[Wolfstar]

...probably said it more out of respect for Reagan than disrespect for Bush...

Probably so. I got the impression Tony expected something more than a formal presidential statement. He didn't appear to stop and think that the very fact GWB arranged to give a personal statement in the middle of the night French time was remarkable in and of itself. Earlier, reporters had been saying there would just be a written statement released. GWB obviously countermanded his staff's recommendation to wait until morning to give a live statement.

[BamaDi]

I have been sitting here crying off and on all day.....my first Republican hero was RR....and I knew this day would come eventually but it hurts so bad to have to say good-bye to him now. I lived in Europe during the Carter years...and how embarassing that was....came back home in September 79....I'll never forget the election of l980...my best friend was an F-15 pilot (at Eglin AFB)....he was night flying that night...landed - called me to see how the election was going - screamed and cheered when I told him the election had been called for Reagan....(hell, it was only 7 CST)...WE WON!!!! and now we have GWB doing what he can for this country and following in RR's footsteps as best as he can. I loved his statement to America and the world tonight....God bless RR and God bless America!

[Lady In Blue]

Just got around to sending Tony this email:

Dear Tony:

I loved President's Bush's remarks on Ronald Reagan today. I completely disagree with your comments.They were completely offbase,in my opinion. President Bush's remarks were warm,beautiful and from the heart. Plus,he got up out of his bed to personally deliver this message to the American people. President Bush,#41 as President Reagan's Vice-President worked closely and knew him whereas,I don't think President Bush #43 was not close or worked with Mr Reagan.He knew him and probably had met him on a number of times but that is not the same relationship that his dad had. In closing,I once again say that you were way off base. President Bush's remarks were in no way - 'cyclopedia-like' or delivered in that way. I thought the president was close to tears near the end.