The difference is that the Republican obsession with Reagan might be making it harder for them to find their next real hero — or elect their next president.

Think about it. Every time another candidate or commentator goes off on a panegyric about the 40th president, you can hear the old-timers saying to themselves: “Wish we had someone like that nowadays.” And you can see the attention of younger voters wandering off.

Generational attitudes aside, it makes little sense to praise a past leader to the point where current leaders cannot compete. Even Reagan himself was not always the mythic figure he’s made out to be today. Were he around today, one wonders if he would have the chance to grow into the figure he became.

In the end, all the hagiography may simply set a standard that is impossible for any prospective standard bearer to meet.