George W. Bush: “His courage and kindness helped to shape a great and noble culture.”

We know our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will.

Is it in our interest that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is. On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you for your hard work and God bless you.

History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation – a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position.

If any voters came hoping for a kind word and a hug, they’d have to settle for the kind word.