The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

President Trump traveled 250 yards to greet George W. Bush. He used a stretch limo and an eight-vehicle motorcade to make the trip.

The Debrief: An occasional series offering a reporter’s insights

December 5, 2018 at 12:28 a.m. EST
Then-president Trump visited with former president George W. Bush and other family members of the late George H.W. Bush at Blair House on Dec. 4, 2018. (Video: Reuters)

President Trump traversed a wide political chasm Tuesday evening when he personally welcomed George W. Bush, his occasional foil, to Blair House, the presidential guest quarters across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House.

But the actual distance was just 250 yards — a route Trump and his wife Melania traveled in the presidential parade limousine, with a motorcade of at least seven other vehicles.