Elder Bush Sitting Out Kennedy Funeral

(CBS/ AP)  The elder President George Bush will not be attending Sen. Edward Kennedy's funeral.

A spokesman for Mr. Bush said Friday that he and his wife, Barbara, decided not to attend Kennedy's funeral after learning their son, former President George W. Bush, would attend.

CBSNews.com's complete coverage of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's life and death

Jim McGrath says the 85-year-old Mr. Bush feels his son's presence would "amply and well represent" the family Saturday.

CBS News Special Report: Ted Kennedy - The Last Brother

The senior Bush's staff is unsure of how the word got out that he'd be at the funeral because, in the words of a source, "that was never the case." Asked if the senior Bush's health is OK, the source said, "rest assured all is well," reports CBS News White House correspondent Peter Maer. Following their long tradition, George and Barbara Bush are spending the summer at Kennebunkport, Maine.

Mr. Bush released a condolence statement on behalf of him and his son immediately after Kennedy's death. It was part of a stream of fond remembrances issued by Republicans.

The other remaining former presidents - Democrats Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton - will join the younger Mr. Bush at the service. President Obama will give the eulogy.

Read more stories on Sen. Kennedy's life and death at CBSNews.com:

CBS News Special: Ted Kennedy - The Last Brother
21-Gun Salute Planned for Kennedy Burial
Kennedy Mourners Pour in for Last Goodbye
Who Is Heir to Kennedy's Liberal Legacy?

[lepbtv1]

I drove by the Bush estate last Saturday in Kennebunkport ME (the day of the funeral), and the American flag wasn't at half staff. Granted, it's a private residence, but sheesh...for such a political family. Maybe there was more bad blood than is being reported.

[daisyjingles]

Not fun like jumping out of an airplane on some guys back, huh? What a show of disrespect.

[lpcongas]

A good man just passed away. A man who served his country and the people here and beyond.If you put all the politics aside, he was a son, a brother, a father, an uncle, and most of all an imperfect human being that was humbled many times. But yet I hear and read many comments by people who seem to believe they have the answers to all and know all. Let the first perfect created human being identify themselves for all to know so that you may lead us out of the mess that the past imperfect president lead us into! Does any perfect person out there have the answer or are just diarrhea of the mouth?

[4thought]

I understood attending a funeral was a show of respect, not alsways for the deceased, but perhaps - sometimes - respect for a member of the family. Maybe that was just a custom of the Italian family I was raised by?

[babooph]

The Elder Bush will always have respect & his not being there will not be a problem-Little George though......

[hughglass]

Like the old man and Pope Benedict more all the time! Class will tell.

[rhs648]

correction

Ted Kennedy's death is no reason to pass legislation you oppose or don't agree with. Whatever congress and the president come up with, we will have to live with it for decades to come. If something is passed regarding health care reform, it should be well thought out, debated, and benefit the American people. To rush it along could be a disaster for the American people.

[rhs648]

Your comment shows no intellectual depth at all. Nor does it contribute anything useful to this discussion. It is shallow, superficial, and worthless. Your statement assumes everyone shares your feelings. What could be further from the truth? Look that word up if you know how.

[rhs648]

It is really unfair to read things into why people do or don't do certain things. Only George Bush Sr know what his reasoning is. Perhaps he is not feeling well. Perhaps he has already scheduled something else. None of that really matters. He sent his condolences to the Kennedy family and his son will be attending the funeral. What is sad is that some of you can't put your biases and prejudices on hold. Whether you agreed with Kennedy or not, there is no question that he deserves respect for the many years he served as a senator just as Bush Sr. and Bush Jr. deserve respect for having served as presidents.

[dwilson59]

Will Mary Jo Kopechne attend the Funeral or will Ted just have her sit in the Car?

[s57g67l]

by Marc1986 August 28, 2009 12:52 PM EDT "It's amazing how this article is being turned into an attack on Republicans"

Go one step farther, Marc. Why is it that almost EVERY article (regardless of the subject)becomes an attack on one side or the other, because it surely isn't restricted to this article or to Republicans.