U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is praising the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as an icon of conservatism during the end of the Cold War period.The 'Iron Lady' died at age 87 on Monday and is being remembered by many as a part of a triumvirate—along with former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II—who stood against the Soviet Union in the 1980s. Thatcher's reign is considered a controversial and successful tenure, which also brought Anlgo-American relations closer.As the Seante's GOP leader, McConnell says it was Thatcher's conservative ideas that helped Britain socially and economically.From McConnell's office: "Americans and all freedom-loving people around the world mourn the passing today of The Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher. A shopkeeper’s daughter from Lincolnshire, Margaret Thatcher rose through the force of her will and the power of her arguments to become the first and only female Prime Minister Great Britain has ever had. Undaunted by the tremendous personal and political obstacles that stood in her path at nearly every turn, including an attempt on her life, Thatcher reshaped Britain from the state of economic and social turmoil in which she found it to a place of opportunity and promise during three terms in office. She boldly reasserted her nation’s strength in foreign affairs, and she became an iconic symbol of the transformative power of conservative ideas. A great ally and admirer of the United States and a trusted partner of Ronald Reagan during some of the most challenging days of the Cold War, Margaret Thatcher never hesitated to remind Americans of their own obligations to the cause of freedom and of the need for political courage and confidence in the face of long odds. 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." In a statement, President Obama said Americans will "never forget (Thatcher) standing shoulder to shoulder with President Reagan," with conviction and an "iron will."
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