John Kerry's Gushing Tribute To Reagan: Enough Please!

[Solidarity]

John Kerry delivered a gushing tribute in honor of the union busting reactionary who supported terrorism and terrorist regimes in Central America. His praise of Reagan's alleged attributes and positive contributions to society is not appreciated by all those whose lives were harmed and even destroyed by the Reagan administration.

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Remarks of Senator John Kerry at Bedford High School Commencement Address As Prepared for Delivery

June 06, 2004
For Immediate Release
Toledo, Ohio

"As we know all too sadly, this weekend also marks the passing of a modern giant.

Yesterday, we lost one of our greatest optimists. 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.

He was the voice of America in good times and in grief. Free men and women everywhere will forever remember and honor President Reagan’s role in ending the Cold War. He really did believe that communism could be ended in his lifetime, and he helped to make it happen.

Yesterday, his own journey 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, President Reagan’s example reminds us that we must move forward with optimism and resolve.

He was our oldest president, but he made America young again."

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/speeches/spc_2004_0606.html



"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.”

“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."

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

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Reagan was some kind of freedom fighter I should bow my head to in gratitude? I don't think so. I won't be bowing my head in gratitude to Reagan and I don't think many air traffic controllers or real freedom fighters from Central America will either.

It would have been better if Kerry had limited his remarks to that part of his statement in which he said: “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."

So what did the other two presidential candidates running against George Bush have to say?

Dennis Kucinich shed no tears and didn't go on and on lamenting Reagan's death. He issued the following brief statement: "More than any President in modern times, he understood the essential optimism of the American people. He evoked it and exemplified it. His passing at this troubling hour in our national experience therefore is exceedingly sad and leaves a great void."

And how did Ralph Nader respond? He said nothing. I guess Nader followed the old saying that "if you can't say anything good about someone don't say anything at all". Good for him.

[demnan]

1. Kerry has to play this role now

He's trying to look Presidential. I wouldn't take too much stock in what he says about Reagan.

[KoKo]

45. Why does he need to "try to look Presidential?" Think about what you said

again..."trying to look Presidential." ????

You don't think Kerry already looks like a President SHOULD look? You think pandering to ReaganMania makes up for some "flaw" he has?

WHAT....???? Do you want another "actor for President" who just plays the part like Reagan did? :crazy:

[JI7]

2. John Kerry is the presumed nominee of a major party

the others aren't.

[ronnykmarshall]

3. Damn HIM!!

Damm him straight hell!

I NOT VOTING NOW!!! NO! NO! NO! :eyes::eyes::eyes::eyes::eyes:

[Bandit]

4. It is called magnanimous

Kerry stands tall. He really is a uniter not like the LIAR in chief.

[ibegurpard]

8. I would expect him to be gracious and polite.

there's no need to be gushing.

[Name removed]

15. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Bandit]

17. And you like Bush*??????????

I guess America is as dumb as the rest of the world knows it is.

[LoZoccolo]

5. Let me point out something pretty obvious.

For this you criticize Kerry?
Remember he's our nominee.
Either it's Kerry or Bush* who's going to win.
Every other candidate but Kerry and Bush* can forget about winning.
Please remember that when voting this November.
Even Nader says if you want Bush* out, vote Kerry.
Relax, Kerry will do a lot that you like.

[Larkspur]

7. Just because we'll vote for Kerry doesn't mean

we have to like him.

[Larkspur]

6. I won't be bowing my head in prayer over Reagan's death

In 1983 after graduating from Notre Dame, I had difficulty finding a job thanks to Reagan. My best economic years were under the Clinton-Gore Admin. (2nd term).

The only good things about Reagan are
1) he was passionate about his beliefs and was willing to risk and accept defeat for them. I didn't support Reagan's policies or ideas but he sure made the Democrats look like wimps. Kerry isn't passionate about his Democratic beliefs, so in one way Reagon, the B-rated actor turned successful politician, had more courage of his convictions than Kerry, the Vietnam Vet turned politician, has ever displayed.

2) his fatal battle with Alzheimers may help break up the conservative base that is strangling this nation.

[JI7]

11. accept defeat for his beliefs ?

no he didn't accept it. he illegally started trading arms for hostages behind congress's back. i sure don't find any courage in that.

[emulatorloo]

13. Basically you have summed up Kerry's tribute. . .

it is not a ringing endorsement of reagan's politics as Solidarity suggests. It boils down to:

1. reagan wasn't a bitter partisan
2. nancy is working for stem-cell research

(PS how do you know Kerry isn't "passionate" - he is a reticent new englander - they hide their emotions. PSS how do you know Reagan was "passionate?" - he was a dramatic actor - they manufacture their emotions)

ON EDIT clarify

[Old and In the Way]

9. Who cares how Nader responded?

Let us know when Ralph decides to fold his fraudulent campaign.


Kerry, once again, takes the high road. Kerry, once again, will gain converts from the undecided middle who will view him as a viable alternative to Dimson.

Why not take your Nader cheerleading to www.ralphnaderisfinancedbyRepublicanstodrainvotesfromKerry.com ?

[Solidarity]

14. Bad Link

Your link to Republicans is not operative.

[emulatorloo]

10. Read Between The Lines

What politician is he pointedly contrating Reagan to when he says Reagan knew that "there was a difference between strong beliefs and bitter partisanship?" Hint: his initials are GWB

He praises Nancy because of her work PROMOTING STEM-CELL RESEARCH. What politician is opposed to this important research? Hint: his initials are GWB

As for "gushing" I see nothing in this statement that praises any policy that Reagan had.

It praises Reagan's optimism, his non-partisanship, and whatever role his cheerleading and optimism might have had in the fall of Soviet communism

[Solidarity]

19. Reagan Non-Partisan?

Reagan was non-partisan? That's news to most people who fought his right-wing policies in the 70's and 80's. Most of us thought he was a very tough partisan promoter of his anti-worker and anti-labor agenda. Guess we just misunderstood the man.

Why are people defending Ronald Reagan here? This is not the freerepublic discussion board.

[emulatorloo]

24. Defending reagan!?! - maybe you should lie down and rest a while

I doubt you will ever see a post on DU defending reagan, unless your eyes are getting blurry from a lack of sleep.

[Old and In the Way]

30. Your point was understood and well taken.

"Solidarity" obviously has another agenda here....and it's not in getting Kerry elected.

[sangh0]

36. peeve

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x1249585#1249651

[Bridget Burke]

12. Surprise! He's a politician.

Who cares what Nader had to say?

I don't think that "Solidarity" means what you seem to think it means.

[Vickers]

16. Garsh, Kerry must be running for office with a chance of winning

:shrug:

[lapfog_1]

18. Bill Clinton had nice things to say

about Nixon when he died.

Look people, no matter what we all think of Ronnie Ray-gun, Kerry
is a Senator and the nominee of the Democratic party (OK, the vote
has to be taken, but the primaries are over). As such, he has to
make nice to a popular dead ex-President. Not only is it the
politic thing to do ( there are many Reaganites that just hate GWB),
it's also the right thing to do.

If I was called to speak about Ronnie in public, I hope I would have
the class to do the same as Kerry.

The mans dead, may his ideas die with him. Lets Move On.

[Solidarity]

20. Condolences Would Have Been Sufficient

Expressing condolences to the family would have been sufficient. No need to dust Reagan off and make him look pretty. If you want, you may call that classy or presidential. But, it's dishonest.

[republicansareevil]

21. dishonest?

Please identify any false facts in that statement.

[Old and In the Way]

31. Lucky for us-

Kerry is not asking your advice on running his campaign. Why not give it up and admit that you used thread as another it on the Democratic nominee.

Regarding the bad link above, try this one:

www.supportingNaderissupportingBush.com

[ShaneGR]

22. Even Kucinich had nice things to say

Though I don't have the link.

[republicansareevil]

23. that fascist Kucinich!

nah, just kidding ;-)

[Solidarity]

29. Kucinich Statement Included

The complete statement of Kucinich is in the lead post:

Dennis Kucinich shed no tears and didn't go on and on lamenting Reagan's death. He issued the following brief statement: "More than any President in modern times, he understood the essential optimism of the American people. He evoked it and exemplified it. His passing at this troubling hour in our national experience therefore is exceedingly sad and leaves a great void."

[Proud2BAmurkin]

25. Kerry has been magnificent

The more praise he heaps, the more the Freepers seethe.

[in_cog_ni_to]

26. If he DIDN'T give this gushing tribute

he would have been skewered...WELL DONE, by now! He has to do this. The media works for the repukes. Kerry has no choice, right now. Just wait. After he's elected, things WILL be different.

[CWebster]

27. He plays up that cold war myth

just like he participated in the WMD scare.

Everyday, another reason...that only makes it harder to back Kerry.

[LTR]

28. You've got to be kidding!

Remember - Kerry has to work with these Reagan worshippers. Do you go out of your way to trash your co-workers?

Do you think he'd have any chance of winning if he went off on a tirade about Reagan?

And who knows - they probably got along well when Reagan was in Washington. It is possible to be friendly and cordial towards your adversaries. It's called politics.

And who really cares what Nader thinks or doesn't think? Nader's a nobody.

[CWebster]

32. then why doesn't Kerry just declare himself a Republican

since he works harder for their votes than championing a Democratic platform on much of anything.

[LTR]

33. You don't get it, do you?

Re-read my post.

And then give me an example of a Democratic candidate who trashed a guy who just died and won the subsequent election.

[CWebster]

35. Not slobbering does not translate as trashing.

how are Democrats ever gonna win if they keep singing the republicans hit songs?

[LoZoccolo]

41. How are the Democrats going to win...

...if they go be assholes?

[Solidarity]

34. Who Suggested A Tirade?

No one here has suggested that John Kerry go "off on a tirade about Reagan"

Condolences would have been adequate. Some have suggested that John Kerry has to say really nice things about Reagan in order to placate Republican right-wingers and as an added bonus drive the freepers nuts. Sure. And I suppose the right-wing will respond in the same way when Clinton and Carter die. They won't!

Now we know why the idea that Republicans are effective partisan steeet fighters while Democratic politicians are soft and wishy washy and no match for Republcans continues to gain ground.

[sangh0]

37. You did

You asked for Kerry to be honest about Reagan.

[LTR]

38. And Kerry preaching to the hard-core choir will help how?

:wtf:

I say let him take te high road. Only people that will be pissed off is the radical fringe. And they don't win elections.

Politics. It's called politics.

[sangh0]

39. Help?

What gave you the impression Solidarity (and isn't that a fine name for what s/he is doing?) wants to help?

[LTR]

40. Some people will never be satisfied

Why try?

:shrug:

[LoZoccolo]

42. Exactly; Naderites make themselves irrelevant.

If you give them one thing, you don't know if they'll mutiny over another thing (as in, Kerry shedding tears over Reagan versus Kucinich not doing so - GIVE ME A BREAK).

[Solidarity]

43. What Do You Think About Reagan's Death?

So tell me what you really liked about President Ronald Reagan and his policies that deserves our praise, tribute, honor and respect.

And if you opposed Reagan's reactionary policies (you probably did) what would you like to say about his death? Unless I missed your post you've haven't done that yet.

I've already posted my opinion on Reagan's presidency and hope you don't think it's too unkind, insensitive or harsh. Your turn.

[sangh0]

46. I think it's a great opportunity

for Kerry to show bipartisanship.

So tell me what you really liked about President Ronald Reagan and his policies that deserves our praise, tribute, honor and respect

What I like is the way those policies can be ignored for the moment in order to help get a Dem elected

And if you opposed Reagan's reactionary policies (you probably did) what would you like to say about his death?

Nothing.

[Solidarity]

50. Bi-Partisan Unity With Republcans?

"I think it's a great opportunity for Kerry to show bipartisanship."

Bi-partisanship and unity between Republicans and Democrats to do what?

I don't like some recent and major examples of bi-partisanship such as promoting anti-labor "free trade" agreements, curtailing our democratic rights, the invasion and occupation of Iraq, and the formation of a "union-free" Department of Homeland Security just to name a few things. I sincerely hope you didn't support any of those bi-partisan affairs.

"What I like is the way those policies can be ignored for the moment in order to help get a Dem elected"

How can those economic and foreign policies be ignored .... they continue to be expanded and implemented today under the Bush government! I don't think John Kerry is about to follow your advice if he wishes to become President.

I respect your refusal to say anything negative about Ronald Reagan and his policies. I respect it, but I don't agree with it. Well, I guess that's one way to build "bi-partisan unity" with right-wing Republicans. Don't criticize them or attack their reactionary idol. Give them a free ride. Does that go for George Bush too?

[sangh0]

52. Dumb question

Bi-partisanship and unity between Republicans and Democrats to do what?

I repeat, to win an election for the Dems.

How can those economic and foreign policies be ignored .... they continue to be expanded and implemented today under the Bush government!

Reagan's dead. He's not expanding anything.

I don't think John Kerry is about to follow your advice if he wishes to become President

Actually, Kerry is doing exactly what I described (ie. ignoring Reagan's policies) and the result is, so far, what I predicted - Kerry is pulling ahead of Bush*.

I respect your refusal to say anything negative about Ronald Reagan and his policies. I respect it, but I don't agree with it. Well, I guess that's one way to build "bi-partisan unity" with right-wing Republicans. Don't criticize them or attack their reactionary idol. Give them a free ride. Does that go for George Bush too?

George Bush* died also? No wonder you're so upset

[Solidarity]

54. Evasion Is Not An Answer

Your calling for Bi-partisanship and unity between Republicans and Democrats in order "to win an election for the Dems."??!!!

How does that work? I don't think the Republican party is about to join forces with the Democratic Party to elect John Kerry. Bi-partisanship only goes so far! Perhaps you don't understand what the term bi-partisanship has always meant in terms of legislative and other political activity in Washington.

I gave you a few concrete examples of bi-partisanship in Congress and you totally avoided that subject. And why did you do that? My guess is you probably supported those specific legislative acts that harmed workers, took us to war and curtailed our civil liberties. Is that right?

"Reagan's dead. He's not expanding anything." We know he's dead. But, his ideas aren't. Bush is deepening and expanding Ronald Reagan's right-wing agenda. If you don't understand that perhaps you need to read more about the Bush and Reagan governments.

"George Bush* died also? No wonder you're so upset"

George Bush did not die. Now that this is cleared up for you I can tell you that I wouldn't be upset at all. If fact, unlike you I'll have some very negative things to say about his policies and character when he passes away. I'm talking for granted that you will say nothing negative when George Bush dies in order to promote bi-partisanship with Republicans. That's why you won't comment on Reagan's death. Is that correct?

[LoZoccolo]

47. You want my opinion?

You ask me for my opinion.
On a very controversial president.
Understand that's not what I was talking about.

Are you missing my point?
Replying to my messages is fine.
Every reply to my posts gets read, just about.

A crucial part of my post was ignored.
Nader's tendency to make his issues irrelevant.

A vote for Nader is a vote for Bush*.
See that, please.
See that either Bush* or Kerry will win.
Counting the votes will eventually reveal that.
Let's not bicker over who cried and who didn't.
Our choice is pretty clear here.
We know what to do.
Nader doesn't.

[KoKo]

44. GACK! "He was our oldest president, but he made America young again."

Where the hell did the speech writer get than line for Kerry to say?

Maybe Kerry felt "young again" during Reagan but I guarantee you that millions of Americans who lived under his "reign" didn't feel he made America "young again."

Again...Gack! The "Two Furball Award" to Kerry's speech writer for this
cat barf. :nuke:

[Kanary]

48. Nice Republican speech........ oh wait........

:silly:

[OKNancy]

49. Yup, and this is why Kerry may be our next President

It's politics folks. My god, quit being such big babies. You think any person in political life is going to be an asshole right now?
If they were, they would be buying a one-way ticket home....where they could spew their venom on message boards.....

[Bridget Burke]

51. And that possibility really makes some people nervous.

As demonstrated here.....

[LoZoccolo]

53. So does doing that one thing...

...where you wave your hands in front of someone's face and go:

You're running through the woods...you're running through the woods...BAM you hit a tree!

[fla nocount]

55. John Kerry is an ass licking lackey.

Everyone knows that...we were never meant to have a choice. There was Dean...a real alternative and Nader........a sick joke. Look out your own back yards folks and make friends with your neighbors. This is going to the streets, the sooner the better. FEMA has no punch if no one will play. Take off the brown shirts and go nekkid.......confuse the bastards.

[Puglover]

56. Complete Dean supporter here!

I miss him sorely....what exactly do you think he would have said?
Fuck Reagan! Piss on the monsters grave???
:eyes:

[Solidarity]

58. Don't Like That Name Calling

I don't think that simple name calling against John Kerry, Ralph Nader or DU's is helpful. It doesn't promote real democratic discussion and debate on issues.

None of us think alike. But, I think most of us are clearly opposed to the reactionary policies of the Bush government and therefor we have much in common.

[LibDemAlways]

57. I agree with you, Solidarity.

Kerry's comments were over the top and it made me gag watching him bless himself in front of Ronnie's casket.

Can you imagine the chimp gushing this way over a dead Democrat? Not a chance in hell. The repukes wouldn't stand for it. Look at the frenzy they worked themselves into over Wellstone.

A simple statement expressing condolences to the Reagan family and the hope that a cure will someday be found for Alzheimers would have sufficed. Anything beyond that is gratuitous repuke ass-kissing the Dems are, all too sadly, already famous for.

[LTR]

59. Kerry's above the Rethugs

I think he proved that.

I have no problem with making TWO freaking statements.

Geez! Get a grip!

[progressivebydesign]

60. He got confused, thought it was John F. Kennedy instead..

There is no other explanation. While I know that he would not speak ill of the dead, nor should he.. there is protocol in the world for that stuff.. he really shouldn't have gone on like that. Guess the whole Iran/Contra thing is just further proof of what an inspirational, plucky guy Reagan was.. He saw the good, even in Oliver North.

[Sparkly]

61. A very gracious, dignified statement

Kerry didn't laud Reagan's policies, but he showed due respect. (He also made some contrasts with the Chimp.)

I think he handled it just right.