November 30th marked the passing of George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States, at the age of 94. The world lost a humble yet underrated leader who was defined by nothing less than his kind temperament and trusting manner.
It was not widely known that George H.W. Bush entered the presidency as one of the most experienced and well-connected presidents America had ever seen. After leaving the family oil business, Bush began a political journey which would span different countries, different agencies and different experiences. Although he entered politics as a member of Congress and eventually became the Chairman of the Republican National Committee, the one-term president’s expertise and experience went well beyond those roles which defined him.
He comprehensively understood the workings of war through his combat service as a naval aviator during World War II, during which he was shot down. He was also very well versed in foreign affairs, having been a front-line diplomat as the US Ambassador to the United Nations under Richard Nixon and the US Ambassador to China following the reopening of relations with communist-leader Mao Zedong. This assisted him later on as he became the only president to maintain such a close relationship with China, with President Xi Jinping also paying tribute to the late leader. He was also strongly connected with the intelligence world through his service as the Director of the CIA. This array of experience would later influence his decisions and teach him that effective diplomacy required the maintenance of a strong degree of trust.
During the 1970s, he was well known for keeping his ego in-check and his dignity intact, maintaining this identity until his final days. Well-known by the public, he sought the Republican nomination for the presidency in 1980 but lost to Ronald Reagan. For his devotion to service and his strong morals, Reagan chose Bush as his running mate. He served eight years as the Vice President before moving to the White House after the 1988 election.
Bush’s term in office was largely defined by his leadership of America through significant global transition. He was instrumental in creating a stronger bond with Mikhail Gorbachev and eventually secured the end of the Cold War and peaceful collapse of the Soviet Union. The Bush Administration was also defined by NATO expansion after the Berlin Wall collapsed, despite the protests of both British and French leaders. Later in his term, he created a coalition comprising of troops from Europe, Asia and North America to defeat Saddam Hussein after his act of war against Kuwait. This was whilst maintaining low levels of casualties. At the end of his presidency, Bush conceived the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a seminal agreement which was handed over to President Clinton who gained congressional support to enact it.
Although ultimately American voters felt that his control over foreign affairs was prioritised and overshadowed domestic affairs, he is remembered as a great leader. He was defined by his kind and respectful behaviour, something coined as revolutionary by many during the turbulent atmosphere of politics during his presidency. He was not perfect in his dealings, but he maintained his personal integrity until the end.
Although he lost his bid for a second term to the charismatic Democrat Governor of Arkansas Bill Clinton, he took his defeat with the utmost grace. He left his successor a note encouraging him, remarking:
“I wish you well. I wish your family well. Your success is now our country’s success. I am rooting hard for you.”
Letter from President Bush Sr. to President Clinton
January 20, 1993
He continued on with this tradition of providing advice when asked by his son, President George W. Bush, and also by President Barack Obama. When Obama was visiting Houston, he came to visit him because “when the president comes to your hometown, you show up and you welcome him”. This was the beginning of a strong connection between the Bush family has the Obama family, a relationship cemented during the latter’s eight years in office. Although it is known that he maintained a very hostile relationship with incumbent President Trump, even voting against his party in the 2016 election, he maintained his integrity until the end. His devotion to his country was far greater than any personal difference he had. In the end, even Trump recognised this and showed words of respect and praise for the late leader while it was publicised that Bush wanted the incumbent president as his funeral.
President George H.W. Bush led a long, successful and beautiful life. Whenever I was with him I saw his absolute joy for life and true pride in his family. His accomplishments were great from beginning to end. He was a truly wonderful man and will be missed by all!
Donald J Trump
December 1, 2018
Amidst the animosity, the fear mongering and tumultuous atmosphere of the world stage, we saw the dimming of the lights to one of the world’s greatest leaders. He was commended not only due to his achievements but the manner upon which he handled his defeats. George H.W. Bush will be remembered as a man who did not seek to, but eventually became a legend. He defined the end of the 20th century and showed the importance of maintaining dignity with your allies, your enemies, and above all, yourself.
