In the wake of former President George H.W. Bush’s passing on Friday, some Twitter users shared the letter he left to his Democratic successor, Bill Clinton, after a particularly partisan and divisive 1992 race.
The note not only shows us all “a lesson in elegance,” as CNNs Jake Tapper noted, but what kind of man he was. (RELATED: Trump Pays Tribute To George H.W. Bush, Will Attend Funeral)
The letter George H.W. Bush left for Clinton is a lesson in elegance @CNN https://t.co/gxFDe6lSyf
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) December 1, 2018
The letter reads:
Dear Bill,
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 Presidents 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.
You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well.
Your success now is our country’s success. I am rooting hard for you.Good luck—
George
Others pointed out the letter as well:
Here’s a copy of the letter that George H.W. Bush left for Bill Clinton in January 1993. It was part of a tradition passed from president to president to leave a letter for the next occupier of the Oval Office on the desk the morning of the inauguration. pic.twitter.com/7ix5P9mFKE
— Michael Moates (@freedom_moates) December 1, 2018
Here is the letter Bush left Clinton in the Oval Office the day he left office. It is remarkable and a testament to the character of George H.W. Bush pic.twitter.com/Qg6M11IlwX
— Evan Siegfried (@evansiegfried) December 1, 2018
George H W Bush was a thoughtful and dignified President, a man of deep consideration who seemed to exemplify the best of the old Republican establishment.
The famous letter he left for Clinton is sheer class. #RIP41 pic.twitter.com/OMVqPoojTA— Tim Dawson (@Tim_R_Dawson) December 1, 2018