I don't think there's anything Kerry can do about Reagan's death that won't be interpreted as politicizing the matter - including this. Oughta be interesting to hear how Hannity, Limbaugh and pals react to this, but it also oughta be awfully predictable.
Kerry Suspends Some Campaigning in Reagan TributeUPDATE: Now that I've re-read it, this is just about the only thing Kerry can do under the circumstances. There isn't any way he can be attacked on this, unless the neocons get pissed off that he thought of it first.
BOSTON (Reuters) - Democratic White House hopeful John Kerry on Sunday said he would suspend "overly political" campaigning for the next few days as a tribute to former president Ronald Reagan.
"Ronald Reagan's love of our country was absolutely infectious," Kerry told reporters outside St. Anthony's church in downtown Boston. "He was confident in his leadership, confident in America, and that confidence was felt in the world," he added.
Asked if he would forego campaigning, Kerry replied: "We're going to suspend any overly political rallies, things like that."
The presumptive Democratic nominee had been scheduled to campaign in Colorado, California and Arizona over the next few days.
Kerry said although Reagan and Democrats disagreed on issues, the former president "always disagreed with a smile, without partisanship."
Campaign aides said they would decide later on Sunday whether to suspend political advertising and how long the hiatus would be.
Kerry planned to go ahead with a scheduled commencement speech in Toledo, Ohio, on Sunday. He is expected to attend a memorial service for Reagan in Washington later in the week.
Reagan's passing will also finally underscore the major difference between Reagan and Bush. One was the eternal optimist. The other draws on frightening the public. The more the right remembers Reagan's strengths, the more Bush looks like the little maniac he really is.
