourn the passing of President George H. W. Bush, and give thanks for his great long life of service, love and friendship. I am grateful for every minute I spent with him and will always hold our friendship as one of my life’s greatest gifts. https://t.co/1CYdrIeKmz
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) December 1, 2018
His biography, from shot down naval aviator in WW2, to election to the House, failed Senate candidate, UN ambassador, leading the CIA, and VP to President Reagan before his own rise to the White House, is astonishing. His post-presidency was just as remarkable, where he formed a bond with President Clinton, the man who had ousted him from office, and became a beloved elder statesman for the nation during humanitarian crises and other world events. He celebrated his 80th birthday by skydiving, and despite living with Parkinson’s which had left him confined to a wheelchair and motorized scooters in later years did it again at 90. His beloved wife of over 70 years Barbara preceded him in death 9 months ago.
Mr. Bush was never a man comfortable with self-examination, but in an interview with Mr. Meacham, his biographer, he evinced some insecurity about how history might judge him. “I am lost between the glory of Reagan — monuments everywhere, trumpets, the great hero — and the trials and tribulations of my sons,” Mr. Bush said.
At another point, he asked of those who would examine his career, “What if they just find an empty deck of cards?”
But the 41st president may have best summed up his talents and ambitions in a diary entry on the last day of 1989, as the first year of his presidency drew to a close.
“I’m certainly not seen as visionary,” Mr. Bush wrote. “But I hope I’m seen as steady and prudent and able.”
May our country find more leaders in the future who are steady, prudent, and able.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuhODigpQVI&w=560&h=315]
The last real conservative from the GOP. Managed the end of the Cold War, set us on course for the 90s economy and balanced budget and practice laissez faire economics. RIP.Report
At the time I respected his unwillingness to spike the ball at the end of the Cold War. Now I’m not sure. Eastern Europe’s experience has been spotty. Russia has been a thug to her neighbors and a tyrant her own people, and never really freed up its economy for its people. Less so in all regards than the Soviets were, sure. And no nuclear explosions is always nice. But the Bear is still a net force for bad in the world. Did we ever make the case for a system of real democracy and economic freedom?Report
It’s worth asking what he (or any other president) could have done, though. I suspect the answer is “very little,” but I’m not an expert in this area, and even if I were, I probably wouldn’t know.Report
Yeah, I know, I know. But if we’re going to praise (or appraise) a presidency, we have to speculate on the what-ifs.Report
That’s very true.Report
“Steady, prudent, and able” also describes Eisenhower and no other post-war GOP president.Report
I’m inclined to say Ford qualifies, unless we count his pratfalls as lack of “steadiness.”Report
Point, though he had far less scope to demonstrate ability.Report
Eisenhower is the benchmark of center-ism, almost apolitical by todays standards.Report
Eisenhower was the candidate of the Republican center; the right wanted Taft, and Eisenhower was saddled with Nixon as VP to appease them.Report
I definitely saw him as steady, prudent and able. I had only one real complaint about him: The nomination of Clarence Thomas to fill Thurgood Marshall’s shoes. I did not then, nor do I now, think Thomas is of the same caliber as Marshall, though he might end up making some kind of contribution.Report
He was the best President of my lifetime, and a badass dude. The world would have been a better place if Bush Sr’s approach to world affairs became the paradigm it was meant to be.Report