I didn't appreciate him gushing over them and welcoming them "home," among other things. You look at it your way, and I'll look at it mine.
During his tenure, President Reagan had to welcome the Carters back to their former "home" on occasion. I'm quite certain that his remarks were just as warm and cordial as those of President Bush this morning. He, like President Bush, understood that the White House is not the exclusive domain of any one president, that it is the people's house and presidents are, in essence, custodians for 4 or 8 yr periods. Clinton never understood that, he turned that gracious and historic old house into his personal playground, his "Animal House". The dignity and prestige of that grand and hospitable landmark suffered mightily when it was Clinton's temporary "home", President Bush has restored her honor. I am enormously proud and grateful for his respectful stewardship of this enduring symbol of America. Today's ceremony reguired President Bush to welcome his predecessor with a measure of grace and he rose to the challenge. I expected nothing less.
I think W is being presidential, and is honoring the OFFICE, not the man.
Wasn't Clinton the one who had supposedly soiled the Presidency to such a degree, that VP Cheney et al needed to be elected, so dignity could be restored to it? In light of that, this could be viewed as a hurl fest. I suppose he had no choice really, but it's still galling to witness.
Unfortunately, if you watch politics, and even the politicians you like close enough, you'll never vote again. As Churchill said, Democracy is the lowest, filthiest form of government, but it's the best we've got.
I think I'll go take some Brioschi now, and start meditating on the relative goodness of our own b-cup bill.