| | | | | Former President George W. Bush touches the casket of his father, President George H.W. Bush, at the state funeral at the National Cathedral Wednesday. Credit: Alex Brandon/Pool/Getty Images | | | Saying Goodbye to President Bush: Scenes from the state funeral held for 41
Jeb on H.W.: Jeb Bush didn't speak today, but he co-wrote an op-ed
The Most Tweeted About Politicians in America: Guess who No. 1 is? | | | What the White House is Talking About:
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump today attended the memorial services for President George H.W. Bush.
What the White House Press Corps is Talking About:
Laying to rest the 41st President of the United States.
Saying Goodbye to President Bush:
All of the former living presidents and first ladies gathered with more than 3,000 other guests at Washington's National Cathedral for a service that included three eulogies and a number of readings and hymns. It was a service planned to a T and approved by Bush before he died -- which is protocol for all presidents.
There were laughs, there were tears, and in all it was a very fitting, and moving tribute to a president known for his humble nature and his straightforward personality. One of my favorite lines of the morning came from former Senator Alan Simpson, a close friend of Bush's. "Those who travel the high road of humility in Washington are not bothered by heavy traffic."
I also loved the sentimentality shown by George W. Bush in his eulogy to his father. "After mom died, dad was strong, but all he really wanted to do was hold mom's hand again." Bush only broke down at the end, when he said, "He was the best father a son or daughter could have."
As for Trump, that front row might have been a tad awkward. He said hello and did a brief handshake with Barack and Michelle Obama, but there was no greeting for Bill and Hillary Clinton. Melania, however, was a warmer buffer, shaking hands warmly with the Obamas and greeting Bill Clinton with a handshake, and a wave down the rest of the row to the other formers.
Here's a full list of all the world leaders and dignitaries who were present today. And here are a handful of images from the service today: | | | I also liked this one a lot -- when George W. Bush reached over to greet Michelle Obama, passing her a piece of candy, as he did when the two were seated next to each other at John McCain's funeral earlier this year. There is a sweet friendship between W. and Mrs. Obama. | | Credit: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg for Getty Images
It's Mueller Time:
After waiting for most of the day, the filing of special counsel Robert Mueller's brief on Michael Flynn was finally released last night. But ... most of it was blacked out. What was important was what was revealed -- Flynn provided "substantial assistance" to Mueller and his team, so much so that no jail time for Flynn's crimes was recommended by Mueller. A passage from CNN's reporting on the release: "According to Mueller's filing, Flynn has been helping investigators longer and on more Justice Department probes than had been previously known. The sheer amount of redacted text in the filing suggests those details are not ready to be unveiled, signaling that Mueller's investigation continues, along with other investigations that Flynn helped with. Flynn began cooperating with the Russia probe "shortly after" Mueller's team approached him, prosecutors said -- and that early cooperation boosted investigators' understanding of what happened during the campaign."
Bloomberg Went to Iowa to "Make a Friend":
As one does. But also to test the waters for a presidential run. Michael Bloomberg is clearly interested in launching a campaign for president. CNN's Cristina Alesci traveled to Iowa for an interview with the former NYC mayor, who told her he was not there to gather votes (yet), but to "Ask a question, make a friend." Bloomberg is just one potential candidate in a race that has yet to take shape, but he's at least in the dipping-toe-in-the-water stage.
Donald Trump Surprises Bush Family on Tour:
I wrote yesterday about the gesture Melania made by inviting Laura Bush to the White House for a tour of the holiday decorations, which Bush accepted along with more than a dozen other Bush family members. A White House official told me afterwards that Melania hosted a tour, but she also wanted to give the Bush family time alone in the White House, and she arranged for them to spend time with some of the residence staff, which Laura Instagrammed about. In all, the Bush family spent about an hour at the White House -- part of that with the President, who made an unplanned visit to say "hello" and pose for a photo. I found these images of the visit on the White House's Flickr account (random). I think it was nice of the President, and I think it shows that this week has provided moments of kindness, moments we should recognize and remember. | | | Credit: Andrea Hanks/Official White House photograph | | What Washington is Talking About:
The state funeral of former President George H.W. Bush; Republican Senators are unequivocal that the Saudi crown prince is behind the murder of Jamal Khashoggi after being briefed by the CIA Tuesday, putting them at odds with President Trump; and Sen. Chuck Grassley is pushing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to vote on a criminal justice reform bill.
What America is Talking About:
Trump designated today a national day of mourning; the man at the center of a North Carolina voter fraud investigation is a Republican political operative who denied wrongdoing; and Cardi B announced she's splitting from husband Offset.
Poll of the Day:
If you're wondering why Obamacare's pre-existing conditions protections are so popular, a new Gallup poll shows why. The poll found 44% of Americans either have a pre-existing condition, have a family member who does, or both. | | Credit: Gallup
Jeb on H.W.:
Jeb Bush didn't speak today at the National Cathedral, but he and James Baker, a chief of staff and secretary of state under 41, published an op-ed in today's Washington Post. H.W. "reached the pinnacle of power by living the virtues that make for a good Boy Scout: loyalty, trustworthiness, humility, reverence," they wrote.
Beto Met With Barack:
Beto O'Rourke became the latest possible 2020 Democrat to meet with former President Obama at his office in Foggy Bottom. O'Rourke met with the 44th president on November 16, per the Washington Post. Obama praised O'Rourke in a recent interview for "The Axe Files," saying his campaign "didn't feel constantly poll-tested" and that "it felt as if he based his statements and his positions on what he believed."
Rudy Seems Unfamiliar with How the Internet Works:
Rudy Giuliani, who was once Trump's cybersecurity advisor, accused Twitter of allowing "someone to invade my text with a disgusting anti-President message" because he inadvertently tweeted a hyperlink by not putting a space between his sentences.
Someone bought the web address for his accidental URL, "G-20.In," and turned the page into the below message about Trump. If Giuliani even just once in his life had a reason to tweet "will.i.am," he would have known better. | | Credit: G-20.In
Trump Org to be Subpoenaed:
As part of their case arguing Trump has broken the Constitution's emoluments clause, attorneys general from the District of Columbia and Maryland are expected to send subpoenas to the Trump Organization Tuesday. Also being subpoenaed are 18 entities that have done business with Trump's D.C. hotel, including the state of Maine.
The Most Tweeted About Politicians in America:
Twitter's out with a list of the top 10 most tweeted-about political figures in America this year. If you guessed Trump was No. 1, you're right: | | Credit: Twitter
Street Art Sighting:
An "It's Mueller Time" image was projected on the facade of the San Francisco Federal Building. Below, it reads, "#WhitakerMustRecuse." | | Credit: @aemarling/Instagram
If you spot political street art, tweet me @hunterschwarz, tag me on Instagram @hunterschwarz, or email me at coverlinehunter@cnn.com with your sighting so I can feature it in COVER/LINE.
P.S.:
DJ Earworm's annual "United States of Pop" mash-up is out. There is a lot of Ariana Grande and Drake. | | | | | | |
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