Interesting, Ronald Reagan's son to speak at the DNC..

[SirFozzie]

(although he won't endorse Kerry. I think he's got guts.)

July 12, 2004 | WASHINGTON (AP) -- Democrats have snagged a high-profile speaker -- and a measure of political one-upmanship -- for this month's convention: Ron Reagan, son of the conservative Republican icon.

Reagan, the youngest child of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, will address the Democratic National Convention about stem cell research during a prime-time slot when Democrats meet July 26-29 in Boston, an official said.

Opening night is reserved for former presidents: Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. On the second day, Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy will address the audience. The vice presidential pick will speak July 28, and presumed Democratic nominee John Kerry will close the convention July 29 with his acceptance speech.

Reagan, 46, has been critical of the Bush administration's restriction of federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research and the war in Iraq. He often disagreed with Reagan administration policies as well.

"Ron Reagan's courageous pleas for stem cell research add a powerful voice to the millions of Americans hoping for cures for their children, for their parents and for their grandparents," said David Wade, a spokesman for Kerry.

Reagan said his speech will deal only with the subject of stem cell research, something he and Nancy Reagan have argued could lead to cures for a number of diseases like the Alzheimer's that afflicted his father. Because the extraction of stem cells destroys day-old embryos, groups that link it to abortion oppose it.

"If they had asked me to say a few words about throwing George Bush out of office, I wouldn't do it," Reagan told The Philadelphia Inquirer. "This gives me a platform to educate people about stem cell research."

[timmynausea]

(although he won't endorse Kerry. I think he's got guts.)

July 12, 2004 | WASHINGTON (AP) -- Democrats have snagged a high-profile speaker -- and a measure of political one-upmanship -- for this month's convention: Ron Reagan, son of the conservative Republican icon.

Reagan, the youngest child of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, will address the Democratic National Convention about stem cell research during a prime-time slot when Democrats meet July 26-29 in Boston, an official said.

Opening night is reserved for former presidents: Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. On the second day, Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy will address the audience. The vice presidential pick will speak July 28, and presumed Democratic nominee John Kerry will close the convention July 29 with his acceptance speech.

Reagan, 46, has been critical of the Bush administration's restriction of federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research and the war in Iraq. He often disagreed with Reagan administration policies as well.

"Ron Reagan's courageous pleas for stem cell research add a powerful voice to the millions of Americans hoping for cures for their children, for their parents and for their grandparents," said David Wade, a spokesman for Kerry.

Reagan said his speech will deal only with the subject of stem cell research, something he and Nancy Reagan have argued could lead to cures for a number of diseases like the Alzheimer's that afflicted his father. Because the extraction of stem cells destroys day-old embryos, groups that link it to abortion oppose it.

"If they had asked me to say a few words about throwing George Bush out of office, I wouldn't do it," Reagan told The Philadelphia Inquirer. "This gives me a platform to educate people about stem cell research."

He was on the O'Franken factor a couple weeks ago. Apparently he is a liberal. He also said his dad "crapped bigger" than GW. It's the truth.

[Franklinnoble]

Bah. This is the political equivalent of Roger Clinton speaking at the RNC.

[Leonidas]

R. Reagan has been a known democrat forever. Back in the 80's he frequently went on record speaking out against his father's policies. There's no smoking gun here. Just the democrats blatantly trying to use the Reagan name against the republicans. They could have had Ron speak in 2000 or 1996, but chose this particular convention to have him speak. In a way it's kind of sad they stoop so low so soon after Reagan died.

[Buccaneer]

On the second day, Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy will address the audience.
The Emperor has no clothes.

[clintl]

R. Reagan has been a known democrat forever. Back in the 80's he frequently went on record speaking out against his father's policies. There's no smoking gun here. Just the democrats blatantly trying to use the Reagan name against the republicans. They could have had Ron speak in 2000 or 1996, but chose this particular convention to have him speak. In a way it's kind of sad they stoop so low so soon after Reagan died.

One, my understanding that Ron Reagan is an independent, not a Democrat. Two, he seems just as eager for the opportunity to speak there as the Democrats are to have him, so I don't know how this can be viewed as "stooping low." The whole Reagan family is firmly opposed to Bush's stem cell policy, and they obviously see right now, with the memories of Reagan's death fresh on people's minds, as the time they can communicate their message most effectively. What they are doing is no different than what many others who have lost loved ones to terminal diseases do - making supporting the most promising research paths for a cure their life's mission.

[Tigercat]

They accepted a Reagan to speak about an important issue in the wake of his fathers death. I don't see how this can be seen as a low thing. Yes it will be beneficial to the party, but at the same time it gives airtime to an issue that is important to the family of the man who died. Would any political party in their place say "no." ? Not only would it not be beneficial to say no, I am not entirely sure it would be the "right" thing to do.

[kcchief19]

The Democrats are giving Ron Reagan an opportunity to speak to the nation in prime time about stem cell research, an issue very important to him because stem cell research may well hold the key to curing diseases such as Alzheimer's that took his father away from him and his family. Republicans are saying the Democrats are the bad guys, yet it's the Republicans who have put the kibash on stem cell research. How does that work?

Is it a political stunt? Sure. That's what politics is about. Democrats are using Ron Reagan, Ron Reagan is using the Democrats. Life isn't a Jimmy Stewart movie. If you don't like it, then you all need to go find yourself a nice third party candidate and get him or her elected. Until then, this is what we got.

And remember that you can't accuse someone else of stooping low without stooping low yourself. It's a catch-22.

Man, I'm a cranky bastard tonight. Sorry everybody.

[Leonidas]

One, my understanding that Ron Reagan is an independent, not a Democrat. Two, he seems just as eager for the opportunity to speak there as the Democrats are to have him, so I don't know how this can be viewed as "stooping low." The whole Reagan family is firmly opposed to Bush's stem cell policy, and they obviously see right now, with the memories of Reagan's death fresh on people's minds, as the time they can communicate their message most effectively. What they are doing is no different than what many others who have lost loved ones to terminal diseases do - making supporting the most promising research paths for a cure their life's mission.

I have great respect for Ron, and was very moved by his eulogy to his father. I also understand Ron is his own man and is going to do what he feels is best. I'm not questioning Ron's motives in the least.

All that said, no way in hell you can get me to believe the democrats are putting him up on the stage in the interest of advancing party policy on science (there are others far more technically qualified to speak to this issue). He has been invited to speak for one reason, and that is his name. He could get up there and talk about the merits of cow tipping and the party would be equally delighted to have a Reagan speak, while the Republicans do not.

[kcchief19]

He could get up there and talk about the merits of cow tipping and the party would be equally delighted to have a Reagan speak, while the Republicans do not. I would be STUNNED if the Republican convention goes by without a prime time salute to Ronald Reagan and/or appearances by some member of his family, if not a speech. You can take it to the bank.

[sabotai]

I would be STUNNED if the Republican convention goes by without a prime time salute to Ronald Reagan and/or appearances by some member of his family, if not a speech. You can take it to the bank.

That wouldn't be stooping though, that would be "honoring". See how this works? Tricky, isn't it? ;)

[NoMyths]

I would be STUNNED if the Republican convention goes by without a prime time salute to Ronald Reagan and/or appearances by some member of his family, if not a speech. You can take it to the bank.That's what makes the whole "stooping low" argument invalid. This convention is going to be all but dedicated to Reagan (if it literally isn't), with tributes and speeches galore. As, quite frankly, it should be. There's nothing wrong with honoring a former President, regardless of your political party.

[Tigercat]

I have great respect for Ron, and was very moved by his eulogy to his father. I also understand Ron is his own man and is going to do what he feels is best. I'm not questioning Ron's motives in the least.

All that said, no way in hell you can get me to believe the democrats are putting him up on the stage in the interest of advancing party policy on science (there are others far more technically qualified to speak to this issue). He has been invited to speak for one reason, and that is his name. He could get up there and talk about the merits of cow tipping and the party would be equally delighted to have a Reagan speak, while the Republicans do not.

If a Reagan with public speaking experience wanted to go up there and speak at either convention, either party would except it. 1) It allows either party to pay respects towards the man. If you think either party is so full of self interested bastards that they wouldnt want to somehow honor an american president, then you must have a low opinion of people. 2) It would benefit either party to have a Reagan speak at their convention.

And the kicker happens to be, that yes he is speaking about an issue that means something to Democrats. The plus would be just as big for the Republicans if they were the party that was pro-stem cell research. If you want to call it all self surving for the Democrats, thats fine. We all do things that are self serving. But your kidding yourself if you think that its something low that only the Democrats would agree to.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Eh, non-news AFAIC.

Little Ron pretty much is what he is. I'll agree with some others here who point out that the nature of all politics is often self-serving, so I don't really have any criticism to level at the DNC for pulling this publicity stunt. (Which is the same phrase I'd use if Chelsea Clinton decided to speak at the GOP convention -- it is what it is regardless of who does it).

Now for Little Ronnie though ... associating himself with the Dems is a pretty low point, but I don't think he really has much to lose. I mean, who really gives a rip about him on most days?

[sterlingice]

The Emperor has no clothes.
Dear god. Ted Kennedy better be wearing clothes! And you thought the Janet Jackson thing would cause FCC nightmares. Wait, that wasn't what you meant...

SI

[Swaggs]

The Republicans in congress could easily take control of this issue and make the Reagan speech a non-event by supporting stem-cell research (some, like Sen. Orrin Hatch, are already trying to do so) and overturning Bush's policy.

[Daimyo]

GO TEAM! GO!.