CLINTON DISAPPOINTMENT: LEFT OFF FUNERAL SPEAKERS LIST (Updated)

Drudge Report | 6/8/04

[lainie]

Controversy develops over Reagan funeral speakers...

'President Clinton really held out all hope the funeral would be a nonpartisan event, like Nixon's was,' a top Clinton source said on Tuesday morning. 'He's angry and disappointed neither he nor President Carter have been asked to speak, as of yet'...

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UPDATED:

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XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX TUE JUNE 08, 2004 11:02:52 ET XXXXX

CLINTON DISAPPOINTMENT: LEFT OFF FUNERAL SPEAKERS LIST

Former President Bill Clinton has privately expressed anger he has apparently been left off the speakers list of Friday's Reagan State Funeral, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

"President Clinton really held out all hope the funeral would be a nonpartisan event, like Nixon's was," a top Clinton source said on Tuesday morning. "He's angry and disappointed neither he nor President Carter have been asked to speak, as of yet."

The top source says Clinton has been critical that both Bush presidents will address the crowd gathered at National Cathedral.

Nixon's vice president Gerald Ford did not speak at Nixon's funeral.

Clinton's inner circle is convinced Nancy Reagan has personally shut out Clinton from any high-profile participation.

"It is a state funeral, using tax dollars," the top Clinton insider explained.

Former President George H.W. Bush, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney will join President Bush in eulogizing Ronald Reagan, Reagan's office announced. Presiding over the service will be former Sen. John Danforth of Missouri, who is an ordained Episcopal priest. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and the Rabbi Harold Kusher will give readings, while Irish tenor Ronan Tynan will sing.

The eulogy is being prepared by President Bush's chief speechwriter, Michael Gerson, who also wrote the president's moving speech for a memorial service in the same cathedral after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Developing...

[Nita Nupress]

Hey, Ronin... Do you know what the "Updated" means in the title? I don't feel like reading through 1100+ replies to find out!

[lainie]

The update is the added text below the first 3 lines in the original. Nothing new since then.

[Nita Nupress]

Thank you!

[Nita Nupress]

Never mind. I didn't see the

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UPDATED:

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[garjog]

Here is a solution. Have Bill read a Bible passage:
Luke 14:7-11

11For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

7 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. 8‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet [or funeral], do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; 9 and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. 10But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

[ClarenceThomasfan]

Someone should tell Bubba that the Reagan funeral is not open mike night in the Nation's capital.

Everybody isn't going to have a chance to "shout out" the ole Gipper.

Clinton is truly a disgrace to this country.

[oblomov]

Wow, look at the hate being spewed over at DUH:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=610238&mesg_id=611159&page=

I thought that these guys were supposed to be tolerant and compassionate, not bitter name-callers? And the terms they are using as insults? Hmmmm... let's just say that it demonstrates an utter lack of taste and zero conviction to their professed ideals.

[ladyinred]

Piece of dog doo doo and his little wife too.

[NYCVirago]

I'm late on the draw here, and I'm sure somebody has said this already, but here goes:

Nixon's funeral was bipartisan because the president at the time (Clinton) spoke at it. Clinton's got no connection to Reagan, and he's not president now. Deal with it, Bill.

[Valin]

Former President Bill Clinton has privately expressed anger he has apparently been left off the speakers list of Friday's Reagan State Funeral,

Better put some ice on that.

[Valin]

I feel soiled have gone there.

[lainie]

lol!

Very well put.

[Tigercap]

Another Clinton initiative against personal choice.

[lainie]

Actually, I'm not sure anyone put it quite that succinctly all day. Thanks!

[potlatch]

Thanks for the ping, haven't read the article yet but it sounds like an appropriate site for devolve's 'jokes to tears' gif!!

[TwilightDog]

To use Reagan's funeral as a stage prop to confer a false sense credibility to himself?

[potlatch]

He has no shame;

[John Lenin]

Please Mrs. Reagan, do not tarnish President Reagan with that scumbag Cliton.

[devolve]

[GOP-Pat]

They should NOT be allowed to speak. FRIENDS usually speak at funerals. Carter and clinton have done nothing but trash President Reagan so why would Nancy or the children give him statue, by allowing him to speak. After all, he doesn't want to because he cares--he wants to, in order to grandstand and feel important for a few moments.