Excerpt
The following is from an Associated Press story that appeared in numerous publications, including the May 5, 2011, edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. SMU Political Science Professor Dennis Simon provided expertise for this story.
May 6, 2011
By JAMIE STENGLE
The Associated Press
DALLAS — In the days following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush famously grabbed a bullhorn while speaking to those gathered at ground zero, telling them: "I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon."
Almost 10 years later, the now former president declined an invitation from President Barack Obama to attend a somber remembrance Thursday at New York's ground zero to mark the killing by U.S. forces of Osama bin Laden.
Bush's decision is consistent with his desire to keep a low profile. . .
Presidential experts say deference among most former presidents is an unwritten rule.
"In terms of having a lot of sound bite quotes about their successors, I just haven't seen that," said Dennis Simon, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University. "I think it demonstrates an appreciation for what it's like to be in that office. It's your time now. I understand what you're coming through because I've gone through that myself."
Read the full story.
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