When the presidency of George W. Bush draws to its end in January there is one thing which is a safe bet. His successor will have been offered every opportunity for a smooth, seamless transition.

While many have disagreed with his policies from time to time (yes, even Conservatives), President Bush proves once again that what he wants now and has always wanted is what’s best for the country
in its governance:

Bush expressed minimal regret that his chosen successor John McCain lost to Obama, saying “my choice didn’t win,” and saying that the Democrat’s victory was “good for the country” — and that his success was in America’s interest.

“It is good for our country that people have hope in the system and feel vested in the future and president-elect Obama has a great opportunity. I really do wish him all the best,” said Bush.

“It is good for our country that the president succeeds. The transition that we are working with him on is a genuine effort to help him be able to deal with the pressures and the complicated issues of the presidency,” he said.

Bush detailed how Obama, after their policy discussion, had raised “his little girls, how would they like the White House” and that during a tour of the residence section of the mansion “he wanted to see where his little girls were going to sleep.”

As President-Elect Obama draws closer to the most cumbersome job he will ever face he is a fortunate man. He has majorities in both Houses to assist him with his agenda. There are factions of the press who may very well allow him a permanent “honeymoon” period.

He also has something else in his corner which President Bush never had. He will have the good wishes and quiet departure of our sitting President.

Mr. Bush will relinquish the reins of power to his duly elected successor with the same dignity and humility with which he assumed the office and like his Dad I sense a silent future with regards to criticism of any current or past president. Anything less given the nature of the man, would be a huge disappointment.

Written by Sue

2 Responses to “And So The Transition Begins……”

1. ~J~ says:

   November 12, 2008 at 12:13 pm

   President Bush has borne a heavy burden for us these last eight years. It was more difficult because Al Gore couldn’t admit defeat and Clinton refused to allow any transition money to be allocated until the courts finally decided how to do a recount. By then Gore had wasted so much time that the entire state couldn’t be counted and left wingnuts thought Bush stole the election. They never got over that and despite his trying to reach across the aisle all he got was a kick in the teeth for it.

   He has more class in his little finger than those people have in their entire bodies. It amazes me how anyone can “hate” someone they have never met.

   Now on to Obama. He showed a lack of class when he met with President Bush, privately, and promptly told his staff who promptly leaked it to their newspaper of record, NYT. Of course they have so many newspapers from which to choose it must be difficult to decide which one will get the scoop this time.

   If this is the modus operandi of the Obama administration led by Obama himself, I would seriously doubt any former president would be eager to talk to him if he asks for their advice. But then again, he might not.

   He needs to name a treasury secretary and defense, CIA and DIA heads so they can get up to speed on what’s going on. Bush has promised full cooperation and Obama needs to act on these important positions. So far all we’ve heard is his Chief of Staff, and the fact he is so partisan doesn’t warm the cockles of my heart.

   I promised to point out when I thought he was wrong, and I think what he did in betraying a confidential conversation was classless and useless.

   Reply
2. Sue says:

   November 12, 2008 at 1:44 pm

   ~J~

   Just one more thing if I might add to your excellent comment.

   I really hope we have seen the last of former presidents traveling the world and denouncing the policies of a sitting president.

   It was a disgrace what happened to President Bush in that regard.

   Reply