Is Obama the Democratic Reagan?

[liberalpragmatist]

Reagan was a beloved figure for the right, worshipped from the get-go. Could we be seeing the same stirrings on the left with Obama?

Of course, we've been through this before, to some degree. Mario Cuomo certainly had the potential to "Our Reagan" but he himself opted not to run for President in either '88 or '92 when the nomination was his if he wanted it. His moment passed, and we were left simply to think about what could have been (or not, if you were never as impressed by him.)

And in some ways, of course, Clinton was "our Reagan" - despite not having a 49-state landslide reelection (the thing that more than anything solidified Reagan's reputation as the country's most popular president, despite it's falsity). He was as popular, moreso, in fact, than Reagan at the end of his term, and he demonstrated the same kind of appeal and communication skills as Reagan. However, Clinton never revitalized the left, never redefined the country as meaningfully for the left as Reagan did for the right. I mean no disrespect towards Clinton for this - I think he was an enormously competent President who history will judge favorably. But he still fits within the historical context of a period of Conservative dominance that Reagan, more than anyone, helped to establish firmly.

Obama, I tentatively hope, has the potential to be "our Reagan", and more than a few people close to Obama say, off the record (according to sources), that Obama, unlike Cuomo (who was always ambivalent about a national campaign), DOES have national aspirations. With his communication skills and his ability to appeal to nontraditional demographics and even Conservatives, could we have an "Age of Obama" some 8 or 12 years down the road?

Here's to hoping. :kick:

[Tweed]

1. I'm from Illinois and I love Obama

But I doubt that he would be embraced like Regan. I hate to say it, but the man is black. He has been getting support from downstate more then any other black candidate in Illinois' history so maybe he could cross the racial line, but I don't think it could happen. I think he could easily get elected, but get more then 310 electoral votes? I would bet against it.

[Melodybe]

2. I think that he will be, only ten milion times better than Reagan.

[gatlingforme]

7. I have heard alot of people say that here in IL. I for one would

not like to think that, but you are right on I think. I hope that would not be the case for him to further his career down the road, especially not all of the US votes as they do downstate.

[LuminousX]

3. He is the Democratic Obama

I hated this when people tried to compare Dean to (Nader, Carter, whoever) it is as if people can't be their own person.

I understand where this is coming from, but lets frame it in our own language.

[Claire Beth]

4. Bill Clinton is the democratic Reagan.

at least in MY opinion.

Obama is just getting started in his career. He is very talented and looks VERY promising.

[styersc]

5. That is one very positivwe that I have noticed fromj this convention.

We are fielding a lot of bright, young democrats. Obama, Edwards and Landrieu are the first to come to mind, but even in scanning the crowd it is a mix of old and young.

For a while there our bench was thin but we are growing talent!!!

[tigereye]

9. oddly enough our Reagan might be Ron Junior

he was very articulate in his speech about stem cell reasearch, and it was very odd to see his father's mannerisms operating so vividly at a Democratic convention.

[gatlingforme]

6. "Our Reagan" what's up with that.? I do not think Obama is

anyone's "Reagan" --- He is in a class by himself IMO. "Our Reagan" is a misnomer to begin with. Reagan (to alot of Dems) means a total right wing nut. Republicans worshipped Reagan like he was some kind of Deity. I do not think the Dems worship politicians as Republicans do. IMHO.

[wildeyed]

8. I don't know that

much about Reagan. I was young when he was in office. Plus I come from a Democratic family and my parents always despised the man. But people who love Reagan seem to beyond all sense and reason.

Obama has that potential. I have watched many of the speeches so far this convention. I love Clinton and John Edwards (my senator), and Sharpton tore it up, but, truly, my heart belongs to Obama. He looks at that camera, and it feels like he looks directly into your soul and you can see into his. Transcendent. I would campaign for him. Just tell me when.

Is Obama that good in person, or is it just a TV thing? Is he usually that good, or was this just a great night for him?

[Xenus Sister]

10. Ryan just officially pulled out of the Illinois race against Obama

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=536&ncid=536&e=9&u=/ap/20040729/ap_on_el_se/illinois_senate_4

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Ryan Pulls Name Off Ill. Senate Ballot

By MAURA KELLY LANNAN, Associated Press Writer

CHICAGO - Republican Jack Ryan officially withdrew from the U.S. Senate race Thursday, nearly five weeks after a sex scandal forced him to abandon his candidacy.


The Illinois State Board of Elections received Ryan's withdrawal papers Thursday morning in Springfield, according to elections officials.


His exit came a day after Republican leaders said they were tired of waiting for him to take the step and scheduled a meeting of the committee that will choose his replacement.

...

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That might have been posted. Threads move very fast here.

Seeing the love for Obama didn't have anything to do with it. Nope, not a thing. Really!

[DjTj]

11. Reagan, Jr. is the Democratic Reagan...

Obama is the Democratic Obama...

We could say Reagan was the Republican JFK - I wouldn't be so quick to name things after conservative icons.

If we are looking for a great communicator, Obama is certainly a candidate - Clinton also, as you have pointed out, and Edwards, I think also has that potential.