Today marks the transfer of power in our country. Every four or eight years, we experience a transition from one president to another. This occasion has not always gone smoothly, and the man leaving the White House has not always shown humility and grace. From John Adams to Andrew Johnson, history records numerous transitions where the defeated or outgoing president did not cordially hand over his leadership role.
Perhaps George H. Bush demonstrated one of the most notable acts of grace by a defeated president when he left a personal letter in the presidential desk encouraging and wishing the best for his successor, Bill Clinton. Bush placed the need for unity in our country above any desire to hang on to power or to get revenge for a defeat.
Releasing your hold on the spotlight or from a position of power is not an easy act. When you’ve grown accustomed to making the decisions and having a following, you do not easily hand over the mantle for someone else to call the shots.
