911701
George H. W. Bush
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“I decided after all the years in public service and all the ups and downs with the press
I will stay out of the interview business entirely . . . ."
George Herbert Walker Bush, 1924–. 41st President of the United States, 1989-1993. Typed Letter Signed, George Bush, one page, quarto, on personal stationery, Kennebunkport, Maine, May 5, 1993.
Bush typed this himself just over three months after leaving the White House following his defeat by Bill Clinton. Citing his relations with the press, and saying that he is "trying hard to be a plain private citizen,” Bush eschews comment about Clinton in declining a Maine journalist's request for an interview. He writes: “Your letter was a good one, but I am afraid I must stay with my new ‘No interview' policy. I am adjusting back to private life as is Barbara; and I decided after all the years in public service and all the ups and downs with the press I will stay out of the interview business entirely, at least for the foreseeable future. I am not making any comments on President Clinton except to wish him well. / I am trying hard to be a plain private citizen. I ask for your understanding." In a postscript, Bush enthusiastically notes that the letter was "self-typed on my computer. I love it."
This letter is in keeping with Bush's policy toward commenting on Clinton's performance as President. Before he left the White House, Bush told Clinton that he would not be an obstructionist. In his diary note for November 18, 1992, the day he met with Clinton at the White House following the election on November 3, 1992, Bush wrote:
I told him walking out, “Bill, I want to tell you something. When I leave here, you're going to have no trouble from me. The campaign is over, it was tough and I'm out of here. I will do nothing to complicate your work and I just want you to know that." And he was quite appreciative and I've got to try to do just that.
Bush later noted in All the Best, George Bush: My Life In Letters and Other Writings (1999) that, “With few mild exceptions, I feel I've stuck to this pledge."
Bush has signed this letter with a full signature in blue. The letter is in very fine condition and would be extra fine were it not for the normal mailing folds.
Unframed. Please ask us about custom framing this piece.
This item has been sold.
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