President George H. W. Bush, 1924 - 2018.

"George H.W. Bush, who died Friday at age 94, served one term as president and was defeated for re-election in 1993 by Bill Clinton.  Derided by critics at the time as a well-meaning but ineffectual leader, he is now regarded with affection and respect as a dedicated public servant and a man of character and decency.

Leaving aside for now some of the controversial positions he took, while also acknowledging some successes as well -- overseeing the end of the Cold War and the end of the Soviet empire, for example -- I would add to the comparison Bush's experience, his preparation for the job, and his good advisers to whom he listened.

George H.W. Bush had more government experience to prepare him for the office than any other person who has run for president.   Following service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he became a success in the oil business of Texas.   His subsequent career in public service included the following:    U.S. House of Representatives, Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, the equivalent to Ambassador to China (before we had formal diplomatic relations with China).   He was then appointed Director of the CIA, served eight years as Vice President to Ronald Reagan's administration, and then was elected president to succeed Reagan.

Every word of praise for George H.W. Bush -- in our present context -- seems like an unspoken criticism of Donald J. Trump, . .  . because Trump is none of those things that we praise the elder Bush for.

I watched the televised moment Monday night when President and Mrs. Trump came into the Capitol rotunda to pay their respects to Bush lying in state.    The other VIP guests had mostly left and the pomp and circumstance and the brief commentaries had all been completed.

The two, Donald and Melania, walked in together holding hands.    She look inscrutable but appropriate.    At least he kept a somber expression, but it was more of an angry scowl than a reverent silence.    They stood there for an awkward moment, unmoving and unmoved, then she place a hand on her heart and he gave a quick salute to the casket.   They turned and walked out.   The whole thing took perhaps 60 seconds.

Now I acknowledge that there is probably nothing Donald Trump could have done in this moment that would have seemed right.   After all the criticism and insult he has thrown at the Bush family -- and all that they represent that he lacks -- it could only be an awkward moment.   

How does a vulgar grifter like Trump pay respect to a man of such decency, kindness, civility, and yes class (in the best sense of the word)?    The contrast was stark.

Ralph