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but chose Nelson Rockefeller. In 1980, Bush ran as the mod- erate alternative to Ronald Reagan, who won the nomination but nevertheless then positioned Bush as his vice president, setting up a 1988 candidacy. Of course, Bush served one term before being defeated by Bill Clinton. He never gave up and continued to fight for what he believed.
President Bush poured everything into his re-election campaign and came up short, in large part due to the inde- pendent candidate Ross Perot gaining 19 percent of the vote, which would have surely gone to Bush otherwise. Despite his heartbreak, Bush refused to complain or object to the cir- cumstances leading to his defeat. When it was time to pass the torch to the man with whom he had been engaged in a bitter street fight during the arduous campaign, he left office with the same class and dignity that were part of his moral compass. On Jan. 20, 1993, Bush left a handwritten note to Clinton which stated:
Dear Bill,
When I walked into this office just now, I felt the
same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too.
I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some Presidents have described.
There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I’m not a very good one to give advice; but just don’t let
the critics discourage you or push you off course. You will be our President when you read this
note. I wish you well. I wish your family well.
Your success now is our country’s success. I am
rooting hard for you. Good luck — George
Despite his personal pain, President Bush recognized that the people of the United States deserved a smooth transition and complete focus on the job at hand. He recognized that it was about the people, not about him. All too often, we see political candidates in all types of elections who are motivat- ed by nothing other than self-preservation. The losing side spends the entire term criticizing and sometimes sabotaging their victorious rivals, while the incumbents set off on a re- venge tour against anyone and everyone who opposed their candidacy. The only goal of both sides is to win the next elec- tion, with little regard for the people they represent.
Service to others is one of the most important qualities that makes our communities, cities and country great. Is it too much that we should require this quality in our elected officials, whether it be local, state or national? It sits atop my wish list this holiday season, and everyone is a “believer” this time of year. Please allow me to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and a prosperous new year.
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