George H.W. Bush's Concession Letter to Bill Clinton is Going Viral
During last night's presidential debate, Donald Trump refused to say whether he would accept the results of the election, should he lose.
When asked directly by moderator Chris Wallace if he would honor the results, Trump said, "I will tell you at the time. I'll keep you in suspense." Hillary Clinton called his response "horrifying," and frankly, she's right.
It is an unprecedented declaration by a political candidate, and one that is at odds with the very foundation of our country's democratic system.
In the wake of Trump's statement, the letter that George H.W. Bush wrote to Bill Clinton when he won the 1992 election has resurfaced, reminding people of what elections should be like, and drawing attention to just how nasty this year's cycle has gotten.
Bush writes humbly and graciously, and with respect for his opponent, always hoping for the best for America and its new leader, even in defeat.
Read this. Think about this. George H.W. Bush's gracious handoff to Bill Clinton. It's beautiful. pic.twitter.com/XHjPvbzGu8
- Tom Ashbrook (@tomashbrooknpr) October 19, 2016
The full text of the letter reads:
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 is now our country's success. I am rooting for you. Good luck, George
It would serve Trump well to give it a read.
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