Former President Obama paid homage to the Notre Dame after a blaze tore through the famous cathedral on Monday, saying the Parisian landmark will be rebuilt “as strong as we can.”
And his message was much different than that of our current president, Donald Trump.
“Notre Dame is one of the world’s great treasures, and we’re thinking of the people of France in your time of grief,” Obama wrote.
Obama also included an image of him visiting the cathedral with his daughters, Sasha and Malia.
Notre Dame is one of the world’s great treasures, and we’re thinking of the people of France in your time of grief. It’s in our nature to mourn when we see history lost – but it’s also in our nature to rebuild for tomorrow, as strong as we can. pic.twitter.com/SpMEvv1BzB [1]
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 15, 2019 [2]
A fire tore through the historic structure as Parisians and much of the world watched in horror. A Paris prosecutor has reportedly opened an investigation into the blaze, which is thought to be potentially tied to renovations underway at the building, much of which is under scaffolding, fire officials said.
The cathedral, which was built in the 12th century, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris. It attracts more than 10 million visitors a year.
Earlier, Trump also tweeted about the fire and suggested the firefighters use water tankers to drop water on the flames.
As news reports of the fire first emerged, Trump suggested via Twitter from Air Force One that “Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!”
So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019 [3]
Twitter was quick to point out the differences between the two leaders:
This is what a real president sounds like. https://t.co/AC6RVBQTWH [4]
— Kaili Joy Gray (@KailiJoy) April 15, 2019 [5]
This is how I expect a #POTUS [6] to respond to a world tragedy.
I miss #PresidentObama [7] so much. – never more so than on nights like this. #NotreDame [8] #Paris [9] #LoveParis [10] https://t.co/FesUTTrb4e [11]— Alison Begas (@kamfinsa) April 15, 2019 [12]
Man, do I miss positive, inspiring messages from #POTUS [6] during disasters and hard times like this one from @BarackObama [13]. https://t.co/YnwPBnfrVD [14]
— joegisondi (@joegisondi) April 15, 2019 [15]
Can you imagine Donald Trump sending this tweet https://t.co/YfaAdwEH0I [16]
— Jill Filipovic (@JillFilipovic) April 15, 2019 [17]
THIS is how a president should be reacting and not telling how to put out the damn fire! https://t.co/kvZFG1aYDA [18]
— Krystle✌️❤️⚾️🏈☕️📚🐶 (@pinkberryoasis) April 15, 2019 [19]
hey look, a presidential response https://t.co/r1VAKsP81e [20]
— Russ Bengtson (@russbengtson) April 15, 2019 [21]
Hey, @realDonaldTrump [22], this is how you do it. Be more like Barack and you'll end up less of an embarrassment. https://t.co/aaInjY7640 [23]
— Walls of Shadow (@WallsOfIce) April 15, 2019 [24]