There are two Ronald Reagans: one was the flesh and blood 40th President of the United States; while the other is a figment of the collective imagination of today’s GOP. Any resemblance between the two is mostly coincidental.
Consider the following:
- Taxes: “Reagan” would never, ever, ever raise any kind of tax under any circumstances. Reagan cut taxes significantly, but subsequently raised them by a lesser amount.
- Spending: “Reagan” cut the size of the federal government. Reagan substantially increased the defense budget, and largely gave up trying to cut domestic programs in the face of public hostility after the “ketchup is a vegetable” episode and the Stockman “Trojan Horse” interview.
- Negotiations with Adversaries: “Reagan” never made deals with our enemies; he used American strength to impose our will on them. Reagan negotiated with the Soviet Union and was responsible for Iran/Contra.
- Foreign Military Adventures: “Reagan” used American power to end the Cold War. Reagan limited himself to a fiasco in Lebanon and a parade in Grenada.
- Reputation Abroad: “Reagan,” through his adept leadership, united the Free World. Reagan was a highly polarizing figure in Europe due to his bellicose rhetoric, although his bark was much worse than his bite.
Will the GOP ever learn the right lessons from Reagan and “Reagan?” As of now, the answer is no, and the party is not fit to exercise power as a result.