1.02.2007

Random Thoughts During the Ford Funeral

Everyone who is anyone in Washington is there in the National Cathedral. For that matter, any living person who has been anyone is there. The music leading up to the funeral was quite beautiful and stirring.

I wonder what it is like for the other former presidents who watch this pomp and circumstance whenever one of their number passes permanently from the scene. Do they wonder if they will be the next one in the flag-draped coffin, taking that slow ride down Pennsylvania Avenue to the National Cathedral?

George H.W. Bush's invocation of Dana Carvey's "Not gonna do it, wouldn't be prudent" cracked me up, and seemed to be a welcome light-hearted moment. The look on Bill Clinton's face at that moment was priceless. Tom Brokaw's description of those awful '70s clothes was amusing, too.