Home WebMail Friday, November 1, 2024, 01:25 AM | Calgary | -3.6°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
Posted: 2021-01-07T22:26:57Z | Updated: 2021-01-07T22:26:57Z

Jenna Bush Hager urged Americans to share kindness, smiles and love as they moved on from this weeks Washington insurrection .

Appearing on Today, Bush Hager remembered honoring her grandfather, former President George H.W. Bush , at the Capitol after his 2018 death as she and co-host Hoda Kotb spoke about Wednesdays violent siege of Congress.

I kissed my grandfather goodbye in that rotunda, she said. I have felt the majesty of our country in those walls and nobody can take that from any of us.

Growing visibly emotional, the daughter of former President George W. Bush did not mention President Donald Trump by name in the chat, but nonetheless went on to denounce the words of leaders who do not reflect our country.

What was so hard for so many of us that have grieving hearts is these images are not our America, the mother of three said. This is not the America that you know. This is not the America that I know. It is not the America we want our kids to know.

Bush Hagers remarks came a day after her father expressed his disbelief and dismay at the attempted coup.

I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement, he said in a statement . Let the officials elected by the people fulfill their duties and represent our voices in peace and safety.

(Bush rose to the presidency via the contested 2000 election, which partly hinged on a recount in Miami that was shut down by a Republican-organized mob in the so-called Brooks Brothers riot .)

Lawmakers were forced to shelter in place Wednesday when a Trump-supporting mob egged on by the president at a rally hours earlier stormed the Capitol in an effort to overturn the formal certification of the 2020 election results. The ensuing violence left four people dead and dozens of police officers injured.

For her part, Bush Hager felt optimistic after seeing people that represent the good come forward in the aftermath of the riots.

Your Support Has Never Been More Critical

Other news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone.

Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? We can't do it without you.

You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you.

Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all.

You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you.

Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all.

Support HuffPost

We have an opportunity, she said. I have faith that our country will be better.