According to Adam Nagourney of the NYTimes, Ronald Reagan’s passing over the weekend has Republicans relishing in the circumstances; he stops short only of suggesting a high-five circus in the Oval Office by Bush staffers upon hearing the news.
“Mr. Bush and his political advisers embraced the legacy of Ronald Reagan on Sunday, suggesting that even in death, Mr. Reagan had one more campaign in him — this one at the side of Mr. Bush,” he writes.
Ugh.
There’s only one problem. He’s right.
“Americans are going to be focused on President Reagan for the next week,” said Ed Gillespie, the Republican national chairman. “The parallels are there. I don’t know how you miss them.”
Thus far, I’d give my civility award to the Kerry camp, who have ceased campaigning for the week out of respect to Reagan. Kerry even had some nice things to say about a man thoroughly disliked by many liberals.
“Yesterday, we lost one of our great optimists,” Kerry told graduating seniors at Bedford High School. “President Reagan’s belief in America was infectious. And because of the way he led, he taught us that there was a difference between strong beliefs and bitter partisanship.”
Wait! Can I take that award back?
“We think it’s respectful [to stop campaigning], and No. 2, I don’t think we’re going to get any coverage,” said Mr. Kerry’s deputy campaign manager, Steve Elmendorf.
Ah, so coverage is the issue. Tsk. Tsk. Mr. Kerry, we should have known better than to trust you. Good thing your deputy campaign manager has loose lips.
The election season must be in full swing.