President George H. W. Bush could best be compared to our nation’s 2nd President, John Adams. Bush served extensively in the United States government before ascending to the presidency as Adams did (He is the only CIA Director to reach the Oval Office). Bush would follow an incredibly popular president as Adams did, both Adams and Bush served one-term presidencies, and Bush would have a son who would one day assume the same office he held. One difference was the sentiment expressed in the peaceful transition of power. After a stinging loss to President-Elect Clinton, Bush wrote a profoundly kind and wise letter to his successor on Inauguration Day of 1993. In another act of commonality between Adams and Bush in post-presidency life President Bush would become dear friends with his successor, President Clinton as President Adams befriended President Jefferson.

While serving as Vice-President, Bush Sr. had the ability to cover behind the skilled oratory skills of President Reagan, who is widely considered to be one of the most-gifted communicators we’ve had to serve as president. There were plenty of gaffes that President Bush experienced after taking center stage. One deviation was the conversation surrounding faith expression. While Reagan harnessed the faith community, Bush’s stalwart Episcopal roots led him to a quieter piety than that of previous presidents. It is important to note, however, that quiet piety does not mean the absence of piety.