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...
Good catch. The Clintons/DNC are in perpetual campaign. The only question is how long have they had this plan to politicize Reagan's funeral when he died?
Yes, they are. The compassion of liberals never ceases to amaze . . .
She's a frail, 83 yr.old woman who has just lost the love of her life after a grueling, relentless, and bitterly difficult 10-yr. battle with Alzheimer's. And she is gracious enough to share the event with the rest of the nation because of the love the nation has for him.
And they're upset because they don't get to talk?
"It is a state funeral, using tax dollars," the top Clinton insider explained.
Yeah, that's what she's thinking about with the broken heart she has. Quite a winning strategy you have there, boys!
They can come but they should keep as quiet as possible.
I remember that..he also very publicly critisized the Dems after..he called it "awful" a spectacle...BTW..where's he been lately.. his 15 months are up..
Why in the world would Clinton think he would be asked to speak at Reagan's funeral? I do not believe there was any connection there other than that they were both former Presidents.
So what is keeping his big mouth from calling Dan Rather and going on TV to say what a great President Ronald Reagan was for this country?
You know, I'm sure it's the queen B**** who started this kerfuffle. [Excellent photo you posted-- so illustrative of the kind of people we're dealing with.]
Klintoon, sit down and shut up!
What could Jimmy C. possibly say?
Thanks for saving the USA from my horrible failed Administration?
Well that might be worth hearing.
Perhaps Nancy should reconsider.
What you said. How a person acts when death and its rituals are involved is my big measure of personality and class . . . and it's becoming VERY clear who hath it and who lacketh.
In the famous words of Mrs. Reagan "Just say no----freaking way"
There's no need to get snippy about it.
Besides that disgusting stuff, he has been talking lately about how the dreaded right wing is destroying this nation. Not only should he not speak, he should issue an apology or not even be let in to the funeral. I wonder if he will pull a laugh/cry deal at this one like he did at Ron Brown's funeral.
"We're mad as hell, but we don't know who we're mad at," the source told Drudge, "Why the f#&% can't Bill Clinton speak at his own funeral?"
/sarcasm off/
If it's some joking, I don't see any smiles. It really does look like GHWB is saying STFU and W is looking for a secret service guy...LOL.
Wish I could have seen the whole clip.
We've seen how Sen. Wellstone was treated by the Dems at his funeral.
No thanks.
Sorry, you don't get any time to bite your bottom lip and show any feigned remorse.
Better yet, you and Hill just stay away on Friday morning.
Should a distant associate who had nothing in common with Ronald Wilson Reagan be able to force himself to speak at the honorable's funeral, or should the loving widow of Ronald Wilson Reagan decide who will honor her husband?
And what make you so sure he hasn't already taped his own eulogy? I'd don't think he'd trust it to Hillary!
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