A short time ago President Bush and the Japanese Prime Minister made a short appearance before the press. They took a few questions. Since I was in the midst of reading this thread I held my breath with dread thinking "what if someone asks him if Clinton should be allowed to speak at the funeral?" It wouldn't surprise me if before Friday some minion in the press corps does just that.
I think Bush's answer will be to refer to Reagan's family.
Bush didn't plan the funeral, stupid journalists! I wish he would cut the journalists off at the knees.
I hope if someone does ask President Bush whether Clinton should be "allowed" to speak, President Bush gives a dignified yet crushing answer... perhaps along the lines of, this decision is one that was made by President Reagan and by his widow, the woman who devoted ten years of life to his care, the woman who held his hand as he slipped into the twilight... and I find it very surprising that any one would presume to criticize or complain. I hardly think it is appropriate to add to Mrs. Reagan's grief by squabbling over media opportunities at the funeral. I only hope that my own comments are sufficient to do justice to the memory of a man I so greatly admired. I am speaking as the representative of the office of the Presidency, the office that President Reagan so honored. My father is speaking as one who served with President Reagan for eight years, who counted him as a mentor and a friend. This service is about honoring the memory of Ronald Reagan... not about honoring those who are speaking....