I Missed a Day: Why Is Obama The Second Coming of Reagan? [View All]

[DrFunkenstein]

I am assuming that he praised the revered idol of half the nation in order to win them over in order to further progressive policies. I have seen him do similar things on several occasions and not only have no problem with it, I actively support it.

As someone who has:

A)Read "What's The Matter With Kansas?" and "Don't Think of an Elephant"
B)Actually read Obama's impressively progressive policy positions

I don't have a big problem with Obama using rhetoric to enact real change, even if he invokes Reagan (with whom I have a big problem). As much as I love a good culture war, I would much rather see major health care and environmental/energy reform pass through Congress than get some good licks in.

Although I am an avowed political junkie, I try not to lose sight of what matters in the end - helping people, making the world a better place, etc.

I think Obama's rhetoric is very different than, say, someone who wants to seem as "tough" as a Republican through militarism and sabre-rattling, let alone providing a legacy of triangulating policies to seem "moderate."

Obviously, I have a big problem with the way the media applies the terms "tough" (suggesting determination when they mean harsh, repressive, draconian, militaristic) and "moderate" (which suggests being reasonable when they mean centrist).

All of that said, I am honestly open to what people have to say about Obama's crimes against the 80's. I have seen him linked to Reagan in a weird way around here, and must assume that something jaw-dropping came to light in the short time I was away from this lovely discussion board.

Thanks, everybody! :hi: