I could not have been prouder of President Barack Obama than I was today.
Twice he stood before crowds to pay tribute first to his immediate predecessor – whose economic policies he has blamed for much of the difficulty during his first term in office – and then down the highway a bit at Baylor University to honor the memory of those who died in the fiery explosion in nearby West.
The president’s remarks at the dedication of the George W. Bush Library and Museum were spot on in their appropriateness. He honored the 43rd president by saluting his courage and his steadfast belief in whatever position he took. President Bush and the three other ex-presidents – Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush – all took their turns at the podium to honor W’s library dedication.
It was a day to set aside partisan differences, which isn’t exactly an easy task in these contentious times.
Then the president ventured to Waco and honored the memories of those who died in that horrifying fertilizer blast. It killed 14 people, 12 of whom were first responders, such as volunteer firefighters. “America needs town like West,” Obama declared and vowed that the country will not forsake the community as it seeks to rebuild itself.
This is the president as consoler in chief. And Barack Obama is getting quite good at fulfilling this tragic, but necessary, role.