Opinion: President Bush: ‘It will be a stirring sight’ when Barack Obama and family occupy the White House
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
(UPDATE: Complete text of President Bush’s statement available at the bottom of this item.)
At the Republican National Convention eight years ago that officially nominated George W. Bush for president, one of his goals for the party he now headed could not have been more clear.
The governor from Texas wanted his party to make at least some inroads among African American voters, who over the years had evolved into the most solid of Democratic blocs.
To that end, the convention stage at the GOP gathering in Philadelphia was peopled with black speakers and black performers.
Despite his aspirations, Bush made absolutely no progress in winning support from blacks or increasing their presence within his party. Indeed, with Democrats this year nominating a biracial candidate for president, African Americans flocked to Barack Obama’s banner....
... in numbers likely never to be replicated -- exit polls showed he carried 95% of the black male vote and 96% of the black female vote.
This morning, in a statement Bush read from the Rose Garden at the White House, the outgoing president cogently took note of the special aspect of Obama’s victory. (A complete text of the President’s statement is at the bottom of this page.)
After saying that Tuesday night he had a ‘warm conversation’ with the man who will succeed him, Bush said:
No matter how they cast their ballots, all Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday. Across the country, citizens voted in large numbers. They showed a watching world the vitality of America’s democracy, and the strides we have made toward a more perfect union. They chose a president whose journey represents a triumph of the American story -- a testament to hard work, optimism, and faith in the enduring promise of our nation. Many of our citizens thought they would never live to see that day. This moment is especially uplifting for a generation of Americans who witnessed the struggle for civil rights with their own eyes -- and four decades later see dream fulfilled. ... It will be a stirring sight to watch President Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their beautiful girls step through the doors of the White House. I know millions of Americans will be overcome with pride at this inspiring moment that so many have awaited so long. I know Sen. Obama’s beloved mother and grandparents would have been thrilled to watch the child they raised ascend the steps of the Capitol -- and take his oath to uphold the Constitution of the greatest nation on the face of the earth. Last night I extended an invitation to the president-elect and Mrs. Obama to come to the White House. And Laura and I are looking forward to welcoming them as soon as possible.
-- Don Frederick
Don’t miss any new Ticket items as we chronicle the construction of the Obama administration and the new Congress. Go here and register for automatic alerts to your cellphone.
November 5, 2008
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Rose Garden, The White House, 10:20 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: ‘Good morning. Last night, I had a warm conversation with President-elect Barack Obama. I congratulated him and Senator Biden on their impressive victory. I told the President-elect he can count on complete cooperation from my administration as he makes the transition to the White House.
I also spoke to Senator John McCain. I congratulated him on a determined campaign that he and Governor Palin ran. The American people will always be grateful for the lifetime of service John McCain has devoted to this nation. And I know he’ll continue to make tremendous contributions to our country.
No matter how they cast their ballots, all Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday. Across the country, citizens voted in large numbers.
They showed a watching world the vitality of America’s democracy, and the strides we have made toward a more perfect union. They chose a President whose journey represents a triumph of the American story -- a testament to hard work, optimism, and faith in the enduring promise of our nation.
Many of our citizens thought they would never live to see that day. This moment is especially uplifting for a generation of Americans who witnessed the struggle for civil rights with their own eyes -- and four decades later see dream fulfilled.
A long campaign has now ended, and we move forward as one nation. We’re embarking on a period of change in Washington, yet there are some things that will not change. The United States government will stay vigilant in meeting its most important responsibility -- protecting the American people. And the world can be certain this commitment will remain steadfast under our next Commander-in-Chief.
There’s important work to do in the months ahead, and I will continue to conduct the people’s business as long as this office remains in my trust.
During this time of transition, I will keep the President-elect fully informed on important decisions. And when the time comes on January the 20th, Laura and I will return home to Texas with treasured memories of our time here -- and with profound gratitude for the honor of serving this amazing country.
It will be a stirring sight to watch President Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their beautiful girls step through the doors of the White House. I know millions of Americans will be overcome with pride at this inspiring moment that so many have awaited so long.
I know Senator Obama’s beloved mother and grandparents would have been thrilled to watch the child they raised ascend the steps of the Capitol -- and take his oath to uphold the Constitution of the greatest nation on the face of the earth.
Last night I extended an invitation to the President-elect and Mrs. Obama to come to the White House. And Laura and I are looking forward to welcoming them as soon as possible.
Thank you very much.’ ###