Does the Inauguration ceremony HAVE to have Bush give a farewell address?

[CTyankee]

Can't he just quietly get up and go after the ceremony? Or is it some kind of time honored custom?

I truly think it is almost indecent to have that guy talk to us one more time and interrupt our joy during that special day...

[n2doc]

1. I think he should go out the way he came in

With people egging his car as he leaves. I'd stand in line for that!

[jkshaw]

2. Yuck,

why does Bush have to say farewell?

[Diane R]

3. He'll be booed. And, he'll be booed loudly. It will be payback.

[pdxmom]

4. I have a suggestion for his farewell address:

Do Nuthin' Ranch
Crawford,Texas.

[Ozma]

5. I don't recall any where a former President gave a speech.

If they did, I sure forgot it fast.

[WI_DEM]

6. Where did you get the idea that the former president gives a speech at the inauguration ceremony?

That has never happened. If Bush gives a farewell address it's usually a few days before he leaves office such as Eisenhower's "Military Industrial Complex" speech which was a few days before JFK's inauguration.

[CTyankee]

11. That's what I was thinking of! When I hear of "farewell" addresses I think

of the inauguration where both the former and new president attend.

Sorry, my bad I guess...

[lligrd]

7. Everyone Should Stand Up And Turn Their Back On Him nt

[FrenchieCat]

8. I wish he and Cheney would just go to an undisclosed location

and stay there forever. Really, I do.

[louis-t]

9. Have him give his speech in a "Free Speech Zone"

A fenced-in dog run will do nicely. It should go something like this: "Good night folks, and thanks for the bread." My apologies to John Lennon.

[NMDemDist2]

10. usually Presidents don't give a "farewell speech" on Inauguration Day

they ride with the new Prez, watch the swearing in ceremony then leave quietly while the Luncheon is on

http://inaugural.senate.gov/history/daysevents/index.cfm

[RollWithIt]

12. The Former President goes to the White House Lawn/Rose Garden, Gives Farewell speech, Leaves

Marine One flyover.