…that key GOP figures will exploit the death of Ronald Reagan for all it’s worth in order to seal the election. I’m looking ahead to the GOP National convention and am suggesting the following odds:
A minute of silence will be called for: 1-1.
Chances that Bush will mention Reagan one minute into his speech: 5-1.
Two minutes into his speech: 3-2.
Three minutes into his speech: 3-1.
That a key speaker will exhort his comrades to win this election “for the Gipper”: 1-1.
That it will be stated Reagan would have approved of this country’s direction: 2-1.
That if Reagan were there, he would be urging you to vote for Bush: 1-1.
PAD
• 
Not sure where any of those scenarios are necessarily bad or disrespectful.
This was exactly my first thought when I heard Reagan died. ):
“Chances that Bush will mention Reagan one minute into his speech: 5-1.
Two minutes into his speech: 3-2.
Three minutes into his speech: 3-1.”
All of the above: 7-2.
Generally speaking, I agree with Peter’s scenarios. However…
Could you plese not exhibit as much political negativeness during this period of mourning? I can only speak for myself, but I’m really not interested in reading — at least, not right now — all the political conniving that might accompany Reagan’s death, possible machinations on the part of the GOP and ways by which Reagan’s passing might get otherwise sullied by self-serving individuals.
Even presuming all of that is true…
Can we not talk about this sort of crap NOW? Can you please wait awhile? Because a man I greatly admired has died, and if we could just leave it that way for… I dunno, a few days if not more would be nice… I for one would greatly appreciate it.
God, it’s like all the people who want to politicize the reading of killed veterans on Memorial Day. Just for a bit, can we please fool ourselves into doing some actual *mourning* this week, and save all this sort of crap for later?
Thor
George Dubya will begin hanging out with a monkey named Bonzo.
I feel the need to mention, lest anyone try to misinterpret what I said, that I’m not disputing Peter’s comments. I’m chafing at the timing of them.
Thor
Dee,
Whereas I doubt anyone here has any respect left for YOU at all.
Oh, good. Name calling.
Tone it down, folks. I’m not turning cartwheels about this either, but we should at least try to be civil to one another.
Thor
I’m a conservative from Texas and I couldn’t agree with Peter more. The Republican Party should not be using RR’s death as a way to earn or sway votes. It’s demeaning to the man. I’ve read what Peter’s said and not one posting has been disrespectful towards the former President. Let’s see if the Conservatives on the net give President Clinton the same respect years from now when he passes. We respect the office if not the man.
Keep Hope Alive
Jesse Jackson
Wow. It would seem that according to some, Peter David’s not allowed to have political opinions, and even if he’s allowed to have them, he’s not allowed to write about them on his own website.
Not sure why anyone who thinks PAD is “a hack writer” would visit his ‘blog in the first place.
while i’m afraid i might just be feeding a troll…
Dee (assuming you aren’t also DD and PADSUCKS…which is really suspending disbelief):
where in this posting was Reagan belittled? I see a lot of belittling going on in your post…but up until then, I saw none.
Enlighten me. Please.
well, Look at all the Republicans get upset. Peter didn’t say anything bad about Ronald Regan, and all of you attack him for a comment. He just said that Bush and company would use the memorey of Regan to try to get votes, thier was no need to attack Peter David and call him a Hack writer. If you don’t want to hear Peter Davids’s Comments don’t come to the web site. I am so tired of all the Republicnas agreeing with anything that Bush does, even if they know it is wrong, like geting our men killed in Iraq for no good reason, and then using verbal abuse at anyone that disagrees with any thing they say.
Sorry, Charlie, but I’m afraid you are indeed feeding a troll – as are others on here.
I’ve been hanging out here for a little while, and in that time I’ve found that Dee cannot present nor defend a position in debate – all he (assuming gender) is capable of, apparently, is spewing forth vitriol directed at anyone who dares disagree with his Great and Holy Opinions of Steel. I suppose it’s a lot easier to avoid the variables of reality, while hunched over a keyboard in your parents’ basement…
Well DD… by putting forth your anti-semetic views I can honestly say .. fûçk you, fûçk Regan and fûçk the rightwing. Your no better then the leftwing morons out there.
You should probably just sit down, shutup and drink your Busch beer in your trailer park.
Jonathan (the other one):
I assumed so, but I generally like to give people the chance to respond with one intelligent/coherent response. Just seems like the fair thing to do.
But I don’t doubt you at all. Too bad. The anonymity of the ‘net gives these cowards such a sense of security. All of the anger they feel for all of the failures in their lives can come out here.
Hate to even suggest it…but might be time to move to a ‘members only posting’ type blog. Won’t stop the crap, but might cut down on it enough to make it worthwhile to try.
Charlie
Raising the hand again to say it’s not so much the comments as the timing of them. By the same token, I wouldn’t wish people to start dissecting Bill Clinton’s adultery and political conniving on behalf of the Democrats before his body’s even cold.
… oh, why do I bother? The Internet’s just not the place for considered, neuonced (sp?) debate.
Because, of course, Bush Jr would never do anything as low as seek to gain political capital from the death of Ronald Reagan…
http://www.georgewbush.com
(The Official Re-election Site for President George W. Bush)
Getting back to the topic, my gut feeling is that Peter is right about the odds. I believe that the image of Reagan will be used by the GOP convention as a rallying point. The question is are the GOP going to be wrong to do so?
Thor, PAD’s comments haven’t been in the least disrespectful of Reagan himself. They have been disrespectful of the Republican Party – with some justification, in my opinion. I, too, am fully expecting the Republican Convention to come down heavily on memories of Reagan purely to cash in on his remaining political capital.
On the other hand, some folks seem to be expecting PAD to trash the memory of the recently deceased, simply because they were of differing political opinions. Personally, I think that attitude is disrespectful of both the dead and the living – and of the two, I think the insult to the living is the more hurtful (after all, one way or another, Ronald Reagan is beyond the reach of any mortal insult now, while Peter David is right there on the other end of this data pipeline).
Charlie Griefer: “Hate to even suggest it…but might be time to move to a ‘members only posting’ type blog. Won’t stop the crap, but might cut down on it enough to make it worthwhile to try.”
Site regulars dealt with a similar situation earlier this year, and if I recall, PAD’s decision was to keep posting free and open. In my mind, it was and still is the right decision; free speech might mean having to listen to a few cranks, but the upside is that nobody is required to take the cranks seriously. Freedom of speech carries with it the implied responsibility of having something intelligent and purposeful to say.
IIRC, PAD said something to the effect of respectful disagreement is tolerated and encouraged, disrepectful name-calling and trolling is not and will be dealt with. Obviously, certain recent posters didn’t follow that dictum, and ought to be dealt with. I hope PAD tracks ’em down and pulls their ISPs out from under them… they add nothing to the mix, and dumb down the discourse of everyone else.
That OTHER John Byrne
PAD wrote: “…that key GOP figures will exploit the death of Ronald Reagan for all it’s worth in order to seal the election. I’m looking ahead to the GOP National convention and am suggesting the following odds:…”
You’re not being very fair, are you?. Based on your odds chart, if any person from the GOP says darn near anything eulogizing or commemorating Reagan, they will be heartless opportunists. Would you say the same about Democrats eulogizing Jimmy Carter if he passed away? I don’t think so.
Partisan bickering… Bah, humbug!
Well, if Bush does use Reagan’s memory for political gain, I hope it backfires on him, just like the firefighters from 9/11. I notice that Kerry has cancelled 5 political fundraisers out of respect for Reagan. A classy move, especially considering he doesn’t have much time before the Dem convention.
I don’t think PAD is talking about heartfelt eulogies about a man they admire. He is talking about manipulation of the mans memory. Since the GOP propaganda machine has used this tactic in the past, I don’t think he’s stretching the point or using partisan politics. He’s just predicting what will most likely happen.
“Civil is a word you use when you have repect for the dead which I knew this board wouldn’t. Only PAD can belittle a great prez like Ronnie. You just lost me as a faithful reader PAD.”
Really.
And I belittled him…where? I said politicians were going to use his name and evoke him as often as possible, to use his name as a rallying point to win the election. The response of you, and others, is to berate me for that guess. You don’t say I’m wrong. You just call me names or accuse me of things I didn’t say.
Nice.
PAD
I actually think that they may not do it much at the convention, because they may have worn it out by then.
“I’m a conservative from Texas and I couldn’t agree with Peter more. The Republican Party should not be using RR’s death as a way to earn or sway votes. It’s demeaning to the man. I’ve read what Peter’s said and not one posting has been disrespectful towards the former President.”
Thank you, yes. That was the point I was trying to make. And I kept rereading my posts to see where I was bashing Reagan. I thought I was going nuts there for a moment.
PAD
And how exactly is PAD exploiting Reagan? What exactly is he getting from this? Exploitation means receiving something by the misuse of something. He is getting nothing. Why are you reading so much into PAD’s post? He has not said one word about Reagan in any manner that would be disrespectful. HE IS TALKING ABOUT THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION AND THEIR PR PEOPLE. Now, if you want to get on his case about that, fine. But read what he is saying before ranting about what you think you read.
Karen
Just so no one gets confused (and considering the howlers who are still claiming that I bashed Reagan without actually disagreeing with a thing I actually said) the last couple of posts were actually from me, not Kath. I was on her computer when I posted them.
PAD
[Fixed — GH]
Daryl,
Uhm, I didnt get upset & i’m a conservative republican. Don’t start labeling us all into 1 little group.
And Peter, So what if Bush mentions Reagan or Lincoln, or any other former President, republican or democrat. Big deal & so what. Your not voting for him, so why do you care? Is Ron to be off limits because he passed away. President Reagan is by far, one of the best Presidents this nation ever had, Democrats quaote JFK all the time & no one cares. What, is GB not supposed to do anything, not acknowledge great things the man did. Let’s say he doesn’t, I truly doubt that it will change your opinion on him.
And DEE, c’mon, calm down, I’m a huge Reagan fan, & i also feel his loss. Our country lost a great man, but those insults on Peter are very racist & insensitive.
Now before everyone starts insulting each other, please keep in mind that it could be anyone voicing those opinions just looking to fuel a fire. Anyone here can post & is protected by anonymity.
And Peter, I’ll still buy your stuff. I figure you can use this conservative’s money to keep this site up.
Joe V.
PAD,
A few thoughts:
1.) If John Kennedy had just passed away from a similar disease, I am absolutely confident the Dems would do no less than you are suggesting of the Republicans. It is not because they are bad, but because they are in a political battle.
2.) Even if Reagan had not passed away, the Republicans may well have used him to strengthen their base. They would want to play up similarities between Reagan’s running for a second term over the first Bush running a second term. (I happen to agree they are right, but that is beside the point :-))
3.) I do see some humor in your post, which generally means there is some truth in it. However, I would suggest that there are similarities between Bush and Reagan (which is either good or bad, depending on your perspective.) So it is not without reason they would want to point that out. In spite of the press and some opinions (including other posts on this site), Reagan was widely loved. Bush would be stupid to not try to claim the mantle Reagan left behind. It is up to the public next November to decide if they agree or not.
Finally, in regards to another post, I find commending Kerry for cancelling his events laughable. He had no choice. I don’t in any way mean anything more than this, but it is simply reality that the news focus will be on the mother of all state funerals. Bush, as the sitting president, obviously has the “advantage” and the “bully pulpit” to use, and so he will use it. That is simply the breaks. If Bush were to overplay his hand and truly exploit it, it would backfire, and he would know it. Besides, I may be in the minority, but I am convinced that Bush is a decent, good man. I believe he will use this time to sincerely remember a man he knows and truly loves. (He spent time in the White House with Reagan while his father was VP. Bush speaks from first hand experience few others had. I, for one, look forward to what Bush has to say.)
James from Dallas
James says:
Finally, in regards to another post, I find commending Kerry for cancelling his events laughable. He had no choice.
Yes, he certainly did have a choice. He could have cancelled only on the day of the funeral. Kerry worked with Reagan. I don’t find it laughable that he may be mourning him, also. Kerry, with his friendship of McCain, shows he can seperate politics from people. But, please, continue to find Bush the only one who is sincere about Reagans passing. The funeral is already bringing out partisanship, and I don’t see it from the left.
“well, Look at all the Republicans get upset”
Uh, if you mean Dee, DD, and PADSUCKS, I suspect they are all one and the same. You can add my name to the list of people who will likely vote for Bush who are not at all upset over PAD’s statement.
Though I would take issue over the idea that most of the things PAD predicted could be considered as “exploiting” Reagan’s name. Now if they do what was done at Paul Wellstone’s funeral…it will likely backfire as it did there. Just ask Senator Mondale.
Oh, and Dee? (DD, PADSUCKS, etc) A few more fake names you can post under: IHAVENOLIFE, TROLL4EVER, IMADICK, EPIWSSA,and STILLADICK.
I find it difficult to believe that such a pushy and arrogant person would have enough friends to make a huge difference in sales.
Peter:
Unfortunately for the odds makers in Vegas, I’m too smart to make any sucker bets. However I will lay you even odds that even the Democrats at least do the moment of silence bit too, if not actually mention Reagan in any speech.
Karen,
You are once again a voice of reason. I do feel part of kerry’s reasoning had to be because officials and the like would be concentrating on the funeral and also because the funeral would be dominating news coverage.
But, I do also feel Kerry has enough decency to simply do it out of respect.
it’s easy to be a cynic; being an optimist is harder:)
I’m far from beeing one of Pete’s “blog buddies”, but the dirt-bag-publicans are going to exploit Reagan for everything they can.
It’s a simple political fact. Those who are too devoted to Bush are just fooling themselves. That’s no reflection on Reagan, I wish his Alheimer’s hadn’t prevented him from commenting on Der Furher GWB’s policies…
Would’ve been real interesting…
Dee,
Oh, and before i forget, the United States is Israel’s biggest ally. For you to take such an anti semitic role is a true diservice to President Reagan. We have stood by Israel when other countries would not.
just a little reminder.
Karen: “I find it difficult to believe that such a pushy and arrogant person would have enough friends to make a huge difference in sales.”
Hëll, I find it difficult to believe that someone who can only spell correctly maybe 50% of the time can handle the word ‘boycott,’ let alone start one.
that OTHER John Byrne
And I am sure that if Regan was a Democrat, you could count on Kerry or other key Democrats to either meet or exceed the odds PAD spelled out.
Now then, on another but related topic.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Mr. David, as well as all the rest of you out there in e-land, are entitled to your opinions and feelings in this country under the first admendment.
And while Peter certainly does not need me to defend any of his words and/or actions, at least he has been a lot more politer than some of you.
You are more than welcome to agree or disagree with anything posted by me or anyone else here, but at least be polite people!
This is an open website!
What if someone (a child perhaps?) who just discovered their first Peter David written item came to this website out of curiousity and read some of the stuff you’ve posted here?
Still happy with how you’ve expressed yourself?
I was glad to see Kerry suspend active campaigning for a few days. Classy move.
I’m a liberal lefty who didn’t agree with Reagan’s politics. But I always loved the man’s sense of humor. Heck, even the joke about bombing the Russians in five minutes was funny. He had a magical gift that few people had, and I wish more of our politicians had that gift.
My heart goes out to the Reagan family. I just got married this year, and I hope I never have to go through what Nancy went through these last 10 years. Losing your husband swiftly is one level of hëll; watching him slowly suffer and forget you is a much deeper level of hëll.
“And Peter, So what if Bush mentions Reagan or Lincoln, or any other former President, republican or democrat”
Did everyone fail reading comprehension in school?
Peter’s not saying that Bush shouldn’t mention Reagan…Theoreticly, Reagan was something of a mentor/father figure/personal friend to Bush Jr, so of course he’ll mention him, of the loss and respect he likely feels.
Peter’s talking about using Reagan’s death as in an opportunistic way. To use a very crass overt example, “Vote for George, because Ronnie would want you too!”.
There’s a clear difference between showing respect for someone and dropping their name to build yourself up.
THAT’S what Peter’s talking about.
Thanks Jerome. I sincerely believe politicians do quite a lot of things for appearances sake. I just don’t think that’s the case this time. I hope he is doing this for the right reasons. And I would rather be an optimist that gets shot down every so often, than a person without hope. It sure does get harder every day…
Bladestar,
you are just as bad as Dee. All I ever read from you is insults & venom. Look @ Tim & Karen. Can’t you follow their example as opposed to always being so angry.
Dee,
First, let me just say that I will fight for your right to say what you have to say. It is something I believe in.
Second, and I do not intend this to be an insult by any means, but could you please post messages that are less… I don’t know, adversarial?
I’ve seen you post some solid ideas in the past. I believe that you have something to say and that it could be worth hearing…err… reading. To be blunt, these prior hateful posts of yours are beneath you. I believe that you are better than that.
Please don’t prove me wrong.
Salutations,
Mitch
Daryl and Charlie Griefer,
PLEASE do not lump “righties” in with the insane rantings of DEE/DD/PADSUCKS/AMERICAN. I write for a living, and can detect certain writing styles, and can tell you with absolute certainty that all of the above are the same person.
The same sad, demented person.
Jerome
Karen: The funeral is already bringing out partisanship, and I don’t see it from the left.
Really? On the right I see nothing but admiration and respect for the passing of one of our presidents. I haven’t seen a word about how Reagan relates to the current election cycle. Look at PAD’s response, though. He has used Reagan’s passing to tweak the noses of “neocons” and “GOP figures”.
Who’s being partisan?
Joe,
Yes, Bladestar has a lot of anger, but he is certainly not as bad as Dee. I’m surprised he/she hasn’t broken the keyboard apart with the level of vitriol it takes to post these messages. I’m sure he/she must be banging the heck out of the keys. That said, thanks for the compliment.
Ben Rosenberg,
I can understand your being upset over DEE/ DD/ PADSUCKS/AMERICAN’s insane, anti-Semitic rantings.
But again, I would bet a month’s salary that they are the same person, and to disparage the Right-wing and Reagan in response just brings you and the whole discussion down to his/her level.
You’re better than that. We all should be.
Mark,
PAD made an observation. He did not tweak anyones noses. It really isn’t much of a partisan comment. He is talking directly about what he perceives to be the character of the man running for office. Not the whole republican party. Just commenting based on the past use of Roves PR machine.