Obama thanks Bush for his service and for voluntarily leaving the Presidency

I know this isn't a very big deal but, what I found interesting was what President Obama said to Bush in a remark about leaving the White House, following a tradition set forth by George Washington.

Source

"On behalf of the American people, I want to thank -- most sincerely -- President and Mrs. Bush for their service to our country," Obama said during the ceremony unveiling the Bushes official portraits. Obama praised Bush for following "the humble heroic example" of President Washington, who voluntarily left the White House after two terms and so established a presidential tradition. "George, you went out of your way to make sure that the transition to a new administration was as seamless as possible," he said.

The part which seemed a tad bit odd was when he said:

Obama praised Bush for following "the humble heroic example" of President Washington, who voluntarily left the White House after two terms and so established a presidential tradition.

So what's he not planning on leaving voluntarily. Is it just me or does anyone else find this remark puzzling?

I guess in other countries the transition isn't quite so peaceful.

Strange indeed..
Unless, he truly does not know what the rules are.

Either way, I would expect my "leader" to know this from the beginning.

Today:



Appears Bush still has his humour "The first George W..." referring to George Washington haha.


Also, still has emotion..

wow

/facepalm

I become more and more aware that Barry really has no clue...

He must be mistaken... the 22nd amendment, set in 1951, prevents him from being elected three times. George Washington set the trend for "voluntarily" leaving the white house, even though he could have been elected to office again.

But putting aside being "elected"... there is a loop-hole, I think, that could potentially allow him to "serve" as president, after a 2nd elected term...

There is a loop-hole, through the line of succession, that would allow a person to "serve" (not elected) as president even after two terms. Links:

Info Please Link
Democratic Underground Link

From the source -

Obama praised Bush for following "the humble heroic example" of President Washington, who voluntarily left the White House after two terms and so established a presidential tradition.

You've GOT to be kidding! It's not 'presidential tradition' to leave ... it's the LAW. And the two term law became law WAY after Washington left office so he had nothing to do with the two term law at all. Barry is a dolt.

reply to post by SedonaMystic


If it is possible, I think the only way would be in the event of war or catastrophe.

If that is the case, things are shaping up quite nicely to get rid of that stupid two term law.

reply to post by FlyersFan
Hey, I'll admit there were some of us who thought Bush wouldn't leave, 22nd amendment be damned (given some executive directives and various security and continuity-of-government legislation, etc.), and he didn't have to be forced out by main strength, so...

And remember, they also classify US income tax as a "voluntary" tax as well, so basically, nothing in the government has to make sense so Obama's right at home and speaking fairly.

I suppose?

obama is a puppet president following protocol. what he should have said is
"you are under arrest for the crimes against humanity"
and lets see what happens between now and 2016. it will be hard for emperor obama to give up all that power after serving 2 terms i will wager he uses that loop hole to stay in power indefinitely........................time will tell

Which President Served More Than Two Terms?
There is a limit on how long a president can hold the office; however, this limit has not always been law. One president not only served three terms in office, but was settling into his fourth when he suddenly passed away. If he would have survived, he would have accounted for nearly two decades in the White House.

Source

Originally posted by LeoStarchild
wow

/facepalm

I become more and more aware that Barry really has no clue...

right, because that would be the only reason...maybe he had heard after the 2008 election, that there was a move to keep bush in? there are alot of right-wingers in the alphabet agencies.

reply to post by jimmyx


You dont have to project on me.. Its your guy that is stupid. Bush is History ... Barry is the present.

My only other thought is he is confused with Grover Cleveland... Whos served 2 terms non consecutive.

Obama has no damn clue whatsoever the presidential term limits were instituted after the last great democratic savior FDR. because 4 terms of Democrats was obviously too much for the country to take.

Obama has his party to thank for that because Ameircan's have historically got fed up with their crap.

Seriously?

I hope obama doesn't get assasinated and I pray for this even though I am a sinner.
It would light the world on fire with all the racialists running around

He honestly thinks he has absolute power.

reply to post by Daedal


Not so much leaving voluntarily but the manner in which he left office. He gave very specific orders to his staff that transition was to be as smooth as possible, regardless of how people felt about Obama or the incoming administration. They were to cooperate and be as helpful as possible to the incoming staff.

Bush understands the difference between political rhetoric used during campaigns and the trappings of office.

You dont confuse the 2 as it only makes you look cheap and undignified.

Originally posted by neo96
Obama has no damn clue whatsoever the presidential term limits were instituted after the last great democratic savior FDR. because 4 terms of Democrats was obviously too much for the country to take.

Neo, all O stated was Washington established the 'tradition' of two terms. That is widely accepted to be true. He refused to run for a third term, which established the precedent followed by Presidents for nearly 200 years. It was then made LAW after FDR.

Sheesh.

reply to post by stanguilles7


Quite a shame FDR did not follow Washington's example then but still does not change the fact that was once a voluntary action was changed by law due to the abuse of it by FDR.

reply to post by Daedal


What's 'odd' about it? I suspect, if anything, Obama was referring to how the Bush Admin. made sure that an easy transition would be possible, in contrast to the Clinton Admin. which famously stole curtains and letters from keyboards before Bush took office.

Also, Obama is right. Washington established the tradition of two terms when he refused to run for a third.That was a tradition followed by every President until FDR, who ran for four terms. After that, a LAW was passed.