George H.W. Bush, 1924-2018

“George Bush is a man of nearly boundless energy and enthusiasm.” I remember a high school textbook of mine leading a sidebar about him with that sentence.

I missed being able to vote for him in 1988 by about seven months, and I would have. By the time I had another chance I was a recent college graduate, so of course I voted for Bill Clinton in 1992.

I’m not sure Bush’s broken “read my lips” promise did him in, as is popularly recalled. What I remember is that Bill Clinton knew from the start how important it was to be in front of and interacting with young people, and in the early ’90s that meant MTV. He was all over it. I remember that when I finally saw Bush on MTV, he was being interviewed one-on-one on the back of a moving train, with a sunset in the background.

Metaphorical, yes? But looking back, I’m not sure how his loss could have been avoided. Clinton was a strong candidate indeed.

I’ve read a lot this week about what a fine man George H.W. Bush was. And, I’ve also read a bit here and there about what a rotten SOB he was. I’m not going to get into the particulars of any of that. He was a war hero and an earnest public servant who is now reunited with his wife of 73 years.

Some piece or another recalled him quoting 2 Timothy 4:7 at some point this week. He fought the good fight. He kept the faith. RIP.

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