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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports
Nation Mourns Ronald Reagan, Interviews with Richard Thornburgh, Robert "Bud" McFarlane, Jim Kuhn
Aired June 11, 2004 - 17:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): A final tribute. With full pageantry and emotion, America bids farewell to Ronald Reagan.
GEORGE H.W. BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: He believed in America. So he made it his shining city on a hill.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: When he saw evil camped across the horizon, he called that evil by its name.
BLITZER: Final journey, heading home. The former president will be laid to rest as the sun sets in California.
We'll look at the Reagan years and the Reagan legacy with key members of his administration, and a White House insider.
ANNOUNCER: This is WOLF BLITZER REPORTS for Friday, June 11, 2004.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: It was carefully choreographed but deeply and openly felt. A majestic tribute, all the more striking for its sincerity at a state funeral here in Washington today. America took leave of Ronald Reagan, but it was as if the nation did not want to let go.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER (voice-over): With every step, every image, every word or verse, this day has history's signature. From a dignified departure at the Capitol to a cathedral filled to capacity with leaders past and present, a somber farewell, a celebration of the life of Ronald Reagan.
SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR, SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE: Rejoice together. Mourn together, labor and suffer together.
BLITZER: The late president's closest friends and staunchest allies pay tribute. Lady Margaret Thatcher, the former British prime minister, slowed by failing health, forced to deliver her eulogy on videotape.
LADY MARGARET THATCHER, FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM: He sought to mend America's wounded spirit, to restore the strength of the free world, and to free the slaves of communism.
BLITZER: Another close friend speaks of Reagan's grace and leadership.
BRIAN MULRONEY, FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA: And no one could more eloquently summon his nation to high purpose, or bring forth the majesty of the presidency and make it glow better than the man who referred to his own nation as a city on the hill.
BLITZER: The day's emotional watershed comes from the man who served at Reagan's side, and ascended in his wake.
G.H.W. BUSH: As his vice president for eight years, I learned more from Ronald Reagan than from anyone I encountered in all my years of public life. I learned kindness. We all did. I also learned courage.
BLITZER: But along with the sense of loss, stories of the lighter moments, and the Reagan humor.
G.H.W. BUSH: When asked, how did your visit go with Bishop Tutu, he replied, "So-so."
(LAUGHTER)
G.H.W. BUSH: And it was typical. It was wonderful!
BLITZER: The current President Bush speaks of the personal courage of the man he considers his political role model.
G.W. BUSH: Americans saw death approach Ronald Reagan twice, in a moment of violence and then in the years of departing light. He met both with courage and grace.
In these trials he showed how a man so enchanted by life can be at peace with life's end.
BLITZER: A family that for years had endured and prepare for this moment still cannot escape a raw sense of grief. The procession moves from Washington National Cathedral to Andrews Air Force Base, a final military salute. The plane departs for a final sunset burial in California. Ronald Reagan leaves Washington for the last time.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: And the body of the former president is being flown right now to California aboard that presidential jetliner. CNN's Thelma Gutierrez is awaiting the arrival of the plane at Port Mugu Naval Air Station in Ventura County.
Thelma, set the stage for us. What's going to happen when that plane lands, I guess, a little less than two and a half hours from now?
THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, that's absolutely exactly correct. It's going to land about 4:45 Pacific time. And when it does land we're told that the family will be on the plane. The remains will be carried out. And once they're carried out, Wolf, they'll be placed on the hearse. When they're placed on the hearse, a Marine band will begin playing "God Bless America,." And then there are four Howitzers here, which will give him a 21-gun salute.
Now you can take a look right behind me. You can see that all the preparations are under way for this ceremony. You can see that there are California Highway Patrol vehicles and motorcycles which will be part of that motorcade.
Several tents have also been set up with the local dignitaries who will greet them on the flight line. Among them, eight sailors from the USS Ronald Reagan who were chosen to represent the ship.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Serving a ship named after a president that was alive at the time was a great honor. And I feel connected now, being a part of the ceremony, now that he has passed. And it just gives me more strength and unexplainable amount of honor to be able to part of this, and to be able to connect.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GUTIERREZ: Many people here at Point Mugu also connect with the former president. After all this is the place where he and the former first lady flew in and out of many times when they came to California. And so, Wolf, again, people here waiting for the former president's arrival in about two and a half hours or so.
BLITZER: CNN's Thelma Gutierrez at Point Mugu Naval Air Station. And from there the body will be moved to the presidential library in Simi Valley, California for the final burial ceremony.
The Reagan administration produced many alumni. And many came together today for the state funeral. And they were joined later in what's being billed as a final cabinet meeting of sorts in honor of the late president.
Joining us now are two former Reagan officials. Robert McFarlane served as the national security adviser in Reagan's first term. Richard Thornburgh closed out the second term as the attorney general of the United States. Thanks to both of you for joining us. Attorney General, I know you were inside during this service today. What was it like?
RICHARD THORNBURGH, REAGAN'S ATTORNEY GENERAL: It was a marvelous service, a combination of that spectacular National Cathedral, the pageantry and the eloquence of the speakers, really, put a finishing cap on a weekend of mourning in this capital.
Although interestingly enough, while it was a week of mourning, it was not mournful. It was uplifting. I think people felt very good about President Reagan's life. So to see him go, but fulfilled in their expectations.
BLITZER: Ninety-three years. A good, long life with many things he can, obviously, be quite proud of.
Bud McFarlane, you there in there as well. What was it like for you?
ROBERT MCFARLANE, REAGAN'S NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Grace and dignity, qualities that Reagan enjoyed and personified.
I've just come back from Moscow, Wolf. And on the day that his passing was announced there, I went to a conference the next day and people went out of their way to say, thank you. God bless Ronald Reagan. And please give our love to Mrs. Reagan.
BLITZER: What did they say to you about his role in ending the Cold War, and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991?
MCFARLANE: Well, that's what is so surprising to me, at least. And that is, that here's a country that in the past ten years, while free, the average per capita income's dropped by two-thirds.
And yet today, peasants, cab drivers and everything else value that freedom that was stimulated and made possible by Ronald Reagan. And they believe that much more than their own personal welfare.
BLITZER: Dick Thornburgh, did the memorial service today at the National Cathedral, was that, you believe, what Ronald Reagan himself would have wanted? Because as we all know, in the last several years of his life with Alzheimer's, he was in no position to make those kinds of decisions.
THORNBURGH: Well it was clearly what Nancy Reagan wanted. She had a fine hand, I'm sure, in planning that pageantry and that ceremony. And given the fact that he relied and worked with her so much during his lifetime, I've got to suspect that it accurately reflected his wishes.
He probably would have been a little bit embarrassed as the excess of praise, because he was a very modest man. But I think it was a fitting tribute.
BLITZER: When you were the national security adviser, you used to brief him at least once a day, sometimes several times a day. Do you think he would have enjoyed this, to see the praise being heaped on him?
MCFARLANE: Well, Dick's right. He was a very self-deprecating guy, and yet his heart would have been warmed by the genuine fondness that was very evident today, I think, Wolf.
BLITZER: And if you take a look at the people, Bud McFarlane, who were in there, in the National Cathedral, not just Reaganites, these were people representing all walks of life, all political parties, the diplomatic corps and representatives from around the world. MCFARLANE: It really was. It really was a fitting witness to his greatness that he had so many foreign leaders, heads of state, Gorbachev and so forth. This is a man who's changed the course of history.
BLITZER: Was this the kind of event that you've experienced before in the many years, Dick Thornburgh, that you've been in Washington?
THORNBURGH: I was going to say, let's not kid ourselves, Ronald Reagan was a great fan of ceremony, when you look back over his career, at important junctures in his presidency, the ceremony was always carefully planned and done to a "T." So that I think that today's proceedings were all at peace with the kinds of things that he did -- he regarded the presidency as a sacred trust. It was not just another office to hold. It was something he felt personal responsible for its stewardship.
BLITZER: I got choked up when I heard the first President Bush almost lose it as we all saw during those words. He's very, very sentimental.
MCFARLANE: Well, he is, and today for him to be so obviously moved represents a kind of a metamorphous as he, at least I think, to have lived in the shadow of a president, a man he hoped that he would have beaten in 1980, plus to have been -- must have been a source of great frustration to President Bush. A man of considerable self confidence, but, clearly, he rose above that, and today was a very genuinely felt tribute.
THORNBURGH: And at the same time, he had a lot to be proud of, because his son acquitted himself marvelously. I thought his remarks today were spectacular.
BLITZER: President No. 43 did a beautiful job as well. I'm going to ask both of you to stand by. We're going to continue this conversation. The emotional final farewell to a beloved president. We'll talk about the 40th president of the United States a little bit more with Robert McFarlane and Dick Thornburgh. Also, a preview of the final ceremonies in California. We'll go back out to the Presidential Library in Simi Valley. And later, a look at the most memorable, most lasting memories of the funeral here in Washington for Ronald Reagan.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pull!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You receive the body of our brother Ronald for burial. Let us pray with confidence to God, the giver of life, that he will raise him to perfection in the company of the saints.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) BLITZER: The private side of President Reagan, just ahead. One of the people who knew him best talks about the beloved public servant.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Welcome back. We've been looking back at the Reagan years. Looking at the Reagan legacy. We're continuing our conversation with two Reagan alumni. The former national security adviser, Robert McFarlane, and the Reagan attorney general, Richard Thornburgh. Dick Thornburgh, a lot of people don't realize the impact of the Reagan legacy on the judicial process, the legal system, here in the United States.
THORNBURGH: It was extraordinary. I had the privilege of serving five different presidents in the department of justice, and no one of them even came close to the impact that Ronald Reagan had.
BLITZER: Tell our viewers why. What did he do?
THORNBURGH: He appointed 358 federal judges in total, 306 of whom are still serving. Most of them have life tenure, most of them were young. He appointed three Supreme Court justices, and the Chief Justice William Rehnquist. So the impact that he had on the judiciary was really unprecedented.
BLITZER: And in a very tangible practical way, it's being felt to this very day.
MCFARLANE: Absolutely. It's still a Reagan-oriented court system, but it's the old story about never knowing what you're getting when you appoint someone. Your expectations may be frustrated. President Reagan was opposed to "Roe versus Wade" and wanted to see it overturned, and yet two of the three justices that he appointed voted the other way to support "Roe versus Wade." Justice Kennedy and Justice O'Connor. Reminds me of that great story about Dwight Eisenhower when they asked him at the end of his presidency if he'd ever made any mistakes during his term in office. He said, "yes, I made two, and they're both sitting on the Supreme Court today." That was Warren and Brennan, who took a left turn when they got on the bench.
BLITZER: The legacy, what he has left in the area of foreign policy and international affairs clearly has been powerful, but although I would suspect in the post-9/11 era, the Soviet Union, the Cold War seeming like ancient history, things have changed dramatically.
MCFARLANE: Well, they have, and yet when you ask yourself, what was the central event of the late 20th century, it was clearly the Cold War and the risk of nuclear war. And today to think back on the legacy of Reagan, having brought down Marxism, ended the Cold War, reduced nuclear weapons for the first time in history. It is truly a historic legacy. It will be well recorded, I think.
BLITZER: And people will remember that for a long time and the sight of Mikhail Gorbachev there at the National Cathedral. It was pretty emotional, you have to admit.
MCFARLANE: Well, it really was an indication of Reagan that Gorbachev would come and bear witness to his friend and say very publicly how much he had done to make the Soviet Union a much better place.
BLITZER: Bud McFarlane, Dick Thornburgh, thanks for spending a few moments with us on this historic day.
And to our viewers, here's your chance to weigh in on the story. Our web question of the day is this -- "will President Reagan's legacy endure?" You can vote right now. Go to CNN.com/wolf. We'll have the results later for you this hour.
The personal side of President Reagan coming up. I'll speak live with Jim Kuhn, he was President Reagan's executive assistant during his second term, spent countless hours with him. Also, a live preview of the final ceremony, standing by for that in California. And a look back at today's tribute at the National Cathedral, as Washington says farewell to the 40th president.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Welcome back. Of all the people who worked in the White House during the Reagan years, few were as close to the late president as Jim Kuhn. He served as the president's executive assistant from 1985 to 1989. Jim Kuhn is with us today. And tell our viewers briefly, Jim, what was exactly your role? What did you have to do?
JIM KUHN, REAGAN'S FMR. EXEC. ASSISTANT: As executive assistant to President Reagan, you were responsible for taking him through the day, through the schedule, keeping him on time, and keeping him briefed on everything that he didn't -- he needed to know before every meeting, before every session, before every speech. As president, you go from domestic policy to foreign policy, to legislative affairs, to opportunities with the press. So you're constantly switching gears.
BLITZER: So it's fair to say that almost virtually every waking moment, when he was on the job, you were with him?
KUHN: That is correct. Whether it's during the day, business hours, or in the evening. If you're out in meetings, giving speeches, you were with him on weekends at Camp David.
BLITZER: You brought over this new "People" magazine. I'll show it to our viewers here. The first thing you mentioned to me when we saw this -- and I'll raise it up a little bit so our viewers can see -- you noticed the suit he was wearing.
KUHN: Yes. And I -- I don't recall him wearing that suit in the second term. So I thought that was a first-term photo, because of the nature of the pinstripe, and just having been with him so often, you remember those things.
BLITZER: It's amazing that you could remember that kind of detail, the suits, the ties, the shirts, almost everything involving the president still etched in your mind.
KUHN: There were many things about Mr. Reagan that were just indelible, yes, sir.
BLITZER: So when you were in the National Cathedral today saying good-bye to the president of the United States, how painful, how difficult -- I assume that was difficult? Was that for you?
KUHN: It was very difficult. You try to prepare yourself for it but it's just impossible and having been there, to me, it was the culmination. Having gone to so many memorial services with President Reagan for others over the years, that the dignity of that service today was the culmination of everyone that he had ever attended, but it was very hard, very, very difficult especially when the Marine orchestra and the armed forces choir sang -- played and sang the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." That was a song that impacted him very much, and I recall during campaigns going back to '79 and '80, in the right settings, we used to play that at campaign events and every time, Wolf, that it was ever played and he heard it, he always had tears in his eyes.
BLITZER: Did you choke up as well?
KUHN: I did. Today, I really did. Could not fight it back.
BLITZER: Was there another moment or two that still rings in your mind right now that you want to share with our viewers?
KUHN: From the memorial service today, very much so. Former President Bush. His very strong and eloquent words about Ronald Reagan, and what he meant to him in all of his years in public life, and the fact that Ronald Reagan had the biggest impact on him. And, Wolf, I have to tell you after the handoff of power 15 1/2 years ago when the Reagans left Washington, there were those that probably felt that maybe enough praise had not gone to Ronald Reagan with the handoff and the 40th president, Ronald Reagan, the 41st president and that maybe a strong enough endorsement was never conveyed by former President Bush, and he waited. He did it with great class. He waited until the final day to do it. So there are many of us that are embracing former President Bush today.
BLITZER: And you saw him nearly choke up. He almost lost it himself.
KUHN: Yes.
BLITZER: He's a very, very sentimental man. His son delivered a beautiful speech as well today.
KUHN: He certainly did. The president was eloquent. He has been outstanding to Mrs. Reagan throughout this whole process with everything that she's dealt with in terms of the Alzheimer's. President Bush, the president, has embraced Ronald Reagan throughout his presidency, from a domestic and foreign policy standpoint, and he spoke very strongly today. Absolutely.
BLITZER: Did you see that when she came in, he got out of his seat and escorted her and sat down with her.
KUHN: Yes.
BLITZER: That must have been so comforting to this former first lady?
KUHN: Very much so, and she will -- Mrs. Reagan will never forget that. That will be very meaningful in her mind for the rest of her life, without question.
BLITZER: Jim, I'm going to ask you to stand by because later tonight in our special coverage starting at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, you'll be back with me when we continue to cover the arrival of the presidential jet, bringing the coffin, bringing the body to the Point Mugu Naval Air Station. Jim Kuhn, thanks very much.
KUHN: Thank you.
BLITZER: It was a funeral, of course, fit for a president of the United States. Up next, we'll have a look back at the memorable sights and sounds of President Reagan's state funeral here in Washington today. Plus, we'll go live to California and the Reagan Library. We'll see the preparations already underway for this evening's sunset, emotional ceremony, the farewell to Ronald Reagan. And later, could President Reagan's death influence this year's presidential election here in the United States? Our Carlos Watson, standing by to join me for the inside edge.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: The magnificent tribute to a much-loved leader of the United States. Ahead on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS, the most memorable images and the most memorable sounds from the state funeral of Ronald Reagan; also, a preview of the final ceremony in California for the 40th president.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANNOUNCER: From our studios in Washington, once again, Wolf Blitzer.
BLITZER: Welcome back.
We'll have a live preview of the final service for President Reagan in California. That's coming up in just a moment.
First, though, my exclusive conversation earlier today with the new interim president of Iraq and the latest word on the fate of Iraq's former leader. I sat down with President Ghazi al-Yawar shortly after he attended today's state funeral here in Washington.
With the transfer of power scheduled for the end of this month, I asked him about the transfer of Saddam Hussein, who's now in U.S. custody.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) GHAZI AL-YAWAR, IRAQI INTERIM PRESIDENT: I think that would be happening after June 30. He should be transferred to Iraqi sovereignty, given that we can make sure we can protect him until we have the trial.
BLITZER: And when will that trial, based on what you know right now, begin?
AL-YAWAR: Sometime in the summer.
We have to start with the smaller elements in order to build testimonies and evidences to his trial. His trial will be the climax of the trials.
BLITZER: So, in other words, you'll start with Tariq Aziz or with others who were associated with Saddam Hussein and then eventually wind up with Saddam?
AL-YAWAR: This is how judiciary systems work in civilized world.
BLITZER: Have you personally seen Saddam Hussein since he was captured?
AL-YAWAR: No, sir, I haven't. I was asked to go and visit and see him, and I declined.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: President Ghazi Al-Yawar, the interim leader of Iraq, the interim president. The full interview, my exclusive interview with him will air Sunday on "LATE EDITION," the last word in Sunday talk. That airs Sunday, noon Eastern.
In just a moment, we'll go live to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California, where the former president will be laid to rest at sunset tonight.
First, though, rain clouds gathered over the National Cathedral here in Washington this morning, a bell tolled, and a steady drizzle cast a gray mist over the city streets, lined with umbrellas. After six days of mourning, America's long goodbye to the man lady Margaret Thatcher eulogized as the great liberator culminated in a solemn, emotional and often uplifting ceremony.
World leaders past and present gathered to celebrate and to pay tribute to the life of this nation's 40th president. We've tried to capture the essence of this moving day and now we want to share that with you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BISHOP JOHN BRYSON CHANE, DEAN, WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL: With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our brother Ronald for burial. Let us pray with confidence to God, the giver of life, that he will raise him to perfection in the company of the saints. Deliver your servant Ronald, oh sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set him free from every bond, that he may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God forever and ever.
MARGARET THATCHER, FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: Others prophesied the decline of the West; he inspired America and its allies with renewed faith in their mission of freedom. Others saw only limits to growth; he transformed a stagnant economy into an engine of opportunity. Others hoped at best for an uneasy cohabitation with the Soviet Union; he won the Cold War not only without firing a shot, but also by inviting enemies out of their fortress and turning them into friends.
BRIAN MULRONEY, FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA: He possessed a rare and prized gift called leadership, that ineffable and magical quality that sets some men and women apart so that millions will follow them as they conjure up grand visions and invite their countrymen to dream big and exciting dreams.
GEORGE H.W. BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: As his vice president for eight years, I learned more from Ronald Reagan than from anyone I encountered in all my years of public life. I learned kindness; we all did. I also learned courage; the nation did.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: In his last years he saw through a glass darkly. Now he sees his savior face to face.
And we look for that fine day when we will see him again, all weariness gone, clear of mind, strong and sure and smiling again, and the sorrow of this parting gone forever.
May God bless Ronald Reagan and the country he loved.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: Ronald Reagan will be buried at sunset tonight at the presidential library in Simi Valley, California.
Our national correspondent Frank Buckley is there to set the scene for us -- Frank.
FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, the president's body and family members will be coming here via motorcade from Point Mugu, the Naval air base where the aircraft known as Air Force One when the president is aboard -- today, it's designated Special Air Mission 28000 -- will be landing and then they'll be coming here via motorcade.
But even before that landing takes place, a special moment. We have just learned from a family spokesman that SAM 28000 will make a low-altitude pass within sight of the Reagan Library here. So we will all be able to see that within the next couple of hours.
Once here, friends and family members, some 700 people from various points of President Reagan's life, will be here to greet him, celebrities, politicians, personal friends and family members. There'll be remembrances from the Reagan children, military honors, music, all for the 40th president of the United States -- Wolf.
BLITZER: Thanks very much, Frank Buckley.
And CNN, of course, will watch and carry all of that live for our viewers. Our special live coverage will begin at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time and continue throughout the night here on CNN.
Politicians from the left and the right have paid their last respects to Ronald Reagan, but will his death help President Bush in his bid for reelection? Up next, our Carlos Watson joins us for this week's "Inside Edge."
And later, a final farewell as a nation mourns. See how Americans across the United States are remembering Ronald Reagan on this national day of mourning. We'll get to all of that.
First, though, a quick look at some other news making headlines around the world.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER (voice-over): In Baghdad, fighting erupted between U.S. troops and militia loyal to radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Hospital and police officials say 14 Iraqi civilians were wounded, but it's unclear if they took part in the fighting.
In Britain, Prime Minister Tony Blair's ruling Labor Party has taken a pounding in local council elections. Returns show Labor finishing in an unprecedented third place. Labor members blame the outcome on voter anger over Mr. Blair's support of the Iraq war.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi faces a test of his support of the Iraq war this weekend. Italians vote tomorrow for representatives to the European Parliament. Many opponents of the war are expected to vote for Mr. Berlusconi's archrival, the head of the left-wing Olive Tree alliance.
And that's our look around the world.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: The death of former President Ronald Reagan has produced a steady stream of tributes, but will it also produce some sort of political plus for the Republicans, specifically President Bush?
It's time for "The Inside Edge" with our CNN political analyst Carlos Watson. He's joining us tonight live from Mountain View, California.
Carlos, before we get to that, I don't know if you noticed. There were a lot of young people who came out to pay their respects to Ronald Reagan, most of them even too young to remember his presidency. What, if anything, about the Reagan legacy does that suggest to you?
CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: I think two things.
I think, one, how strongly the parents felt. You remember that Ronald Reagan won 49 out of 50 states in 1984, a dramatic victory, 60 percent of the vote. So a lot of parents felt strongly about him.
And, secondly, the story of Ronald Reagan as told on TV is not the one of the classic, if you will, conventional politician, but it's an actor. It's a dad. He seems a little more genial, a little more comical in some cases -- better sense of humor, rather -- than others. So I think all of those probably led to some interest and curiosity. And I think, consequently, you saw a number of young people walking past the casket and a lot of interest broadly across the country.
BLITZER: I think everyone will agree that President Bush delivered a beautiful eulogy for Ronald Reagan today.
The question is this. And it's a straight-laced political question. Is there going to be a political spillover benefit for President Bush in his reelection campaign?
WATSON: I think there will be.
To use the words of former President Reagan, I think there will be a trickle-down bounce, if you will. I think all of the positive images you've seen about Ronald Reagan, the conversation around the Reagan economy, around the end of the Cold War, I think certainly among Reagan Democrats, perhaps particularly in the Midwest and the West, some of the battleground states like Nevada and Arizona, as well as Ohio and Michigan, I think it's certain to provide a couple of points to the president over the next several weeks.
The question is, will it last, given that next week we're likely to very quickly turn the page, as we once again focus on Iraq and the pending June 30 date? Don't forget Bill Clinton's book releases June the 22nd. And there's still the Michael Moore movie coming out. So I think there will be a short-term bounce, but I think there's a very serious question about how long that will last.
BLITZER: If you were a Republican strategist, how much time would you devote to Ronald Reagan at the Republican Convention in New York at the end of August?
WATSON: It's almost hard to mis -- remember, absent President Nixon, who died with a little bit of a cloud still over his head from Watergate, this is the first death of a former president in almost 30 years. We've got to go back to 1973.
So I think it would be hard not to offer a major tribute involving Nancy, maybe involving the kids. And you remember the Kennedy tributes over the years at various Democratic conventions. They've been very rousing, very sentimental. And I expect to see more here. By the way, I wouldn't be surprised to see someone like Lech Walesa, the former Solidarity leader from Poland, be part of that as well. We saw today Margaret Thatcher, another foreign leader, participate in the ceremonies.
BLITZER: Carlos Watson, as usual, joining us every Friday here on our program, thanks very much for joining us once again today.
WATSON: Good to see you.
BLITZER: Thanks, Carlos Watson.
And the heartfelt tribute in Washington has far -- was far from the only ceremony honoring President Reagan today. Coming up, we'll take a closer look at some of the observances across the United States to commemorate the contributions of the 40th president. And later, part of the service that brought a tear to the eyes of so many people in the cathedral.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Later this evening, CNN will go live to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California, where the former president will be buried at sunset.
Earlier, we showed you some of highlights of today's services at the National Cathedral here in Washington. But tributes honoring the former president have been under way all across this nation, as Americans find other ways to mark the passing of an admired leader.
Bells tolled, military gunfire crackled around the world, in fact. And tonight, even Las Vegas casinos plan to dim their lights. Here are some images of Americans in mourning. It's been a week full of memorable moments and images. Coming up in our picture of the day, a last look at today's funeral here at the Washington National Cathedral in the nation's capital.
And our Web question of the day is this: "Will President Reagan's legacy endure?" We'll have the results for you on that also when we come back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Here's how you're weighing in on our Web question of the day: Will President Reagan's legacy endure? Sixty-six percent of you say yes; 34 percent say no. Remember, this is not a scientific poll.
Before we leave, I want to remind you, I'll be back later tonight with CNN's special coverage. Paula Zahn and I will anchor that beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.
Then, please join me Sunday for "LATE EDITION," the last word in Sunday talk. Among my guests, I'll have an exclusive Sunday interview with the national security adviser to the president, Dr. Condoleezza Rice. Now our picture of the day, a hymn to the memory of President Ronald Wilson Reagan sung during services at the National Cathedral by the Irish tenor Ronan Tynan.
We leave you with "Amazing Grace."
(RONAN TYNAN SINGS "AMAZING GRACE")
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired June 11, 2004 - 17:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): A final tribute. With full pageantry and emotion, America bids farewell to Ronald Reagan.
GEORGE H.W. BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: He believed in America. So he made it his shining city on a hill.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: When he saw evil camped across the horizon, he called that evil by its name.
BLITZER: Final journey, heading home. The former president will be laid to rest as the sun sets in California.
We'll look at the Reagan years and the Reagan legacy with key members of his administration, and a White House insider.
ANNOUNCER: This is WOLF BLITZER REPORTS for Friday, June 11, 2004.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: It was carefully choreographed but deeply and openly felt. A majestic tribute, all the more striking for its sincerity at a state funeral here in Washington today. America took leave of Ronald Reagan, but it was as if the nation did not want to let go.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER (voice-over): With every step, every image, every word or verse, this day has history's signature. From a dignified departure at the Capitol to a cathedral filled to capacity with leaders past and present, a somber farewell, a celebration of the life of Ronald Reagan.
SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR, SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE: Rejoice together. Mourn together, labor and suffer together.
BLITZER: The late president's closest friends and staunchest allies pay tribute. Lady Margaret Thatcher, the former British prime minister, slowed by failing health, forced to deliver her eulogy on videotape.
LADY MARGARET THATCHER, FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM: He sought to mend America's wounded spirit, to restore the strength of the free world, and to free the slaves of communism.
BLITZER: Another close friend speaks of Reagan's grace and leadership.
BRIAN MULRONEY, FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA: And no one could more eloquently summon his nation to high purpose, or bring forth the majesty of the presidency and make it glow better than the man who referred to his own nation as a city on the hill.
BLITZER: The day's emotional watershed comes from the man who served at Reagan's side, and ascended in his wake.
G.H.W. BUSH: As his vice president for eight years, I learned more from Ronald Reagan than from anyone I encountered in all my years of public life. I learned kindness. We all did. I also learned courage.
BLITZER: But along with the sense of loss, stories of the lighter moments, and the Reagan humor.
G.H.W. BUSH: When asked, how did your visit go with Bishop Tutu, he replied, "So-so."
(LAUGHTER)
G.H.W. BUSH: And it was typical. It was wonderful!
BLITZER: The current President Bush speaks of the personal courage of the man he considers his political role model.
G.W. BUSH: Americans saw death approach Ronald Reagan twice, in a moment of violence and then in the years of departing light. He met both with courage and grace.
In these trials he showed how a man so enchanted by life can be at peace with life's end.
BLITZER: A family that for years had endured and prepare for this moment still cannot escape a raw sense of grief. The procession moves from Washington National Cathedral to Andrews Air Force Base, a final military salute. The plane departs for a final sunset burial in California. Ronald Reagan leaves Washington for the last time.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: And the body of the former president is being flown right now to California aboard that presidential jetliner. CNN's Thelma Gutierrez is awaiting the arrival of the plane at Port Mugu Naval Air Station in Ventura County.
Thelma, set the stage for us. What's going to happen when that plane lands, I guess, a little less than two and a half hours from now?
THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, that's absolutely exactly correct. It's going to land about 4:45 Pacific time. And when it does land we're told that the family will be on the plane. The remains will be carried out. And once they're carried out, Wolf, they'll be placed on the hearse. When they're placed on the hearse, a Marine band will begin playing "God Bless America,." And then there are four Howitzers here, which will give him a 21-gun salute.
Now you can take a look right behind me. You can see that all the preparations are under way for this ceremony. You can see that there are California Highway Patrol vehicles and motorcycles which will be part of that motorcade.
Several tents have also been set up with the local dignitaries who will greet them on the flight line. Among them, eight sailors from the USS Ronald Reagan who were chosen to represent the ship.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Serving a ship named after a president that was alive at the time was a great honor. And I feel connected now, being a part of the ceremony, now that he has passed. And it just gives me more strength and unexplainable amount of honor to be able to part of this, and to be able to connect.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GUTIERREZ: Many people here at Point Mugu also connect with the former president. After all this is the place where he and the former first lady flew in and out of many times when they came to California. And so, Wolf, again, people here waiting for the former president's arrival in about two and a half hours or so.
BLITZER: CNN's Thelma Gutierrez at Point Mugu Naval Air Station. And from there the body will be moved to the presidential library in Simi Valley, California for the final burial ceremony.
The Reagan administration produced many alumni. And many came together today for the state funeral. And they were joined later in what's being billed as a final cabinet meeting of sorts in honor of the late president.
Joining us now are two former Reagan officials. Robert McFarlane served as the national security adviser in Reagan's first term. Richard Thornburgh closed out the second term as the attorney general of the United States. Thanks to both of you for joining us. Attorney General, I know you were inside during this service today. What was it like?
RICHARD THORNBURGH, REAGAN'S ATTORNEY GENERAL: It was a marvelous service, a combination of that spectacular National Cathedral, the pageantry and the eloquence of the speakers, really, put a finishing cap on a weekend of mourning in this capital.
Although interestingly enough, while it was a week of mourning, it was not mournful. It was uplifting. I think people felt very good about President Reagan's life. So to see him go, but fulfilled in their expectations.
BLITZER: Ninety-three years. A good, long life with many things he can, obviously, be quite proud of.
Bud McFarlane, you there in there as well. What was it like for you?
ROBERT MCFARLANE, REAGAN'S NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Grace and dignity, qualities that Reagan enjoyed and personified.
I've just come back from Moscow, Wolf. And on the day that his passing was announced there, I went to a conference the next day and people went out of their way to say, thank you. God bless Ronald Reagan. And please give our love to Mrs. Reagan.
BLITZER: What did they say to you about his role in ending the Cold War, and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991?
MCFARLANE: Well, that's what is so surprising to me, at least. And that is, that here's a country that in the past ten years, while free, the average per capita income's dropped by two-thirds.
And yet today, peasants, cab drivers and everything else value that freedom that was stimulated and made possible by Ronald Reagan. And they believe that much more than their own personal welfare.
BLITZER: Dick Thornburgh, did the memorial service today at the National Cathedral, was that, you believe, what Ronald Reagan himself would have wanted? Because as we all know, in the last several years of his life with Alzheimer's, he was in no position to make those kinds of decisions.
THORNBURGH: Well it was clearly what Nancy Reagan wanted. She had a fine hand, I'm sure, in planning that pageantry and that ceremony. And given the fact that he relied and worked with her so much during his lifetime, I've got to suspect that it accurately reflected his wishes.
He probably would have been a little bit embarrassed as the excess of praise, because he was a very modest man. But I think it was a fitting tribute.
BLITZER: When you were the national security adviser, you used to brief him at least once a day, sometimes several times a day. Do you think he would have enjoyed this, to see the praise being heaped on him?
MCFARLANE: Well, Dick's right. He was a very self-deprecating guy, and yet his heart would have been warmed by the genuine fondness that was very evident today, I think, Wolf.
BLITZER: And if you take a look at the people, Bud McFarlane, who were in there, in the National Cathedral, not just Reaganites, these were people representing all walks of life, all political parties, the diplomatic corps and representatives from around the world. MCFARLANE: It really was. It really was a fitting witness to his greatness that he had so many foreign leaders, heads of state, Gorbachev and so forth. This is a man who's changed the course of history.
BLITZER: Was this the kind of event that you've experienced before in the many years, Dick Thornburgh, that you've been in Washington?
THORNBURGH: I was going to say, let's not kid ourselves, Ronald Reagan was a great fan of ceremony, when you look back over his career, at important junctures in his presidency, the ceremony was always carefully planned and done to a "T." So that I think that today's proceedings were all at peace with the kinds of things that he did -- he regarded the presidency as a sacred trust. It was not just another office to hold. It was something he felt personal responsible for its stewardship.
BLITZER: I got choked up when I heard the first President Bush almost lose it as we all saw during those words. He's very, very sentimental.
MCFARLANE: Well, he is, and today for him to be so obviously moved represents a kind of a metamorphous as he, at least I think, to have lived in the shadow of a president, a man he hoped that he would have beaten in 1980, plus to have been -- must have been a source of great frustration to President Bush. A man of considerable self confidence, but, clearly, he rose above that, and today was a very genuinely felt tribute.
THORNBURGH: And at the same time, he had a lot to be proud of, because his son acquitted himself marvelously. I thought his remarks today were spectacular.
BLITZER: President No. 43 did a beautiful job as well. I'm going to ask both of you to stand by. We're going to continue this conversation. The emotional final farewell to a beloved president. We'll talk about the 40th president of the United States a little bit more with Robert McFarlane and Dick Thornburgh. Also, a preview of the final ceremonies in California. We'll go back out to the Presidential Library in Simi Valley. And later, a look at the most memorable, most lasting memories of the funeral here in Washington for Ronald Reagan.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pull!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You receive the body of our brother Ronald for burial. Let us pray with confidence to God, the giver of life, that he will raise him to perfection in the company of the saints.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) BLITZER: The private side of President Reagan, just ahead. One of the people who knew him best talks about the beloved public servant.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Welcome back. We've been looking back at the Reagan years. Looking at the Reagan legacy. We're continuing our conversation with two Reagan alumni. The former national security adviser, Robert McFarlane, and the Reagan attorney general, Richard Thornburgh. Dick Thornburgh, a lot of people don't realize the impact of the Reagan legacy on the judicial process, the legal system, here in the United States.
THORNBURGH: It was extraordinary. I had the privilege of serving five different presidents in the department of justice, and no one of them even came close to the impact that Ronald Reagan had.
BLITZER: Tell our viewers why. What did he do?
THORNBURGH: He appointed 358 federal judges in total, 306 of whom are still serving. Most of them have life tenure, most of them were young. He appointed three Supreme Court justices, and the Chief Justice William Rehnquist. So the impact that he had on the judiciary was really unprecedented.
BLITZER: And in a very tangible practical way, it's being felt to this very day.
MCFARLANE: Absolutely. It's still a Reagan-oriented court system, but it's the old story about never knowing what you're getting when you appoint someone. Your expectations may be frustrated. President Reagan was opposed to "Roe versus Wade" and wanted to see it overturned, and yet two of the three justices that he appointed voted the other way to support "Roe versus Wade." Justice Kennedy and Justice O'Connor. Reminds me of that great story about Dwight Eisenhower when they asked him at the end of his presidency if he'd ever made any mistakes during his term in office. He said, "yes, I made two, and they're both sitting on the Supreme Court today." That was Warren and Brennan, who took a left turn when they got on the bench.
BLITZER: The legacy, what he has left in the area of foreign policy and international affairs clearly has been powerful, but although I would suspect in the post-9/11 era, the Soviet Union, the Cold War seeming like ancient history, things have changed dramatically.
MCFARLANE: Well, they have, and yet when you ask yourself, what was the central event of the late 20th century, it was clearly the Cold War and the risk of nuclear war. And today to think back on the legacy of Reagan, having brought down Marxism, ended the Cold War, reduced nuclear weapons for the first time in history. It is truly a historic legacy. It will be well recorded, I think.
BLITZER: And people will remember that for a long time and the sight of Mikhail Gorbachev there at the National Cathedral. It was pretty emotional, you have to admit.
MCFARLANE: Well, it really was an indication of Reagan that Gorbachev would come and bear witness to his friend and say very publicly how much he had done to make the Soviet Union a much better place.
BLITZER: Bud McFarlane, Dick Thornburgh, thanks for spending a few moments with us on this historic day.
And to our viewers, here's your chance to weigh in on the story. Our web question of the day is this -- "will President Reagan's legacy endure?" You can vote right now. Go to CNN.com/wolf. We'll have the results later for you this hour.
The personal side of President Reagan coming up. I'll speak live with Jim Kuhn, he was President Reagan's executive assistant during his second term, spent countless hours with him. Also, a live preview of the final ceremony, standing by for that in California. And a look back at today's tribute at the National Cathedral, as Washington says farewell to the 40th president.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Welcome back. Of all the people who worked in the White House during the Reagan years, few were as close to the late president as Jim Kuhn. He served as the president's executive assistant from 1985 to 1989. Jim Kuhn is with us today. And tell our viewers briefly, Jim, what was exactly your role? What did you have to do?
JIM KUHN, REAGAN'S FMR. EXEC. ASSISTANT: As executive assistant to President Reagan, you were responsible for taking him through the day, through the schedule, keeping him on time, and keeping him briefed on everything that he didn't -- he needed to know before every meeting, before every session, before every speech. As president, you go from domestic policy to foreign policy, to legislative affairs, to opportunities with the press. So you're constantly switching gears.
BLITZER: So it's fair to say that almost virtually every waking moment, when he was on the job, you were with him?
KUHN: That is correct. Whether it's during the day, business hours, or in the evening. If you're out in meetings, giving speeches, you were with him on weekends at Camp David.
BLITZER: You brought over this new "People" magazine. I'll show it to our viewers here. The first thing you mentioned to me when we saw this -- and I'll raise it up a little bit so our viewers can see -- you noticed the suit he was wearing.
KUHN: Yes. And I -- I don't recall him wearing that suit in the second term. So I thought that was a first-term photo, because of the nature of the pinstripe, and just having been with him so often, you remember those things.
BLITZER: It's amazing that you could remember that kind of detail, the suits, the ties, the shirts, almost everything involving the president still etched in your mind.
KUHN: There were many things about Mr. Reagan that were just indelible, yes, sir.
BLITZER: So when you were in the National Cathedral today saying good-bye to the president of the United States, how painful, how difficult -- I assume that was difficult? Was that for you?
KUHN: It was very difficult. You try to prepare yourself for it but it's just impossible and having been there, to me, it was the culmination. Having gone to so many memorial services with President Reagan for others over the years, that the dignity of that service today was the culmination of everyone that he had ever attended, but it was very hard, very, very difficult especially when the Marine orchestra and the armed forces choir sang -- played and sang the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." That was a song that impacted him very much, and I recall during campaigns going back to '79 and '80, in the right settings, we used to play that at campaign events and every time, Wolf, that it was ever played and he heard it, he always had tears in his eyes.
BLITZER: Did you choke up as well?
KUHN: I did. Today, I really did. Could not fight it back.
BLITZER: Was there another moment or two that still rings in your mind right now that you want to share with our viewers?
KUHN: From the memorial service today, very much so. Former President Bush. His very strong and eloquent words about Ronald Reagan, and what he meant to him in all of his years in public life, and the fact that Ronald Reagan had the biggest impact on him. And, Wolf, I have to tell you after the handoff of power 15 1/2 years ago when the Reagans left Washington, there were those that probably felt that maybe enough praise had not gone to Ronald Reagan with the handoff and the 40th president, Ronald Reagan, the 41st president and that maybe a strong enough endorsement was never conveyed by former President Bush, and he waited. He did it with great class. He waited until the final day to do it. So there are many of us that are embracing former President Bush today.
BLITZER: And you saw him nearly choke up. He almost lost it himself.
KUHN: Yes.
BLITZER: He's a very, very sentimental man. His son delivered a beautiful speech as well today.
KUHN: He certainly did. The president was eloquent. He has been outstanding to Mrs. Reagan throughout this whole process with everything that she's dealt with in terms of the Alzheimer's. President Bush, the president, has embraced Ronald Reagan throughout his presidency, from a domestic and foreign policy standpoint, and he spoke very strongly today. Absolutely.
BLITZER: Did you see that when she came in, he got out of his seat and escorted her and sat down with her.
KUHN: Yes.
BLITZER: That must have been so comforting to this former first lady?
KUHN: Very much so, and she will -- Mrs. Reagan will never forget that. That will be very meaningful in her mind for the rest of her life, without question.
BLITZER: Jim, I'm going to ask you to stand by because later tonight in our special coverage starting at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, you'll be back with me when we continue to cover the arrival of the presidential jet, bringing the coffin, bringing the body to the Point Mugu Naval Air Station. Jim Kuhn, thanks very much.
KUHN: Thank you.
BLITZER: It was a funeral, of course, fit for a president of the United States. Up next, we'll have a look back at the memorable sights and sounds of President Reagan's state funeral here in Washington today. Plus, we'll go live to California and the Reagan Library. We'll see the preparations already underway for this evening's sunset, emotional ceremony, the farewell to Ronald Reagan. And later, could President Reagan's death influence this year's presidential election here in the United States? Our Carlos Watson, standing by to join me for the inside edge.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: The magnificent tribute to a much-loved leader of the United States. Ahead on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS, the most memorable images and the most memorable sounds from the state funeral of Ronald Reagan; also, a preview of the final ceremony in California for the 40th president.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANNOUNCER: From our studios in Washington, once again, Wolf Blitzer.
BLITZER: Welcome back.
We'll have a live preview of the final service for President Reagan in California. That's coming up in just a moment.
First, though, my exclusive conversation earlier today with the new interim president of Iraq and the latest word on the fate of Iraq's former leader. I sat down with President Ghazi al-Yawar shortly after he attended today's state funeral here in Washington.
With the transfer of power scheduled for the end of this month, I asked him about the transfer of Saddam Hussein, who's now in U.S. custody.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) GHAZI AL-YAWAR, IRAQI INTERIM PRESIDENT: I think that would be happening after June 30. He should be transferred to Iraqi sovereignty, given that we can make sure we can protect him until we have the trial.
BLITZER: And when will that trial, based on what you know right now, begin?
AL-YAWAR: Sometime in the summer.
We have to start with the smaller elements in order to build testimonies and evidences to his trial. His trial will be the climax of the trials.
BLITZER: So, in other words, you'll start with Tariq Aziz or with others who were associated with Saddam Hussein and then eventually wind up with Saddam?
AL-YAWAR: This is how judiciary systems work in civilized world.
BLITZER: Have you personally seen Saddam Hussein since he was captured?
AL-YAWAR: No, sir, I haven't. I was asked to go and visit and see him, and I declined.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: President Ghazi Al-Yawar, the interim leader of Iraq, the interim president. The full interview, my exclusive interview with him will air Sunday on "LATE EDITION," the last word in Sunday talk. That airs Sunday, noon Eastern.
In just a moment, we'll go live to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California, where the former president will be laid to rest at sunset tonight.
First, though, rain clouds gathered over the National Cathedral here in Washington this morning, a bell tolled, and a steady drizzle cast a gray mist over the city streets, lined with umbrellas. After six days of mourning, America's long goodbye to the man lady Margaret Thatcher eulogized as the great liberator culminated in a solemn, emotional and often uplifting ceremony.
World leaders past and present gathered to celebrate and to pay tribute to the life of this nation's 40th president. We've tried to capture the essence of this moving day and now we want to share that with you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BISHOP JOHN BRYSON CHANE, DEAN, WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL: With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our brother Ronald for burial. Let us pray with confidence to God, the giver of life, that he will raise him to perfection in the company of the saints. Deliver your servant Ronald, oh sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set him free from every bond, that he may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God forever and ever.
MARGARET THATCHER, FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: Others prophesied the decline of the West; he inspired America and its allies with renewed faith in their mission of freedom. Others saw only limits to growth; he transformed a stagnant economy into an engine of opportunity. Others hoped at best for an uneasy cohabitation with the Soviet Union; he won the Cold War not only without firing a shot, but also by inviting enemies out of their fortress and turning them into friends.
BRIAN MULRONEY, FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA: He possessed a rare and prized gift called leadership, that ineffable and magical quality that sets some men and women apart so that millions will follow them as they conjure up grand visions and invite their countrymen to dream big and exciting dreams.
GEORGE H.W. BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: As his vice president for eight years, I learned more from Ronald Reagan than from anyone I encountered in all my years of public life. I learned kindness; we all did. I also learned courage; the nation did.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: In his last years he saw through a glass darkly. Now he sees his savior face to face.
And we look for that fine day when we will see him again, all weariness gone, clear of mind, strong and sure and smiling again, and the sorrow of this parting gone forever.
May God bless Ronald Reagan and the country he loved.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: Ronald Reagan will be buried at sunset tonight at the presidential library in Simi Valley, California.
Our national correspondent Frank Buckley is there to set the scene for us -- Frank.
FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, the president's body and family members will be coming here via motorcade from Point Mugu, the Naval air base where the aircraft known as Air Force One when the president is aboard -- today, it's designated Special Air Mission 28000 -- will be landing and then they'll be coming here via motorcade.
But even before that landing takes place, a special moment. We have just learned from a family spokesman that SAM 28000 will make a low-altitude pass within sight of the Reagan Library here. So we will all be able to see that within the next couple of hours.
Once here, friends and family members, some 700 people from various points of President Reagan's life, will be here to greet him, celebrities, politicians, personal friends and family members. There'll be remembrances from the Reagan children, military honors, music, all for the 40th president of the United States -- Wolf.
BLITZER: Thanks very much, Frank Buckley.
And CNN, of course, will watch and carry all of that live for our viewers. Our special live coverage will begin at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time and continue throughout the night here on CNN.
Politicians from the left and the right have paid their last respects to Ronald Reagan, but will his death help President Bush in his bid for reelection? Up next, our Carlos Watson joins us for this week's "Inside Edge."
And later, a final farewell as a nation mourns. See how Americans across the United States are remembering Ronald Reagan on this national day of mourning. We'll get to all of that.
First, though, a quick look at some other news making headlines around the world.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER (voice-over): In Baghdad, fighting erupted between U.S. troops and militia loyal to radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Hospital and police officials say 14 Iraqi civilians were wounded, but it's unclear if they took part in the fighting.
In Britain, Prime Minister Tony Blair's ruling Labor Party has taken a pounding in local council elections. Returns show Labor finishing in an unprecedented third place. Labor members blame the outcome on voter anger over Mr. Blair's support of the Iraq war.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi faces a test of his support of the Iraq war this weekend. Italians vote tomorrow for representatives to the European Parliament. Many opponents of the war are expected to vote for Mr. Berlusconi's archrival, the head of the left-wing Olive Tree alliance.
And that's our look around the world.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: The death of former President Ronald Reagan has produced a steady stream of tributes, but will it also produce some sort of political plus for the Republicans, specifically President Bush?
It's time for "The Inside Edge" with our CNN political analyst Carlos Watson. He's joining us tonight live from Mountain View, California.
Carlos, before we get to that, I don't know if you noticed. There were a lot of young people who came out to pay their respects to Ronald Reagan, most of them even too young to remember his presidency. What, if anything, about the Reagan legacy does that suggest to you?
CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: I think two things.
I think, one, how strongly the parents felt. You remember that Ronald Reagan won 49 out of 50 states in 1984, a dramatic victory, 60 percent of the vote. So a lot of parents felt strongly about him.
And, secondly, the story of Ronald Reagan as told on TV is not the one of the classic, if you will, conventional politician, but it's an actor. It's a dad. He seems a little more genial, a little more comical in some cases -- better sense of humor, rather -- than others. So I think all of those probably led to some interest and curiosity. And I think, consequently, you saw a number of young people walking past the casket and a lot of interest broadly across the country.
BLITZER: I think everyone will agree that President Bush delivered a beautiful eulogy for Ronald Reagan today.
The question is this. And it's a straight-laced political question. Is there going to be a political spillover benefit for President Bush in his reelection campaign?
WATSON: I think there will be.
To use the words of former President Reagan, I think there will be a trickle-down bounce, if you will. I think all of the positive images you've seen about Ronald Reagan, the conversation around the Reagan economy, around the end of the Cold War, I think certainly among Reagan Democrats, perhaps particularly in the Midwest and the West, some of the battleground states like Nevada and Arizona, as well as Ohio and Michigan, I think it's certain to provide a couple of points to the president over the next several weeks.
The question is, will it last, given that next week we're likely to very quickly turn the page, as we once again focus on Iraq and the pending June 30 date? Don't forget Bill Clinton's book releases June the 22nd. And there's still the Michael Moore movie coming out. So I think there will be a short-term bounce, but I think there's a very serious question about how long that will last.
BLITZER: If you were a Republican strategist, how much time would you devote to Ronald Reagan at the Republican Convention in New York at the end of August?
WATSON: It's almost hard to mis -- remember, absent President Nixon, who died with a little bit of a cloud still over his head from Watergate, this is the first death of a former president in almost 30 years. We've got to go back to 1973.
So I think it would be hard not to offer a major tribute involving Nancy, maybe involving the kids. And you remember the Kennedy tributes over the years at various Democratic conventions. They've been very rousing, very sentimental. And I expect to see more here. By the way, I wouldn't be surprised to see someone like Lech Walesa, the former Solidarity leader from Poland, be part of that as well. We saw today Margaret Thatcher, another foreign leader, participate in the ceremonies.
BLITZER: Carlos Watson, as usual, joining us every Friday here on our program, thanks very much for joining us once again today.
WATSON: Good to see you.
BLITZER: Thanks, Carlos Watson.
And the heartfelt tribute in Washington has far -- was far from the only ceremony honoring President Reagan today. Coming up, we'll take a closer look at some of the observances across the United States to commemorate the contributions of the 40th president. And later, part of the service that brought a tear to the eyes of so many people in the cathedral.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Later this evening, CNN will go live to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California, where the former president will be buried at sunset.
Earlier, we showed you some of highlights of today's services at the National Cathedral here in Washington. But tributes honoring the former president have been under way all across this nation, as Americans find other ways to mark the passing of an admired leader.
Bells tolled, military gunfire crackled around the world, in fact. And tonight, even Las Vegas casinos plan to dim their lights. Here are some images of Americans in mourning. It's been a week full of memorable moments and images. Coming up in our picture of the day, a last look at today's funeral here at the Washington National Cathedral in the nation's capital.
And our Web question of the day is this: "Will President Reagan's legacy endure?" We'll have the results for you on that also when we come back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Here's how you're weighing in on our Web question of the day: Will President Reagan's legacy endure? Sixty-six percent of you say yes; 34 percent say no. Remember, this is not a scientific poll.
Before we leave, I want to remind you, I'll be back later tonight with CNN's special coverage. Paula Zahn and I will anchor that beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.
Then, please join me Sunday for "LATE EDITION," the last word in Sunday talk. Among my guests, I'll have an exclusive Sunday interview with the national security adviser to the president, Dr. Condoleezza Rice. Now our picture of the day, a hymn to the memory of President Ronald Wilson Reagan sung during services at the National Cathedral by the Irish tenor Ronan Tynan.
We leave you with "Amazing Grace."
(RONAN TYNAN SINGS "AMAZING GRACE")
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