O’Reilly kills another one
SEASONALLY Bill O’Reilly kills off someone. “Killing Lincoln,” “Killing Kennedy,” “Killing Jesus,” “Killing Patton,” killing competition. Now, in political hunting season, as the congaline of GOP carrion snack on Ronnie, comes O’Reilly’s newie, “Killing Reagan.”
O’Reilly: “A surprise for us all doing the research was to learn, after Ronald Reagan was shot, about one big secret meeting where advisers, investigating if he’s still up to being president, came close to removing him. What happened was that he subsequently surprised everyone and gathered strength. Never forgetting his hatred of communism, he made a comeback by locking in on Gorbachev.
“The president outsourced a lot and got involved mostly in the small stuff. Few ever thought he’d be governor, let alone president, because the man was flawed like we all are. They figured he’s just plain not that smart. They underestimated his rise to power.”
It’s a terrific read. However, Nancy, 94, mightn’t vacuum up her local bookstore’s total supply. “Venal, sense of entitlement, big spender,” O’Reilly’s report card gives her a D: diva, demon, devil, demanding.
“Nancylovers will admire her, but she was harsh. There were two Nancys. She then changed into heroic. Becoming his primary caregiver, she protected him when he needed it. She could’ve outsourced him to doctors. She didn’t. She sublimated herself and nursed him. She’d whisper a speech’s words when he fumbled. In latter days, Nancy was running the country.”
How can Bill confirm everything he’s written is absolute truth?
“Research. Since there’s also those who loathe him and will attack this, I assure the reader everything here is documented. Two independent sources confirming, not singular sources. Lots that wasn’t put in. In talking about somebody’s life, you must be careful. One story of adultery, unsubstantiated by a second source, we didn’t include.
“A big disappointment were his children. I don’t care what those kids say. I respect their opinions, but who cares? He fought Alzheimer’s. He rose. He improved the economy. I’d have voted for him. And he deserved his second term.”
Will this “Killing” series someday expand? “Maybe.”
“Killing Reagan” is out Sept. 22.