Poll: 83 Percent Want President to Be 'Consoler-in-Chief'

An overwhelming number of Americans believe the president should be the "consoler-in-chief" in times of national tragedy, according to a new poll.

Results from the American Barometer survey of registered voters conducted for Hill.TV:

• 83 percent said the president ought to serve as "consoler-in-chief" after natural disasters, mass shootings, and other national tragedies.
• 83 percent of men and 84 percent of women agreed.

The poll was taken as the nation mourns the loss of former President George H.W. Bush, who died Friday at his home in Houston. Bush's body is lying in state at the U.S. Capitol until Wednesday, at which point his remains will be flown back to Texas for a Thursday burial.

President Donald Trump has tweeted about the late president several times in recent days, and he and first lady Melania Trump paid their respects to Bush via an unannounced trip to the Capitol on Monday evening.

The Trumps will attend Wednesday's state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral, along with the Obamas, Clintons, Carters, and other dignitaries.

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