I was really touched by the class with which George Senior and Barbara greeted the Clintons and their then-pre-teenage daughter Chelsea.

The incoming First Family arrives at the White House to be greeted by the outgoing First Couple. It’s a tradition by now.

I’ll never forget how HW greeted Chelsea so warmly and affectionately and said “Welcome to your NEW HOUSE!”

Her dad had just denied him what many (including him, I’m sure) thought was his “entitlement” to a second term. During a nasty campaign. Rendered him a one-termer, which had to be at least somewhat humiliating. And he was about to hand over the front door keys to the residence he felt he deserved to keep for four more years, and probably rather ardently didn’t want to give up. And yet he was kind, welcoming, and totally charming to that shy young girl. So was Barbara. Like grandparents more than political foes.

I couldn’t help noticing that. And I’ll remember that about him for a long time.