Why George H.W. Bush's 1992 Letter to Bill Clinton Is More Important Now Than Ever

During the third presidential debate on Oct. 19, Donald Trump refused to verify whether or not he would accept the results of the election if Hillary Clinton were to win. He said, "I will look at it at the time . . . I'll keep you in suspense."

For many, the startling statement brought up memories about former presidential elections and the actions of those who lost. On Twitter, investor and frequent Shark Tank guest judge Chris Sacca used the moment to remind viewers of George H.W. Bush's letter to Bill Clinton after losing his re-election race in 1992.

Now, nowhere in the letter does he say anything about keeping the public in suspense. Instead, Bush's letter was respectful, mature, and what one might expect from a president. He said, "There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair . . . Just don't let the critics discourage you or push you off course." He added, "Your success now is our country's success. I am rooting hard for you."

The letter resurfaced when Hillary Clinton shared it on Instagram in June but it feels more important now, in light of Trump's pontificating.