Posted on 06/07/2004 8:44:25 AM PDT by george wythe
Washington had never seen anything quite like him: a one-time liberal Democrat turned Republican conservative who could disarm critics — even the press — with a sly comeback.
"Mr. President, in talking about the continuing recession tonight, you have blamed mistakes of the past and you've blamed the Congress. Does any of the blame belong to you?" asked ABC White House Correspondent Sam Donaldson.
"Yes, because for many years I was a Democrat," replied Mr. Reagan.
(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...
. "It is said that Castro was making a speech to a large assembly. And he was going on at great length and then a voice out in the crowd said, 'peanuts, popcorn, crackerjacks.' and he went on speaking and again the voice said, 'peanuts, popcorn, crackerjacks,'" Mr. Reagan said. "And about the fourth time this happened, he stopped in his regular speech and he said, "the next time," he said, "I'm going to find out who that is and kick him all the way to Miami.' And everybody in the crowd said, "peanuts, popcorn, crackerjacks.'"
I heard Sam telling this story other day and how he quickly and silently sat down. Totally mocked. Too bad he and his comrades have yet to learn the lesson and shut the hell up : )
My favorite Reagan quip will always be, where he puts down Mondale's age in the debate; not wanting "to take advantage of my opponent's youth and inexperience."
CSPAN was showing a 1983 press conference where Nancy Reagan surprised her husband with a birthday cake. During the friendly bantering that followed Sam Donaldson kept being his usual (PITA) self. Nancy offered him cake (to shut him up) and everyone laughed. Sam said he wouldn't knuckle under for a just piece of cake and President Reagan quipped: "You've sold out for a lot less." Broke the place up.
Sam's lying - from 80 thru 88 he never shut up. Who could forget he & Bill Plant alternately screaming questions at Reagan, & Reagan just looking at them in amazement.
BTW I had the chance to visit the WH press briefing room in 86, the staffer who hosted me showed me Sam's cubicle - it was a PIGSTYE.
He did sit down quick and quietly to that one question.
Thanks for the Reagan anecdote.
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