One More Campaign for the Gipper

After a "72 hour stretch of glowing remembrances" of Ronald Reagan, "Republicans and Democrats began crafting statements" about the late president "that suited their political goals." Bush-Cheney campaign manager Ken Mehlman told the New York Times, "In many ways, George W. Bush and the policies that he put forward stand on the shoulders of Ronald Reagan." The Bush-Cheney campaign website also features a "living memorial" to Reagan. (Interestingly, then-Congressman Dick Cheney implored President Reagan to "really cut defense" and faulted Reagan for "tolerating a decision-making process ... that lacked integrity and accountability," according to Misleader.org.) Democrats "are praising Reagan for qualities they often say Bush lacks." John Kerry said, "President Reagan ... taught us that there is a big difference between strong beliefs and bitter partisanship," and praised Nancy Reagan for her stem-cell research advocacy.