On the contrary, it was an “open letter” that Barbara and Jenna published in the Wall Street Journal. Was there even an actual physical note “left for” Sasha and Malia at all?
Cynical ol’ me thinks: PR stunt. It was evidently written at least as much for the public eye as for a personal communication to the Obama girls.
Well, of course it was. Had it really been for the Obama girls’ eyes, it would have been left in an envelope for them. When was the last time your wrote a personal letter to someone and had it published in a national newspaper?
[Moderating]
I haven’t noticed that you reported this thread. Complaining about non-factual remarks while at the same time making anti-factual remarks yourself is hardly the best way to express your disapproval.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator
Doper speculation is rampant… and funny: W leaves Obama a note -- what's it say? - In My Humble Opinion - Straight Dope Message Board
With all due respect to Colibri, I believe that it is generally accepted that members of the Clinton staff did, in fact, spitefully vandalize several computers prior to their leaving the White House. Shodan’s comments were not “anti-factual.”
Yes, some petty vandalism did occur, as documented in another active GQ thread. However, characterizing this as a “White House trashed out of spite” does not correspond to the facts of the matter and is an out of place political jab.
In any case, this is not the place to debate the issue. Let’s drop the political commentary. If you wish to discuss this, take it to the other GQ thread on the matter.
This goes for Shodan too.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator
I think the “anti-factual” reference was to Shodan’s imagined draft of GWB’s note to Obama. Perfectly plausible, yes, but still entirely speculative.
A mod might well wonder why Shodan is complaining that these unverifiable speculations are inappropriate in GQ while simultaneously contributing unverifiable speculations of his own.
Exactly. But let’s drop the discussion of this side issue.
A more interesting development of this thread, to me, is sorta GQ: the one raised by **Svejk **in post #11. What IS the history here? Did Washington leave one for Adams? If not, when did this start? Surely there can’t be national security issues remaining from the early 19th century, or personal privacy issues, that prevent the older ones at least from being published.
I heard on NPR that Reagan left a note for Bush. I cannot find a cite.
“Begun With President Reagan, Outgoing Presidents Send Successor Message In Oval Office Desk.”
Link.