Politics roundup: George H.W. Bush funeral brings presidents together, briefly

The funeral of former president George H.W. Bush brought presidents together despite some previous animosity. Does this mean anything for modern politics?

Former President George H.W. Bush’s funeral points to complex political realities

It’s a tricky thing, to report on the death of a person who was, as we all are, a complex human being. Trickier still, to report on the passing of a political figure who, like many politicians, inspired admiration, hate, and everything in between.

Then again, even a televised state funeral like former President George H.W. Bush isn’t quite the place to interrogate someone’s legacy. While it may not be appropriate to dive into the less admirable parts of Bush’s life in front of the man’s grieving family, it was certainly a moment to look at the politicians who are still living.

For the first time, thanks to this funeral, all former and current living presidents were together, seated in the same pew of the Washington National Cathedral. The current president’s moves were deeply scrutinized, from the quick handshake with former president Barack Obama, to the distinct lack of interaction with former Secretary of State and 2016 election opponent, Hillary Clinton.

Speakers memorialized both Bushes’ accomplishments, including the negotiation of NAFTA, the Clean Air Act, his call for volunteers in which he described them as “a thousand points of light,” and his overall demeanor. Former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney said that, during Bush’s presidency, “every single head of government in the world knew that they were dealing with a gentleman, a genuine leader.” Alan Simpson, formerly a Senator from Wyoming, told those gathered that “Hatred corrodes the container it’s carried in.”

How could anyone resist comparing that version of George H.W. Bush with his successors? None of it seemed terribly complimentary to the current office-holder, who has rolled back environmental regulations, helped to dismantle NAFTA, and rarely gains points for civility.

In fact, he was rather subdued, remaining quiet during the two-hour service. It was a stark contrast to his absence earlier this year at former first lady Barbara Bush’s funeral. He couldn’t make it supposedly due to his disruptive need for security and “out of respect for the Bush Family.” A few months after that, he was practically told to stay away from Arizona Senator John McCain’s services.

Flynn could skip jail, thanks to Mueller

Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn has been such a cooperative turncoat that he might get to miss out on jail time altogether, according to a sentencing memo filed late Tuesday. In it, Mueller cited Flynn’s “substantial” help as reason for the sentencing judge to be lenient. Many have interpreted it as an oblique warning to others who face similar sentencing decisions, including former campaign chairman Paul Manafort.

Where Flynn seems to have played along, Manafort has reportedly lied to investigators, even after repeated warnings. Those lies may very well have violated Manafort’s plea deal, which could leave him open to serious consequences in the coming months.

Large portions of the memo are redacted, including details about precisely how Flynn may have helped the investigation into Russian election interference. We do know, however, that he was interviewed by Mueller’s team at least 19 times since he started talking a year ago. Flynn will face sentencing on Dec. 18.

What, exactly, is happening with that trade truce?

At the recent G20 summit in Buenos Aires, it seemed as if the United States and China were finally ready to agree on trade. The U.S. said that it would delay its hefty tariffs and that China would buy trillions of dollars of American goods.

It all sounds good, but specifics haven’t been forthcoming. China has said that it agreed to a 90-day truce and will act on the deal “as soon as possible.” Beyond that, the nation hasn’t given many details.

That led to some nerves, as days passed and China hasn’t made any overtures or admissions. Despite the White House pointing to some “strong signals” from Beijing, we’ve yet to see anything of substance.

The number of questions swirling around the matter hasn’t helped things. How will that $1.2 trillion of Chinese money be spent across U.S. industries? When will all of this happen?

Perhaps most importantly, does the math work out? Not really, given that the U.S. is projected to produce $1.7 trillion in goods total for 2018. For China to meet the sort of goals described by the White House, it would need to crank up its buying to a fever pitch. The United States, meanwhile, would be at a relatively leisurely purchasing pace.

And, finally, your palate cleanser

Sure, the holidays are a time for cheer, togetherness, gift-giving, and whatever warm, fuzzy feelings you may need to get through the northern hemisphere’s darkest time of year. And it’s not like there’s any real harm in indulging in a bit of emotional coziness, as long as you don’t overdo it.

But, it’s worth remembering that this time of year is rife with spooky stories. The forests are dark, cold, and bare of foliage. Anything might be lurking out there.

Perhaps Krampus, the Bavarian holiday demon that snatches up all the bad children and whacks them with a birch branch, was stalking through them just a few days ago on Krampusnacht. Or, maybe there was an older, more menacing version of Santa Claus (who may or may not be based on ancient gods such as Odin) waiting and watching.

If you’re intrigued, check out some spooky holiday stories to get into the real spirit of the season. And don’t laugh – it’s actually a well-established holiday tradition. This year, you might start by reading Charles Dickens’ 1843 work, A Christmas Carol, which is stuffed full of ghosts and frightening visions of the future.

For a more modern touch, The Guardian published quite a few good short stories a few years ago, featuring modern authors doing their best to spread some holiday chills. These include tales by Jeanette Winterson and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. You can also listen to “Smee”, a classic tale by A.M. Burrage that involves a very creepy game of winter hide and seek.