What Kerry should say about Reagan...

[Lakerstan]

Undoubtedly, the Republicans will try to politicize the death of Reagan as a recruitment to their ideals. This is how I think John Kerry should respond:

"Even though I didn't agree with many of his policies, it is clear that Ronald Reagan had a major impact on America, and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Reagan family at this difficult time.

During this time of loss, I am reminded of how we can learn from those that served as President before us, whether it be the courage of Abraham Lincoln, the promise of Franklin Roosevelt that the government will not allow it's seniors and those in need to go without, the fortitude of Harry Truman during times of international instability, or the vision of John Kennedy who fought for tolerance, guided us out of national crisis and into space and told us to ask not what our country can do for us, but what we can do for our country.

Ronald Reagan showed that you can have strong conviction in your beliefs and that, when communicated gracefully, the country will follow. I, too, hope to lead this country as the conviction I have in my beliefs is equally as strong.

While we look at those who have passed, we can also look to those who are still with us. Through his work with Habitat for Humanity and his own Carter Foundation, President Jimmy Carter shows compassion for those who have lost hope, care for our fragile environment and commitment to worldwide human rights.

These great Americans, our predecessors, demonstrate the direction and provide the core values that I will bring to my administration, and for that, I am forever grateful."

[physioex]

1. May not be as simple...

His family doesn't want it that way. Actually, I have begun to grow some respect for Nancy these past few months. She has rejected putting her husband up as an icon and came out for stem cell research...

[coloradodem2005]

2. Very Nice.

Email that to the Kerry campaign.

[jjmalonejr]

3. Statement from Senator John Kerry on the Death of Ronald Reagan

I think Kerry did an amirable job:

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2004_0605.html

Statement from Senator John Kerry on the Death of Ronald Reagan


June 05, 2004

For Immediate Release
Boston, MA

Senator John Kerry released the following statement today:

“Ronald Reagan's love of country was infectious. Even when he was breaking Democrats hearts, he did so with a smile and in the spirit of honest and open debate. Despite the disagreements, he lived by that noble ideal that at 5pm we weren't Democrats or Republicans, we were Americans and friends. President Reagan and Tip O'Neill fought hard and honorably on many issues, and sat down together to happily swap jokes and the stories of their lives. The differences were real, but because of the way President Reagan led, he taught us that there is a big difference between strong beliefs and bitter partisanship.
“He was the voice of America in good times and in grief. When we lost the brave astronauts in the Challenger tragedy, he reminded us that, ‘Nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue.’

“Now, his own journey has ended-a long and storied trip that spanned most of the American century-and shaped one of the greatest victories of freedom. Today in the face of new challenges, his example reminds us that we must move forward with optimism and resolve. He was our oldest president, but he made America young again.

“Our prayers are with his family, and the wife he loved in a way all the world could see. And to the end, she loved him with courage and complete devotion. She helped all of us better understand the cruel disease that took him away before it took his life, and what we must do to prevent and cure it.

“Teresa and I and our family extend our deepest sympathies to Nancy Reagan and the Reagan family. Today, from California to Maine - ‘from sea to shining sea’ - Americans will bow their heads in prayer and gratitude that President Reagan left such an indelible stamp on the nation he loved.”

[K-W]

4. Its a bit too much.

It sounds too much like you are avoiding giving reagan credit. It was iffy through the reagen bit, then Carter blew it away, you cant list someone else after saying Reagen.

I like the idea though.