Shame on The Hilll for politicizing this more than absolutely necessary.

Posted by: HullBreach at June 8, 2004 08:51 AM

Wait a minute…

That’s not politicization, that’s merely observation.

Posted by: eric at June 8, 2004 09:02 AM

They will get a bounce. Now how long until the conspiracy theories start flying about the CIA/GOP/vRWC;

1. keeping Reagan alive until Bush’s campaign was down
   
2. killing Reagan because Bush’s campaign was down and needed a boost.

Posted by: Joe Maller at June 8, 2004 12:14 PM

Actually Joe, a raving, foaming at the mouth lefty with a Canadian address has already said that Reagan died 5 years ago. It was posted Monday,
I forget the address. I left quickly. It was really virulent!

Posted by: leaddog2 at June 8, 2004 12:27 PM

Why don’t you ask “X” or “Truth”?

They’re from DemocraticUnderground.Com and they should be able to tell you what the latest conspiracy theories there are.

Posted by: eric at June 8, 2004 12:49 PM

The fact that a campaign would get a bounce from this shows you how pathetic the American Voter is.

Posted by: Lakhim at June 8, 2004 01:50 PM

Hey, that would make a good slogan, huh, L?

Run with it. Make sure you put underneath it in big letters, “Let’s Take America Back” or perhaps

“Long live the Great Worker’s Revolutionary Struggle”

Posted by: johnnymozart at June 8, 2004 02:00 PM

L? Did I give you permission to abbreviate my name?

Posted by: Lakhim at June 8, 2004 03:56 PM

If the President does get a bounce in the polls, it will be because people will have been once again reminded just which political party it is that has been the harbinger of prosperity, security, and liberty for the past 30+ years, around the world and at home.

That is certainly a partisan statement, but overall I think it’s true. I believe we are still reaping the benefits of Reagan’s policies even today, as politicians have seen what works, in both domestic and foreign policy, and have sought to emulate it.

Posted by: Curt at June 8, 2004 04:03 PM

Curt, that’s a good point. People might pause to reflect who got what done and what side of the political spectrum they came from. It’s interesting.

What’s also interesting is how often Bush gets a chance to act presidential just by virtue of the events around him. He doesn’t need to demand the spotlight, it falls on him as our head of State.

I wonder what his eulogy will be like. I bet he’s getting input from his dad. I wish David Frum were back at the white house!

Posted by: skip at June 8, 2004 05:03 PM

Skip:

Frum would be nice, but President Bush ought to just let Peggy Noonan write the eulogy. She did such a great job as Reagan’s speechwriter, it seems only appropriate somehow.

Posted by: Curt at June 8, 2004 08:45 PM

L said, “The fact that a campaign would get a bounce from this shows you how pathetic the American Voter is.”

Whoaah, Trigger. Don’t confuse the voters with the liberal media polls. The lower they say Bush is in the polls, confirms to me that he is waaayy ahead.

“Polls, we don’t need no stinkin’ polls”.

Must…keep…Double Standard….out of..my skin….Must…not..quote….movies….Bones, you….must..kill me..if there’s no..cure.

“Dammit, Jim! I’m a doctor, not a mercy killer. JIM, PLEASE…Get a grip on yourself! If you keep it up, I will set my phazer on kill……..and use it on myself.”

Posted by: Jeff B at June 8, 2004 09:42 PM

..BEAM ME UP SCOTTY THERE IS NO INTELLIGENT LIFE HERE !!

Posted by: Rob..NC at June 8, 2004 09:48 PM

..WARP 9 MR. SCOTT..NOW WOULD BE A GOOD TIME..

Posted by: Rob..NC at June 8, 2004 09:50 PM

Gentlemen, this is all highly illogical. Fascinating…but illogical.

Posted by: Curt at June 8, 2004 11:08 PM

Polls…They were Roossian inwention.

(ok, sorry…couldn’t help myself)

Posted by: johnnymozart at June 9, 2004 10:25 AM

Of course there’s going to be a bounce. So that next month they can trumpet Bush’ drop in the polls!

They just have to decide how big a bounce to give Bush. A six point bounce would give them six weeks of joy this summer if they go at a point per week.

Posted by: Polling For Dollars at June 9, 2004 11:07 AM

So who’s the unlucky bastard wearing the red shirt?

Posted by: eric at June 9, 2004 11:33 AM

Oh yeah, the sacrificial ensign? The member of the away team who gets killed and/or eaten in every episode?

I’d cast John Kerry.

Posted by: Curt at June 9, 2004 01:24 PM

“Scotty, I need a poll bounce in 5 minutes or we’re all dead!”

“Well then, we’re scrrrrrreeewed, Cap’n! I dinna have enough power to do that!”

“Spock, what can we do?”

“Captain, I recommend a photo-op, followed by a “Morning In America” speech. Afterwards, no matter what the press or the Kerry-lingons do, just smile, cock your head, and say “there you go again…”

“That’s … that’s just crazy enough to work!”

Posted by: GDubya at June 9, 2004 01:41 PM

What I am concerned about is that the politicalization of the Reagan death thing will mean that the Democrats can point to the rising blip and say ‘That’s just a Reagain blip”.

The reality is that a lot of what’s been happening in Iraq is beginning to come to a head, and things are already moving really fast over there. The interim govt. is in place, they are taking control early, things are settling down. These are really great things, and should have a blip of their own for G.W.

Hopefully the best news in months doesn;’t gt drowned out.

Posted by: doug at June 9, 2004 03:15 PM

Perhaps Americans will remember it was a Republican president that gave them some pride back after mr. nice - Carter, emboldened arabs to kick sand in your face. Same choice now, weak-kneed democrat or a president that rules with pride and strength.

Posted by: Derek at June 9, 2004 10:01 PM

I will vote for Pride and Strength every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

A true leader does what he believes is right especially in the face of severe opposition.

Consider Reagan opposing Central American communists. Now compare that to Bush taking down Sadaam and the Taliban.

GW Bush is a true leader. Kerry is simply a politician.

Posted by: Constantine at June 10, 2004 02:59 PM

yup constantine, you’ve adopted my philosophy about elections: vote early and often!!

No, all seriousness aside, the passing of Reagan really does give us an opportunity to recall what conviction in a leader actually looked like.

I recall a story about Reagan as Govenor (I’m a recovering Californian BTW). he said that he wanted the state universities to end racial preferences in admissions, to become colorblind as it were.

One of the pointy headed university reagents said “But that will mean the universities will be filled with Asian Americans!”

Reagan’s response, “So?”

So I can see how this sad and solemn event will help Bush by contrasting his style with what we’re hearing from Kerry.

Reagan and Thatcher: conviction VS concensus, I’ll take conviction every time.

Posted by: skip at June 10, 2004 04:31 PM

Reagan was a poor excuse for a president, and any “bounce” will quickly evaporate, especially as the drip drip drip of Plamegate, Abu Ghraib, disgusted military leaders, AWOLBush, and a few dozen other disgusting little right wing scandals turn into a flood this summer and fall.

The people who idolize Reagan are the same moonbats who think Herbert Hoover was an inspiration.

The LA Times poll showing Kerry increasing his lead over Bush was taken AFTER Reagan died.

Bush is finished. Might as well get used to it now, kiddies. Everything you feared is about to come to pass.

Posted by: BadRepublicans at June 11, 2004 05:04 PM

Well Im sure Bush(2) would like a bounce, especially since he’s completely crapping out… But there are some key differences between him and reagan-

After seeing how unafordable his tax cuts were, Reagan raised taxes. (with the biggest tax hikes in history) Bush, by contrast used a faith based accounting and declared the solution to his unaffordable tax cuts to be… more tax cuts!

We can see how Bush would have handled the soviet union by how he handles NK… If Bush were president during Reagans term we would still be facing the soviet union…

Reagan talked about god but didnt do much by way of a distinctly religious agenda…Bush has been pushing his ultra right religious agenda..

Reagan was the great communicator. Bush can barely speak english unless he’s reading a script.

But both were criminals with their contempt for laws… in Reagans case it was congresses laws regarding funding/supplying/arming the contras.. wasnt arms for hostages also illegal? And Bush by promoting torture.

Posted by: Loofa at June 12, 2004 12:32 PM

It’s the Romulan vessel, Captain. They’re hailing us…

Posted by: marymcl at June 12, 2004 10:31 PM

Yes. My inside sources tell me that Karl Rove has a full court press on now to make sure the bounce is as large as possible.

FOX news reported tonight that many thought that Bush did a superb job in “presiding over president Reagan’s funeral”.

Does anyone have any more information on exactly what methods one actually uses to “preside” over a funeral?

Does anyone know of others who have also presided over funerals?

I had always thought one simply either attended or perhaps delivered a eulogy either out of respect for the dead or to support and share the loss of the grieving family.

I’m thankful to hear the president so ably carried out his duties. Where would the dead be without such leadership.

Posted by: sgposs at June 13, 2004 01:50 AM

Raise shields. Fire all phaser banks and photon torpedos, Lieutenant.

Full spread. ;)

Posted by: johnnymozart at June 13, 2004 11:58 AM