Donald Trump, George W Bush and the former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev Friday led global tributes to George HW Bush, the 41st US president who died on Friday, aged 94.
Bush was hailed for his long public service, global leadership at the end of the cold war, and a domestic commitment to bipartisanship.
A second world war veteran, he was also celebrated as the last member of the “greatest generation” to occupy the Oval Office, and remembered also for his loving 73-year marriage to Barbara, the longest between a president and first lady.
Condolences poured in from politicians and public figures. Disabled Americans also said landmark anti-discrimination legislation he shepherded through Congress transformed millions of lives.
At the White House, the flag was lowered to half-mast and, in Buenos Aires on the sidelines of the G20 gathering of world leaders, Trump issued a statement paying tribute. “Melania and I join with a grieving nation to mourn the loss of former President George HW Bush, who passed away last night.
“Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service – to be, in his words, ‘a thousand points of light’ illuminating the greatness, hope and opportunity of America to the world.”
Trump also cancelled a planned press conference in Argentina on Saturday “out of respect for the Bush family”, with whom Trump has clashed bitterly in the past.
George W Bush, himself the 43rd president, announced the death of his “dear Dad”, the occupant of the White House between 1989 and 1993. “George HW Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for,” he said. “The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41’s life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens.”
Gorbachev sent his “deepest condolences” and said Bush had been a “true partner”. The pair signed the strategic arms reduction treaty in 1991, committing to reducing stockpiles of long-range nuclear weapons and heralding the end of the cold war. “I have a lot of memories associated with this person,” he said.
“We had a chance to work together during the years of tremendous changes. It was a dramatic time that demanded great responsibility from everyone. The result was an end to the cold war and the nuclear arms race,” he said.
Bush does not leave an entirely unblemished legacy; critics, particularly on social media, pointed to the so-called Willie Horton ad that was at the heart of his successful 1988 campaign. The ad, which linked the Democratic candidate to a convicted rapist, was widely condemned as racist. And even strong admirers conceded that his elite upbringing, privileged lifestyle and focus on global affairs may have alienated many voters.
John Major, who became a “lifelong friend” of Bush’s when his 1990-1997 term as prime minister coincided with the end of Bush’s presidency, said Bush “saw America’s obligation to the world and honoured it.
“But perhaps it was because he concentrated so much on America’s standing in the world and foreign affairs, that he was not seen so much as someone looking after the domestic interests of America,” he said.
Barack Obama (@BarackObama) tweeted “America has lost a patriot and humble servant in George Herbert Walker Bush. While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude. Our thoughts are with the entire Bush family tonight – and all who were inspired by George and Barbara’s example.”
Tributes poured in from world leaders, including Kuwait, where his decision to launch the 1991 Gulf war to end Iraq’s annexation of its tiny neighbour is still remembered with gratitude. “[His support] will remain in Kuwait’s collective memory and will not be forgotten,” said emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah. The conflict’s legacy beyond Kuwait is less clear cut; although Bush got UN backing for his war, it is seen by many as the start of a long American preoccupation with Iraq that led to brutal civil war, the rise of extremism and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians.
Germans remembered the man in power when the Berlin wall came down. “We are mourning a great statesman and a friend of Germany … [Bush] courageously seized the opportunity to end the cold war,” said foreign minister Heiko Maas. “He is also an architect of German unity. He supported it from the beginning without reservations.”
British leaders from past and present joined the chorus, with the prime minister, Theresa May, saying Bush was “a great statesman and a true friend of our country” and applauding the “ethos of public service” which was his guiding thread.
Born in Milton, Massachusetts, in 1924 to Dorothy Walker and Prescott Bush
Military service Flew 58 combat missions in the second world war
Post war Married Barbara Pierce in 1945, and went on to Yale, graduating in economics
Political career Entered Congress in 1966; made UN ambassador in 1971; head of CIA in 1976; vice-president 1980; elected president 1988; lost office 1992
(The London Guardian)
