Former Sen. Alan Simpson, R-Wyo., engendered chuckles and smiles from mourners gathered Wednesday for former President George H.W. Bush’s funeral with a line he’s used once before — in 1990.
“Those that travel the high road of humility in Washington, D.C., are not bothered by heavy traffic,” Simpson, 87, said during his eulogy for his late friend at Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday to laughs from the crowd.
Earlier, former Sen. Alan Simpson on former Pres. George H.W. Bush: “He was a man of such great humility. Those who travel the high road of humility in Washington, D.C. are not bothered by heavy traffic.” pic.twitter.com/3mjcu2fD0j
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) December 5, 2018
Simpson was lauded on social media for his moving address, which oscillated between light-hearted quips and profound reflections.
But Howard Mortman, communications director for C-SPAN, the public-service cable television network, pointed out Simpson had pulled out his “high road” joke during another speech: at a 1990 charity event to poke fun at Sam Donaldson, the former ABC News reporter and anchor.
Alan Simpson at a Sept. 25, 1990, Sam Donaldson roast to benefit Spina Bifida Foundation: “Those who travel the high road of humility are not troubled by heavy traffic in Washington, DC”https://t.co/XvWRQL8PNc pic.twitter.com/fWFPpx295b
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) December 5, 2018
Simpson, a former Senate whip, was rumored to be on the shortlist to become Bush’s vice presidential running mate for his 1988 bid for the White House. Bush died on Nov. 30 at the age of 94. The 41st president is expected to be buried at his namesake library in College Station, Texas.
[Opinion: In eulogy, Alan Simpson praises George H.W. Bush for raising taxes]
