Chris Dodd: “I rise today to offer words in memory of America's 40th president, Ronald Wilson Reagan. Ronald Reagan was elected…”

“I rise today to offer words in memory of America's 40th president, Ronald Wilson Reagan. Ronald Reagan was elected President on the same day that I was first elected to the United States Senate. I was somewhat of an anomaly that year, being one of only two freshman Democrats elected to the Senate, compared with 16 Republicans. Over the years, there is no question that when it came to matters of policy, Ronald Reagan and I disagreed, in a very fundamental way, on a great many occasions. But in today's very partisan atmosphere, it is easy to forget that personality can be much more important than agreements and disagreements. Many of the qualities that distinguished Ronald Reagan-- as a president, as a leader, as an individual--went beyond policies and politics. Ronald Reagan was one of our Nation's most personable presidents. His congeniality, wit and trademark sense of humor could bring a smile to the face of even the most ardent political opponent. And he had the uncanny ability to communicate his thoughts to the American people. As a Member of the opposite side of the political aisle, I had a particular appreciation for Ronald Reagan's openness. As we all know, President Reagan was a man of great conviction. It wasn't easy to change his mind. But he was willing to sit down and talk. He was open to listening to views that were different from his own, even if he ultimately chose to disagree with them.”