Trump and Reagan have plenty in common: both were old white guys with a background in show business, limited interest in policy specifics, and an apparently burning desire to recreate an imaginary idyllic past. Their differences are more significant, however:
- Reagan was a “shining city on a hill;” Trump is “American carnage.”
- Reagan didn’t have a thin skin; Trump is defined by his.
- Reagan’s views were based on a clearly defined ideology; Trump’s only ideology is self-love.
- Reagan respected liberal democratic values; Trump doesn’t.
- Reagan had a sense of humor and a grace that even people who didn’t agree with him could admire; Trump doesn’t.
- Reagan supported our traditional alliances; Trump doesn’t.
- Reagan’s administration was filled with competent people; Trump’s is a chaotic mess.
- Reagan didn’t have Twitter and Fox News; Trump, alas, does.
And so, Reagan had “Morning in America,” and Trump–well, you read the title.