The Claim: Nancy Reagan participates in ‘Séances,’ a ritual believed to summon dead people for communication.
[youtube="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59XB68F54kA"]
The Truth:
Obama bore flase gossip–because if you go to fight the smears–you’ll find it never happened.
Well actually, to find out what really happened, I just resurrected some old college books devoted to the Reagan years.
The fact is Nancy Reagan never tried to speak with dead people.
The only thing that may be misconstrued for ‘Séances’ is when the first lady hired an astrologer to assist in planning and organizing Ronald Reagan’s schedule.
It was later revealed that she just enjoyed this woman’s company and insights into life.
But this revelation created a bit of a mini-scandal for President Reagan, so much so that Reagan stated publically astrology did not influence his administration.
It is not suprising to me that Obama made this cheap shot, directed towards a former first lady, widow, and hospital patient (she fractured her pelvis).
We have just witness two campaigns in which the attacks on women candidates were unprecedented, not to mention offensive. And the fact more women are not standing up against this behavior suggests a lot of women do not get the respect they deserve.
I was touched earlier this year, by one woman who respects herself. Her name is Wendy Button. She wrote speeches for Barack Obama. She also wrote for the Huffington Post.
This rising star left a promising career writing writing speeches for Obama. She could not, in good conscious, work for people that represented the antithesis of her beliefs. (I encourage you to read her full manuscript). Here is an excerpt that sums up one central theme:
Not only has this party belittled working people in this campaign, it has also been part of tearing down two female candidates. (Wendy Button, A speechwriter for Obama, Edwards, and Clinton on why she’s voting McCain, The Daily Beast, 10/31/08).
I hope my daughter fights for what is right as well.
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Update: The Obama team just released this statement:
“President-elect Barack Obama called Nancy Reagan today to apologize for the careless and off-handed remark he made during today’s press conference. The President-elect expressed his admiration and affection for Mrs. Reagan that so many Americans share and they had a warm conversation,” said Stephanie Cutter, transition team spokeswoman.
