Comments:
Reagan is not a useful prototype for contemporary Republican politicians. He was an unusual talent. He had spent 20 years going around the country and talking to people, he had two terms as the governor of the countries largest state. He also had an amazing ability to laugh off, and deflect his opponents snide stupid attacks.
There is no one, Republican or Democrat, who has Reagan's talent or charm.
I have been reading the comments of the RINO haters and the Cruz and Paul fanboiz on several websites. I see that they are angry, and they want a candidate who is as angry as they are, and who will punch back twice as hard.
Anger maybe therapeutic, but it is a surefire way to lose elections. The mass of American voters are not angry, they are scared. An angry candidate will just scare them more, and will not attract uncommitted voters.
Reagan's talent was to reassure the voters and give them, dare I say it, hope. I don't see any candidate with that talent this time around. Sadly, Reagan is dead and gone and we shall have to soldier on without him.
Posted by Fat Man at December 19, 2014 7:46 PM
All of what you say is true Fat Man, but there is one more thing to add. Reagan didn't back down from his position(s) and pushed back when he needed to get ahead.
What we do need is for the Conservatives to get the hell out of the GOP, form their own party on the State level, run primaries and have a line in the general elections. There is nothing to prevent this since the other two are private parties. Staying inside the GOP guarantees losing.
Posted by Vermont Woodchuck at December 20, 2014 7:38 AM