Ron Reagan, On GMA, Clarifies Alzheimers Claims And Corrects Facts

video

by Jon Bershad | 2:12 pm, January 18th, 2011

» 74 comments

Ron Reagan got a lot of press for his new book about his father but, perhaps, not the press he intended. The media jumped on the claims made inside that his father may have been suffering from Alzheimers while in office and Ron’s own brother called him an “embarrassment” to the family. This morning, Reagan went on Good Morning America to clarify the book’s assertions as well as address the criticisms. During the interview, he did admit one factual inaccuracy in the book.

While some have seized upon that admission and ABC itself touts the interview with the headline “Ron Reagan Admits He Got Facts Wrong,” Reagan did not actually go back on his Alzheimers claim or the book’s story of his father receiving brain surgery (although he seemed reluctant to call it such). Reagan did, however, admit that the procedure took place in Tucson rather than San Diego as the book states.

As for his brother’s accusations, Reagan said he would not get into “inter-familial squabbles,” but did offer this:

“I hadn’t really thought about what Mike might say [before the book's publishing]. That bit about ‘embarrassment to your mother,’ that’s a little strange. I just spoke to my mother last night and she didn’t mention embarrassment. … She was worried about me, she said, ‘Are you alright?’ ‘Yeah, I’m fine.’ But I said, ‘They’re gonna ask me what you thought of the book so what should I say to them.’ And she said, ‘You tell them that I’ve read it. I loved it. It made me cry and I’m very proud of you.’”

Check out the interview from Good Morning America below:

notsofast

And he provided the names and opinions of how many doctors who had examined RR to support this speculation?

None? You said zero? Nada?

OK, then JFK was really a woman and LBJ had a lobotomy when he was 16. Oh, and FDR was really a Sasquatch!
Seeing 2012 From My Window

A mother’s love is blind.
notsofast

Seeing 2012 From My Window said:
A mother’s love is blind.

She was shocked to discover he could write.
murf

Ron is the prodigal son who never returned home .
murf

notsofast said:
She was shocked to discover he could write.

LMAO
notsofast

His tutu was tutu tight!
Seeing 2012 From My Window

I don’t care who you are, that’s funny notsofast.

My apologies for stealing your line Larry. Bless the pygmies in New Guineau.
tatboy

Boy he (Ron) came of smarmy. Even the left reporters of GMA were trying to “keep him honest” and he was having none of it. “No I never said that.” What a loser trying to get a buck off his dead father and give him one last middle finger. Maybe your dad didn’t get along with you because you’re such a douch looser.
http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

Jr. is trying to get Olberdorks job.
Big Eddie

They sure did not set the barre too high for this guy’s decency .
TCinAZ

Footnotes, Ballerina Girl. Footnotes.
beamangrow

notsofast says:
January 18, 2011 at 2:18 pm notsofast(Quote)
7 2
And he provided the names and opinions of how many doctors who had examined RR to support this speculation?

None? You said zero? Nada?

OK, then JFK was really a woman and LBJ had a lobotomy when he was 16. Oh, and FDR was really a Sasquatch!

he is the real son,he knows his father,he can say what he thought was going on.
you are stupid,you and the village idiot blower.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Nadine-Otego/1051261316 Nadine Otego

When did Mediaite become wingnut heaven?
ChiliPeppersFan

Seeing 2012 From My Window said:
A mother’s love is blind.

michelle, yesterday you said the mother came out with a denial of this…what were you talking about?
notsofast

beamangrow said:
he is the real son,he knows his father,he can say what he thought was going on.
you are stupid,you and the village idiot blower.

Son, the nice bus leaves in 10 minutes; be under it.

And which Med school did Ron Jr. attend?

I await your brilliant response.
Garm Bel Iblis

gordonbloyershow said:
Jr. is trying to get Olberdorks job.

there was a time between February to December 2005 where he tried and failed on MSNBC
Seeing 2012 From My Window

Chili, Nancy did deny what Ron said.
notsofast

BTW, under Obamacare, Ron Jr. will be considered a doctor and will be responsible for diagnosing you. This is how Barry hopes to reduce HC costs.
beamangrow

notsofast says:
January 18, 2011 at 2:18 pm notsofast(Quote)
7 2
And he provided the names and opinions of how many doctors who had examined RR to support this speculation?

None? You said zero? Nada?

OK, then JFK was really a woman and LBJ had a lobotomy when he was 16. Oh, and FDR was really a Sasquatch!

nutsofat,go take your medication and hide yourself.
you never make sense.
MiddleRoader

Seeing 2012 From My Window said:
Chili, Nancy did deny what Ron said.

where is one of your copy paste links you’re so good at?
BlackWidow

Nadine Otego said:
When did Mediaite become wingnut heaven?

Nadine it has always been wingnut heaven and gets worse every day. Sane people come here and rarely stay for any length of time. Problem is that these whack-jobs say the same thing over and over again. Nothing ever new here.
Seeing 2012 From My Window

Do your own research, Middle Roader.
notsofast

beamangrow said:
beamangrow says:
January 18, 2011 at 3:25 pm beamangrow(Quote)

Hey beangrower, I am awaiting your answer, son. Do we let children diagnose their parents medical condition rather than doctors?

Bawahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
MiddleRoader

Seeing 2012 From My Window said:
Do your own research, Middle Roader.

ahhh so another lie you spout.
notsofast

BlackWidow said:
Sane people come here and rarely stay for any length of time.

That’s why YOU are still here!

LOL
WHarropson

Ron is to the Reagan Family what that gay soldier in jail that stole and gave wikileaks the secrets. Their sexuality issues somehow play into making them a unique liability. They might not even realise the harm they are willing to do, but they are willing to do it anyway. My daughter has this unique ability to imagine things and contrive things that are not factual, but to her they are somehow her reality. I guess that’s what makes her a girl. I love her, and correct her along the way but not sure what I’d do if she were a son doing the same thing. I’d probably punch him.
Seeing 2012 From My Window

No, I don’t lie. I just figured if you really wanted to know, you could find it. My guess is, you don’t actually care.
beamangrow

notsofast says:
January 18, 2011 at 3:30 pm notsofast(Quote)
3 0
beamangrow said:
beamangrow says:
January 18, 2011 at 3:25 pm beamangrow(Quote)

Hey beangrower, I am awaiting your answer, son. Do we let children diagnose their parents medical condition rather than doctors?

Bawahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

i will explain,but i doubt if you will get it,you right wing nutjobs has no depth.
notsofast

beamangrow said:
i will explain,but i doubt if you will get it,you right wing nutjobs has no depth.

Translation: “You have proven me to be a fool and I now regret the utterly ignorant statement about Ron Jr. being able to diagnose RR’s medical attention. Please pay no attention to me for I am hideous.”
Dave Richards

beamangrow said:
notsofast says:January 18, 2011 at 2:18 pm notsofast(Quote)7 2And he provided the names and opinions of how many doctors who had examined RR to support this speculation? None? You said zero? Nada? OK, then JFK was really a woman and LBJ had a lobotomy when he was 16. Oh, and FDR was really a Sasquatch! he is the real son,he knows his father,he can say what he thought was going on.you are stupid,you and the village idiot blower.

“He is the real son”? What the hell does that have to do with anything. You’re an ignorant ass.
MiddleRoader

Seeing 2012 From My Window said:
No, I don’t lie. I just figured if you really wanted to know, you could find it. My guess is, you don’t actually care.

I did. Coudn’t find a thing on a quote from Nancy. So you made the statement, prove it.
MiddleRoader

Dave Richards said:
“He is the real son”? What the hell does that have to do with anything. You’re an ignorant ass.

uh, Nancy’s real son.
notsofast

MiddleRoader said:
uh, Nancy’s real son.

Who purposely estranged himself from RR.
MiddleRoader

notsofast said:
Who purposely estranged himself from RR.

But not his mother and apparently she hasn’t objected to his book or the content. Even though Michelle says so with nothing to back the lie up with.
notsofast

MiddleRoader said:
But not his mother and apparently she hasn’t objected to his book or the content.

Ahhhh, not so fast! Ron Jr. said “my mother said…..”

We have not heard HER say that.
MiddleRoader

notsofast said:
Ahhhh, not so fast! Ron Jr. said “my mother said…..” We have not heard HER say that.

can’t argue with you there. which is why I said apparently.
notsofast

MiddleRoader said:
can’t argue with you there. which is why I said apparently.

Better if you had said according to Ron Jr.
beamangrow

Dave Richards says:
January 18, 2011 at 3:51 pm Dave Richards(Quote)
1 0
beamangrow said:
notsofast says:January 18, 2011 at 2:18 pm notsofast(Quote)7 2And he provided the names and opinions of how many doctors who had examined RR to support this speculation? None? You said zero? Nada? OK, then JFK was really a woman and LBJ had a lobotomy when he was 16. Oh, and FDR was really a Sasquatch! he is the real son,he knows his father,he can say what he thought was going on.you are stupid,you and the village idiot blower.

“He is the real son”? What the hell does that have to do with anything. You’re an ignorant ass.

if anything he will know idiot.you are very inteligent i hear,like palin.
Seeing 2012 From My Window

You’re boring me Middle Roader:

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, closely tied to former first lady Nancy Reagan, issued its own statement, more delicate but still forceful, pushing back on the claim that he suffered from Alzheimer’s while leading the free world.

“We believe Ron has written a wonderfully warm and engaging book about life with his father, Ronald Reagan,” the foundation said. “It offers a tribute that only a son could present. As for the topic of Alzheimer’s, this subject has been well documented over the years by both President Reagan’s personal physicians, physicians who treated him after the diagnosis, as well as those who worked closely with him daily. All are consistent in their view that signs of Alzheimer’s did not appear until well after President Reagan left the White House.”

via Politico
notsofast

beamangrow said:
if anything he will know idiot.you are very inteligent i hear,like palin.

Son, next time you address me, do so in English!
http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

beamangrow said:
nutsofat,go take your medication and hide yourself.
you never make sense.

Everyone here always take advice from someone hiding behind the phony name, beamangrow. We know anyone with that name is just brilliant.
You have no cred CLOWN.
MiddleRoader

Seeing 2012 From My Window said:
You’re boring me Middle Roader: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, closely tied to former first lady Nancy Reagan, issued its own statement, more delicate but still forceful, pushing back on the claim that he suffered from Alzheimer’s while leading the free world. “We believe Ron has written a wonderfully warm and engaging book about life with his father, Ronald Reagan,” the foundation said. “It offers a tribute that only a son could present. As for the topic of Alzheimer’s, this subject has been well documented over the years by both President Reagan’s personal physicians, physicians who treated him after the diagnosis, as well as those who worked closely with him daily. All are consistent in their view that signs of Alzheimer’s did not appear until well after President Reagan left the White House.” via Politico

Hmmm, somewhere in there they neglected to say Nancy *refudiates* her son Ronnies……

A lie back up by zilch.
MiddleRoader

Seeing 2012 From My Window said:

You’re boring me Middle Roade

You started to bore me 6 mo ago.
Seeing 2012 From My Window

Are you blind MIddle Roader:

All are consistent in their view that signs of Alzheimer’s did not appear until well after President Reagan left the White House
The Real Royal King

MiddleRoader said:
Seeing 2012 From My Window said:
You’re boring me Middle Roader: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, closely tied to former first lady Nancy Reagan, issued its own statement, more delicate but still forceful, pushing back on the claim that he suffered from Alzheimer’s while leading the free world. “We believe Ron has written a wonderfully warm and engaging book about life with his father, Ronald Reagan,” the foundation said. “It offers a tribute that only a son could present. As for the topic of Alzheimer’s, this subject has been well documented over the years by both President Reagan’s personal physicians, physicians who treated him after the diagnosis, as well as those who worked closely with him daily. All are consistent in their view that signs of Alzheimer’s did not appear until well after President Reagan left the White House.” via Politico

Hmmm, somewhere in there they neglected to say Nancy *refudiates* her son Ronnies……

A lie back up by zilch.

Frankly, Michelle-in-Utah so often touts her wonderful, strong relationship with her son, I have to wonder why she might not allow that other mothers and sons have such relationships.
The Real Royal King

MiddleRoader said:
You started to bore me 6 mo ago.

So you weren’t here before July?
ImNotBlue

Seeing 2012 From My Window said:
Are you blind MIddle Roader: All are consistent in their view that signs of Alzheimer’s did not appear until well after President Reagan left the White House

Well done.
MiddleRoader

LOL I was cutting her a little slack
MiddleRoader

Seeing 2012 From My Window said:
Are you blind MIddle Roader: All are consistent in their view that signs of Alzheimer’s did not appear until well after President Reagan left the White House

You said NANCY did. I said link it. That one doesn’t work. We does not equate Nancy. Try again.
ImNotBlue

The Real Royal King said:
Frankly, Michelle-in-Utah so often touts her wonderful, strong relationship with her son, I have to wonder why she might not allow that other mothers and sons have such relationships.

I’m sorry, Royal. I’m having trouble attacking your comment to the topic at hand. Now my eyes are obviously less trained than your well experienced and world traveled ones (lies), but to me… you comment looks like a personal attack, plain and simple.
ImNotBlue

MiddleRoader said:
You said NANCY did. I said link it. That one doesn’t work. We does not equate Nancy. Try again.

So you think that the foundation that Nancy Reagan runs, is releasing information independent of her?

I get it, you’re spinning because My Window shot you down. But show a little integrity, and back away gracefully.

It’s over. You’ve lost this one. Move on.
The Real Royal King

ImNotBlue said:
I’m sorry, Royal. I’m having trouble attacking your comment to the topic at hand. Now my eyes are obviously less trained than your well experienced and world traveled ones (lies), but to me… you comment looks like a personal attack, plain and simple.

Obviously, the, you ought to get out more, Kumquat.
The Real Royal King

then
MiddleRoader

ImNotBlue said:
So you think that the foundation that Nancy Reagan runs, is releasing information independent of her? I get it, you’re spinning because My Window shot you down. But show a little integrity, and back away gracefully. It’s over. You’ve lost this one. Move on.

Fraid not. Clearly it is not a quote straight out of Nancy’s mouth. That was her claim.
ImNotBlue

The Real Royal King said:
Obviously, the, you ought to get out more, Kumquat.

So it’s not a personal attack? Please, dear Royal… explain.

MiddleRoader said:
Fraid not. Clearly it is not a quote straight out of Nancy’s mouth. That was her claim.

Really? Where did she say that it was a “quote straight out of Nancy’s mouth?”

Furthermore, you didn’t answer my question. Do you believe that the organization is speaking out of turn? Do you believe that they do not represent the ideas and opinions of Mrs. Reagan… even though, she’s the head? I assume if that is your opinion (which it appears to be), you’d have some sort of proof… right?
MiddleRoader

ImNotBlue said:
Really? Where did she say that it was a “quote straight out of Nancy’s mouth?”

read page one.
Seeing 2012 From My Window

MIddle Roader, I’ve proved my point and am done with you now.
Seeing 2012 From My Window

ps, if Baghad Gibbs makes a comment, do you assume Obama agrees or is he just telling us what he thinks?
Gasket

MichelleF, Gibbs is/was Obama’s spokesperson and adviser. When Gibbs says something on policy, he’s reflecting the President’s views. That is HIS job. Who gives a shit what Michael Reagan thinks? The dude does not even have President’s Reagan’s blood. He was adopted. He’s accusing his half brother of taking advantage of his father to sell books? What is the title of Michael Reagan’s new book again? “The New Reagan Revolution” Stupid wingnut.
MiddleRoader

Seeing 2012 From My Window said:
MIddle Roader, I’ve proved my point and am done with you now.

You proved nothing. But I realize you can’t squeeze blood out of a stone. The stone being your brain sometimes. So, I give up. Just remember the next time you ask for proof of something and don’t get it, then you should afford them the same courtesy.
MiddleRoader

Seeing 2012 From My Window said:
A mother’s love is blind.

By the way if she *refudiated* it, then why is her love blind?
Seeing 2012 From My Window

Gasket, IT WASN’T MICHAEL REAGAN THAT I QUOTED. IT WAS NANCY’S PEEPS.
MiddleRoader

Seeing 2012 From My Window said:
Gasket, IT WASN’T MICHAEL REAGAN THAT I QUOTED. IT WAS NANCY’S PEEPS.

Nancys Peeps but NOT Nancy.
Seeing 2012 From My Window

One in the same to me, Middle Roader.
ImNotBlue

MiddleRoader said:
read page one.

Better yet… why don’t you give me a link.

Gasket said:
MichelleF, Gibbs is/was Obama’s spokesperson and adviser. When Gibbs says something on policy, he’s reflecting the President’s views. That is HIS job. Who gives a shit what Michael Reagan thinks? The dude does not even have President’s Reagan’s blood. He was adopted. He’s accusing his half brother of taking advantage of his father to sell books? What is the title of Michael Reagan’s new book again? “The New Reagan Revolution” Stupid wingnut.

Yeah! Adopted kids suck!

Is this is why the left is so into abortion “rights?” Because they have no respect for adoptions?

MiddleRoader said:
By the way if she *refudiated* it, then why is her love blind?

Because she disagrees with her son, but still loves her son. Do you believe parents only love children when they agree with them? Yikes!
MiddleRoader

ImNotBlue said:
Better yet… why don’t you give me a link. Yeah! Adopted kids suck! Is this is why the left is so into abortion “rights?” Because they have no respect for adoptions? Because she disagrees with her son, but still loves her son. Do you believe parents only love children when they agree with them? Yikes!

Give it a rest. She failed. End of story.
ImNotBlue

MiddleRoader said:
Give it a rest. She failed. End of story.

Awww… looks like someone doesn’t like it when he gets called out using the same tactics. Poor fella.

Don’t worry, you made a valiant attempt to distract the actual content (and meaning behind the original post) with some silly semantics. But, as with most of those foolish attacks, you failed.

S’okay. There’s always tomorrow.
Patrick Henry

Nadine Otego said:
When did Mediaite become wingnut heaven?

It’s always been wingnut heaven…..left wingnuts.
Patrick Henry

Gasket said:
The dude does not even have President’s Reagan’s blood. He was adopted.

Are you saying adoption doesn’t really count?
Grammie

ImNotBlue said:
Because she disagrees with her son, but still loves her son. Do you believe parents only love children when they agree with them? Yikes!

Could this be the root cause of his oh so less than endearing manner? :)
MiddleRoader

Grammie said:
Could this be the root cause of his oh so less than endearing manner? :)

No Grammie, It’s one thing to give an opinion and it’s another to say something like it’s fact and then not be able to back it up. 2 different things.
ganymede

In the Land of Republican Denial, to say anything that besmirches the reputation of St. Reagan brings out the worst from our rightwing culture. It was obvious, and I’m sure that now it’s been brought up, will be proven, that Reagan had Alzheimers for much of his second term, if not earlier. He was still a more effective political leader than, say, Bush II, who definitely was not up to the job. It also was crazy that the right jumped all over Ron Reagan for telling the truth about his father. Why Reagan will not go down as being a truly great President is what he did to deligitimitize government. He will forever be remembered for his “government is the problem” statements and what he and the Republicans have done since is to make sure that government is the problem. Maybe, eventually, it will sink in that the government is us and we should start working together to help regain the respect we once had for being the originators of modern democracy rather than the decaying empire we’ve become. You must understand that people like me, liberal types, regard what the extreme right is trying to do as the death knell of our wonderful country – a retreat into darkness and barbarism. We are a lot more than greedy bankers, corporations, lobbyists and outliers like Beck, Limbaugh and Palin. Liberal/Progressives like me are just as patriotic as you.
Yoda002

gordonbloyershow said:
Jr. is trying to get Olberdorks job.

Hey Gordon Bloyer Show, you should be thrilled he is the son of your icon and he wrote a book about your icon.
ImNotBlue

MiddleRoader said:
No Grammie, It’s one thing to give an opinion and it’s another to say something like it’s fact and then not be able to back it up. 2 different things.

I agree. Which is why you still haven’t backed up YOUR statement with a link or proof.

Seems like you should spend more time calling yourself out, than others.