The 41st President of the United States George Hubert Walker Bush died Friday night at the age of 94.
Like any president, his administration had its ups and down. Yes, he may have angered people on the right and the left, but that’s the nature of the job. Whatever decision a president makes, everyone is going to have an opinion and there will be a fair amount of people upset with the move.
However, when announcing the death of a President of the United States, one would think it might be possible to remove the politics from the announcement. Unfortunately, one would also be wrong. The Associated Press, when announcing H.W.’s death, felt the need to interject politics into the situation.
George H.W. Bush, a patrician New Englander whose presidency soared with the coalition victory over Iraq in Kuwait, but then plummeted in the throes of a weak economy that led voters to turn him out of office after a single term, has died. He was 94. https://t.co/LaSU5ho2os pic.twitter.com/ld9KqRHdaU
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 1, 2018
I understand that what is said in the post is true, but was it really necessary in order to tell everyone he had died? Many people on social felt the same way and let their feelings be known.
I’m as progressive as they come but… pic.twitter.com/dMMHcrNzRD
— LPB (@74inchesoflady) December 1, 2018
Your social media person (AND whoever came up with this headline) should be fired. How pathetic.
— Brad Ziegler (@BradZiegler) December 1, 2018
Is this truly the best that the @AP could do? Are you trying to turn away followers? Really a despicable headline to announce the passing of a president. You should be ashamed of yourselves but you have no shame.
— Julia Marie (@celestial_chic) December 1, 2018
Hey AP, the mans been gone for less than 24 hours. It's time to reflect on the good things in his life, the positive, not be putting "your unbiased down spin" on his presidency. HW was a fine example of what politicians should be.
— Walkman (@wahoowalk) December 1, 2018
Someone at the AP is getting fired tomorrow. Classless.
— Alison (@alisusko_alison) December 1, 2018
The A.P. has slipped so far. Used to be respectable. Classless headline
— Marc Malone (@mmalonesea) December 1, 2018
One would think that in these polarized times, all Americans—regardless of political affiliation—could celebrate the life of a man who not only dedicated his life to public service, but strived to make America a better place for all. This is a truly despicable headline.
— Ericson Enger (@EricsonEnger) December 1, 2018
I’m terribly disappointed in this truly appalling tweet. What happened to…Class? Grace? Dignity? Kindness? Heck, just pretend to be slightly sorrowful for the sake of President Bush’s loved ones.
— 🎄GoGold Mrs. LaRue🎄 (@Dishy2101) December 1, 2018