Reply #7: Thank you for pointing it out. [View All]

[vixengrl]

Obama's quote in reference to Reagan had to do with a transformational presidency--in effect, capitalizing on the errors of the previous administration. (which Obama was of necessity going to do--this Bush administration being error-ridden). It was by no means a statement in favor of Reagan's policy, so much as an explanation of why Reagan succeeded. Other than also being a "great communicator", it is difficult to see what these two have in common, as Obama is more in touch with grassroots concerns in the positive sense of trying to put needs into actions, and Reagan's gift was massaging resentments and nostalgia into the hagiographical Cult of Personality that persists with the Reagan icon to this day amongst the alumni Young Republicans circa the '80's--without much in the way of positive policy to speak of. Take a look at his approach to taxes, deregulation, and the Middle East, and you'll pretty much see Epic Fail. He was kind of win in engaging with Gorbachev, but it's a good bet any American President might've done the same, seeing an oppotunity.

Obama is definitely coming from a different place, and it's one nearer to home for me. :)