Posted on 06/08/2004 8:54:12 AM PDT by lainie
Edited on 06/08/2004 11:18:28 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
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'...
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...
*shrug* Let him get mad. Who cares. He's the one committing political suicide if he presses it.
Wonderful photo!
Will Nancy or George blink???? Please respect the wishes of others, BJ and Mr. Lust.
GHWB was the man's VP for 8 years. That's no small thing. Also, he'd known Reagan since his time as RNC Chair.
Uh Bill? Doesn't the family get to decide who speaks at the funeral? If this turns into a big stupid media liberal a$$ sucking scandal, I hope Nancy Reagan buys a commercial and reminds America of this.
Hmmmm...all Republicans, one president, and one spiritual leader.
I would agree with that - since he was RRs VP.
But we have to see the full list of speakers.
Look, I don't like Clinton. But if the choice is between being seen as politicizing Reagan's service, or letting Clinton speak - let him speak, he isn't going to do us much harm giving a speech. Its better then having the media go on a 2 week tirade against Bush, turning this event into our own Wellstone funeral.
BINGO
Back of the cathedral? Clinton would set up one of those cardboard display racks on top of the casket if somebody didn't physically block him.
Regards, Ivan
I think I'll go back to DU and ask their support for all the things my tax dollars pay for that I can't enjoy, like Pell Grants for my daughter, affirmative action for her college application, Social Security benefits for the newly and often illegally arrived. I wonder if I'll get a fair hearing.?
I read an interview in the BBC with Gorbachev... I would think it would be fitting for him to offer a eulogy. He was moved deeply when he heard of Reagan's passing. The first reaction I read about him had him unable to speak words clearly, it hit him hard. But I agree that if it is only to be two, President Bush and Prime Minister Thatcher are the only choices.
He thinks that if he shows class here, he will be treated well when he passes on (probably from syphillis).
No $ale, Bubba!
"I don't think that I can take one more biting of the lip, and the sorrowful crocodile tears for the camera, ala Ron Brown!"
People made excuses for Clinton that day and will do it again.
I am so SICK of these people who are using the death of the true "father of our country" for their own SELFISH AGEND!
He thinks that if he shows class here, he will be treated well when he passes on (probably from syphillis).
No $ale, Bubba!
If true, good for Nancy.
"It is a state funeral, using tax dollars," the top Clinton insider explained.
So what? As a taxpayer, can I demand to speak, too? Clinton insider...what's that mean? Sycophant?
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