UPDATE: The AP has acknowledged that their tweet about the late President Bush was not in good taste and they have removed it.
We’ve deleted a tweet and revised a story on the death of President George H.W. Bush because the tweet and the opening of the story referenced his 1992 electoral defeat and omitted his WWII service.
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 2, 2018
ORIGINAL POST
Former President George H. W. Bush passed away Friday night at the age of 94 in his home in Houston. Family, friends, old White House employees, lawmakers, and pundits are sharing their condolences. But, some outlets may be missing the mark.
Here's the blurb the Associated Press chose to define Bush's career:
George H.W. Bush, a patrician New Englander whose presidency soared with the coalition victory over Iraq in Kuwait, but then plummeted in the throes of a weak economy that led voters to turn him out of office after a single term, has died. He was 94. https://t.co/LaSU5ho2os pic.twitter.com/ld9KqRHdaU
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 1, 2018
"George H.W. Bush, a patrician New Englander whose presidency soared with the coalition victory over Iraq in Kuwait, but then plummeted in the throes of a weak economy that led voters to turn him out of office after a single term, has died. He was 94," the tweet read.
Some groups and individuals were outraged by how the AP defined Bush's legacy and why they decided to use words like "weak" and "plummeted."
What an unacceptable headline after America has lost one of our finest.
— Osage County GOP (@OsageCountyGOP) December 1, 2018
Seriously, @AP?!? This is disrespectful and completely uncalled for. This is why the media is so despised these days. 41 was a hero and a great man.
— Traci Tyson (@tracityson) December 1, 2018
Do better @AP this is beneath you. I think we could all take a step back and thank the man for his service to the nation, and give his family our condolences for their immense loss. Such a cursory take on a life that was so much more than his years in office. #GeorgeHWBush
— Rob Haley (@robhaley1) December 1, 2018
It's rarely a good sign when the number of comments exceeds the number of retweets.
Critics would have much preferred if the AP used the second paragraph in their obituary for President Bush as the featured tweet, where the editors write how Bush was a "World War II hero, who also presided during the collapse of the Soviet Union and the final months of the Cold War."
The AP Twitter account did share more sentimental messages in follow up tweets, quoting leaders who recognize and appreciate Bush's years of service.
Others prefer the description from former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer:
RIP President Bush. You fought for your country in WW II and your presidency was marked by dignity, courtesy and grace. You will be missed.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) December 1, 2018
Or the message from Bush 41's office:
Statement by the Office of George H. W. Bush on the passing of the 41st President of the United States of America this evening at 10:10pm CT at the age of 94. pic.twitter.com/XUPgha2aUW
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) December 1, 2018
As noted above, President Bush lost a few people closest to him before his own passing, including last April when former First Lady Barbara Bush passed. Bush 41's supporters are glad he is now reunited with them.
Barbara Bush welcomed George H.W. Bush home tonight. What a reunion it must have been. Rest well, Mr. President.
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) December 1, 2018
RIP, Mr. President.