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...
He was there at the other end of the casket with his Mom, Jayne Wyman when Nancy Reagan was standing at the side with Patty. There was a shot of him after she had left with him, his wife, and daughter it looked like and then he went back for one more visit before the people were let in to view the President.
While I don't like Carter's politics or attitude, I still believe he is a man who believes in God. On the other hand, don't get me started on Clinton...I often imagine what I'd do if ever introduced to him. :)
I think Clinton just wants to feel like he's "part of it" and important enough to be able to speak. This will be a big funeral and MANY will be watching!
He doesn't realize how irrelevant he has become, how many people dislike him and his time is over. He wants to be part of history again, so to speak. He proably thinks if he gives a great eulogy people will forgive and forget. He really does think the world revolves around him, hence his reaction.
I have family members like your brother. I'm sorry that happened.
Kerry is a disgusting lowlife, Clymer -- guess that is an oxymoron -- anything for a campaign shot -- no pictures should be allowed of this Clymer -- I am disgusted beyond words I can use on here!
The fine print said "impeached Presidents, convicted Presidents, disbarred Presidents and husbands of New York Sanators need not apply.
We'll need to start a support group for pre-election mental health, LOL!
Awesome - you are a lucky man (I think she's a lucky woman, too :-)
I can not remember when he's been last seen in public, so have been wondering about the state of his health myself.
You are wrong.
I just want to reiterate that you are wrong.
I find so sad all of the posturing by certain of the Democratic persuasion whining that they haven't been invited to speak. What a bunch of phonies. Another point might be that even IF Clinton really did care and really did just want to say a few kind words about his "friend" Mr. Reagan, nobody would believe him. He's proved himself to be rabid for the camera & spotlight above all other considerations, so it wouldn't have any impact except of the very negative variety, and it's too late to change all that now. Clinton should have thought about that years ago. I hope Nancy doesn't cave. The former President is gone now. Let she be the one to decide who should speak at the podium. Enough of all this nonsense. Reagan was a decent man to be spoken of by other decent men. Clinton, Kennedy, Carter (the man who thinks Castro is an OK guy), et al just don't cut the mustard.
I will be very surprised if anyone boos Kerry unless he smiles and waves at the crowd or attempts to open his mouth.
I wonder what the Toon said about President Reagan in his bio?
Thank you for your kind words, I can assure you, I got the better end of this deal. And as another side note, I met her on the internet in a game called Acrophobia 6 years ago. She is from small town Ohio, I am a SoCal boy living in Simi Valley from the moment I was finacially able to escape Los Angeles county.
No, an oxymoron is putting Kerry and the word class in the same sentence.!! I listened to Rush this morn, and he said this will backfire "Big Time"
It seems that Bill Clinton is the last person to figure out that most people don't treat him with the respect they would give any other president. The first hint of this attitude came very soon after he left office, when you started hearing stories from country clubs that refused to let him play golf at their courses -- even though many private country clubs have a long-standing tradition of allowing former presidents to play at any time.
He was there, Gretchen. In the front row. Nancy was on the far left, he on the right with his family.
Pray for W and Saint Nancy
That is so neat about your wife.
I am with you -- let them speak at Castro's funeral! Now that is appropriate!
I think the people there would have too much class to boo Kerry. They might give him some sullen looks, but that's about all.
Good the EXPez is common trash. I would in no way what so ever want him speaking at President Reagan's funereal. Who does this pig think he is? king of the may? I think that the man would do well to just shut up since he is making a fool out of himself with this kind of whining but WE all know he wont because the man is without tact.
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