HOUSTON (AP) – George H.W. Bush, a patrician New Englander whose presidency soared with the coalition victory over Iraq in Kuwait, but then plummeted in the throes of a weak economy that led voters to turn him out of office after a single term, has died. He was 94.
What they said
U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. “America and the world will miss and mourn the life and service of George H.W. Bush. President and Mrs. Bush were and always will be an unforgettable first family. I was honored to serve and work with them. Dianne and I extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Bush family.” U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn. “President George H.W. Bush will be remembered for his steadfast leadership and love for our country and Her people. I fondly recall meeting our nation’s 41st President in October of 1980 during his Vice Presidential bid. I will forever cherish that meeting and our conversation about America’s pastime. George H.W. Bush served our nation in multiple capacities – as Leader of the Free World a veteran of the Greatest Generation – and he will be sorely missed. My prayers are with the Bush family as the world mourns the loss of a truly exceptional American.” U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn. “George H.W. Bush’s life was defined by service to the country he loved, and he leaves behind a remarkable legacy. His selfless service and devotion to family set an important example, not only during his time in elected office but long afterward of what it really means to lead. His character and decency were unparalleled, especially in the way he befriended political foes, reminding Americans that there is always more that unites us than divides us. Elizabeth and I cherish the memories we have of hosting George and Barbara at our home in Chattanooga and join the nation in celebrating the life of a faithful husband, father, grandfather, and statesman.”
The World War II hero, who also presided during the collapse of the Soviet Union and the final months of the Cold War, died late Friday night at his Houston home, said family spokesman Jim McGrath. His wife of more than 70 years, Barbara Bush, died in April 2018.
The son of a senator and father of a president, Bush was the man with the golden resume who rose through the political ranks: from congressman to U.N. ambassador, Republican Party chairman to envoy to China, CIA director to two-term vice president under the hugely popular Ronald Reagan. The 1991 Gulf War stoked his popularity. But Bush would acknowledge that he had trouble articulating “the vision thing,” and he was haunted by his decision to break a stern, solemn vow he made to voters: “Read my lips. No new taxes.”
He lost his bid for re-election to Bill Clinton in a campaign in which businessman H. Ross Perot took almost 19 percent of the vote as an independent candidate. Still, he lived to see his son, George W., twice elected to the presidency – only the second father-and-son chief executives, following John Adams and John Quincy Adams.