Posted on 06/24/2004 6:32:23 AM PDT by veronica
Doris Day chatted with President George W. Bush about their mutual love of dogs when he phoned to congratulate the iconic performer and animal welfare advocate on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. The Prez told Doris that he's an animal person, and talked about his Scottish terrier Barney and about the critters on his ranch.
And then Day advised the president that he'd get more votes if he'd quit hunting.
She tells us that her sentiments about Bush's hunting won't stop her from voting for him. "I'm pulling for him every step of the way," she makes clear.
Day, who starred with Ronald Reagan in two films, remained friends with the Gipper through his presidency. Like him, she switched from Democrat to staunch Republican - part of a Hollywood social set she recalls including Jimmy and Gloria Stewart, George Burns and Gracie Allen, and Jack and Mary Benny.
She remembers once quizzing Reagan as to what he'd done with his giant sheep dog, Lucky, who had disappeared from the White House. Reagan sent her a photo of Lucky at the wheel of an old red Jeep full of dogs on his California ranch with the message, "Look who's in the driver's seat." She says Reagan's recent death was hard to take.
Day, who turned 80 in April and who does not travel by air, opted to stay home in Carmel when the Medal of Freedom presentations were made Wednesday. Still, she's deeply affected. She broke into tears when talking with us about the honor. "To come from Cincinnati, Ohio, for God's sake, then to go to Hollywood, and to get this kind of a tribute from my country ... I love this country so much ..."
Asked whether she'd ever act again, the top box-office movie actress of her time says, "You never know. It's up to God. If I were meant to, I'd be led to it. I pray about everything that comes to me. That way I don't have any hassles in my mind."
Doris Day and her son own a hotel in Carmel that allows dogs.
www.cypress_inn.com
hehe ! Sound pretty good. I don't recall whether I've seen "With Six You Get Eggroll", though.
Can I ask a question here: why exactly does Doris Day merit the Medal of Freedom?
She's obviously a very gracious individual, and has a long body of work. But is she so memorable as to deserve this honor (which I think is the highest honor a President can bestow upon a civilian)?
I'm not trying to be a jerk, just interested in whether y'all think she qualifies for this incredibly high honor.
The Thrill Of It All was the re-written version of the movie Marilyn Monroe was making with Yves Montand, when she died....
Brian Keith...a definite hunkaroonie imho. ;o)
Actually, it's called The Cypress Inn and is on the main street leading to the beach. We visit Carmel a few times a year and pass by it...such a beautiful area. :o)
Oh, yes. Maureen O'Hara was wonderful.
No doubt the strongest words Doris Day ever heard.
"Doris Day became an American icon through her classic performances as an actress and singer. She has captured the hearts of Americans while enriching our culture. " - The White House
President George W. Bush has selected a dozen people, including Doris Day, to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the nation's highest civilian honor at a White House ceremony.
The Medal of Freedom, established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize civilians for their World War II service, was reinstated by President Kennedy in 1963 to honor distinguished service in a range of fields, including arts, sports, business and science.
Is that the one where there's a shot of Clint Walker getting out of a little MG Midget car? That shot is hilarious! I couldn't remember where I'd seen it, but I can remember laughing my (area) off when I saw his BIG, lanky form getting out of that teeny little car.
Nice story..........but I hate her (kidding)...she's too perfect. Perfect hair, perfect figure, perfect smile....makes the rest of us gals look bad. :) Anyone who loves animals are tops in my book. *~*
Thanks!
"Can I ask a question here: why exactly does Doris Day merit the Medal of Freedom?"
I would have agreed with you if she hadn't been just before me off the boat in Normandy....
...no, really...I agree. Nice lady, nice actress, nice to animals does not a medal warrant....
Yes, that was the one. Had never seen Clint do comedy before, but he was pretty good.
It was SO politically incorrect that I doubt it's being shown in reruns anymore: "Here's a stick to beat the lovely lady with!"
bump ! :^)
Wasn't it Maureen O'Hara who played in the first move The Parent Trap?
Yes, and Hayley Mills in a dual role played the twin daughters.
Thanks for the heads up, but I've got my machine going already!
Taping 3 RR movies in a row, none of which I've seen before.
Have been sneaking peeks at Desperate Journey while it's airing, love it!
Marilyn Monroe ? I didn't know that, thanks. :^)
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