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Bush Senior’s note to incoming Clinton was a class act

In friendly missive, outgoing president wished incoming Democrat ‘great happiness’ and said, ‘I am rooting hard for you’

Former presidents Bill Clinton (L) and George H.W. Bush (YouTube screenshot)
Former presidents Bill Clinton (L) and George H.W. Bush (YouTube screenshot)

A note left by former US president George H.W. Bush to his successor Bill Clinton when he left the White House has been publicized in recent days, receiving much praise for its class and friendly nature in a time when relations between Republicans and Democrats are anything but.

The note, written on a piece of White House stationery on January 20, 1993, was described by Twitter user James Cameron as “magnanimous, bipartisan and dignified” when he posted it on June 9.

“Dear Bill,” Bush writes. “When I walked into this office just now I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that too.

“I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some President’s have described. There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I’m not a very good one to give advice; but just don’t let the critics discourage you or push you off course,” he offers.

https://twitter.com/CameronJJJ/status/741044100539895812

Bush notes that Clinton “will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well. Your success is now our country’s success. I am rooting hard for you.”

It is traditional for an outgoing president to leave a note for the next person in line.

One wonders what President Barack Obama will write to his successor, particularly should that person be one he quite openly detests.

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