Obama puts attacks on hold to welcome Bush back ‘home’

US President Barack Obama lauded the “strength and resolve” of George W Bush on Thursday, dispensing with his normal critiques of his predecessor’s legacy to welcome him back to the White House.
Bush, his wife Laura, his father and 41st president George Bush senior and family and administration members staged a revival in the East Room of the White House for the unveiling of the former US leader’s official portrait.
Obama savages Bush’s legacy at home and abroad in stump speeches as he runs for reelection, but on this occasion sought to highlight the unifying moment when his predecessor rallied a nation after the September 11 attacks in 2001.
“All of us will always remember the image of President Bush standing on that pile of rubble, bull horn in hand, conveying extraordinary strength and resolve to the American people,” Obama said.
Obama noted that despite differences, he sometimes turned for advice to the few men living who have also sat behind the Oval Office desk.
“We may have our differences politically, but the presidency transcends those differences. We all love this country. We all want America to succeed.”
Former President George HW Bush, 87, who is increasingly frail and attended the event in a wheelchair wearing striped red, white and blue socks, got two long ovations, in a rare public appearance.
His son appeared to choke up when he thanked his father for his “unconditional love” in what was otherwise a light-hearted and self deprecating speech.
Showing his old repertoire of sly smiles and winks, he quipped that the White House presidential portrait collection now started and ended with a “George W” running from George Washington to himself.
Bush also noted that former first lady Dolly Madison saved the picture of Washington when the British burned the White House in 1814, and joked current First Lady Michelle Obama should be ready to do the same.
“I am also pleased, Mr President, that when you are wandering these halls after you wrestle with tough decisions you will now be able to gaze at this portrait and ask what would George do?”