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{{Officeholder
'''George Herbert Walker Bush''' (June 12, 1924-present) is a [[World War II]] veteran who served as the 41st [[President of the United States of America]], serving January 20, 1989 - January 20, 1993.
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|name=George H.W. Bush
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|image=Gwtgg.jpg
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|party=Republican
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|spouse=Barbara Bush
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|religion=[[Episcopalianism]]
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|offices=
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{{Officeholder/president
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|country=the United States
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|number=41st
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|terms=January 20, 1989 – January 20, 1993
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|vp=[[Dan Quayle]]
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|preceded=[[Ronald Reagan]]
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|former=y
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|succeeded=[[Bill Clinton]]
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}}
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{{Officeholder/vice president
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|country=the United States
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|number=43rd
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|terms=January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989
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|president=[[Ronald Reagan]]
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|preceded=[[Walter Mondale]]
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|former=y
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|succeeded=[[Dan Quayle]]
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}}
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{{Officeholder/misc
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|office=Director of Central Intelligence
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|terms=January 30, 1976 – January 20, 1977
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|president=[[Gerald Ford]]
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|preceded=[[William Colby]]
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|former=y
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|succeeded=[[Stansfield Turner]]
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}}
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{{Officeholder/ambassador
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|for=United States
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|to=the United Nations
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|president=[[Richard Nixon]]
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|terms=March 1, 1971 – January 18, 1973
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|preceded=[[Charles Yost]]
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|former=y
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|succeeded=[[John Scali]]
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}}
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{{Officeholder/representative
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|state=Texas
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|district=7th
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|terms=January 3, 1967 – January 3, 1971
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|preceded=John Dowdy
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|former=y
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|succeeded=William Archer
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}}
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}}
  
==Overview==
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'''George Herbert Walker Bush''' (June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018) was an [[establishment]] [[globalist]]<ref name="Legacy"/> who served as the 43rd [[Vice President of the United States of America|Vice President]] of the [[United States]] from 1981 to 1989 and the 41st [[President of the United States]], serving from 1989 to 1993 after defeating [[liberal]] [[Massachusetts]] Governor [[Michael Dukakis]] by a landslide. A member of a strongly [[globalist]] family, Bush helped lead the [[Council on Foreign Relations]]. He promoted and advanced left-wing policies while in office, helped advance globalist [[Free trade|"free" trade]] agreements, and appointed liberal [[David Souter]] to the Supreme Court.<ref name="Legacy">Byas, Steve (December 3, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/30798-the-legacy-of-george-herbert-walker-bush The Legacy of George Herbert Walker Bush]. ''The New American''. Retrieved December 3, 2018.</ref>
  
During most of his public career, George Bush served other presidents loyally in a number of important positions. Not until 1988, after eight years as vice president under [[Ronald Reagan]], did Bush, a self-effacing man, step into the limelight as the Republican nominee for president. For the first time he had an opportunity to articulate his vision for America's future.
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A [[moderate Republican]] who carried on most of the policies of the [[Ronald Reagan|Reagan Administration]], Bush's presidency presided over two major events, victory in the [[Cold War]] and collapse of the [[Soviet Union]], and in the [[Persian Gulf War]] in 1991 against [[Saddam Hussein]]. His popularity soared after these [[foreign policy]] triumphs, but had little interest in domestic policies and troubled relations with the Democrat-controlled [[Congress]]. He was defeated for reelection in 1992 by [[Arkansas]] Governor [[Bill Clinton]].
  
Few presidential candidates had entered a campaign so ill defined in the eyes of the American voters. Bush's two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, the only office to which he had been elected on his own, were almost two decades in the past by 1988. His service in appointive positions—as U.S. delegate to the [[United Nations]], chairman of the [[Republican National Committee]], envoy to [[China]], and director of the [[Central Intelligence Agency]]—had provided only an occasional hint of his political philosophy. He had sought the Republican presidential nomination in 1980 as a moderate, but after becoming Reagan's running mate he had taken conservative positions identical to those of Reagan.
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Bush was a [[World War II]] veteran and war hero. During most of his public career, he served other presidents loyally in a number of appointed positions. Not until 1988, after eight years as vice president under Ronald Reagan, did Bush step into the limelight as the Republican nominee for president. Even when his son [[George W. Bush]] was president (2001–2009), he avoided the spotlight.
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Bush announced he would vote for [[leftist]] [[Hillary Clinton]] in the [[2016 presidential election]] rather than businessman [[Donald Trump]].  Compared to Trump, whose positions are strongly conservative, there was clear evidence that Bush was a [[RINO]] and a liberal.<ref name="BushHRC">Gangel, Jamie & Bradner, Eric (September 21, 2016). [https://www.cnn.com/2016/09/20/politics/george-hw-bush-hillary-clinton/ Sources: Bush 41 says he will vote for Clinton]. ''CNN''. Retrieved October 30, 2016.</ref>
  
 
== Early life ==
 
== Early life ==
  
George Bush was born in Milton, [[Massachusetts]] to [[Prescott Bush]] and Dorothy Walker, on June 12, 1924. His father was a wealthy investment banker and later a partner in the Wall Street firm of Brown Brothers, Harriman and Company. Prescott Bush was also a two-term [[Republican Party|Republican]] senator from [[Connecticut]] from 1952 to 1963.  
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George Bush, the scion of an old New England [[Yankee]] family, was born in Milton, Massachusetts to [[Prescott Bush]] and Dorothy Walker, on June 12, 1924. His father was a wealthy investment banker and later a partner in the [[Wall Street]] firm of Brown Brothers, Harriman and Company. Prescott Bush was a powerful two-term Republican senator from [[Connecticut]] from 1952 to 1963.  
  
 
Bush's maternal grandfather, for whom he was named, was George Herbert Walker, a wealthy businessman and important figure in American golf history.  
 
Bush's maternal grandfather, for whom he was named, was George Herbert Walker, a wealthy businessman and important figure in American golf history.  
  
With his sister and three brothers, Bush was raised in Greenwich, [[Connecticut]]. George Bush attended Greenwich Country Day School before entering [[Phillips Academy]] from 1936 to 1942 in Andover, Massachusetts. At Andover, he played Varsity baseball, was captain of the basketball and soccer teams, and president of the senior class. He was also a member of an exclusive fraternity called the A.U.V, or "Auctoritas, Unitas, Veritas" – Latin for "Authority, Unity, Truth". His roommate at the boarding school was a young man named Edward G. Hooker. It was at Phillips Academy that Bush learned of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
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With his sister and three brothers, Bush was raised in Greenwich, [[Connecticut]]. George Bush attended Greenwich Country Day School before entering Phillips Academy from 1936 to 1942 in Andover, [[Massachusetts]]. At Andover, he played Varsity baseball, was captain of the basketball and soccer teams, and president of the senior class.  
 
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== Military career ==
== War hero ==
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[[Image:3.jpg|left|thumb|200px|U.S. Navy Pilot George Bush in the cockpit of an Avenger (1942-1945)]] When George Bush graduated from Andover, he had already been admitted to [[Yale University]], but the United States had entered [[World War II]], and he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve on his 18th birthday instead. After completing the 10-month course, he was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve at [[Corpus Christi]] at 18 years old, which made him the youngest naval aviator to that date.
  
When George Bush graduated from Andover, he had already been admitted to Yale University, but the United States had entered [[World War II]], and he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve on his 18th birthday instead. After completing the 10-month course, he was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve at Corpus Christi at 18 years old, which made him the youngest naval aviator to that date.
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Serving in the Pacific theater, he flew 58 combat missions. On one mission over the Pacific, as a torpedo bomber pilot, his aircraft was hit by Japanese antiaircraft fire and his engine caught on fire. Despite the fact that his plane was on fire, he completed his attack and released the bombs over his target, scoring several damaging hits. With his engine on fire, Bush flew several miles from the island, where he and one other crew member on the TBM Avenger bailed out of the aircraft.  
  
Serving in the Pacific theater, he flew 58 combat missions. On one mission over the Pacific, as a torpedo bomber pilot his aircraft was hit by Japanese antiaircraft fire and his engine caught on fire. Despite the fact that his plane was on fire, he completed his attack and released the bombs over his target, scoring several damaging hits. With his engine on fire, Bush flew several miles from the island, where he and one other crew member on the TBM Avenger bailed out of the aircraft.
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While Bush waited four hours in his inflated raft, several fighters circled protectively overhead until he was rescued by the lifeguard submarine USS Finback. For this action, Bush received the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]] for bravery in action. During the month he remained on the USS Finback, Bush participated in the rescue of other pilots.
 
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While Bush waited four hours in his inflated raft, several fighters circled protectively overhead until he was rescued by the lifeguard submarine USS Finback. For this action Bush received the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in action. During the month he remained on the USS Finback, Bush participated in the rescue of other pilots.
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== Postwar years ==
 
== Postwar years ==
  
While at Yale, he joined the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and was elected President. He also captained the Yale baseball team. A left-handed first baseman, Bush played in the first College World Series. As a Senior he was, like his son George W. Bush in 1968 and his father Prescott S. Bush in 1917, inducted into the Skull and Bones secret society in 1948, helping him to build friendships and political support.  
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While at Yale, he joined the [[Delta Kappa Epsilon]] [[fraternity]] and was elected president. He also captained the Yale baseball team. A left-handed first baseman, Bush played in the first College World Series. As a senior he was, like his son [[George W. Bush]] in 1968 and his father Prescott S. Bush in 1917, inducted into the [[Skull and Bones]] secret society in 1948, helping him to build friendships and political support.  
  
He married Barbara Pierce on January 6, 1945. George and [[Barbara Bush]] have six children: George W., Pauline Robinson ("Robin") (1949–1953, died of leukemia), John (Jeb), Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy Walker.  
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He married Barbara Pierce on January 6, 1945. George and [[Barbara Bush]] have six children: the 43rd US President, [[George W. Bush|George W.]], Pauline Robinson ("Robin") (1949–1953, died of leukemia), [[Jeb Bush]], Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy Walker Kock.  
  
In 1964, Bush ventured into conventional politics by running against [[Texas]]' [[Democratic Party|Democratic]] Senator [[Ralph Yarborough]]. However, he lost in the 1964 Democratic landslide. Bush did not give up on elective politics, and was elected in 1966 and 1968 to the House of Representatives from the 7th District of Texas.  
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In 1964, Bush ventured into conventional politics by running against [[Texas]]' [[liberal]] [[Democratic Party|Democratic]] Senator [[Ralph Yarborough]]. However, he lost in the 1964 Democratic landslide. Bush did not give up on elective politics and was elected in 1966 and 1968 to the [[House of Representatives]] from the 7th District of Texas.  
  
Bush lost his second attempt at a Senate seat in 1970 to Democrat [[Lloyd Bentsen]], who had defeated the incumbent Yarborough in the Democratic primary.
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Bush lost his second attempt at a [[United States Senate|Senate]] seat in 1970 to Democrat [[Lloyd Bentsen]], who had defeated the incumbent Yarborough in the Democratic primary.
  
== Distinguished career ==
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== Political career ==
  
 
After the 1970 election loss, Bush was nominated and confirmed to the position of United States Ambassador to the [[United Nations]], at which he served from 1971 to 1973.  
 
After the 1970 election loss, Bush was nominated and confirmed to the position of United States Ambassador to the [[United Nations]], at which he served from 1971 to 1973.  
  
After President [[Richard Nixon]] was re-elected President in 1972, he asked Bush to become Chairman of the Republican National Committee. After Nixon's resignation in 1974, Bush was considered for appointment as the replacement Vice President, but new President [[Gerald Ford]] chose Nelson Rockefeller instead. Ford appointed Bush to be Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People's Republic of China. (Since the United States at the time maintained official relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan and not the PRC, the Liaison Office did not have the official status of an embassy and Bush did not hold the position of "ambassador" even though he unofficially acted as one.)  
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After President [[Richard Nixon]] was re-elected President in 1972, he asked Bush to become Chairman of the [[Republican National Committee]]. After Nixon's resignation in 1974, Bush was considered for appointment as the replacement Vice President, but new President [[Gerald Ford]] chose [[Nelson Rockefeller]] instead. Ford appointed Bush to be Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the [[People's Republic of China]]. (Since the United States at the time maintained official relations with the [[Republic of China]] on Taiwan and not the PRC, the Liaison Office did not have the official status of an embassy and Bush did not hold the position of "ambassador" even though he unofficially acted as one.)  
  
In 1975, Ford brought Bush back to Washington to become Director of Central Intelligence. The CIA had been rocked by a serious of revelations about illegal and unauthorized activities, and Bush helped to restore the agency's morale and integrity. In 1999, the CIA headquarters facility in Langley, Virginia was renamed the George Bush Center for Intelligence.  
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In 1975, Ford brought Bush back to Washington to become Director of Central Intelligence. The [[CIA]] had been rocked by a serious of revelations about illegal and unauthorized activities, and Bush helped to restore the agency's morale and integrity. In 1999, the CIA headquarters facility in Langley, Virginia was renamed the George Bush Center for Intelligence.  
  
 
After Democrat [[Jimmy Carter]] took the presidency in 1977, Bush became Chairman of the First International Bank in Houston. He also became a board member of the Committee on the Present Danger.
 
After Democrat [[Jimmy Carter]] took the presidency in 1977, Bush became Chairman of the First International Bank in Houston. He also became a board member of the Committee on the Present Danger.
  
== 1980 presidential campaign ==
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== 1980 Presidential campaign ==
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{{Main|United States presidential election, 1980}}
  
In the 1980 presidential election, Bush ran for the office, stressing his wide range of government experience. In the contest for the Republican Party nomination, despite Bush's establishment backing the front-runner was Ronald Reagan, the former Governor of [[California]], who was now running for President for the second time. The Bush campaign team coined the term "voodoo economics" to describe the supply-side economic theory that Reagan supported, but later he said he became "converted" and supported the policies as Vice President.
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In the 1980 presidential election, Bush ran for the office, stressing his wide range of government experience. In the contest for the Republican Party nomination, despite Bush's establishment backing the front-runner was Ronald Reagan, the former Governor of [[California]], who was now running for President for the second time after narrowing losing the Republican nomination to Gerald Ford in 1976. The Bush campaign team coined the term "voodoo economics" to describe the supply-side economic theory that Reagan supported, but later he said he became "converted" and supported the policies as Vice President.
  
 
Bush won the Iowa caucus to start the primary season. However, Reagan came back to decisively win the following [[New Hampshire]] primary. With a growing popularity among the Republican voting base, Reagan won most of the remaining primaries and the nomination.  
 
Bush won the Iowa caucus to start the primary season. However, Reagan came back to decisively win the following [[New Hampshire]] primary. With a growing popularity among the Republican voting base, Reagan won most of the remaining primaries and the nomination.  
  
After some preliminary discussion of choosing former President Gerald Ford as his running mate, Reagan selected Bush as his Vice President, placing him on the winning Republican Presidential ticket of 1980.
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After some preliminary discussion of choosing former President Gerald Ford as his running mate, the original "dream" ticket, Reagan selected Bush as his Vice President, placing him on the winning Republican Presidential ticket of 1980 when current President [[Jimmy Carter]] was handily defeated. [[Image:Reagan_and_HWBush.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Vice President George H.W. Bush with President Ronald Reagan]]
  
 
== Vice presidency ==
 
== Vice presidency ==
  
As Vice President, Bush had influence on Reagan's staffing and was given many foreign affairs responsibilities. Bush was kept busy on overseas diplomatic trips; Bush attended so many state funerals that he famously quipped, "I'm George Bush. You die, I fly."  
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As Vice President, Bush had influence on Reagan's staffing and was given many foreign affairs responsibilities. Bush was kept busy on overseas diplomatic trips; he attended so many state funerals that he famously quipped, "I'm George Bush. You die, I fly." Vice President Bush headed a task force over illegal drug trade and attended many high-level policy meetings in the [[White House]], including the national security council. Bush was seen as being a very loyal Vice President who supported his commander-in-chief even though he had come from a more moderate background. When President Reagan was shot and seriously wounded by [[John Hinckley, Jr.]] in March 1981, Vice President Bush performed the duties of President until he recovered. With a staff of 68 people Bush kept informed on international issues and maintained political [[friend]]ships, thus preparing him for a 1988 presidential campaign.
  
In 1984, the Reagan/Bush ticket was re-elected in a landslide against the Democrats' Walter Mondale/Geraldine Ferraro ticket.  
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In 1984, the Reagan/Bush ticket was re-elected in a landslide against the Democrats' [[Walter Mondale]]/[[Geraldine Ferraro]] ticket.
  
During his second term as Vice President, Bush had the distinction of becoming the first Vice President to become Acting President when, on July 13, 1985, President Reagan underwent surgery to remove polyps from his colon. Bush served as Acting President for approximately eight hours.
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== 1988 Presidential campaign ==
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{{Main|United States presidential election, 1988}}
  
== 1988 presidential campaign ==
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In 1988, after seven years as Vice President, Bush ran for President. Though considered the early front-runner for the nomination, Bush came in third in the Iowa caucus, beaten by winner U.S. Senator [[Bob Dole]] and runner-up televangelist [[Pat Robertson]].  Reagan himself remained neutral in the contest, choosing not to support any individual candidate. Bush was able to rebound to win the New Hampshire primary, much as Reagan had done against him 8 years earlier. Once the multiple-state primaries such as [[Super Tuesday]] began, Bush's organizational strength and fundraising lead were impossible for the other candidates to match, and the nomination was his.
  
In 1988, after seven years as Vice President, Bush ran for President. Though considered the early front-runner for the nomination, Bush came in third in the Iowa caucus, beaten by winner U.S. Senator [[Bob Dole]] and runner-up televangelist Pat Robertson. However, Bush rebounded to win the New Hampshire primary. Once the multiple-state primaries such as Super Tuesday began, Bush's organizational strength and fundraising lead were impossible for the other candidates to match, and the nomination was his.  
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Leading up to the 1988 [[Republican National Convention]], there was much speculation as to Bush's choice of running mate. Bush chose little-known U.S. Senator [[Dan Quayle]] of [[Indiana]]. On the eve of the convention, Bush trailed Democratic nominee [[Michael Dukakis]], then [[Massachusetts]] governor, by double digits in many polls. He was aided during the convention by Reagan's speech, which eloquently passed the baton to Bush as the next leader of America and his own man. Bush had been dogged by the "wimp" moniker by the press and Reagan's speech was part of the process to remove that.  When his turn came to speak at the convention, Bush, often criticized for his lack of eloquence compared to Reagan, surprised many by giving possibly the best speech of his public career, widely known as the "Thousand points of light" speech for his use of that phrase to describe his vision of American community. Bush's acceptance speech and a generally well-managed Convention catapulted him ahead of Dukakis in the polls, and he held the lead for the rest of the race. Bush's acceptance speech at the convention included the pledge, "Read my lips: no new taxes."
  
Leading up to the 1988 Republican National Convention, there was much speculation as to Bush's choice of running mate. Bush chose little-known U.S. Senator [[Dan Quayle]] of [[Indiana]]. On the eve of the convention, Bush trailed Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis, then Massachusetts governor, by double digits in many polls. Bush, often criticized for his lack of eloquence compared to Reagan, surprised many by giving possibly the best speech of his public career, widely known as the "Thousand points of light" speech for his use of that phrase to describe his vision of American community. Bush's acceptance speech and a generally well-managed Convention catapulted him ahead of Dukakis in the polls, and he held the lead for the rest of the race. Bush's acceptance speech at the convention included the pledge, Read my lips: no new taxes.  
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In the [[United States presidential election, 1988|1988 Presidential election]] the Bush-Quayle ticket beat Michael Dukakis and Lloyd Bentsen soundly in the [[Electoral College]], by 426 to 111 (Lloyd Bentsen received one vote). In the nationwide popular vote, Bush took 53.4% of the ballots cast while Dukakis gained 45.6%.
  
The Bush-Quayle ticket beat Michael Dukakis and Lloyd Bentsen soundly in the [[Electoral College]], by 426 to 111 (Lloyd Bentsen received one vote). In the nationwide popular vote, Bush took 53.4% of the ballots cast while Dukakis gained 45.6%.  
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== Presidency (1989–1993) ==
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[[Image:Photo-01201989-ghwbush-square.jpg|right|thumb|175px|President George H. W. Bush Inauguration, 01/20/89]] George H. W. Bush succeeded Reagan as the 41st President of the United States. Rep. [[Jim Wright]] of Texas lead the opposition in the [[Speaker of the House|House as Speaker]], while the [[Exalted Cyclops]] [[Robert Byrd]] continued to lead the Democrats in the [[Senate]].
  
== Presidency ==
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===Administration===
  
Foreign policy drove the Bush presidency from its first days. In his January 20, 1989 Inaugural Address upon taking the Presidency, Bush said:
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{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Office
 +
! Name
 +
! Term
 +
|-
 +
| [[President]]
 +
| George H. W. Bush
 +
| 1989-1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Vice President of the United States of America|Vice President]]
 +
| Dan Quayle
 +
| 1989-1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Secretary of State]]
 +
| [[James Baker]]
 +
| 1989-1992
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
| [[Lawrence Eagleburger]]
 +
| 1992-1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Secretary of Treasury]]
 +
| [[Nicholas Brady]]
 +
| 1989-1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Secretary of Defense]]
 +
| [[Richard Cheney]]
 +
| 1989-1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Attorney General]]
 +
| [[Dick Thornburgh]]
 +
| 1989-1991
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
| [[William Barr]]
 +
| 1991-1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Secretary of Interior]]
 +
| [[Manuel Lujan]]
 +
| 1989-1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Secretary of Agriculture]]
 +
| [[Clayton Yeutter]]
 +
| 1989-1993
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
| [[Edward Madigan]]
 +
| 1991–1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Secretary of Commerce]]
 +
| [[Robert Mosbacher]]
 +
| 1989-1992
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
| [[Barbara Franklin]]
 +
| 1992-1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Secretary of Labor]]
 +
| [[Elizabeth Dole]]
 +
| 1989-1990
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
| [[Lynn Martin]]
 +
| 1990-1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Secretary of Health and Human Services]]
 +
| [[Louis Sullivan]]
 +
| 1989-1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Secretary of Education]]
 +
| [[Lauro Cavazos]]
 +
| 1989-1990
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
| [[Lamar Alexander]]
 +
| 1990-1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Secretary of Housing and Urban Development]]
 +
| [[Jack Kemp]]
 +
| 1989-1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Secretary of Transportation]]
 +
| [[Samuel Skinner]]
 +
| 1989-1992
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
| [[Andrew Card]]
 +
| 1992-1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Secretary of Energy]]
 +
| [[James Watkins]]
 +
| 1989–1993
 +
|-
 +
| [[Secretary of Veterans Affairs]]
 +
| [[Ed Derwinski]]
 +
| 1989-1993
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
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==Domestic Policy==
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On domestic issues, there were few new programs launched and gridlock between the administration and Democratic-[[Congress]]. The economy was in a [[recession]] by late 1991.
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===Economy===
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With a large federal deficit, Democrats in Congress believed in raising taxes and Republicans believed in reducing federal domestic spending. President Bush and Congressional Democrats reached a compromise that would both have spending cuts and increased taxes, which would reduce the deficit $500 billion over five years as part of a 1990 budget agreement. In 1991 the U.S. entered into a mild recession. Unemployment was at 7.8%, although inflation and interest rates were at its lowest in years. The recession lasted for about six months, although Democrats made it an issue for two years.
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===Government Acts===
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On July 26, 1990, President Bush signed the [[Americans with Disabilities Act]], which stated that [[business]]es can not discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability. This includes job hiring, job training, [[worker's compensation]] and other terms. Bush also signed the Clean Air Act of 1990, [[environment]]al legislation that is aimed at reducing smog and [[air]] [[pollution]].
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[[File:Evergreen-chapel-tree-of-knowledge.jpg|thumb|left|Evergreen Chapel at Camp David]]
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While President, Bush arranged for the construction of the Evergreen Chapel at Camp David. It was built using funds raised by a nonprofit corporation formed by Kenneth Plummer, president of the National Lay Leaders Association of the United Methodist Church.  He dedicated it in 1991.
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===Immigration===
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Bush signed the Immigration Act of 1990 into law, which increased migration levels and had a negative effect on the United States.<ref>Binder, John (December 6, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2018/12/06/bush-41s-mass-immigration-legacy-continues-taking-toll-on-u-s-3-decades-later/ Bush 41’s Mass Immigration Legacy Continues Taking Toll on U.S. 3 Decades Later]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 6, 2018.</ref>
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===Supreme Court===
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President Bush appointed two Justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. Bush nominated Circuit Judge [[David Souter]] as an Associate Justice of the [[Supreme Court]] on July 25, 1990; he was sworn in in October after being confirmed by a 90–9 vote in the Senate. Senators [[John Kerry]] and [[Ted Kennedy]] opposed him, saying he was too [[conservative]], although on the court he usually voted with [[liberal]]s. On July 1, 1991, President Bush announced Judge [[Clarence Thomas]] to the Supreme Court to replace [[Thurgood Marshall]]. He was confirmed by a much more narrow 52–48.
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[[Image:Bush_and_Gorbachev_sign_agreements.jpg|left|thumb|275px|President Bush and President Gorbachev sign United States/Soviet Union agreements in the East Room of the White House, Washington, DC. 06/01/90]]
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==Foreign Policy==
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When the Bushes entered wars in the Middle East, it was the first time since William McKinley that a Republican party administration involved the United States in major armed conflicts. Foreign policy drove the Bush presidency from its first days. In his January 20, 1989, Inaugural Address upon taking the Presidency, Bush said:
 
:''"I come before you and assume the Presidency at a moment rich with promise. We live in a peaceful, prosperous time, but we can make it better. For a new breeze is blowing, and a world refreshed by freedom seems reborn; for in man's heart, if not in fact, the day of the dictator is over. The totalitarian era is passing, its old ideas blown away like leaves from an ancient, lifeless tree. A new breeze is blowing, and a nation refreshed by freedom stands ready to push on. There is new ground to be broken, and new action to be taken."''
 
:''"I come before you and assume the Presidency at a moment rich with promise. We live in a peaceful, prosperous time, but we can make it better. For a new breeze is blowing, and a world refreshed by freedom seems reborn; for in man's heart, if not in fact, the day of the dictator is over. The totalitarian era is passing, its old ideas blown away like leaves from an ancient, lifeless tree. A new breeze is blowing, and a nation refreshed by freedom stands ready to push on. There is new ground to be broken, and new action to be taken."''
  
Leading up to the first [[Gulf War]], on September 11, 1990 President Bush addressing the United Nations stated: ''Out of these troubled times, our fifth objective -- a New World Order -- can emerge: a new era'' thus becoming the first President of the United States of America to openly state and work toward global governance.
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===New World Order===
  
As President, Bush is perhaps best known for leading the United Nations coalition in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. In 1990, led by [[Saddam Hussein]], [[Iraq]] invaded its oil-rich neighbor to the south, [[Kuwait]]. The broad coalition sought the limited objective of removing Iraqi forces from Kuwait and ensure that Iraq did not invade [[Saudi Arabia]]. Bush summed up his and the entire free world's position succinctly when he said, "This aggression will not stand," and "this is not a war for oil. This is war against aggression."
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Bush's Presidency was extraordinarily eventful from a foreign policy standpoint. Over the course of four years the [[Cold War]] ended, [[Germany]] reunified, the [[Soviet Union]] collapsed, American troops intervened in [[Panama]] to remove a criminal dictator and in [[Somalia]] to save people from starvation, and the United States led a coalition victory in the Persian [[Gulf War]] in [[Iraq]].
  
President Bush achieved his stated objectives of "liberating" Kuwait and forcing Iraqi withdrawal. President Bush's popularity rating in America soared during and immediately after the success of the military operations.  
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He differed from Reagan in some minor ways.<ref>See Maynard (2008)</ref> Most important, Bush upgraded the influence of the [[National Security Council]] and made its head Brent Scowcroft his most trusted advisor on international relations. Reagan had relegated the National Security Advisor to a more passive role.  Second, he brought in a new team of top foreign policy officials, headed by his Secretary of State and long-time friend [[James Baker]]. (Baker had been Reagan's top aide in domestic affairs), Third, he concentrated on how to slowly ease Russia out of its dominant position in Eastern Europe without causing a violent backlash in Russia, thus allowing the peaceful takeover of [[East Germany]] by [[West Germany]].<ref>West Germany paid Russia many billions to take its soldiers home.</ref>  Likewise, Bush refused to proclaim "victory" in the Cold War and tried to keep [[Mikhail Gorbachev]] in power as long as possible despite his fading popularity in Moscow. When the serio-comic [[Boris Yeltsin]] replaced Gorbachev in late 1991, Bush humored him and helped him stay in power as well.
  
As the [[Soviet Union]] was unraveling, President Bush and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev declared a U.S.-Soviet strategic partnership at the summit of July 1991, decisively marking the end of the Cold War. President Bush declared that U.S.-Soviet cooperation during the Persian Gulf War in 1990-1991 had laid the groundwork for a partnership in resolving bilateral and world problems.
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=== End of Cold War ===
  
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With the help of [[Secretary of State]] [[James Baker]], Bush used his strength in foreign policy and helped steer the world through a period of historic [[change]]. In 1989 the world watched in amazement as Germans tore down the [[Berlin Wall]], within a year West Germany and East Germany were reunited. Throughout the winter of 1989 [[communist]] governments in Eastern [[Europe]] crumbled. Democratic [[government]]s were created in [[Poland]], [[Hungary]], [[Czechoslovakia]], [[Romania]], and [[Bulgaria]]. As the [[Soviet Union]] was unraveling, President Bush and Soviet President [[Mikhail Gorbachev]] declared a U.S.-Soviet strategic partnership at the summit of July 1991, decisively marking the end of the [[Cold War]] with the Soviet breakdown that had begun under Ronald Reagan. In December 1991, Gorbachev announced the end of the Soviet Union. President Bush declared that U.S.-Soviet cooperation during the [[Persian Gulf War]] in 1990-1991 had laid the groundwork for a partnership in resolving bilateral and world problems.
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=== Crisis in China ===
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Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union and communist governments, [[China]]'s communist leaders were determined to stay in power. Although the country had relaxed controls of its economy, it continued to repress its citizens' political speech. In May 1989, Chinese [[student]]s and workers held demonstrations for [[democracy]]. In June, government tanks crushed their protests in Tiananmen Square in [[Beijing]], the country's capital. Many people were killed and hundreds of activists were arrested. Many were later sentenced to life.
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These events shocked the world. The United States and European countries halted arms sells with China and reduced their diplomatic contacts. President Bush resisted calls from congressional leaders for harsher sanctions, instead believing that [[trade]] and diplomacy would moderate China's behavior.
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=== Invasion of Panama ===
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[[Image:Ghwbush.jpg|right|thumb|275px|President Bush meets with Defense Secretary [[Richard Cheney]] and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman [[Colin Powell]], 08/15/90]]
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As President, Bush continued Reagan's [[war on drugs]]. In 1989 he ordered 24,000 United States troops into [[Panama]] to capture one-time anti-communist ally General [[Manuel Noriega]], the dictator of Panama, and return him to the United States to face drug charges after Noriega threatened American servicemen.  U.S. troops then helped Panamanians hold elections and organize a new government. In 1992, an American court sentenced Noriega to serve 40 years in prison in the U.S., where he is now.
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=== Persian Gulf War ===
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See: ''[[George H .W. Bush Address Before a Joint Session of Congress on the End of the Gulf War]]''
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[[Image:20.jpg|right|thumb|275px|President Bush talks with the troops in Saudi Arabia, 11/22/90]] During a July 25, 1990 meeting, April Glaspie had a meeting with Saddam Hussein indicating that he may have Kuwait claiming that whatever he does to solve his dispute is not within US interests.<ref>https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/90BAGHDAD4237_a.html</ref><ref>http://www.uruknet.de/?p=m45924&hd=&size=1&l=e</ref><ref>http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article11376.htm</ref><ref>https://foreignpolicy.com/2011/01/09/wikileaks-april-glaspie-and-saddam-hussein/</ref> Leading up to the first [[Gulf War]], on September 11, 1990, President Bush addressing the United Nations stated: ''Out of these troubled times, our fifth objective -- a New World Order -- can emerge: a new era'' thus becoming the first President of the United States of America to openly state and work toward global governance.
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Bush is best known for leading the United Nations coalition in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. In 1990, led by [[Saddam Hussein]], [[Iraq]] invaded its oil-rich neighbor to the south, [[Kuwait]]. The broad coalition sought the limited objective of removing Iraqi forces from Kuwait and ensure that Iraq did not invade [[Saudi Arabia]]. Bush summed up his and the entire free world's position succinctly when he said, "This aggression will not stand," and "this is not a war for oil. This is war against aggression."
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Along with troops from the United States, Canadian, [[Europe]], and Arab Nations, President Bush launched "operation desert storm" in which dozens of cruise missiles and laser-guided bombs fell on Iraq, destroying its air defenses, bridges, artillery, and other military targets. Then the coalition launched a massive ground attack, were fewer then 300 coalition forces were killed with the war lasting just 100 hours. President Bush achieved his stated objectives of liberating Kuwait and forcing Iraqi withdrawal. President Bush's popularity rating in America soared during and immediately after the success of the military operations and American troops returned home to cheering crowds.
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=== NAFTA ===
 
Bush's government, along with the Progressive-Conservative Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, spearheaded the negotiations of the [[North American Free Trade Agreement]] (NAFTA), which Bill Clinton signed in 1993.  
 
Bush's government, along with the Progressive-Conservative Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, spearheaded the negotiations of the [[North American Free Trade Agreement]] (NAFTA), which Bill Clinton signed in 1993.  
  
George Bush resisted efforts by American Israeli Political Action Committee (AIPAC) and other organizations to secure American loan guarantees to assist Israel in the construction of new settlements in territories Israel occupied after the 1967 [[Six Day War]]. The Bush's larger goal was to undermine the [[conservative]] [[Likud]] government and replace it with a [[leftist]] Labor coalition led by [[Yitzhak Rabin]]. Having secured the election of an Israel government more to its liking, Bush gave his support to a new loan guarantee package.
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=== [[Israel]] ===
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George Bush resisted efforts by [[American Israeli Political Action Committee]] (AIPAC) and other organizations to secure American loan guarantees to assist Israel in the construction of new settlements in territories Israel occupied after the 1967 [[Six Day War]]. Bush's larger goal was to undermine the [[conservative]] [[Likud]] government and replace it with a [[leftist]] Labor coalition led by [[Yitzhak Rabin]]. Having secured the election of an Israel government more to its liking, Bush gave his support to a new loan guarantee package.
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=== Conflict in [[Somalia]] ===
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On December 4, 1992, President Bush ordered 28,000 U.S. troops to the east [[African]], war-torn nation Somalia, where rival warlords were preventing the distribution of humanitarian aid to its citizens. However, the mission lasted 15 months from having U.S. troops embroiled in Somalia's political conflict. In 1993, the new President [[Bill Clinton]] was anxious to bring all troops home. He did so on March 25, 1994, and as a result fighting in Somalia continued into the 21st century.
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== 1992 Presidential Campaign ==
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{{Main|United States presidential election, 1992}}
  
During the 1980s, as President Reagan lead efforts to enable the Soviet Union to collapsed defense spending was increased, which later lead to the end of the Soviet empire as the Soviets could not compete with U.S. military ingenuity. However, in addition to this increase of spending to protect the United States, the Democrat-controlled Congress increased spending on socialist welfare program. And this lead to an economic recession dogged most of Bush's term in office, was a contributing factor to his defeat in the 1992 Presidential election.  
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During the 1980s, as President Reagan lead efforts to enable the Soviet Union to collapsed defense spending was increased, which later lead to the end of the Soviet empire as the Soviets could not compete with U.S. military ingenuity. However, in addition to this increase in spending to protect the United States, the Democrat-controlled Congress increased spending on social welfare programs. The resulting increase in the federal deficit helped lead to an economic recession which dogged most of Bush's term in office and was a contributing factor to his defeat in the 1992 Presidential election.  
  
Several other factors were key in his defeat, including siding with Congressional Democrats in 1990 to raise taxes despite his famous "Read my lips: No new taxes" pledge not to institute any new taxes. In doing so, Bush alienated many members of his conservative and libertarian base, losing their support for his re-election. The largest factor, which is the main reason Bill Clinton defeated Bush in the 1992 election, was the candidacy of Ross Perot. Perot won 19% of the popular vote, and Clinton, still a largely unknown quantity in American politics, was able to win the election due to Perot splitting the Republican vote in many states.  
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Several other factors were key in his defeat, including siding with Congressional Democrats in 1990 to raise taxes despite his famous "Read my lips: No new taxes" pledge not to institute any new taxes. In doing so, Bush alienated many members of his conservative and libertarian base, losing their support for his re-election. The issue of foreign policy had faded into the background after the collapse of the USSR, courtesy of Ronald Reagan, which rendered it unimportant to voters in 1992. The failure to remove Saddam after Desert Storm later contributed to the perception that it was a failure, after the initial impression of success.  While many believe Ross Perot's 1992 candidacy cost Bush re-election, when looking at [[Ross Perot]]'s pro-homosexual pro-abortion and protectionist stances, combined with Slick Willie's smooth talk and exit poll analysis of Perot's vote, it is clear that President Bush still would have lost without Perot in the race. Bill Clinton was able to capitalize on a Democrat Congress induced poor economy by telling the American public that Bush's tax hike raised taxes on the middle class, which shows 1992 to be a testament as to why Republicans must stick to economically conservative values. Bush's unpopular stance on life also cost him many votes with moderates, along with Pat Buchanan's famous "Culture War speech" which railed against baby-murder, homosexual privilege, and Bill Clinton's draft dodging.
  
Despite his loss, George H.W. Bush left office in 1993 with a 56 percent job approval rating.
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After the election, with the outbreak of war in Somalia, President Bush, a war hero, unlike Bill Clinton committed troops to Operation Restore Hope, and as the American public appreciated what they had, gave him a send-off approval rating of 56%.
  
 
== Post-presidency ==
 
== Post-presidency ==
  
Since leaving office, Bush has largely retired from public life. The Bushes live in Houston and their summer home in Kennebunkport, [[Maine]]. He holds his own fishing tournament in Islamorada, an island in the Florida Keys.
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Since leaving office, Bush has largely retired from public life. The Bushes live in [[Houston]] and their summer home in Kennebunkport, [[Maine]]. He holds his own fishing tournament in Islamorada, an island in the Florida Keys.
  
In April 1993, the Iraqi Intelligence Service attempted to assassinate former President Bush via car bomb during a visit to Kuwait. However, Kuwaiti security foiled the car bomb plot. On June 26, 1993, the U.S. launched a missile attack targeting Baghdad intelligence headquarters in retaliation for the attempted attack against Bush.
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In April 1993, the Iraqi Intelligence Service attempted to assassinate former President Bush via car bomb during a visit to [[Kuwait]]. However, Kuwaiti security foiled the car bomb plot. On June 26, 1993, the U.S. launched a missile attack targeting Baghdad intelligence headquarters in retaliation for the attempted attack against Bush.
  
Bush has never written a memoir of his political life, and says he does not plan to. He has, however, published a book containing a series of collected letters (''All The Best, George Bush'', 1999), and co-authored a book on recent foreign policy issues with his former National Security Advisor, Brent Scowcroft (''A World Transformed'', 1998). He has given a number of paid speeches and participated in business ventures with the Carlyle Group.
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[[Image:Hires_20061007-1_ghwbush3-515hc.jpg|left|thumb|275px|President Bush with First Lady Barbara Bush, 10/07/06]] Bush has never written a memoir of his political life, and says he does not plan to. He has, however, published a book containing a series of collected letters (''All The Best, George Bush'', 1999), and co-authored a book on recent foreign policy issues with his former National Security Advisor, Brent Scowcroft (''A World Transformed'', 1998). He has given a number of paid speeches and participated in business ventures with the Carlyle Group.
  
The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located on the Southwest corner of the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.
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The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located on the southwest corner of the campus of [[Texas A&M]] University in College Station, Texas.
  
George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas was renamed after the former president in 1997. The tenth ''Nimitz''-class aircraft carrier will be named USS ''George H. W. Bush'' when it is launched in 2009.
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George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas was renamed after the former president in 1997. The tenth ''Nimitz''-class [[aircraft carrier]] is named the USS ''George H. W. Bush'' and was launched in 2009.
  
In 2001, he became the first president since John Adams to be father of another president when his son George W. Bush, previously Governor of Texas, took office as President of the United States. During his term of office, George H. W. Bush was simply known as President George Bush, since his son had never held elective office and was not especially well-known to the public. He is now commonly referred to with his initials as "George H.W. Bush" as well as by various nicknames and titles, including "Former President Bush," "Bush the Elder," "the first President Bush," "Bush 41," and simply "41", in order to avoid confusion between his presidency and that of his son. Although the names of the two men are similar, they are not identical—George W. Bush lacks his father's first middle name Herbert—so they are not known as "senior" and "junior."
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In 2001, he became the first president since [[John Adams]] to be the father of another president when his son George W. Bush, previously Governor of Texas, took office. During his term of office, George H. W. Bush was simply known as President George Bush, since his son had never held elective office and was not especially well known to the public. He is now commonly referred to with his initials as "George H.W. Bush" as well as by various nicknames and titles, including "Bush the Elder," "the first President Bush," "Bush 41," and simply "41", in order to avoid confusion between his presidency and that of his son. Although the names of the two men are similar, they are not identical—George W. Bush lacks his father's first middle name Herbert—so they are not known as "senior" and "junior."
  
On June 12, 2004, he went skydiving in honor of his 80th birthday. It was his third parachute jump since World War II. He also made a jump on June 9, 1999, before his 75th birthday, and told reporters then he had also parachuted in [[Arizona]] two years earlier. The day before his 80th birthday jump, he and his son both took part in eulogizing his predecessor, Ronald Reagan, at the latter's state funeral.
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On June 12, 2004, he went skydiving in honor of his 80th birthday. It was his third parachute jump since World War II. He also made a jump on June 9, 1999, before his 75th birthday, and told reporters then he had also parachuted in [[Arizona]] two years earlier. The day before his 80th birthday jump, he and his son George both took part in eulogizing his predecessor, Ronald Reagan, at the latter's state funeral.
  
On November 22, 2004, [[New York]] Republican Governor George Pataki named Bush and the other living former presidents (Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton) as honorary members of the board rebuilding the World Trade Center.
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On November 22, 2004, [[New York]] Republican Governor [[George Pataki]] named Bush and the other living former presidents (Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton) as honorary members of the board rebuilding the [[World Trade Center]].
  
On January 3, 2005, Bush and [[Bill Clinton]] were named by the current President Bush to lead a nationwide campaign to help the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami. Bush and Clinton both appeared on the Super Bowl XXXIX pre-game show on FOX in support of their bipartisan effort to raise money for relief of the disaster through the USA Freedom Corps, an action which Bush described as "transcending politics." Thirteen days later, they both traveled to the affected areas to see how the relief efforts are going.
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On January 3, 2005, Bush and Bill Clinton were named by the current President Bush to lead a nationwide campaign to help the victims of the Indian Ocean [[tsunami]]. Bush and Clinton both appeared on the [[Super Bowl XXXIX]] pre-game show on FOX in support of their bipartisan effort to raise money for relief of the disaster through the USA Freedom Corps, an action which Bush described as "transcending politics." Thirteen days later, they both traveled to the affected areas to see how the relief efforts are going.
  
In August 31, 2005, following the devastation of the Gulf Coast by Hurricane Katrina, Bush again teamed with Clinton to coordinate private relief donations. Reports were common that Bush and Clinton had developed a friendship by now, despite the latter having defeated the former in the 1992 election. (Such friendships were not unknown, as Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter had developed one despite a similar history.)  When Gerald R. Ford died in December, 2006 he became the oldest surviving President.
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On August 31, 2005, following the devastation of the Gulf Coast by [[Hurricane Katrina]], Bush again teamed with Clinton to coordinate private relief donations. Reports were common that Bush and Clinton had developed a friendship by now, despite the latter having defeated the former in the 1992 election. (Such friendships were not unknown, as Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter had developed one despite a similar history.)  When Gerald R. Ford died in December 2006 George Bush became the oldest surviving President. On November 25, 2017, Bush became the longest-living U.S. president in history.<ref>Bowden, John (November 25, 2017). [https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/361795-bush-41-becomes-longest-living-president-in-us-history Bush 41 becomes longest-living president in US history]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 25, 2017.</ref><ref>Blake, Andrew (November 25, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/nov/25/george-hw-bush-lands-title-longest-lived-us-presid/ George H.W. Bush claims title of longest-living former U.S. president]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved November 25, 2017.</ref><ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/11/26/george-hw-bush-now-longest-living-president.html George HW Bush now longest-living president]. ''Fox News''. November 26, 2017. Retrieved November 26, 2017.</ref>
  
== Family ==
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===Liberal advocacy and opposition to Donald Trump===
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In September 2013 Bush served as a witness for a [[same-sex "marriage"]],<ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/wp/2013/09/25/george-h-w-bush-is-witness-at-same-sex-marriage-in-maine/</ref> showing that he has no regards for the fabric of society.
  
George Bush was the son of [[Prescott Bush]], US Senator from Connecticut from 1952-1963.
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Despite the fact that conservative businessman [[Donald Trump]] won the GOP primary, rather than establishment RINO [[Jeb Bush]], Bush the Elder stated he would vote for [[Hillary Clinton]], even though her [[far-left]] positions.<ref name="BushHRC"/> In May 2016, Bush stated of Trump that "I don't like him. I don't know much about him, but I know he's a blowhard. And I'm not too excited about him being a leader."<ref name="Blowhard">Multiple references:
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*De Diego, Javier; Gangel, Jamie (November 4, 2017). [https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/04/politics/the-last-republicans-bush-book/index.html George H.W. Bush labels Trump a 'blowhard' in new book]. ''CNN''. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
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*[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/11/04/george-h-w-bush-calls-trump-blowhard-in-new-book-dont-like-him.html George H.W. Bush calls Trump a 'blowhard' in new book: 'I don't like him']. ''Fox News''. November 4, 2017. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
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*Rodriguez, Katherine (November 4, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/04/george-h-w-bush-trump-blowhard-motivated-certain-ego/ George H.W. Bush: Donald Trump Is a ‘Blowhard’ Motivated by a ‘Certain Ego’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 4, 2017.</ref> Bush confirmed that he voted for Clinton in the general election.<ref name="Blowhard"/>
  
Upon his return from the war, George Bush married Barbara Pierce. Their marriage later produced six children: George Walker Bush, Pauline Robinson Bush, John Ellis "Jeb" Bush, Neil Mallon Bush, Marvin Bush, and Dorothy Bush Koch.
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While the [[liberal media]] was heavily biased against Bush during his presidency, it became favorable to him because of his liberal actions as president and his opposition to President Trump.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (December 2, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2018/12/02/pollak-the-media-belatedly-loved-george-h-w-bush-for-the-wrong-reasons/ Pollak: The Media Belatedly Loved George H.W. Bush — For the Wrong Reasons]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 2, 2018.</ref><ref>Hurt, Charles (December 3, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2018/12/03/the-nuclear-option-medias-love-of-george-h-w-bush-about-hatred-of-donald-trump/ The Nuclear Option: Media’s Love of George H.W. Bush — About Hatred of Donald Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 4, 2018.</ref><ref>Byas, Steve (December 7, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/30841-bush-funeral-illustrates-usefulness-of-liberal-republicans-to-the-left Bush Funeral Illustrates Usefulness of Liberal Republicans to the Left]. ''The New American''. Retrieved December 8, 2018.</ref>
  
On Dec. 5, 2006 President George H. W. Bush, addressing [[Florida]] lawmakers and others, broke down in tears as he cited his son, Gov. [[John Ellis "Jeb" Bush]], as an example of leadership.[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16053170/]
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===Death===
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Bush died on November 30, 2018, at the age of 94.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/us/george-h-w-bush-41st-president-of-the-united-states-dead-at-94 George H.W. Bush, 41st president of the United States, dead at 94]. ''Fox News''. November 30, 2018. Retrieved November 30, 2018.</ref><ref>[https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/nov/30/george-hw-bush-dies-94/ George H.W. Bush, the 41st president, dead at 94]. ''The Washington Times''. December 1, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2018.</ref><ref>Seib, Gerald F. (December 1, 2018). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/george-h-w-bush-americas-41st-president-and-father-of-43rd-dies-1543641078 George H.W. Bush, America’s 41st President and Father of 43rd, Dies]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved December 1, 2018.</ref>
  
The Bush dynasty is generally considered to be one of the greatest American political families, along with the Adams and the Kennedy family.
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== Family ==
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George Bush came from an old, rich [[Yankee]] family. He was the son of [[Prescott Bush]], Wall Street banker and liberal Republican Senator from Connecticut from 1952–1963.
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Upon his return from the war, George Bush married Barbara Pierce. Their marriage later produced six children: [[George Walker Bush]], Pauline Robinson Bush, John Ellis "Jeb" Bush (who became governor of Florida), Neil Mallon Bush, Marvin Bush, and Dorothy Bush Koch.
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==Bibliography==
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* Barilleaux, Ryan J., and Mark J. Rozell. ''Power and Prudence: The Presidency of George H.W. Bush'' (2004) [https://www.amazon.com/Power-Prudence-Presidency-George-Leadership/dp/1585442917/ref=pd_bbs_4/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194367309&sr=8-4 excerpt and text search]
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* Beschloss, Michael R., and Strobe Talbott. ''At the Highest Levels: The Inside Story of the End of the Cold War'' (1993),
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* Bose, Meena, and Rosanna Perotti, eds. ''From Cold War to New World Order: The Foreign Policy of George H.W. Bush.'' (2002), 577 pp. essays by scholars [https://www.amazon.com/Cold-War-New-World-Order/dp/0313316821/ref=sr_1_2/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194380341&sr=8-2 excerpt and text search]
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*  Brands, H.W. "George Bush and the Gulf War of 1991." ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' 34#1 (2004) pp.&nbsp;113+. [http://www.questia.com/read/5006516113 online edition]
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* Buckley, Kevin. ''Panama: The Whole Story'' (1991) [https://www.amazon.com/Panama-Kevin-Buckley/dp/0671778765/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194367903&sr=8-1  excerpt and text search]
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* Campbell, Colin, and Bert A. Rockman, eds. ''The Bush Presidency: First Appraisals.'' (1991) 308pp [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=97419525 online edition]
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* Duffy, Michael, and Dan Goodgame. ''Marching in Place: The Status-Quo Presidency of George Bush'' (1992)
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* Congressional Quarterly. ''Congress and the Nation, vol. 8, 1989-1992'' (1993). massive 1300 page compendium of details
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* Feldman, Leslie D., and  Rosanna Perotti. ''Honor and Loyalty: Inside the Politics of the George H.W. Bush White House'' (2002) [http://www.questia.com/read/106966311 online edition]
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* Freedman, Lawrence,  and Efraim Karsh. ''The Gulf Conflict, 1990-1991: Diplomacy and War in the New World Order'' (1993)
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* Gordon, Michael R., and Bernard E. Trainor. ''The General's War: The Inside Story of the Conflict in the Gulf ''(1995). [https://www.amazon.com/Generals-War-Inside-Story-Conflict/dp/0316321001/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194367768&sr=8-2  excerpt and text search]
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* Greene, John Robert. ''The Presidency of George Bush.'' (2000) 356pp; standard survey by scholar. ISBN 0-7006-0993-8.
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*  Himelfarb, Richard, and Rosanna Perotti, eds. ''Principle Over Politics?: The Domestic Policy of the George H. W. Bush'' (2004) [https://www.amazon.com/Principle-Over-Politics-Presidency-Contributions/dp/0313321329/ref=sr_1_3/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194380341&sr=8-3 excerpt and text search]
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* Hiro, Dilip. ''Desert Shield to Desert Storm: The Second Gulf War'' (1992)
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*  Levy, Peter B. ''Encyclopedia of the Reagan-Bush Years'' (1996) 461pp [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=77341841 online edition]
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* Maynard, Christopher. ''Out of the Shadow: George H. W. Bush and the End of the Cold War'' (2008) 176pp.
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*  Naftali, Timothy. ''George H. W. Bush: The American Presidents Series: The 41st President, 1989-1993'' (2007). short survey [https://www.amazon.com/George-Bush-Presidents-President-1989-1993/dp/0805069666/ref=pd_sim_b_title_2 excerpt and text search]
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* Rose, Richard. ''The Postmodern President: George Bush Meets the World'' (1991) [http://www.questia.com/read/98398503 online edition]
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* Tarpley, Webster Griffin, and Anton Chaitkin. ''George Bush: The Unauthorized Biography'' (2004), a hostile attack from the far left [https://www.amazon.com/George-Bush-Webster-Griffin-Tarpley/dp/0930852923/ref=sr_1_23/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194367559&sr=8-23  excerpt and text search]
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* Tiefer, Charles. ''The Semi-Sovereign Presidency: The Bush Administration's Strategy for Governing Without Congress'' (1994), 216pp [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=14173303 online edition]
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* Yetiv, Steve A. ''Explaining Foreign Policy: U.S. Decision-
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Making and the Persian Gulf War'' (2004) [https://www.amazon.com/Explaining-Foreign-Policy-Decision-Making-Persian/dp/0801878101/ref=sr_1_7/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194380341&sr=8-7 excerpt and text search]
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===Primary sources===
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* [http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/publications/ERP/ Council of Economic Advisors, ''Economic Report of the President'' (annual 1947- )], complete series online; important analysis of current trends and policies, plus statistcial tables
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* Bush, George H. W. ''All the Best, George Bush: My Life in Letters and Other Writings'' (2000) [https://www.amazon.com/All-Best-George-Bush-Writings/dp/0743200411/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194367309&sr=8-2 excerpt and text search]
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* Bush, George H. W. and Brent Scowcroft. ''A World Transformed'' (1999), foreign policy. [https://www.amazon.com/World-Transformed-George-H-Bush/dp/0679752595/ref=pd_bbs_3/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194367309&sr=8-3 excerpt and text search]
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==References==
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{{reflist}}
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
* [http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/gb41.html White House biography]
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* [http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq10-1.htm War Record of LTJG George Bush]
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* [http://www.maam.org/flightsim/news/tbm_history.htm History's Youngest Naval Aviator]
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* [https://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/gb41.html White House biography]
 
* [http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/ George Bush Presidential Library and Museum]
 
* [http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/ George Bush Presidential Library and Museum]
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* [https://librivox.org/author/11306 Works by George H. W. Bush - text and free audio] - [[LibriVox]]
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Revision as of 04:00, April 28, 2022

George H.W. Bush
Gwtgg.jpg
41st President of the United States
From: January 20, 1989 – January 20, 1993
Vice President Dan Quayle
Predecessor Ronald Reagan
Successor Bill Clinton
43rd Vice President of the United States
From: January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989
President Ronald Reagan
Predecessor Walter Mondale
Successor Dan Quayle
Former Director of Central Intelligence
From: January 30, 1976 – January 20, 1977
Predecessor William Colby
Successor Stansfield Turner
Former United States Ambassador to the United Nations
From: March 1, 1971 – January 18, 1973
President Richard Nixon
Predecessor Charles Yost
Successor John Scali
Former U.S. Representative from Texas's 7th Congressional District
From: January 3, 1967 – January 3, 1971
Predecessor John Dowdy
Successor William Archer
Information
Party Republican
Spouse(s) Barbara Bush
Religion Episcopalianism

George Herbert Walker Bush (June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018) was an establishment globalist[1] who served as the 43rd Vice President of the United States from 1981 to 1989 and the 41st President of the United States, serving from 1989 to 1993 after defeating liberal Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis by a landslide. A member of a strongly globalist family, Bush helped lead the Council on Foreign Relations. He promoted and advanced left-wing policies while in office, helped advance globalist "free" trade agreements, and appointed liberal David Souter to the Supreme Court.[1]

A moderate Republican who carried on most of the policies of the Reagan Administration, Bush's presidency presided over two major events, victory in the Cold War and collapse of the Soviet Union, and in the Persian Gulf War in 1991 against Saddam Hussein. His popularity soared after these foreign policy triumphs, but had little interest in domestic policies and troubled relations with the Democrat-controlled Congress. He was defeated for reelection in 1992 by Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton.

Bush was a World War II veteran and war hero. During most of his public career, he served other presidents loyally in a number of appointed positions. Not until 1988, after eight years as vice president under Ronald Reagan, did Bush step into the limelight as the Republican nominee for president. Even when his son George W. Bush was president (2001–2009), he avoided the spotlight.

Bush announced he would vote for leftist Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election rather than businessman Donald Trump. Compared to Trump, whose positions are strongly conservative, there was clear evidence that Bush was a RINO and a liberal.[2]

Early life

George Bush, the scion of an old New England Yankee family, was born in Milton, Massachusetts to Prescott Bush and Dorothy Walker, on June 12, 1924. His father was a wealthy investment banker and later a partner in the Wall Street firm of Brown Brothers, Harriman and Company. Prescott Bush was a powerful two-term Republican senator from Connecticut from 1952 to 1963.

Bush's maternal grandfather, for whom he was named, was George Herbert Walker, a wealthy businessman and important figure in American golf history.

With his sister and three brothers, Bush was raised in Greenwich, Connecticut. George Bush attended Greenwich Country Day School before entering Phillips Academy from 1936 to 1942 in Andover, Massachusetts. At Andover, he played Varsity baseball, was captain of the basketball and soccer teams, and president of the senior class.

Military career

U.S. Navy Pilot George Bush in the cockpit of an Avenger (1942-1945)
When George Bush graduated from Andover, he had already been admitted to Yale University, but the United States had entered World War II, and he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve on his 18th birthday instead. After completing the 10-month course, he was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve at Corpus Christi at 18 years old, which made him the youngest naval aviator to that date.

Serving in the Pacific theater, he flew 58 combat missions. On one mission over the Pacific, as a torpedo bomber pilot, his aircraft was hit by Japanese antiaircraft fire and his engine caught on fire. Despite the fact that his plane was on fire, he completed his attack and released the bombs over his target, scoring several damaging hits. With his engine on fire, Bush flew several miles from the island, where he and one other crew member on the TBM Avenger bailed out of the aircraft.

While Bush waited four hours in his inflated raft, several fighters circled protectively overhead until he was rescued by the lifeguard submarine USS Finback. For this action, Bush received the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in action. During the month he remained on the USS Finback, Bush participated in the rescue of other pilots.

Postwar years

While at Yale, he joined the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and was elected president. He also captained the Yale baseball team. A left-handed first baseman, Bush played in the first College World Series. As a senior he was, like his son George W. Bush in 1968 and his father Prescott S. Bush in 1917, inducted into the Skull and Bones secret society in 1948, helping him to build friendships and political support.

He married Barbara Pierce on January 6, 1945. George and Barbara Bush have six children: the 43rd US President, George W., Pauline Robinson ("Robin") (1949–1953, died of leukemia), Jeb Bush, Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy Walker Kock.

In 1964, Bush ventured into conventional politics by running against Texas' liberal Democratic Senator Ralph Yarborough. However, he lost in the 1964 Democratic landslide. Bush did not give up on elective politics and was elected in 1966 and 1968 to the House of Representatives from the 7th District of Texas.

Bush lost his second attempt at a Senate seat in 1970 to Democrat Lloyd Bentsen, who had defeated the incumbent Yarborough in the Democratic primary.

Political career

After the 1970 election loss, Bush was nominated and confirmed to the position of United States Ambassador to the United Nations, at which he served from 1971 to 1973.

After President Richard Nixon was re-elected President in 1972, he asked Bush to become Chairman of the Republican National Committee. After Nixon's resignation in 1974, Bush was considered for appointment as the replacement Vice President, but new President Gerald Ford chose Nelson Rockefeller instead. Ford appointed Bush to be Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People's Republic of China. (Since the United States at the time maintained official relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan and not the PRC, the Liaison Office did not have the official status of an embassy and Bush did not hold the position of "ambassador" even though he unofficially acted as one.)

In 1975, Ford brought Bush back to Washington to become Director of Central Intelligence. The CIA had been rocked by a serious of revelations about illegal and unauthorized activities, and Bush helped to restore the agency's morale and integrity. In 1999, the CIA headquarters facility in Langley, Virginia was renamed the George Bush Center for Intelligence.

After Democrat Jimmy Carter took the presidency in 1977, Bush became Chairman of the First International Bank in Houston. He also became a board member of the Committee on the Present Danger.

1980 Presidential campaign

For a more detailed treatment, see United States presidential election, 1980.

In the 1980 presidential election, Bush ran for the office, stressing his wide range of government experience. In the contest for the Republican Party nomination, despite Bush's establishment backing the front-runner was Ronald Reagan, the former Governor of California, who was now running for President for the second time after narrowing losing the Republican nomination to Gerald Ford in 1976. The Bush campaign team coined the term "voodoo economics" to describe the supply-side economic theory that Reagan supported, but later he said he became "converted" and supported the policies as Vice President.

Bush won the Iowa caucus to start the primary season. However, Reagan came back to decisively win the following New Hampshire primary. With a growing popularity among the Republican voting base, Reagan won most of the remaining primaries and the nomination.

After some preliminary discussion of choosing former President Gerald Ford as his running mate, the original "dream" ticket, Reagan selected Bush as his Vice President, placing him on the winning Republican Presidential ticket of 1980 when current President Jimmy Carter was handily defeated.
Vice President George H.W. Bush with President Ronald Reagan

Vice presidency

As Vice President, Bush had influence on Reagan's staffing and was given many foreign affairs responsibilities. Bush was kept busy on overseas diplomatic trips; he attended so many state funerals that he famously quipped, "I'm George Bush. You die, I fly." Vice President Bush headed a task force over illegal drug trade and attended many high-level policy meetings in the White House, including the national security council. Bush was seen as being a very loyal Vice President who supported his commander-in-chief even though he had come from a more moderate background. When President Reagan was shot and seriously wounded by John Hinckley, Jr. in March 1981, Vice President Bush performed the duties of President until he recovered. With a staff of 68 people Bush kept informed on international issues and maintained political friendships, thus preparing him for a 1988 presidential campaign.

In 1984, the Reagan/Bush ticket was re-elected in a landslide against the Democrats' Walter Mondale/Geraldine Ferraro ticket.

1988 Presidential campaign

For a more detailed treatment, see United States presidential election, 1988.

In 1988, after seven years as Vice President, Bush ran for President. Though considered the early front-runner for the nomination, Bush came in third in the Iowa caucus, beaten by winner U.S. Senator Bob Dole and runner-up televangelist Pat Robertson. Reagan himself remained neutral in the contest, choosing not to support any individual candidate. Bush was able to rebound to win the New Hampshire primary, much as Reagan had done against him 8 years earlier. Once the multiple-state primaries such as Super Tuesday began, Bush's organizational strength and fundraising lead were impossible for the other candidates to match, and the nomination was his.

Leading up to the 1988 Republican National Convention, there was much speculation as to Bush's choice of running mate. Bush chose little-known U.S. Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana. On the eve of the convention, Bush trailed Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis, then Massachusetts governor, by double digits in many polls. He was aided during the convention by Reagan's speech, which eloquently passed the baton to Bush as the next leader of America and his own man. Bush had been dogged by the "wimp" moniker by the press and Reagan's speech was part of the process to remove that. When his turn came to speak at the convention, Bush, often criticized for his lack of eloquence compared to Reagan, surprised many by giving possibly the best speech of his public career, widely known as the "Thousand points of light" speech for his use of that phrase to describe his vision of American community. Bush's acceptance speech and a generally well-managed Convention catapulted him ahead of Dukakis in the polls, and he held the lead for the rest of the race. Bush's acceptance speech at the convention included the pledge, "Read my lips: no new taxes."

In the 1988 Presidential election the Bush-Quayle ticket beat Michael Dukakis and Lloyd Bentsen soundly in the Electoral College, by 426 to 111 (Lloyd Bentsen received one vote). In the nationwide popular vote, Bush took 53.4% of the ballots cast while Dukakis gained 45.6%.

Presidency (1989–1993)

President George H. W. Bush Inauguration, 01/20/89
George H. W. Bush succeeded Reagan as the 41st President of the United States. Rep. Jim Wright of Texas lead the opposition in the House as Speaker, while the Exalted Cyclops Robert Byrd continued to lead the Democrats in the Senate.

Administration

Office Name Term
President George H. W. Bush 1989-1993
Vice President Dan Quayle 1989-1993
Secretary of State James Baker 1989-1992
Lawrence Eagleburger 1992-1993
Secretary of Treasury Nicholas Brady 1989-1993
Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney 1989-1993
Attorney General Dick Thornburgh 1989-1991
William Barr 1991-1993
Secretary of Interior Manuel Lujan 1989-1993
Secretary of Agriculture Clayton Yeutter 1989-1993
Edward Madigan 1991–1993
Secretary of Commerce Robert Mosbacher 1989-1992
Barbara Franklin 1992-1993
Secretary of Labor Elizabeth Dole 1989-1990
Lynn Martin 1990-1993
Secretary of Health and Human Services Louis Sullivan 1989-1993
Secretary of Education Lauro Cavazos 1989-1990
Lamar Alexander 1990-1993
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Jack Kemp 1989-1993
Secretary of Transportation Samuel Skinner 1989-1992
Andrew Card 1992-1993
Secretary of Energy James Watkins 1989–1993
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Ed Derwinski 1989-1993

Domestic Policy

On domestic issues, there were few new programs launched and gridlock between the administration and Democratic-Congress. The economy was in a recession by late 1991.

Economy

With a large federal deficit, Democrats in Congress believed in raising taxes and Republicans believed in reducing federal domestic spending. President Bush and Congressional Democrats reached a compromise that would both have spending cuts and increased taxes, which would reduce the deficit $500 billion over five years as part of a 1990 budget agreement. In 1991 the U.S. entered into a mild recession. Unemployment was at 7.8%, although inflation and interest rates were at its lowest in years. The recession lasted for about six months, although Democrats made it an issue for two years.

Government Acts

On July 26, 1990, President Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, which stated that businesses can not discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability. This includes job hiring, job training, worker's compensation and other terms. Bush also signed the Clean Air Act of 1990, environmental legislation that is aimed at reducing smog and air pollution.

Evergreen Chapel at Camp David

While President, Bush arranged for the construction of the Evergreen Chapel at Camp David. It was built using funds raised by a nonprofit corporation formed by Kenneth Plummer, president of the National Lay Leaders Association of the United Methodist Church. He dedicated it in 1991.

Immigration

Bush signed the Immigration Act of 1990 into law, which increased migration levels and had a negative effect on the United States.[3]

Supreme Court

President Bush appointed two Justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. Bush nominated Circuit Judge David Souter as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on July 25, 1990; he was sworn in in October after being confirmed by a 90–9 vote in the Senate. Senators John Kerry and Ted Kennedy opposed him, saying he was too conservative, although on the court he usually voted with liberals. On July 1, 1991, President Bush announced Judge Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court to replace Thurgood Marshall. He was confirmed by a much more narrow 52–48.

President Bush and President Gorbachev sign United States/Soviet Union agreements in the East Room of the White House, Washington, DC. 06/01/90

Foreign Policy

When the Bushes entered wars in the Middle East, it was the first time since William McKinley that a Republican party administration involved the United States in major armed conflicts. Foreign policy drove the Bush presidency from its first days. In his January 20, 1989, Inaugural Address upon taking the Presidency, Bush said:

"I come before you and assume the Presidency at a moment rich with promise. We live in a peaceful, prosperous time, but we can make it better. For a new breeze is blowing, and a world refreshed by freedom seems reborn; for in man's heart, if not in fact, the day of the dictator is over. The totalitarian era is passing, its old ideas blown away like leaves from an ancient, lifeless tree. A new breeze is blowing, and a nation refreshed by freedom stands ready to push on. There is new ground to be broken, and new action to be taken."

New World Order

Bush's Presidency was extraordinarily eventful from a foreign policy standpoint. Over the course of four years the Cold War ended, Germany reunified, the Soviet Union collapsed, American troops intervened in Panama to remove a criminal dictator and in Somalia to save people from starvation, and the United States led a coalition victory in the Persian Gulf War in Iraq.

He differed from Reagan in some minor ways.[4] Most important, Bush upgraded the influence of the National Security Council and made its head Brent Scowcroft his most trusted advisor on international relations. Reagan had relegated the National Security Advisor to a more passive role. Second, he brought in a new team of top foreign policy officials, headed by his Secretary of State and long-time friend James Baker. (Baker had been Reagan's top aide in domestic affairs), Third, he concentrated on how to slowly ease Russia out of its dominant position in Eastern Europe without causing a violent backlash in Russia, thus allowing the peaceful takeover of East Germany by West Germany.[5] Likewise, Bush refused to proclaim "victory" in the Cold War and tried to keep Mikhail Gorbachev in power as long as possible despite his fading popularity in Moscow. When the serio-comic Boris Yeltsin replaced Gorbachev in late 1991, Bush humored him and helped him stay in power as well.

End of Cold War

With the help of Secretary of State James Baker, Bush used his strength in foreign policy and helped steer the world through a period of historic change. In 1989 the world watched in amazement as Germans tore down the Berlin Wall, within a year West Germany and East Germany were reunited. Throughout the winter of 1989 communist governments in Eastern Europe crumbled. Democratic governments were created in Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria. As the Soviet Union was unraveling, President Bush and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev declared a U.S.-Soviet strategic partnership at the summit of July 1991, decisively marking the end of the Cold War with the Soviet breakdown that had begun under Ronald Reagan. In December 1991, Gorbachev announced the end of the Soviet Union. President Bush declared that U.S.-Soviet cooperation during the Persian Gulf War in 1990-1991 had laid the groundwork for a partnership in resolving bilateral and world problems.

Crisis in China

Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union and communist governments, China's communist leaders were determined to stay in power. Although the country had relaxed controls of its economy, it continued to repress its citizens' political speech. In May 1989, Chinese students and workers held demonstrations for democracy. In June, government tanks crushed their protests in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, the country's capital. Many people were killed and hundreds of activists were arrested. Many were later sentenced to life.

These events shocked the world. The United States and European countries halted arms sells with China and reduced their diplomatic contacts. President Bush resisted calls from congressional leaders for harsher sanctions, instead believing that trade and diplomacy would moderate China's behavior.

Invasion of Panama

President Bush meets with Defense Secretary Richard Cheney and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Colin Powell, 08/15/90

As President, Bush continued Reagan's war on drugs. In 1989 he ordered 24,000 United States troops into Panama to capture one-time anti-communist ally General Manuel Noriega, the dictator of Panama, and return him to the United States to face drug charges after Noriega threatened American servicemen. U.S. troops then helped Panamanians hold elections and organize a new government. In 1992, an American court sentenced Noriega to serve 40 years in prison in the U.S., where he is now.

Persian Gulf War

See: George H .W. Bush Address Before a Joint Session of Congress on the End of the Gulf War

President Bush talks with the troops in Saudi Arabia, 11/22/90
During a July 25, 1990 meeting, April Glaspie had a meeting with Saddam Hussein indicating that he may have Kuwait claiming that whatever he does to solve his dispute is not within US interests.[6][7][8][9] Leading up to the first Gulf War, on September 11, 1990, President Bush addressing the United Nations stated: Out of these troubled times, our fifth objective -- a New World Order -- can emerge: a new era thus becoming the first President of the United States of America to openly state and work toward global governance.

Bush is best known for leading the United Nations coalition in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. In 1990, led by Saddam Hussein, Iraq invaded its oil-rich neighbor to the south, Kuwait. The broad coalition sought the limited objective of removing Iraqi forces from Kuwait and ensure that Iraq did not invade Saudi Arabia. Bush summed up his and the entire free world's position succinctly when he said, "This aggression will not stand," and "this is not a war for oil. This is war against aggression."

Along with troops from the United States, Canadian, Europe, and Arab Nations, President Bush launched "operation desert storm" in which dozens of cruise missiles and laser-guided bombs fell on Iraq, destroying its air defenses, bridges, artillery, and other military targets. Then the coalition launched a massive ground attack, were fewer then 300 coalition forces were killed with the war lasting just 100 hours. President Bush achieved his stated objectives of liberating Kuwait and forcing Iraqi withdrawal. President Bush's popularity rating in America soared during and immediately after the success of the military operations and American troops returned home to cheering crowds.

NAFTA

Bush's government, along with the Progressive-Conservative Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, spearheaded the negotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which Bill Clinton signed in 1993.

Israel

George Bush resisted efforts by American Israeli Political Action Committee (AIPAC) and other organizations to secure American loan guarantees to assist Israel in the construction of new settlements in territories Israel occupied after the 1967 Six Day War. Bush's larger goal was to undermine the conservative Likud government and replace it with a leftist Labor coalition led by Yitzhak Rabin. Having secured the election of an Israel government more to its liking, Bush gave his support to a new loan guarantee package.

Conflict in Somalia

On December 4, 1992, President Bush ordered 28,000 U.S. troops to the east African, war-torn nation Somalia, where rival warlords were preventing the distribution of humanitarian aid to its citizens. However, the mission lasted 15 months from having U.S. troops embroiled in Somalia's political conflict. In 1993, the new President Bill Clinton was anxious to bring all troops home. He did so on March 25, 1994, and as a result fighting in Somalia continued into the 21st century.

1992 Presidential Campaign

For a more detailed treatment, see United States presidential election, 1992.

During the 1980s, as President Reagan lead efforts to enable the Soviet Union to collapsed defense spending was increased, which later lead to the end of the Soviet empire as the Soviets could not compete with U.S. military ingenuity. However, in addition to this increase in spending to protect the United States, the Democrat-controlled Congress increased spending on social welfare programs. The resulting increase in the federal deficit helped lead to an economic recession which dogged most of Bush's term in office and was a contributing factor to his defeat in the 1992 Presidential election.

Several other factors were key in his defeat, including siding with Congressional Democrats in 1990 to raise taxes despite his famous "Read my lips: No new taxes" pledge not to institute any new taxes. In doing so, Bush alienated many members of his conservative and libertarian base, losing their support for his re-election. The issue of foreign policy had faded into the background after the collapse of the USSR, courtesy of Ronald Reagan, which rendered it unimportant to voters in 1992. The failure to remove Saddam after Desert Storm later contributed to the perception that it was a failure, after the initial impression of success. While many believe Ross Perot's 1992 candidacy cost Bush re-election, when looking at Ross Perot's pro-homosexual pro-abortion and protectionist stances, combined with Slick Willie's smooth talk and exit poll analysis of Perot's vote, it is clear that President Bush still would have lost without Perot in the race. Bill Clinton was able to capitalize on a Democrat Congress induced poor economy by telling the American public that Bush's tax hike raised taxes on the middle class, which shows 1992 to be a testament as to why Republicans must stick to economically conservative values. Bush's unpopular stance on life also cost him many votes with moderates, along with Pat Buchanan's famous "Culture War speech" which railed against baby-murder, homosexual privilege, and Bill Clinton's draft dodging.

After the election, with the outbreak of war in Somalia, President Bush, a war hero, unlike Bill Clinton committed troops to Operation Restore Hope, and as the American public appreciated what they had, gave him a send-off approval rating of 56%.

Post-presidency

Since leaving office, Bush has largely retired from public life. The Bushes live in Houston and their summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine. He holds his own fishing tournament in Islamorada, an island in the Florida Keys.

In April 1993, the Iraqi Intelligence Service attempted to assassinate former President Bush via car bomb during a visit to Kuwait. However, Kuwaiti security foiled the car bomb plot. On June 26, 1993, the U.S. launched a missile attack targeting Baghdad intelligence headquarters in retaliation for the attempted attack against Bush.

President Bush with First Lady Barbara Bush, 10/07/06
Bush has never written a memoir of his political life, and says he does not plan to. He has, however, published a book containing a series of collected letters (All The Best, George Bush, 1999), and co-authored a book on recent foreign policy issues with his former National Security Advisor, Brent Scowcroft (A World Transformed, 1998). He has given a number of paid speeches and participated in business ventures with the Carlyle Group.

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located on the southwest corner of the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas was renamed after the former president in 1997. The tenth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is named the USS George H. W. Bush and was launched in 2009.

In 2001, he became the first president since John Adams to be the father of another president when his son George W. Bush, previously Governor of Texas, took office. During his term of office, George H. W. Bush was simply known as President George Bush, since his son had never held elective office and was not especially well known to the public. He is now commonly referred to with his initials as "George H.W. Bush" as well as by various nicknames and titles, including "Bush the Elder," "the first President Bush," "Bush 41," and simply "41", in order to avoid confusion between his presidency and that of his son. Although the names of the two men are similar, they are not identical—George W. Bush lacks his father's first middle name Herbert—so they are not known as "senior" and "junior."

On June 12, 2004, he went skydiving in honor of his 80th birthday. It was his third parachute jump since World War II. He also made a jump on June 9, 1999, before his 75th birthday, and told reporters then he had also parachuted in Arizona two years earlier. The day before his 80th birthday jump, he and his son George both took part in eulogizing his predecessor, Ronald Reagan, at the latter's state funeral.

On November 22, 2004, New York Republican Governor George Pataki named Bush and the other living former presidents (Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton) as honorary members of the board rebuilding the World Trade Center.

On January 3, 2005, Bush and Bill Clinton were named by the current President Bush to lead a nationwide campaign to help the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami. Bush and Clinton both appeared on the Super Bowl XXXIX pre-game show on FOX in support of their bipartisan effort to raise money for relief of the disaster through the USA Freedom Corps, an action which Bush described as "transcending politics." Thirteen days later, they both traveled to the affected areas to see how the relief efforts are going.

On August 31, 2005, following the devastation of the Gulf Coast by Hurricane Katrina, Bush again teamed with Clinton to coordinate private relief donations. Reports were common that Bush and Clinton had developed a friendship by now, despite the latter having defeated the former in the 1992 election. (Such friendships were not unknown, as Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter had developed one despite a similar history.) When Gerald R. Ford died in December 2006 George Bush became the oldest surviving President. On November 25, 2017, Bush became the longest-living U.S. president in history.[10][11][12]

Liberal advocacy and opposition to Donald Trump

In September 2013 Bush served as a witness for a same-sex "marriage",[13] showing that he has no regards for the fabric of society.

Despite the fact that conservative businessman Donald Trump won the GOP primary, rather than establishment RINO Jeb Bush, Bush the Elder stated he would vote for Hillary Clinton, even though her far-left positions.[2] In May 2016, Bush stated of Trump that "I don't like him. I don't know much about him, but I know he's a blowhard. And I'm not too excited about him being a leader."[14] Bush confirmed that he voted for Clinton in the general election.[14]

While the liberal media was heavily biased against Bush during his presidency, it became favorable to him because of his liberal actions as president and his opposition to President Trump.[15][16][17]

Death

Bush died on November 30, 2018, at the age of 94.[18][19][20]

Family

George Bush came from an old, rich Yankee family. He was the son of Prescott Bush, Wall Street banker and liberal Republican Senator from Connecticut from 1952–1963.

Upon his return from the war, George Bush married Barbara Pierce. Their marriage later produced six children: George Walker Bush, Pauline Robinson Bush, John Ellis "Jeb" Bush (who became governor of Florida), Neil Mallon Bush, Marvin Bush, and Dorothy Bush Koch.

Bibliography

  • Barilleaux, Ryan J., and Mark J. Rozell. Power and Prudence: The Presidency of George H.W. Bush (2004) excerpt and text search
  • Beschloss, Michael R., and Strobe Talbott. At the Highest Levels: The Inside Story of the End of the Cold War (1993),
  • Bose, Meena, and Rosanna Perotti, eds. From Cold War to New World Order: The Foreign Policy of George H.W. Bush. (2002), 577 pp. essays by scholars excerpt and text search
  • Brands, H.W. "George Bush and the Gulf War of 1991." Presidential Studies Quarterly 34#1 (2004) pp. 113+. online edition
  • Buckley, Kevin. Panama: The Whole Story (1991) excerpt and text search
  • Campbell, Colin, and Bert A. Rockman, eds. The Bush Presidency: First Appraisals. (1991) 308pp online edition
  • Duffy, Michael, and Dan Goodgame. Marching in Place: The Status-Quo Presidency of George Bush (1992)
  • Congressional Quarterly. Congress and the Nation, vol. 8, 1989-1992 (1993). massive 1300 page compendium of details
  • Feldman, Leslie D., and Rosanna Perotti. Honor and Loyalty: Inside the Politics of the George H.W. Bush White House (2002) online edition
  • Freedman, Lawrence, and Efraim Karsh. The Gulf Conflict, 1990-1991: Diplomacy and War in the New World Order (1993)
  • Gordon, Michael R., and Bernard E. Trainor. The General's War: The Inside Story of the Conflict in the Gulf (1995). excerpt and text search
  • Greene, John Robert. The Presidency of George Bush. (2000) 356pp; standard survey by scholar. ISBN 0-7006-0993-8.
  • Himelfarb, Richard, and Rosanna Perotti, eds. Principle Over Politics?: The Domestic Policy of the George H. W. Bush (2004) excerpt and text search
  • Hiro, Dilip. Desert Shield to Desert Storm: The Second Gulf War (1992)
  • Levy, Peter B. Encyclopedia of the Reagan-Bush Years (1996) 461pp online edition
  • Maynard, Christopher. Out of the Shadow: George H. W. Bush and the End of the Cold War (2008) 176pp.
  • Naftali, Timothy. George H. W. Bush: The American Presidents Series: The 41st President, 1989-1993 (2007). short survey excerpt and text search
  • Rose, Richard. The Postmodern President: George Bush Meets the World (1991) online edition
  • Tarpley, Webster Griffin, and Anton Chaitkin. George Bush: The Unauthorized Biography (2004), a hostile attack from the far left excerpt and text search
  • Tiefer, Charles. The Semi-Sovereign Presidency: The Bush Administration's Strategy for Governing Without Congress (1994), 216pp online edition
  • Yetiv, Steve A. Explaining Foreign Policy: U.S. Decision-

Making and the Persian Gulf War (2004) excerpt and text search

Primary sources

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Byas, Steve (December 3, 2018). The Legacy of George Herbert Walker Bush. The New American. Retrieved December 3, 2018.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Gangel, Jamie & Bradner, Eric (September 21, 2016). Sources: Bush 41 says he will vote for Clinton. CNN. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  3. Binder, John (December 6, 2018). Bush 41’s Mass Immigration Legacy Continues Taking Toll on U.S. 3 Decades Later. Breitbart News. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
  4. See Maynard (2008)
  5. West Germany paid Russia many billions to take its soldiers home.
  6. https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/90BAGHDAD4237_a.html
  7. http://www.uruknet.de/?p=m45924&hd=&size=1&l=e
  8. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article11376.htm
  9. https://foreignpolicy.com/2011/01/09/wikileaks-april-glaspie-and-saddam-hussein/
  10. Bowden, John (November 25, 2017). Bush 41 becomes longest-living president in US history. The Hill. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
  11. Blake, Andrew (November 25, 2017). George H.W. Bush claims title of longest-living former U.S. president. The Washington Times. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
  12. George HW Bush now longest-living president. Fox News. November 26, 2017. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  13. https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/wp/2013/09/25/george-h-w-bush-is-witness-at-same-sex-marriage-in-maine/
  14. 14.0 14.1 Multiple references:
  15. Pollak, Joel B. (December 2, 2018). Pollak: The Media Belatedly Loved George H.W. Bush — For the Wrong Reasons. Breitbart News. Retrieved December 2, 2018.
  16. Hurt, Charles (December 3, 2018). The Nuclear Option: Media’s Love of George H.W. Bush — About Hatred of Donald Trump. Breitbart News. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  17. Byas, Steve (December 7, 2018). Bush Funeral Illustrates Usefulness of Liberal Republicans to the Left. The New American. Retrieved December 8, 2018.
  18. George H.W. Bush, 41st president of the United States, dead at 94. Fox News. November 30, 2018. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  19. George H.W. Bush, the 41st president, dead at 94. The Washington Times. December 1, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  20. Seib, Gerald F. (December 1, 2018). George H.W. Bush, America’s 41st President and Father of 43rd, Dies. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved December 1, 2018.

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