Ex-Presidents' Reunion At Funeral Likely To Be Uncomfortable For Trump

[DonViejo]

By CATHERINE LUCEY

December 5, 2018 6:34 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — The death of George H.W. Bush is bringing together the five remaining members of an oh-so-exclusive fraternity — the presidents club. But for President Donald Trump, it may not be an entirely comfortable reunion, throwing him together with former occupants of the Oval Office who have given him decidedly mixed reviews.


Wednesday’s state funeral for the late president will be attended by “formers” Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. The last time they were together with Trump was at his inauguration in 2017. Recalling the funerals for Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, they will all sit together in Washington National Cathedral, with the exception of the younger Bush, who will be seated nearby with his family.

Those who have occupied the Oval Office share an unparalleled experience that typically builds a special camaraderie. And by virtue of health, longevity and opportunities for continued influence, ex-presidents are sticking around longer than ever and staying active in the public eye.

But since taking office, Trump has had little contact with his predecessors. He has not spoken to Democrats Clinton or Obama since his inauguration. He did speak with the younger Bush during the contentious confirmation process for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, as the previous Republican president helped lobby for his former aide. Democrat Carter has been briefed by White House officials on North Korea, though it was not clear if he has engaged directly with Trump.

Trump has sought to meet the elder Bush’s passing with grace, a contrast to the rhythms of much of his tumultuous presidency. He came to office after a campaign in which he harshly criticized his Democratic predecessors and co-opted a Republican Party once dominated by the Bush family. Despite the traditional kinship among presidents, Trump’s predecessors have all made their discomfort known in different ways.

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https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/ex-president-reunion-likely-uncomfortable-for-trump

[bdamomma]

1. will he just walk off???

Good he isn't speaking. He just shouldn't be there and he probably doesn't want to be.

[brooklynite]

5. Of course not...

He'll have a golf cart standing by...

[Achilleaze]

2. He's special: The only official republican casino hustler*

* and bona fide KGOP republican Draft-Dodger-in-Chief

[spanone]

3. Good.

[Goodheart]

4. "Lock her up!"

I know it's a funeral, but if I were Bill Clinton I'd smash that orange fucker's face in for wanting to jail my wife for vile hack reasons.

[Initech]

6. Well remember we used to have presidents who were men of integrity?

Even George W Bush, for all his flaws, was still more honorable than the piece of shit we have now. Yes, it will be awkward and yes it will be fun to watch.

[matt819]

7. And apart from W. . .

all the ex-presidents are Democrats - from the Democratic Party.

Will those ex-presidents be decent and generous of spirit and shake hands and smile, etc.

Or will they shun him, no generosity of spirit, no smiles, and whisper among themselves?

Me? I hope the latter, or some variation thereof. Trump the Vile deserves nothing less.

[lpbk2713]

8. Trump isn't even in the same league.

But when they get together watch him push himself
to the front of the crowd and closer to the cameras.

[bdamomma]

10. He will never be

in the same league. Freaking mobster.

[octoberlib]

9. Haven't seen the Obamas, Clintons or Trumps yet.

Have seen Jimmy Carter, Al Gore, Joe Biden, Prince Charles, Angela Merkel. Plus House and Senate leadership. Watch fucking Trump make a grand entrance.

[peekaloo]

12. Probably wave to the "adoring" crowd.

his ego

Gonna be really tough NOT being the center of attention.

[peekaloo]

11. Sitting still and keeping his fat yap shut for a couple of hours will be uncomfortable for him.

They'll probably give him an aisle seat and a pacifier.

[Dave Starsky]

16. They'll need to dose him with horse tranquilizer.

I can't imagine that clown sitting and keeping his yap shut for 10 minutes, let alone two hours.

Not to mention that all of the speakers will be talking about what a great guy GHW was, while the subtext will be what an incompetent buffoon failure Trump is.

[Tripper11]

13. First thing I pictured when I saw this thread title

all the presidents standing around chatting quetly., drumpf rolls up, kind of stands there a bit, you see a little chit chat from 2 or the ex's and then one of them cuffs drumpf upside the head, then another, and you can see them mouthing, "what the fuck is wrong with you? "knock that shit off and grow up!!" "jujst resign already, you're an idiot properly wrecking the country"

[Bayard]

15. One can dream...

But I think our Democratic presidents would have more class. They will be civil if it kills them.

[NCjack]

14. The legitimately elected presidents and spouses should

rent a hotel room later this evening. And "forget" to invite the Orange Menace.