Shame on you. I wonder how eloquent you would be if you had kept the schedule President Bush has kept in the past few days.
Of course he is in a difficult situation, but there are times when one must rise to the occasion. Normally he does. But this time it bombed. Normally he is not required to be a skilled orator, the rightness of the cause, his positions, and his integrity and determination is enough. But this is the death of Ronald Reagan, where so much is wrapped up in the nostalgia and recollection of how he made us feel good, the twinkle in the eye. The contrast could not have been greater.
Sorry, but this is politics, there is a campaign going on, and there are instances (that we do not choose but rather arise without warning) where we are often defined, fairly or unfairly, by how we react. This has the potential of being one of those moments, and is no time for gaffes. Believe me, I wish it were not so, but this was a poor performance that carries risks. His advisors better make sure that he is prepared for the spotlight of the funeral. It has the potential to go a long way in determining this election, whether you or I like it or not. Rove is not there to be a cheerleader.
Here's a link to the statement (thread):
Text From Bush speech on Reagan.
This is a sad hour in the life of America. A great American life has come to an end.
I have just spoken to Nancy Reagan. On behalf of our whole nation, Laura and I offered her and the Reagan family our prayers and our condolences.
Ronald Reagan won America's respect with his greatness, and won its love with his goodness. He had the confidence that comes with conviction, the strength that comes with character, the grace that comes with humility, and the humor that comes with wisdom.
He leaves behind a nation he restored and a world he helped save.
During the years of President Reagan, America laid to rest an era of division and self-doubt. And because of his leadership, the world laid to rest an era of fear and tyranny.
Now, in laying our leader to rest, we say thank you.
He always told us that for America, the best was yet to come. We comfort ourselves in the knowledge that this is true for him, too. His work is done. And now a shining city awaits him.
May God bless Ronald Reagan.