It’s been a historic week on Twitter, as two former U.S. Presidents let their presence be known on Twitter. Bill Clinton joined the ranks of President Barack Obama, all 100 U.S. Senators and 95 percent of the House of Representatives, while the dedication of George W. Bush’s new Bush Center brought us closer to all 5 living presidents via Twitter.
Earlier this week while making an appearance on the “Colbert Report”, Bill Clinton officially joined Twitter as @billclinton. He sent his first Tweet to the show’s host Stephen Colbert (@stephenathome) and his daughter, Chelsea Clinton (@chelseaclinton), both of whom responded.
Excited to join @chelseaclinton and my good friend @stephenathome on Twitter!
— Bill Clinton ( @billclinton) April 25, 2013
I taught @billclinton to tweet! This is almost as exciting as the time I taught Cheney “Dance Dance Revolution.”
— Stephen Colbert ( @StephenAtHome) April 25, 2013
One of my favorite photos of me & my #NowOnTwitterDad @billclinton! #TBT twitter.com/ChelseaClinton…
— Chelsea Clinton ( @ChelseaClinton) April 25, 2013
Since then, everyone from fellow politicians to former staffers to other popular Twitter personalities tweeted him with warm welcome messages.
Welcome to Twitter, President @billclinton - you’re a little late!
— John McCain ( @SenJohnMcCain) April 25, 2013
@billclinton, Welcome to Twitter.it was an honor to serve in your admin…even if we didn’t have email, smart phones or social media!
— Dee Dee Myers ( @deemyers) April 25, 2013
#ff @billclinton, new to the Twitter. Welcome, Mr. President: good luck with 140 characters!
— John Podesta ( @johnpodesta) April 25, 2013
Welcome to @twitter @billclinton. Always happy to see another champion for #aid in the ‘sphere!
— Bill Gates ( @BillGates) April 25, 2013
Welcome to Twitter @billclinton (SFS ‘68)! #HoyaSaxa
— Georgetown Univ. ( @Georgetown) April 25, 2013
Everybody- be cool. President @billclinton is officially on Twitter.
— Ellen DeGeneres ( @TheEllenShow) April 25, 2013
“@billclinton: Excited to join @chelseaclinton and my good friend @stephenathome on Twitter!” Why them? What about @beyonce ? @tomarnold ?
— Judd Apatow ( @JuddApatow) April 25, 2013
Also making a splash on Twitter this week was the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and the George W. Bush Institute (@TheBushCenter), the first to open since 2004. Every living president, former world leaders and dignitaries, as well as Bush Administration alumni and other notable guests attended the dedication, many of whom live-tweeted the event using the hashtag #BushCenter.
May be no more patriotic moment in United States than opening of presidential library. Surpasses inauguration, annual holidays #bushcenter
— Rick Klein ( @rickklein) April 25, 2013
— Karl Rove ( @KarlRove) April 25, 2013
@TheBushCenter also captured a historic and behind-the-scenes view of the reunion of all five living presidents and the first families.
Living Presidents share a laugh before taking the stage #BushCenter twitter.com/TheBushCenter/…
— TheBushCenter ( @TheBushCenter) April 25, 2013
A great American moment #BushCenter twitter.com/TheBushCenter/…
— TheBushCenter ( @TheBushCenter) April 25, 2013
Congratulations George and Laura on opening @thebushcenter. Proud Hillary and I could be here. twitter.com/billclinton/st…
— Bill Clinton ( @billclinton) April 25, 2013
While a ceremonial affair, there were many lighthearted moments captured on Twitter as well:
Favorite pic so far. Adding to my collection. Dikembe Mutombo is here to celebrate @thebushcenter (I’m in 5” heels) twitter.com/DanaPerino/sta…
— Dana Perino ( @DanaPerino) April 25, 2013
One of the cutest, sweetest men I know, loves a good sock! Happy to be with family! twitter.com/JennaBushHager…
— Jenna Bush Hager ( @JennaBushHager) April 25, 2013
We’re excited to hear more from and about the 42nd and 43rd presidents in 140 characters. Be sure to follow @gov to get the latest updates on the world leaders, politicians and organizations that matter most to you.
Posted by Bridget Coyne (@bcoyne) and Sean Evins (@evins)
Government Team
*Editor's note: As of November 2017, Twitter has increased the character count of Tweets in certain languages to make it easier to share what’s happening.
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