Opinionated News

Nancy Reagan has long been on my list of women I admire.  I’m not sure about Ronald Reagan’s time in the White House, but the man behind the desk I liked.  I knew enough about this Presidency that Nancy was very much the power behind the man behind the desk.  Their relationship was something I think many married couples would aspire to.  He openly said the White House was empty to him if Nancy wasn’t there.  I remember watching this great man’s funeral and feeling the sadness coming from Nancy as she shared her late husband’s last hours with the public.  She supported his life and his campaigns, his children and his ideals.  So it came as a big surprise yesterday to find out that not only is she not as big a fan of this McCain/Palin ticket as one might expect, but that she’s actually impressed with Barack Obama.

This unexpected revelation comes from the mouth of the Reagan’s only son Ron Jr and it’s in a video interview you can listen to in the link below.  Whilst Nancy Reagan has done what the party would expect and endorsed John McCain as the Republican choice, I feel it’s a measure of her character to do what she feels is right as well as what’s expected as the wife of one of America’s most popular late Presidents.  So many times we all say what we think others want to hear because we don’t want to rock the boat, or get people mad with us, but having the courage to speak up for her party’s opponent is no doubt going to be seen as nothing short of treachery by some quarters.  I don’t think it’s treachery.  I think it’s taking the facts, and your understanding of them and using them to make an informed decision rather than blindly following the path you’re expected to walk. 

As on the day I watched Nancy Reagan lay a hand on the coffin of her husband on a rare moment of “privacy” during the Washington part of his funeral, I find myself admiring the grace and courage of this woman.  Whether she’s wrong or right, whether her son is wrong or right to “out” his mother’s views, isn’t what I’m blogging about today.  This is about the measure of a woman who has the courage to think outside of her box – a woman who was born too soon and who could certainly have had a major part in politics herself.  If she were younger, this woman I would accept as a Republican Hillary!

If you’re interested in hearing what Ron Reagan Jr actually said, this will link you through to the Newsweek video. http://www.newsweek.com/id/40211?bcpid=1378342539&bclid=1380400424&bctid=1770042562

Trackback URI | Comments RSS