Vice President's Remarks at the State Funeral of Former President Gerald R. Ford

The White House ^ | December 30, 2006 | Vice President Cheney

[Ooh-Ah]

Thanks!

[bannie]

I think precedent is set event-by-event. I think it would have been the honorable thing for Bush to attend.

That said, I love the Chaney's!!

[bannie]

:-) Something.

[ConservativeStatement]

It was brilliant and inspiring.

[Finalapproach29er]

Very well-written remarks.

Right on the money. IMO

[La Enchiladita]

I'm so tired of seeing the petty-minded asking, "Where is President Bush?" "President Bush should be there." So this is for all of you:

First of all, inform yourself. Second of all, think.

The official state funeral will be this coming Tuesday at the National Cathedral and President Bush will be there.

The 5-day schedule of tribute events for President Ford has been posted all over FR and is available all over the web. Yesterday, the Ford family had a private service in their home church in Palm Desert, CA. This morning his body was flown from Palm Springs to Washington, D.C., received ceremoniously at Andrews Air Force Base and then processed to the Capitol, at which time the Congress presented a memorial service to President Ford per the plans he made while still President. VP Cheney also serves as President of the Senate, and many Senators were present at this ceremony.

His flag draped casket now lies in state in the Capitol Rotunda for public viewing until the state funeral on Tuesday.

Following that, he will be transported to Grand Rapids, MI for observances there.

Personally, I think it is perfect that President Bush is keeping a low profile at this point. The ceremonies are about Ford, not about the current President, and are being done according to Ford's own wishes. The right things are being done in the right way at the right time.

[La Enchiladita]

See post #26.

[La Enchiladita]

Right, Pyro. This evening's service was a Congressional tribute to the former President.

President Bush knows what his own appropriate role is. I can feel it and, as always ... in spite of all criticism and sniping ... he will perform it.

[bannie]

I'm so tired of seeing the petty-minded asking, "Where is President Bush?" "President Bush should be there." So this is for all of you:

First of all, inform yourself. Second of all, think.

The official state funeral will be this coming Tuesday at the National Cathedral and President Bush will be there.

Well, excuse me.

The last comment you made above would have been a kind offering if it had come without your insults.

I'm terribly sorry if I've been remiss in my studying up on the agenda during this busy time.

Thank you for your less-than-gracious reply.

[La Enchiladita]

You're too busy to inform yourself but not too busy to spout off an opinion trashing the President. I see....

[tina07]

well said!

[lunarbicep]

Thank you for posting this

[bannie]

Your idea of "trashing the president" is not in line with mine. I have been a supporter of the man who is our president since his father was president. Your claims are twisted and foolish. If I come up with one "wish" for his presence in one place or another, it is foolish to claim that as "trashing the president."

You're looking for a fight.

[La Enchiladita]

Bla bla bla, bannie. Pyro "gently and kindly" informed you of the significance of today's event, but you kept on your tack of criticizing the President. You're the one poking around, looking to stir things up, not here to learn anything or to be "gracious." Re-read your original post on this thread and tell me who is "looking for a fight."

[SuziQ]

He was modest and manful; there was confidence and courage in his bearing. In judgment, he was sober and serious, unafraid of decisions, calm and steady by nature, always the still point in the turning wheel. He assumed power without assuming airs; he knew how to treat people. He answered courtesy with courtesy; he answered discourtesy with courtesy.

What a magnificient eulogy. It describes President Ford perfectly, but the above quote could also describe President George W. Bush, who himself has had to bear the furies of those who are always working against him in this country, and around the world.

[neverhillorat]

The smartest man , in my life time, involved in politics is Mr. Cheney. Certainly . the one with the most class. Many here like to rip the President and his team. History will say something different.

[Democratshavenobrains]

Can we all be happy that Republican funerals don't turn into political rallies like Democrat ones do?

[snugs]

I agree this makes it about President Ford not President Bush. The VP himself also has a way about making things about others not himself and this he did wonderfully in the eulogy.

If the President was there the security would have to be even tighter and more intrusive than it was and it would have had to be pretty intrusive as it was with the VP and other high ranking officials of various branches of government in attendance.

I think it is correct that this service remains about Ford's time in Congress and and in the White House with the people he knew intimately and remained close to even after leaving office. Something which was probably unique to this man and his Presidency. Something I am sure that these people will continue to uphold and met even though their President is no longer with them.

The service at the National Cathedral on the other hand is for the nation and so the President will be there along with other dignitaries and representatives of other countries but today was about the man not the President.

[snugs]

I believe you are correct like history is already re-writing and evaluating the Ford Presidency it will do likewise in years to come of the Bush Presidency.

Again like Ford they will see the emotional and well roundness of George W Bush character which is emphasised in his pick of Vice President Dick Cheney.

There are many similarities in character and pressures though different ones that both Presidencies have had to endure and it is interesting that in both Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney to name 2 prominent members have both been there. God bless them and thank them for steadfastness and resolve and for making it more about others than themselves as they learned from their mentor and yes their friend Gerald R Ford.

[snugs]

Amen to that and God Bless the Ford and the Cheney, Rumsfeld families and all who intimately knew and loved and the 38th President of the United States - Gerald Rudolf Ford.

God Bless America.