Bill Clinton’s letter from George H.W. Bush is a lesson in grace

CNN
 — 

When Bill Clinton entered the White Property, he found a letter from the person he conquer: George H.W. Bush. Notes from outgoing presidents to incoming ones are a tradition, but Bush’s letter on January 20, 1993, is a lesson on grace in defeat.

“He created us really feel at residence, as significantly as he could. Total class,” Clinton said of the letter.

Here’s the total textual content of the letter:

Dear Bill,

When I walked into this business just now I felt the identical feeling of question and regard that I felt four yrs in the past. I know you will sense that, also.

I desire you terrific joy listed here. I under no circumstances felt the loneliness some Presidents have explained.

There will be quite difficult situations, manufactured even much more challenging by criticism you may possibly not assume is truthful. I’m not a really superior just one to give advice but just never enable the critics discourage you or press you off course.

You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you effectively. I wish your loved ones properly.

Your success now is our country’s accomplishment. I am rooting hard for you.

Excellent luck—

George

After political rivals, Presidents Bush and Clinton ended up forming an unlikely friendship.

“Just because you run from someone does not mean you have to be enemies,” Bush as soon as explained. “Politics does not have to be indicate and unappealing.”

Bush lived by that quotation, previous Secretary of State Colin Powell instructed CNN.

“I would like we could get some of that back in our method now,” mentioned Powell.

In his assertion following Bush’s demise, Clinton recounted the friendship between the two.

“I will be for good grateful for the friendship we shaped,” Clinton wrote. “From the instant I met him as a younger governor invited to his residence in Kennebunkport, I was struck by the kindness he confirmed to Chelsea, by his innate and real decency, and by his devotion to Barbara, his children, and their increasing brood.”