Kerry Spot    [ jim geraghty reporting ]
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Not to question the sources of U.S. News and World Report, but... the lead item in this week's Washington Whispers kinda smells funny:

"On the big story of Ronald Reagan, President Bush has nothing on John Kerry. That's because Kerry actually worked with Reagan when he was a rookie senator, even getting tagged by the Gipper to do elections monitoring in the Philippines. Then there's Teresa Heinz Kerry, previously married to a Senate Republican. She recalls Reagan helping Senate wives on the issue of Soviet Jewry and thinks Nancy Reagan was the model for first ladies. Insiders say that's why Kerry — who's read every Reagan bio — took charge after Reagan's death, stopping all presidential campaign events. "Reagan fascinated Kerry," says a pal. Kerry thinks there are Reagan traits Democrats should adopt. "Kerry sees in Reagan," says his friend, "the qualities too many Democrats have been foolishly embarrassed by: a toughness, confidence, and discipline Kerry would like to see emulated." And get this — Kerry can still quote Reagan's 1964 speech for Barry Goldwater and fondly recalls his meetings with Reagan because they were among the last, says his friend, where opposing sides could 'reach across the aisle.'"

I can't prove it, but this little news nugget smells like it was placed by Kerry spinners to try to set up Kerry & Teresa as "the true heirs to Reagan's greatness." Kerry's really read every Reagan bio? Beyond looking for his name in the index? Did Kerry ever mention to his fellow Democrats they should be more like Reagan? Any paper trail of this allegedly long-standing fascination?

Beyond, you know, calling the Reagan presidency a "moral darkness" at the 1988 convention?

UPDATE: Mickey Kaus of Slate writes that he's "deeply suspicious" of this U.S. News item.

[Posted 06/14 05:54 PM]