President Obama’s delegation to the funeral of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is drawing some flak in London.
Two former Republican Secretaries of State — James Baker and George Shultz — will lead the U.S. delegation to the Thatcher funeral on Wednesday.
Some British press reports noted that the delegation does not include a former president or a member of the current Obama administration.
“Friends and allies of Baroness Thatcher expressed ‘surprise and disappointment’ last night as it emerged President Obama is not planning to send any serving member of his administration to her funeral,” reports the Daily Mail.
The Sun called it a “snub,” and said that “Downing Street is most angered by rejections from Obama, First Lady Michelle and Vice-President Joe Biden. And none of the four surviving ex-US leaders — Jimmy Carter, George Bush Sr, Bill Clinton and George Bush Jr. — is coming either.”
Obama administration will not send rep to Thatcher funeral. You’re welcome, England.
— David Burge (@iowahawkblog) April 16, 2013
DONATE
Donations tax deductible
to the full extent allowed by law.
Comments
Another déclassé move by a déclassé president.
I am disappointed that George W isn’t going.
He very well may be, but not in an official capacity. And secret service-wise, probably won’t be publicized.
After all, it is the policy of any DECENT president to NOT step on the toes of the current president in office, and that may be another reason why he isn’t going (if he doesn’t sneak in under the radar).
W might not be going as this is the week his library opens.
41 is too ill Clinton should go
carter should not
Jenna (his daughter) just had a baby, so he may not be going to be with family.
W and Thatcher had very little actual business, too.
Sorry, don’t buy ANY of these excuses for the Bushes opting out.
H.W. and Thatcher were colleagues, both in power at the same time.
I get that H.W. is in bad health and can’t make it himself, but it is VERY TELLING that the Bushes really STILL want nothing to do – ideologically or personally – with the Reagan/Thatcher view of governance.
Remember, it was H.W. whom Thatcher said “don’t go wobbly.”
The Bushes have probably never forgotten that most public outing of just how much Thatcher knew of just how “wobbly” H.W. was … even as Reagan’s VP.
These are the real reasons the Bushes aren’t sending anyone. IMO. Based on cold, hard facts.
And I don’t understand these “don’t go wobbly” comments. Clearly, GHWB did not “go wobbly” and it is rather condescending to imply that he would have without Thatcher’s comment. And the comment sounds rather normal and supportive. Why read into it some real concern? You never supported a friend? Oh never mind. Just another attempt to discredit GHWB.
And GWB had other things plus he probably would have been a distraction.
Agreed. Most folks probably don’t know that one of the first things Bush ’41 did was eliminate every Reaganite he could find from his administration.
Neither Bush is a very strong political conservative.
Must not offend the base!
Surprise and disappointment are the usual reactions of normal people when dealing with this administration.
As a country, we want to send our respects, can’t think of anyone in the current administration who qualifies as respectful. I can’t believe people are seriously suggesting that Biden should have attended.
I do understand that Pres. Freakout is preparing an iPod with all his covers of Al Green songs, to send along to the family.
ha … I was about to post an ipod comment.
He’ll also send a copy of “Dreams from my Father”, about how Obama took on his father’s dream of rooting out the colonialists, and establishing Marxism.
http://www.texasgopvote.com/issues/stop-big-government/obamas-dream-america-2016-004518
Don’t diss Al Green. Al has twice avoided appearing at the WH. His a pastor, and hopefully not of the Jeremiah Wright pro-abortion variety.
Thatcher represented everything that is wrong with conservatives in the world view of the liberal/progressive hoards currently running our country.
Hard and correct choices are seldom long appreciated by these types of individuals and groups.
I think that history in the long run will have a much more favorable view just as in the case of Reagan. Facts eventually trump utopian logic.
Deep down I don’t think that the supporters of Mrs. Thatcher would appreciate any of the current crowd in DC to participate anyway…
Which is also why the Bushes aren’t sending anyone.
This is the greatest honor this administration could have granted Thatcher.
Definitely!
France is our biggest ally, declares Obama: President’s blow to Special Relationship with Britain.
Anything to upset our real allies is a job well done as far as ObaMao is concerned. After all, France has a lot of Muslim population and possibly a lot of his funding came from there. Just protecting his own interests I suppose.
1. I called the British Embassy to pay respects to Mrs. Thatcher, and to indicate disagreement with our government’s failure to send a present or former President to her funeral.
I got:
a. an automated switchboard narrated with a stereotypical annoyingly high-pitched female Brit accent, which after several options directed me to press ‘0’, whereupon
b. after several rings I was switched to a voicemail box.
Presumably there are lessons to be drawn from the experience, but at the moment I can’t articulate them.
2. Godspeed, Maggie.
3. Although such decisions should not be taken in the passion of the moment (and it’s the Brits’ business, not mine), I am favorably disposed to the talk of erecting a statue in Trafalgar Square.
Omg no ! A British accent at the British Embassy.
Omg no ! A British accent at the British Embassy.
It’s hard to believe you overlooked the phrase stereotypical annoyingly high-pitched.
I’d assumed the Guardian banned you because of your politics, but that’s not necessarily the right explanation.
I’m pretty sure Baker and Shultz were already on the guest list so it’s not like Obama is actually sending anyone.
Prince Barry of Kenya is just about the most mean spirited person on the planet.
President Obama correctly recognizes the necessity of avoiding leadership comparisons between the likes of himself and the Iron Lady.
In his tribute he stated that Michelle & he would be continuing her work.
Also the WH lacks a Protocal Officer & no one knows WTF to do in formal situations. Who can forget his bizarre toast to the Queen during ‘God Save The Queen’. She had to tell him to put the glass down .
Michelle is out because there is no lobster just little triangle sammitches.
[…] via Legal Insurrection […]