The president’s statement was punctuated by this declaration: “I loved Spock.”
When Leonard Nimoy, who played the iconic “Star Trek” character, died two weeks ago, the White House took notice.
Historically, the presidential condolence statements might be, oddly, one of the most idiosyncratic of White House processes. There are no formal rules. Decisions are made spontaneously, and no matter who writes them, or when, they end up largely reflecting the personality and inclinations of the sitting president.
“In some ways the president is speaking for himself with these statements, but he’s also saying something for the country,” said Jon Favreau, who as head of speechwriting during Obama’s first term was tasked with helping oversee the process.
“For Obama, the elevation of cultural leaders has been important,” Favreau added — people who ordinary Americans feel a connection to and who have helped shape the nation’s social fabric.
It was not always this way. Hoover Institution research fellow Peter Robinson, who served as one of President Ronald Reagan’s speechwriters, said his recollection was that “the Reagan administration tended to restrict condolences to people who had served in office, with the exception, of course, of Hollywood figures whom the Reagans themselves had known.”
Roughly a quarter of Obama’s statements have recognized blacks, about twice the figure for President George W. Bush’s. And the current president has issued more statements on Latinos, Asian Americans and American Indians, as well as social activists and civil rights leaders.
Bush, for his part, weighed in more frequently on the deaths of religious leaders, Republicans, Arab dignitaries and animals (because the Bushes’ cat India and dog Spot died while he was serving).
The statements are largely written by White House aides, but the chief executive will often weigh in.
On Sept. 14, 1998, according to documents from the Clinton Library, President Bill Clinton tinkered with his speechwriter Jeff Shesol’s draft of a statement honoring Alabama Democratic Gov. George Wallace, who evolved from a hardline segregationist to a more conciliatory figure.
At the end, referring to the late governor’s decision to embrace the politics of social inclusion, Clinton scribbled, “For that all Americans can be grateful.”
Favreau said that under Obama, the White House has tended to make more, rather than fewer, statements because there is little cost to doling out extra honors: “It’s not like the president has so many condolence statements to make.”
“Cool, logical, big-eared and level-headed, the center of Star Trek’s optimistic, inclusive vision of humanity’s future.”
President Barack Obama
“The hopeful and hapless Charlie Brown, the joyful Snoopy, the soulful Linus — even the ‘crabby’ Lucy — give voice, day after day, to what makes us human.”
President Bill Clinton
“Jerry lived a life of faith and called upon men and women of all backgrounds to believe in God and serve their communities.”
President George W. Bush
“He understood the threat of Communism, but he also had the wisdom to know when it was time to reach out to the Soviet Union and to China.”
President Bill Clinton
“To Michelle and me, she was a constant inspiration, a lifelong mentor, and a very dear friend. I was proud to count myself among the more than 100 men and women she called her ‘Godchildren,’ and worked hard to live up to her example. I still do.”
President Barack Obama
“For a generation of Americans, Jim was more than the much-honored host of ‘Wide World of Sports’ and ABC’s Olympic coverage. He was a talented and eloquent newsman and storyteller whose special gift was his ability to make the viewers at home genuinely care about more than just who won or lost.”
President George W. Bush
“President Johnson once called her a woman of ideals, principles, intelligence and refinement. She remained so throughout their life together, and in the many years given to her afterward.”
President George W. Bush
