When I think about five more months of the partisan attacks both
presidential candidates will launch and the millions they’ll spend doing it,
it’s harder to respect our political system.
But there was an unusual moment yesterday that gave me some assurance.
President Obama hosted George W. Bush and his family at the White House for an
unveiling of the former president’s official portrait. Watching the ceremony and seeing how the two presidents interacted with
wit and humor was unexpected treat.
Bush joked about how Dolley Madison once rescued the portraits when a fire
broke out. Turning to Mrs. Obama while pointing to his portrait, he said, “Just
in case it happens again, I’m your guy.”
And he teased the president, telling him that now, whenever he is confronted
with a difficult decision, he can look at the portrait and ponder, “What would
George do?”
Both presidents seemed relaxed. Despite their opposing political views, they
still share a lot in common. That’s something that gets overshadowed in the
daily rounds of rhetoric and fiery criticisms.
And for a brief moment, it sent a powerful message: we share a lot in
common, too.
This article appears in A cultural gem in a high-tech hub.
