Former President George H.W. Bush: "Best wishes" to Obamas
Former President George H.W. Bush didn't make it to President Obama's second inauguration today, but the famously polite president didn't forget Mr. Obama: In a statement released this afternoon, Bush and his wife Barbara passed good tidings along to the family.
"Barbara and I send President and Mrs. Obama -- and their wonderful girls -- our best wishes and prayers on this historic day," Bush said in a statement. "May Almighty God bless them and our wonderful country over the next four years."
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Bush was recently released from the hospital, where he was treated extensively for a lingering bronchial condition.
His son, George W. Bush, also sat out Mr. Obama's inauguration. Former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter -- both Democrats -- did attend.