I realize that political leaders who will exploit national tragedies and play on our worst fears aren’t predisposed to dignity. But even I’m a little surprised at the spend with which Republicans are exploiting Ronald Reagan’s death for political purposes. If nothing else, the GOP deserves credit for being efficient.
It started quickly over the weekend. While Kerry and the Dems were offering fond tributes to a president with whom they clashed 20 years ago, the GOP quickly alerted political reporters to a series of old Kerry quotes criticizing Reagan. Classy.
The exploitation has only gotten worse. For example, take a quick look at the official Bush-Cheney campaign website. I mean it; go right now. I’ll wait.
Let me say it again — this is the president’s campaign website, not a blog run by Dinesh D’Souza.
Of course, congressional Republicans are not only acting fast to pay immediate tribute to one of their icons, they’re moving to make the tribute permanent.
Hoping that Dems will offer minimal opposition the week of Reagan’s funeral, Republicans furiously started drafting legislation yesterday that would place Reagan’s face on “at least three different bank notes and coins,” including the $20 bill and the half-dollar.
Dems, well aware of the political climate, are considering simply staying in their home districts this week. I can’t say I blame them. The legislative calendar has been scrapped altogether for the week, and the only votes GOP leaders are likely to bring to the floor are Reagan-related tributes. Voting for the bills would go against their conscience, while voting against them would appear callous. Better to skip the proceedings.
I suspect somewhere in DC today, a team of Republicans are trying to figure out how to exploit Reagan’s death and the attacks of 9/11 at the same time, particularly at the GOP convention. It’s not easy to pull off, but I’m sure they’ll think of something.