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George W. Bush’s official portrait is unveiled in a White House ceremony.
Former President Bush and his wife, Laura, attend the unveiling of his formal portrait at the White House. They were joined by family members and former White House officials. At the event, President Obama praised Bush’s “strength and resolve” after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
WASHINGTON — In a rare public tribute to his predecessor, President Obama unveiled the formal White House portrait of George W. Bush on Thursday, praising his “strength and resolve” after the Sept. 11terrorist attacks.
Obama recalled the sight of Bush standing atop the rubble at the World Trade Center site, “bullhorn in hand,” conveying strength not only to the American people but also, on behalf of the country, to the wider world.
They were the most laudatory words Obama has spoken publicly about Bush, whose record in office and as commander in chief he criticized during his 2008 campaign for president.
Though unusual, Obama’s praise was far from effusive. The tribute included a reference to the poor state of the economy when he took office, and he brought up the successful Navy SEALs mission that “delivered justice” to Osama bin Laden, whom Bush pursued in vain throughout his presidency.
But Obama left out any explicit blame for the economy, and he thanked people over the span of “two administrations” who laid the groundwork for the Bin Laden operation. He also thanked Bush for setting up “a really good TV sports package” for him to enjoy.
“I use it,” Obama told the crowd, which included Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, as well as Bush’s parents, former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, and former White House officials.
The younger Bush has refrained from criticizing his successor during his retirement, saying that Obama deserved his silence.
On Thursday, he had the last word as he stood looking at his portrait, depicting him in a dark suit, on the verge of his signature grin.
Bush said he hoped that as Obama grappled with difficult decisions to come, the younger man would wander by the newest portrait and ask himself one question:
“What would George do?” he said, to thunderous laughter.