An open letter from a George H.W. Bush alum to a George H.W. Bush voter
An open letter from a George H.W. Bush alum to a George H.W. Bush voter
Why you should support Harris-Walz in 2024
“America is never wholly herself unless she is engaged in high moral principle. We as a people have such purpose today. It is to make kinder the face of the Nation and gentler the face of the world. My friends, we have work to do.”
We need look no further than President George H. W. Bush’s own words in his inaugural address to be reminded of the definition of leadership and the promise of America. During a career in public service that spanned 70 years and was driven by proving himself worthy of his rescue as a naval aviator, shot down during World II, President Bush personified the principles of true public service in a way that few have achieved. Every day he lived the difference between statesman and politician. And he lost his re-election because he chose statesman, agreeing to a tax deal with Democrat leadership which many of us thought might lose him the Presidency. He knew something we didn’t fully appreciate or understand at the time. Country must always come before political party. America must come first.
Addressing the nation following his loss in November of 1992, the President noted that he could accept defeat because “it is seasoned for me by my deep devotion to the political system under which this Nation has thrived for two centuries.” There was never a question of accepting the choice of the American people.
And despite that defeat, our former boss joined his former opponent to do good across the globe, helping others following the devastating South Asian earthquakes and tsunamis in 2004. For the remainder of his life, he continued to work across the aisle when called to do so to advance American interests and protect freedom.
For us to carry forward the legacy of 41, we must put country before Party. Principles before politics. Decency before dishonor. Will we agree with Vice President Harris on every issue? Of course not. Will there be heated debate between Congress and a future Harris administration on multiple issues? You bet. Should there be debate? Yes! But should we sacrifice country on the altar of political debate? No. We must vote for someone who is honorable and honest, who values the traditions of our democracy.
In most election cycles, there is a choice between two reasonable candidates, both of whom hope to solve the challenges of the American people but in different ways. We simply do not have that choice today. We know Donald Trump. We have seen what his angry rhetoric, impulsive behavior, and narcissistic tantrums can do. This man is not a conservative. He is not a public servant. He is a servant to himself and himself alone.
“Think big. Think of the other guy. Make a difference. Don’t be afraid to get into the ring. Live life with joy.” In her book The Man I Knew, Jean Becker, President Bush’s longest serving chief of staff, shared the lessons she learned from President Bush. But she says when she thinks about it, it’s more complicated. “Be open to new ideas. Don’t be afraid to change your mind. Don’t be afraid to say you were wrong. Don’t judge. Don’t hold grudges.” Which candidate is more likely to follow those lessons?
Jon Meacham’s moving eulogy of President Bush 41 called Lincoln’s ‘better angels of our nature’ and Bush’s ‘thousand points of light’ “the most American of creeds…. for Lincoln and Bush both called on us to choose the right over the convenient, to hope rather than to fear, to heed not our worst impulses but our best instincts.”
It is time for hope. It is time for best instincts. It is time to right our Party and return America to her promise.