Republicans are mourning the death of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher online and in official statements; the remarks range from short and respectful (cue Sen. John McCain) to rambling, politicized remarks (see Rep. Steve Stockman’s statement).
Check out excerpts from the top statements and a selection of tweets below.
President George W. Bush: “Prime Minister Thatcher is a great example of strength and character, and a great ally who strengthened the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. Laura and I join the people of Great Britain in remembering the life and leadership of this strong woman and friend.”
Nancy Reagan, wife of former President Ronald Reagan: “It is well known that my husband and Lady Thatcher enjoyed a very special relationship as leaders of their respective countries during one of the most difficult and pivotal periods in modern history. Ronnie and Margaret were political soul mates, committed to freedom and resolved to end Communism. As Prime Minister, Margaret had the clear vision and strong determination to stand up for her beliefs at a time when so many were afraid to "rock the boat." As a result, she helped to bring about the collapse of the Soviet Union and the liberation of millions of people.”
Gov. Nikki Haley, R-S.C: “The ultimate Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher, independent, strong, loved, and loathed died this morning at the age of 87. We have lost an amazing leader.”
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky: “Americans and all freedom-loving people around the world mourn the passing today of The Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher... A towering figure of 20th century politics and an inspiration to millions around the globe, Margaret Thatcher set a standard of leadership that will be hard to replicate, but which will forever stand as a model for those who wish to change society for the better.”
Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Tx.: “This morning we mark the loss of one of the greatest champions of human freedom, Baroness Margaret Thatcher, who as the United Kingdom’s first female Prime Minister led a nation out of economic misery and into a new age of strength and prosperity. Like Barack Obama, Baroness Thatcher inherited a country that was demoralized, economically broken and bankrupted by expansive government. Unlike Obama, Baroness Thatcher restored prosperity and optimism. Where Obama has failed, Baroness Thatcher succeeded [….] She is still hated by leftists who would rather live in equalized misery than allow people to achieve as much as they can work for, leftists who now hold the levers of government in the United States and hurl personal invectives because they cannot deny she left her countrymen stronger and more prosperous.”
Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.: “Margaret Thatcher will rightly be remembered as a plain-spoken and aggressive advocate for democracy and free markets and for her strong leadership in the fight against communism, which helped preserve and strengthen Western values and institutions for generations to come.”
Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa.: "Lady Thatcher was a towering figure and a hero of mine. She - with President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II - was instrumental in bringing down the Soviet Union, changing the face of Eastern Europe and bringing freedom to millions... Margaret Thatcher was a trailblazer who never thought there would be a woman prime minister in her life time. She shattered that glass ceiling herself.”http://storify.com/janestreet/conservatives-mourn-margaret-thatcher-s-death
Are you mourning the Iron Lady's passing?