He screwed up.
Most statements coming from the Left (Clinton and Kerry) made no mention at all on any of his achievements, nor did they reflect anything at all on the man - they made reference to him as a politician. Big difference, and so obviously screwed up by Kennedy and Daschle.
Its pain the Left to acknowledge they have no one with Reagan's stature. Zip, zero, zilch, nada. They know how much affection the American people have for the late President that they've been left speechless. What more can they really say? We're living in a different time, thanks in no small part due to the foundations laid by our 40th President. If it weren't for him, one can say with all modesty FR would not exist today and we wouldn't be posting tributes on here. One made can make a difference in the life of a nation and President Reagan was just such a man. Even Uncle Ted knows it.