Reagan
posted at 4:15 pm on February 6, 2010 by Mitch Berg
I’d be remiss if I missed the fact that today is the official Shot In The Dark holiday – Ronald Reagan’s birthday.
Reagan is a great conservative hero for what he wasn’t as well as for what he was. In an era when people thought the entree to political leadership was a degree from an elite university and a lifetime spent currying favor and working within the establishment, Reagan was a small-town Midwesterner who’d gone to an obscure college and spent most of his adult life doing other things: a sportscaster, an actor, a pundit. He was well into middle age before he got into electoral politics.
This confounded his critics, who believed that the true measure of a 50-something man of accomplishment was a degree he’d gotten when he was 22.
He was, in short, pretty much like the rest of us – as Dinesh D’Souza noted, an ordinary man who became an extraordinary president.
He really had two great accomplishments. For starters, he had an uncommon gift for translating immensely high concepts – the economics of Hayek, the philosophy of the Federalists – into terminology that resonated with people who’d never sat through a political science seminar.
He also had a singular knack for envisioning a goal, and focusing on it with a genial ruthlessness that drew his supporters down the path, no matter how difficult, and outlasted his opponents, no matter how well entrenched.
He convinced a demoralized nation coming from an era of spirit-sapping lethargy that we were a shining city on a hill:
And he talked the greatest criminals in history into putting down the gun and putting their hands up:
Conservatives need to constantly remind themselves that a leader like Reagan only comes along once in a lifetime, if that.
And yet today we may be seeing the ultimate tribute to Reagan. Millions of Americans are rising up and doing the Reagan thing for themselves. Knowingly or not, they’re standing astride the Keynesian stream and yelling “Hayek”. They’re going to the polls in places like Massachusetts and saying “If you want prosperity, tear down this stupid statist tradition”. They’re gathering in their hundreds of thousands and saying “our nation is a shining city on a hill – and it’s not because of our bureaucracy; it’s because of our indivisible prosperity and sacred liberty!”.
That millions of Americans are channeling the best of Reagan as we approach his centenary – he’d have been 99 today – is perhaps the best legacy of all.
Cross-posted at Shot In The Dark.
This post was promoted from GreenRoom to HotAir.com.
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As the song goes:
You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.
Disturb the Universe on February 6, 2010 at 5:57 PM
How funny — that has always been my favorite SOTU speech of his as well! I love that he trots out the visual aids to make his point, and tells us what they weighed to boot! And how quaint that his office actually took the time to read the bills. That’s certainly a novel concept.
Very sage and prescient advice for all of us in this speech — but then, that was always a special talent of his. He was warning about the dangers of socialized medicine nearly a decade before Medicare got on the books.
I think there is no other person in American history who has had such a profound effect on my own beliefs and political philosophy as Ronald Reagan had. I still tear up when I think about him. To my mind, he is still and probably always will be me — for me — the greatest president we’ve ever had.
I know it’s a day late, but Happy 99th Birthday, Mr. President. We miss you and I hope we can make you proud come this November.
NoLeftTurn on February 6, 2010 at 5:57 PM
Speakup on February 6, 2010 at 5:58 PM
It just struck me that many young people may say the same thing someday about America.
Disturb the Universe on February 6, 2010 at 5:59 PM
Happy Birthday, Commander in Chief, my Navy days wouldn’t have been the same without you at the helm.
Bishop on February 6, 2010 at 6:00 PM
im very envious
i was ONE when reagan left office.
i always like my dads story of being in the USAF from 80-89
and hearing him describe the feeling of knowing your CiC was an ASSKICKER
blatantblue on February 6, 2010 at 6:00 PM
I’m only 23 so I don’t remember he being President but am sure glad to have the honor of being born a Reagan baby. Def. the best President of the 20th century and probably tied with Churchill as the greatest world leader of the century.
lavell12 on February 6, 2010 at 6:00 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. PRESIDENT!!
Yeah, we miss you ALOT.
rtsidedragon on February 6, 2010 at 6:00 PM
lavell12 on February 6, 2010 at 6:00 PM
You are smart for a young one.
Run for office or something.
:)
Disturb the Universe on February 6, 2010 at 6:02 PM
Happy birthday, President Reagan. I’m proud I got the chance to cast my vote for you. By far the best president of the 20th century.
Vashta.Nerada on February 6, 2010 at 6:03 PM
When I die, I only hope my friends and family say one thing about me: “He was a good man.”
Ronald Reagan was a good man.
BierManVA on February 6, 2010 at 6:03 PM
He raised taxes and signed with great fanfare the amnesty legislation of 1986.
Much as I like the guy I don’t think he would fit into today’s Tea Party.
harry on February 6, 2010 at 6:07 PM
Or with a lot of conservatives today
They like to talk big about purging the party, yet Reagan knew how to build coalitions.
blatantblue on February 6, 2010 at 6:08 PM
but aside from that
reagan was a badass.
blatantblue on February 6, 2010 at 6:09 PM
Me too. I joined the Navy in ’84 and Reagan was my first vote ever cast for a president.
BierManVA on February 6, 2010 at 6:10 PM
HIPPIE PROTESTERS: “Make Love, Not War!”
REAGAN (to aide): “It doesn’t look like they could do either”.
Mitch_Berg on February 6, 2010 at 6:12 PM
I was Ten Years Old when Reagan was elected. It was like someone flipped a switch and pride began to flow back into the country. I think Obama thought he would do the same thing. Sadly, Reagan wasn’t an empty suit like he is.
AYNBLAND on February 6, 2010 at 6:13 PM
This is the man who restored my faith in America after the Vietnam debacle and the Carter years.
Happy 99th, Mr. President! You are sorely missed.
Liam on February 6, 2010 at 6:14 PM
He was a good man and a great President.
harry on February 6, 2010 at 6:15 PM
Just listened to Ronald W. Reagan’s Inaugural Address on iTunes….maybe a copy of this great speech needs be sent to our current President for his iPod. He might learn something.
yoda on February 6, 2010 at 6:16 PM
reagan is like
real, awesome, NYC pizza
obama is like
elios from the frozen section.
blatantblue on February 6, 2010 at 6:17 PM
reagan — Sierra Nevada
obama — bud light
i mean the type of comparison can be seen everywhere
blatantblue on February 6, 2010 at 6:17 PM
Thank you, President Reagan. We miss you, but many in the country are doing our best to follow your lead.
Christian Conservative on February 6, 2010 at 6:17 PM
I wish I had been old enough to understand and appreciate what President Reagan was saying at the time. I’m glad I do now, however—better late than never!
One thing that strikes me about his speeches—really, it doesn’t matter, pick any one—is that he always manages to say 10 times more in less time than our current president can. I get so sick of hearing people say Obama is a good speaker/orator. He’s just not. Not compared to Reagan.
WesternActor on February 6, 2010 at 6:18 PM
Obama is AWFUL
I’m sorry. I don’t care what anyone says. When he’s got a high-brow language speech, and a teleprompter, sure. he can perform
but you know what? off the cuff he’s as bumpy as an old cobblestone road.
blatantblue on February 6, 2010 at 6:21 PM
Maquis at 5:30
Maybe Sarah will do some smiling eviscerating beginning at 9 EST tonight.
GaltBlvnAtty on February 6, 2010 at 6:24 PM
Our home is with all who would like to thank President Reagan for being a wonderful leader. Too bad this bho can and will never like him. Our Republic deserves better than this bho, but alas, we have him.
L
letget on February 6, 2010 at 6:29 PM
I walked onto the Belle of Louisville steamboat in 1980 and walked right into the path of Ronald Reagan. There has never been a more gracious man, and the 20th Century had no greater President and leader.
I’ll never forget his inauguration and the release of the Iranian hostages that day. Reagan was one of America’s top 3 Presidents; I would argue that he was right up there with Lincoln. Only Washington was greater than both.
DavidAllen on February 6, 2010 at 6:32 PM
“Ronnie Baby” is da Man!!! The best POTUS ever in the 20th Century and my Commander-in-Chief. All hail President Reagan.
AH_C on February 6, 2010 at 6:36 PM
I wouldn’t go that far, I don’t think he would have either.
harry on February 6, 2010 at 6:37 PM
My version.
BallisticBob on February 6, 2010 at 6:40 PM
I feel thankful growing up as a teen in the 80′s with Reagan as President. The leadership he showed sticks with me to this day. I just wish I had a President like Reagan to sign my retirement papers from the Marine Corps instead of some other guy…
gator70 on February 6, 2010 at 6:44 PM
ill raise you
Guinness in Ireland VS. Schaefer
blatantblue on February 6, 2010 at 6:44 PM
Amen. We were blessed to have his vision and leadership.
Happy Birthday, President Reagan. I wsa too young to vote for you, but I was lucky enough to see you in person (’84 campaign stop, Fairfield, CT) and I’ll never forget it.
Missy on February 6, 2010 at 6:45 PM
I fold.
BallisticBob on February 6, 2010 at 6:48 PM
President Reagan’s 1st Inaugural.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpPt7xGx4Xo&feature=player_embedded#
yoda on February 6, 2010 at 6:50 PM
This is a load of horsesh… I mean, why? Perhaps the reason we don’t see many good political leaders in this country is because of this defeatist attitude held by most Americans, which results in elections becoming a contest of the “lesser of two evils”. Americans, to include “conservatives”, are concerned with electability and image moreover character, intellect and leadership credentials. The American people continually settle for less rather than demanding the best. Out of 300 million people, were Obama, McCain, Palin, and Biden really the best this country has to offer? Were George Bush and John Kerry? Bob Dole and Bill Clinton? I’ve met and worked for many folks of better quality than this bunch I’ve listed. It’s quite pathetic really.
Send_Me on February 6, 2010 at 6:55 PM
I was a teenager when Reagan was president. My father was a Republican and mother was a Democrat and neither tried to influence me politically. The biggest political influence in my life was Reagan. I even named my daughter after him.
Even though I was in my early teens, Reagan truly inspired me. With all the hysteria of a possible nuclear war flying around at that time (Remember “The Day After”?), I have never felt more safe than when he was president. He convinced me that America could do anything and I have no doubt that he was right. It was a time where I didn’t feel inhibited by the government and I could do anything. Unfortunately, I can’t say I feel the same right now, but I think we can get back to that place. Government–get out of my way and let me show you what I can really do.
ReaganWasRight on February 6, 2010 at 6:57 PM
Like this one!
And this one!
Geochelone on February 6, 2010 at 7:02 PM
+1000
JetBoy on February 6, 2010 at 7:03 PM
Geochelone on February 6, 2010 at 7:06 PM
A great man, whom I didn’t appreciate at the time, due my indoctrination into the Democrap mindset…
Happy Birthday, to a great man. We are striving to hold on to the country you loved, Mr. President.
lovingmyUSA on February 6, 2010 at 7:10 PM
Coo coo ca choo, Barack Obama
Lenin loves you more than you will know
(Wo wo wo)
He blesses you, yes Barack Obama
Marxists pay those who’s games they play
(Hey hey hey – hey hey hey)
Sitting on your sofa come this coming November election night
Watching the returns come in
Scream about it, cry about it
When the people again choose
Ev’ry which way you look at it you lose
Where have you gone, Ronald Reagan?
Americans turn their longing eyes to you
(Woo woo woo)
What’s that you say, Tsar Obama
Mr. America, you think you have driven far away?
(Hey hey hey – hey hey hey)
MB4 on February 6, 2010 at 7:11 PM
Yeah. He fought liberals.
Chris_Balsz on February 6, 2010 at 7:16 PM
But he also knew when to compromise.
harry on February 6, 2010 at 7:20 PM
This is a load of horsesh… I mean, why?
Here’s the funny part; you’re right. And I say as much…
…in my next paragraph. Where I note that that leadership lives on among the people. Just like Reagan said it did.
As to “raising taxes” – he got overrun by the O’Neill congress. And the hikes were a tiny fraction of the cuts he’d passed earlier.
As to immigration – the amnesty was a good-faith effort. It failed.
Perfect is the enemy of good enough. Reagan was more than good enough. Anyone in the Tea Party movement that’d eschew Reagan for his tax increase and his immigration stance really doesn’t get it.
Mitch_Berg on February 6, 2010 at 7:22 PM
We can’t seem to honor Reagan without some people trying to impart a kind of historical revisionist Rino spin on his legacy. That is deceptive pablum of media accounts written long AFTER THE FACT haplessly digested by uncritical minds.
Reagan lead by staunchly sticking to his principles and not waffling like a jelly-fish under pressures from the opposition.
He did not gain the respect of Blue Dog Democrats by pandering to them. He bent their ears to HIS voice and vision.
Geochelone on February 6, 2010 at 7:22 PM
Happy Birthday, sir.
What a great man; I wish I’d had a chance to meet you.
Midas on February 6, 2010 at 7:25 PM
There is nothing revisionist about his raising of taxes, his position on illegal immirgration, or some other issues.
To say that he fits the conservative mold of say the Tea Party today is a joke.
Today’s conservative party would consider him a RINO and unfairly at that.
He got stuff done.
harry on February 6, 2010 at 7:26 PM
he fought liberals
you’re right
but he also didn’t discard people who had similar but not 100 percent identical views to him
he didn’t try to initiate a great Purge
that’s because Reagan understood the limits of political reality
conservatives today live in a la la land, unfortunately, where they think their brand of conservatism can win everywhere. it cant. it wont. you have to have moderates in your party, you just need strong conservatives to string them along. reagan did that.
blatantblue on February 6, 2010 at 7:26 PM
Happy Birthday, President Reagan. This year’s calendar in my office is from the Reagan Ranch and has some great pictures and quotes. Today simply says, “Nellie Reagan gives birth to Ronald Reagan. 1911.”
My second vote in a presidential election was for Reagan (my first was for Ford) and I was so stoked to vote for him. In 1984 I remember writing down the number of electoral votes needed for him to win and was so excited when he exceeded it by so much. The first 8 years of my marriage (my wedding was in 1981) were Reagan years. The way he deftly handled so many things stayed with me and influenced me…the hostage crisis, the budget battles, the near miss on his life, his response to the Challenger tragedy, his life on the ranch, his work with Margaret Thatcher, his Berlin Wall speech, etc. He became a hero to me as I watched him govern.
Christianity Today’s blog post on him when he died can be read here: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/juneweb-only/6-7-12.0.html It contains quotes from other religious leaders at the time on his influence and leadership.
President Reagan, you are sorely missed. Thank you so much for all you gave us, and may God bless you in heaven and your memory here on earth.
theotherone on February 6, 2010 at 7:26 PM
That DVD of Reagan is very good, despite the input of the so-called Reagan biographer Edmund Morris.
The iTunes download is cheap: $4. It is not free, however.
AshleyTKing on February 6, 2010 at 7:27 PM
Riding a horse in the … hot sun
I Fought the Marxists and … I won
I Fought the Marxists and … I won
America needed more freedom ’cause the Marxists … offered none
I Fought the Marxists and … I won
I Fought the Marxists and … I won
I left my earthy country too soon and for that I feel so bad
The noble fight is now yours alone to run
Well, America’s the best country … we’ve ever had
I Fought the Marxists and … I won
I Fought the Marxists and … I won
- RR
MB4 on February 6, 2010 at 7:28 PM
Happy Birthday Mr. President…
Seven Percent Solution on February 6, 2010 at 7:29 PM
Seems like an eternity and different world since Reagan was here.
He was so popular you would think there would always be someone carrying on his principles.
There was wide spread honor and respect for the Office of the President of the United States, due to Ronald Reagan’s integrity.
He has left a legacy second to none, and impossible to imitate.
I am honored to have the privilege of leaving my reflections about him.
Cybergeezer on February 6, 2010 at 7:32 PM
We will see how the present day conservatives treat Scoot Brown in a couple of years. He is the kind of guy who can win as a very moderate republican in NE States.
He’s pro-choice, pro-gay, pro a lot of liberal things but is a true fiscal conservative.
Is the tent big enough?
I hope so because that’s how you win elections.
harry on February 6, 2010 at 7:36 PM
reagan — Sierra Nevada
obama — bud light
Reagan – Randy Couture
Obama – Erkel
Tony737 on February 6, 2010 at 7:36 PM
You can’t be serious. Regan a RINO? I have to disagree.
The Republican Party, nay, the Whole Country has moved farther to the left these last 20 years. How can you dispute this?
Regan’s legacy is fixed in time while the entire political spectrum has shifted radically leftward. This would hardly place him in the RINO camp.
Many today would even view JFK to have ascribed to conservative principles when brought into comparison to todays climate.
Geochelone on February 6, 2010 at 7:38 PM
Don’t make them like him anymore.
He was my Commander-In-Chief.
I was never prouder to be an American.
David2.0 on February 6, 2010 at 7:38 PM
Easily, could a republican raise taxes today, could a republican support letting illegal immigrants stay?
harry on February 6, 2010 at 7:40 PM
Question to historians.
Did Regan raise taxes at any time during his 8 years as president? Were the tax rates higher or lower than the Carter years by the time Reagan left office?
Geochelone on February 6, 2010 at 7:42 PM
Reagan was such a good man, a man of character that isn’t often found anymore. I admired, respected and loved him. May God rest his soul.
beachgirlusa on February 6, 2010 at 7:44 PM
I don’t think that’s true. It’s hard to research the pre-Internet era on the internet, but my recollection is not that Reagan really sought to triumph over another faction, but that a Reagan Administration would have certain policy decisions– pro-life, lower taxes, beefier military, confront Communism, etc. And I don’t recall Reagan saddled himself with many opponents to his policies.
Chris_Balsz on February 6, 2010 at 7:45 PM
Sorry I am not following you here. What do you dispute?
A. The Whole Country has moved farther to the left these last 20 years.
B. The Republican Party has moved farther to the left these last 20 years.
A or B?
Geochelone on February 6, 2010 at 7:46 PM
There is no “great purge”, you idiot.
Historically, all the “great purges” have come from your side of the aisle(Mao, Stalin, Pol Pot, Castro, Che).
Preferring conservatives is different than demanding nothing but. I just want to see the Reid, Pelosi, and their ilk stripped of their ability to destroy America. Do you see anyone here at Hot Air trashing Scott Brown(41)? You don’t, do you.
This “purge” is just the latest boogie man under the bed for you leftists.
David2.0 on February 6, 2010 at 7:47 PM
My favorite Governor and my favorite President.
It was an honor and a privilege to march in his (only) Inaugural Parade!
Happy Birthday, Gipper!
Khun Joe on February 6, 2010 at 7:48 PM
Are there any conservatives in HA land that would call Ronald Regan a Republican in Name Only?
I could be wrong, but this seems so crazy to me that I would like to hear somebody chime in a make this claim. I will not attack you. I just am genuinely wondering about this. I consider myself left of Reagan so for me I could hardly call him a Rino.
Geochelone on February 6, 2010 at 7:50 PM
In 1982 alone, he signed into law not one but two major tax increases. The Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) raised taxes by $37.5 billion per year and the Highway Revenue Act raised the gasoline tax by another $3.3 billion.
In 1983, Reagan signed legislation raising the Social Security tax rate. This is a tax increase that lives with us still, since it initiated automatic increases in the taxable wage base. As a consequence, those with moderately high earnings see their payroll taxes rise every single year.
In 1984, Reagan signed another big tax increase in the Deficit Reduction Act. This raised taxes by $18 billion per year or 0.4 percent of GDP. A similar-sized tax increase today would be about $44 billion
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 raised taxes yet again. Even the Tax Reform Act of 1986, which was designed to be revenue-neutral, contained a net tax increase in its first 2 years. And the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 raised taxes still more.
The year 1988 appears to be the only year of the Reagan presidency, other than the first, in which taxes were not raised legislatively
https://www.nationalreview.com/nrof_bartlett/bartlett200310290853.asp
harry on February 6, 2010 at 7:51 PM
Watch his 1980 debate with Carter. The themes are teh eerie on how you can see this happening today.
Also it shows that Obama is not a 2nd Carter. Carter was more pro American and Anti-Terrorist than Obama ever way. Yeah, I know, right.
- The Cat
MirCat on February 6, 2010 at 7:52 PM
P.S. Linky http://www.youtube.com/user/ReaganFoundation#p/u/73/_8YxFc_1b_0
MirCat on February 6, 2010 at 7:53 PM
Republican party or I sould say tea party has moved heavily right. They wouldn’t support Reagan, Anyone who says they would is fooling themselves.
Reagan did what he had to do to stand the country back up. This included raising taxes.
This included amnesty.
Would you support those things today?
harry on February 6, 2010 at 7:54 PM
You somehow left out slashing top marginal rates on income taxes in half and freeing up a lower bracket from any income taxes.
Chris_Balsz on February 6, 2010 at 7:57 PM
No the Party is moving left, encouraging abandonment of social issues and embracing welfare in the form of tax credits.
If, in 1980s, 8 million illegal aliens moved here in a decade without renouncing their allegiance to a foriegn power, 40 state governors would have called out the National Guard regardless of what Reagan got around to. Google “Mariel Boat Lift”. Google “Boat People”.
Chris_Balsz on February 6, 2010 at 8:01 PM
Sure he cut in some areas but he raised in others. It’s not hard to get.
Are you saying he NEVER raised taxes?
He saw it for what it was 10.x % unemployment in 82, an America weakened by a failed president, a country in crisis.
He increased government spending, raised the deficit through the roof and raised taxes were he could.
Did it work? damn rights it did.
Even Clinton coasted through the 90′s on those changes, why do you think he could get the budget balanced.
Reagan did what he had to do, he stood up to the naysayers.
Could HE do it today in todays Republican Party, I don’t think so.
harry on February 6, 2010 at 8:03 PM
I get the idea you weren’t an eyewitness.
Reagan demanded government cut regulation, cut taxes, cut dictation. Reagan cut income taxes in half, created tax-free investment vehicles, repudiated the notion of a command-economy. Reagan looked to cut taxes where he could. If Reagan had a Republican Congress he would not have signed any tax increases.
Reagan was DAMNED in the 1980s for crippling America’s economy–because OF COURSE the economy had to fail if social spending was not about 8% GDP. 80′s Democrats, as with Obama’s stimulus, imagined that if the government spent money, on whatever, it must generate growth. Reagan failed to meet the spending levels the neoKeynesians said was required, the levels relative to GDP that Western Europe strove to meet–and exploded the theory for a generation.
Chris_Balsz on February 6, 2010 at 8:09 PM
Look it is going to be hard to debate this openly and fairly if you insist on conflating the Republican Party with the Tea Party.
The Tea Party is a collaboration of Independents, Liberals (PUMAS) Libertarians, Green Party people, and Conservatives. I have met PUMAS, Independents, Liberals and Libertarians at Tea parties.
How has the Tea Party moved to the right these last 20 years when the Tea Party is only one year old?
Geochelone on February 6, 2010 at 8:12 PM
I’m 45, I was there. I also was a History Major at the the (83)
I don’t look at it through rose coloured glasses. I realised that radical changes needed to occur.
harry on February 6, 2010 at 8:21 PM
harry is a dishonest malcontent that is trying to either establish a false narrative or further one that is already in existence. His narrative is not factual and can be summarily dismissed.
daesleeper on February 6, 2010 at 8:22 PM
Because it doesn’t follow your narrative? Are you someone special?
Post somew facts, oh yeah, you never have any.
You hit and run.
harry on February 6, 2010 at 8:25 PM
I am kind of mystified how anyone can claim that todays Republican Party would call Ronald Reagan a Republican in Name Only. Reagan is the classic, quintessential Icon for Republicanism isn’t he?
I am trying to get a perspective on who would do this. Are there any HA cons who believe Reagan is a RINO?
I won’t attack you. I just want to know.
Geochelone on February 6, 2010 at 8:27 PM
Mount Rushmore is calling.
viking01 on February 6, 2010 at 8:28 PM
Reagan ended countless nightmares I had growing up during “The Day After” mentality where everyone was convinced that a nuclear war was just moments away.
He brought a well deserved pride back to this country after predicessors ground it into the dirt.
He ended the cold war without firing a single shot, bringing down a world superpower in our lifetime.
He cut tax brackets so my hard-working parents could keep a larger portion of what they worked so hard for, and spend more helping others in turn make more money…people still scoff at trickle-down economics, but laughing at it doesn’t make it untrue.
He did it all with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his lips that left even those who disagreed with him impressed and often begrudgingly admiring him.
He is sorely missed.
Rest in peace, Ronald W. Reagan.
DrAllecon on February 6, 2010 at 8:33 PM
Here’s a potential solution: a preferential voting system, especially during the primaries. This would allow voters to rank order the candidates and would provide a more accurate picture of voter preferences. For example, in 2008 the “conservative” vote was split between multiple candidates, which allowed McCain to appear in the lead, even though he was on the top of the list for so few people. This also would have prevented Clinton from getting elected in 1992.
Send_Me on February 6, 2010 at 8:34 PM
Remembering Ronald Reagan’s 99th Birthday: http://mittromneycentral.com/2010/02/05/remembering-ronald-reagans-99th-birthday-live-stream-celebration/
dnlchisholm on February 6, 2010 at 8:35 PM
Thanks for the warning; so ends my bafflement at the claim the the Republican Party has moved heavily to the Right these last 20 years.
The Tea Party movement is a polymorphous entity which is hard to define. It is a hybridization of many factions who see more govment as the problem. If the Tea Party movement was just a mirror image of the Republican Party what would be the point? Why the need?
Geochelone on February 6, 2010 at 8:38 PM
I much prefer Voodoo Economics to Zero’s DooDoo economics!
Maquis on February 6, 2010 at 8:42 PM
The history that surrounds Reagan has been watered down. Most forget that there was 10.8% unemployment in 82 or that reelection at the time was dim.
Most people forget the anger that surrounded the amnesty bill.
But they all existed.
They were solved by Reagan who did some pretty radical things.
Raising taxes or amnesty programs would not fly in the Republican Party of today. Look how McCain got hammered.
as for daesleeper he proves my point about how the tent is shrinking. Diserting or even thuthful statement are not shot down with opposing fact, only opinion, it’s tiresome.
And that is how you lose moderate conservatives
harry on February 6, 2010 at 8:45 PM
Ronald Reagan: Tear down this wall
B. Hussein Obama: Iran is a tiny country.
angryed on February 6, 2010 at 8:45 PM
I watched the TPC for several hours today. They are avoiding the social issues intentionally. This is the way to grow the movement. This talk about the left moving left and the right moving right is gibberish. The left is off the reservation ideologically. Today’s democrat politician is nothing like a Truman. However I think the right has moved slightly left in some areas and slightly right in others. This wake up, the Tea Party movement, is a call for honesty and restraint in Washington. That is it. For someone to say that the Reagan would be rejected by today’s right wing is ludicrous because the right has moved way right is laughable. There is no perfect politician.
Many of us are incredibly more informed due to new media and therefore our criticism is greatly refined. I grew up watching ABC, CBS, and NBC attack Reagan at every step of his career. If Reagan was their enemy, then he must be a man of character.
daesleeper on February 6, 2010 at 8:47 PM
You said it! Obama’s is more of a trickle-up poeverty.
DrAllecon on February 6, 2010 at 8:49 PM
Did you watch the birther part? Yeah, real mainstream.
harry on February 6, 2010 at 8:49 PM
*poverty
DrAllecon on February 6, 2010 at 8:50 PM
Yes, my experience and understand at the inception of the TP moment was that it scrupulously avoided associating itself with any existing Party that was on the map.
The attendees quickly learned that the only way to unify was to not engage in unnecessary partisan invective. I heard many speeches to this effect.
The Tea Party thing was a people against bloated gubmint movement additionally inspired by the outrage against bias in the media and fears over incrementalism.
Thats how it went down out here on the west coast and I have seen vids of meetings in other states that confirmed this.
Geochelone on February 6, 2010 at 8:59 PM
No, but we know we recovered from that in 2 years, without massive inflation either, and launched revitalization of American manufacturing and a whole new industry, computing. Reagan did not plan that; Reagan said if we were allowed the income we’d do something spectacular and we did.
If that is all Reagan had stood for, he wouldn’t have lasted either. And you know it.
Who needs people who think Reagan was awesome for raising taxes and amnesty and spending more? And want us to do just that now?
Chris_Balsz on February 6, 2010 at 9:00 PM
understandunderstandingGeochelone on February 6, 2010 at 9:00 PM
Thank you Seven Percent. that made me cry, but made me proud. I wish we could find another one like him, or at least close to him. He loved the USA and was a “Proud American” and brought such grace and dignity to the Presidency…Unlike the current resident of the white house, who can’t even wear a tie in public. I wish someone would tell Obambi he is not ‘cool’, he is a jackass, and will never be 1 tenth the President Ronnie was……sigh.
clinker46 on February 6, 2010 at 9:04 PM
Palin’s on C-span 1 now.
CPT. Charles on February 6, 2010 at 9:06 PM
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