[bannie]

At the risk of being flamed...

I think Bush should have been there.

[Pyro7480]

Would have it been appropriate? It was one thing with Reagan, but Ford was a former leader in the Congress, and it seemed that even with the other notables there, it was an event orchestrated by the Congress for a former member. I don't recall the other former Presidents being there either.

[Arizona Carolyn]

If not at the funeral, present to greet the family at Blair House as he did with the Reagan family.

[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.

[GretchenM]

I am VERY happy for President and Mrs. Bush that they had the sense not to bow to any pressure to be all and do all; that they let others shine in these hours while they enjoy a very much needed and well earned rest, and I am sure, absolutely 100 percent rock solid sure, that Tony Snow or his designate met with the press off the record and told them the president would be at the funeral service in DC on Tuesday and begged them not to mention Bush continuing with his vacation during the ramp-up to the last event in the capitol before Ford's remains are taken to Michigan. And for some reason, God knoweth why, none of the press I've heard has mentioned his absence, they haven't carped on his absence. I am very grateful for all of this.

[buck61]

This act of respect last night in the Rotunda of the capital
was by design, a eulogy from the congress of the United States,
where Mr. Ford had spent many years of hid career

I wish people here at FR would get over themselves.

The state funeral for former President Jerald Ford will be next Tuesday.

I will assume most all leaders in both houses will attend the funeral and, so will TPOTUS.