Obama, Clinton, son share recollections of George H.W. Bush

BY BRETT SAMUELS

Former Presidents Clinton, Obama and George W. Bush paid tribute to the late former President George H.W. Bush in a segment broadcast Sunday night, praising the 41st president for his political accomplishments and his personal relationships.

The three former presidents spoke recently with "60 Minutes" about George H.W. Bush, who died on Friday at age 94.

George W. Bush, who took office eight years after his father, said his father taught him that the presidency "is more important than the man."

"And therefore, one of the jobs is to strengthen the institution of the presidency, bring honor to the office," he said. "And that clearly George H.W. Bush did."

George W. Bush said his father didn't like to discuss his legacy, and suggested that the elder Bush's time in office is often overlooked because it was a single term."I feel really good about — people, if they analyze not only his accomplishments but his character, they'll say, 'Job well done, George H.W. Bush,' " he said.

Clinton, who followed Bush into office after winning the 1992 election, said on "60 Minutes" that the two enjoyed a warm personal relationship, despite their political disagreements. He read a letter that Bush wrote him upon departing office in which the outgoing president wished his successor good luck.

"It's been one of the great joys of my life, my friendship with him," Clinton said. "Our arguments were good-natured and open, and we continue to debate things all the way up until recently."

Obama, who awarded Bush the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, praised the 41st president's foreign policy accomplishments, particularly his handling of the end of the Cold War.

Obama visited Bush at his home in Houston just a few days before he died.

"He was a good reminder that as fiercely as we may fight on policy and on issues, that ultimately we're Americans first," Obama said. "And that kind of attitude is something that I think a lot of people miss."

George H.W. Bush will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda from late Monday through Wednesday morning. President Trump declared a national day of mourning for Wednesday, when a service will be held at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

Bush's remains will then be transported back to Houston for a funeral service there. He will be buried next to his late wife, Barbara Bush, and his daughter Robin Bush at his presidential library and museum at Texas A&M University.