March 25, 2008
"An Inspiration To All Of Us"
BEL AIR, CA – At 8:20 ET this evening John McCain escorted former-First Lady Nancy Reagan out the front door of her home here and into her driveway to formally accept her endorsement of his run for the presidency.
The pair greeted the line of reporters awaiting their arrival, and McCain thanked Reagan, 86, for her support, saying, "President Reagan and Mrs. Reagan remain an inspiration to all of us as an example of honorable and courageous service to the nation."
The campaign had informed the traveling press that neither McCain nor Reagan would be taking questions following what was primarily a photo opportunity, and a spokesperson for the Reagan Foundation followed up with a release that Reagan wouldn't even be speaking.
Apparently the local reporters hadn't gotten the same information. As McCain concluded his remarks and stood somewhat expectantly before the crowd, a reporter asked what Reagan's endorsement meant to him.
"I think Mrs. Reagan is obviously our beloved and wonderful person that all of us appreciate, love and admire and I'm always honored to be in her company except when I have to be in a debate at the Reagan Library," McCain answered.
After a few more "thank you's" and a few more questions, McCain was finally asked why he felt Reagan was compelled to endorse him before the convention.
"I hope it's testimony to her confidence in me as well as our friendship of many, many years," McCain answered, to which Reagan briefly followed up.
"It wasn't early on, let me inject in here," Reagan said. "Ronnie and I always waited until everything was decided and then we endorsed. Well, obviously this is the nominee of the party, so…"
"Thank you," the pair said before quietly walking back inside.
(NBC/NJ's ADAM AIGNER-TREWORGY)
Posted at 09:39 PM
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