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...
"Someone please hit this man with a cluebat!"
I don't have a cluebat, how about a Louisville Slugger?
I would to, but the SS would be knocking at my door.....again.
I wouldn't want this barbarian speaking at my funeral, either. I don't know about Carter, but Clinton SHOULD NOT be allowed to say a word at the Reagan funeral.
Ronald Reagan shouldn't be sullied by this guy.
"Irish tenor Ronan Tynan will sing."
And I will prepare to lose it all over again.
What a disgrace Clinton is. Really disgraceful.
And one note to the Clintonites about this complaint:
Nixon's vice president Gerald Ford did not speak at Nixon's funeral.
Ford was not elected to either the VP or presidency posts. Big difference. Bush 41 was elected on the Reagan ticket--twice. Of course he would be chosen to speak, as well as his son, the sitting president.
The Clinton's need to attend the service and reflect on their smallness. In mind, spirit, and stature.
He was the President of the United States you petty little people
GO RIGHT A HEAD AND STUMP YOUR FEET AND SHOW THE WORLD HOW PETTY YOU ARE
Clinton would be just as eager to talk about his underwear on MTV. He just wants to talk on television. About anything. It's all the same to him.
You just don't get it do you? That is exactly what Clinton expects to have happen.
Simply put, this isn't about politics, it is about Nancy's wishes -- whatever they may be, and to hell with the media, politics, and the upcoming election.
Let the poor woman grieve the loss of her husband for pete's sake!
Yes, indeed! The Clintons would do well not to underestimate her.
At least when it's Clinton's funeral, GWB or whatever presidents to come won't demand to be invited to speak. I can't imagine anyone with any couth saying such a thing.
He and Judas can hook up.
""It is a state funeral, using tax dollars," the top Clinton insider explained."
Oh, and what is the point with this remark.
Have you read some of the papers .. They will be there
I believe neither will speak also, what I doubt is just how much either expected to. Drudge is naming un-named Clinton sources.... who is that really? How many times has Drudge pulled controversy out of his ______ that everyone in the story denied? - He's a muck-raker.
At any rate... We don't have to be up in arms about anything. Let the other side do what they will.
And a friend...
Yeah right. Clinton is the guy who received BJ's off of the Oval Office while Reagan didn't even take his jacket off in the office out of respect. This would make a mockery of what Reagan stood for.
If true, the Clinton's have successfully made the funeral a political event, just as they planned.
Bill Schneider of CNN, (who has written of hating Reagan), and the NYT, forshadowed the DNC plan.
They "warned" Republicans not to make the "Wellstone mistake".
And of course, now their media friends will force this "perception".
Or this nation, if they continue trying to malign Mrs. Reagan.
It would have been a facinating thread to watch.
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