In this piece, Media Matters does a great job of outlining the differences between modern conservatives - like Sean Hannity - and President Reagan in the areas of terrorism (follow the law), nuclear arms control (eliminate nukes), budget deficits (they climbed), taxes (yeah, he raised them, on the middle-class), immigration (amnesty), and judicial activism (he appointed ideologues).
To be sure, Ronald Reagan initiated deregulation policies and a clumsy trickle-down philosophy that contributed to wrecking our nation's economy and budgets, while the impact of his militarism and human rights' efforts in places like Latin America are nothing to brag about. But there were many areas that he believed he could work with Democrats.
I'm not sure whether we can attribute Reagan's approach to having to work with a Democratic Congress, or because Reagan was a pragmatist who wanted to get things done. It was probably driven by a little of both. Still, in my view, his ability to work with others came from having to make his way in life before entering politics (unlike you know who), having a genuine wit (instead of being smirky & arrogant) culled from a life that was touched by economic Depression and an alcoholic father, and having an air about him that made the Bush family feel like "the help." All of this contributed to a political sense that allowed him to take practical approaches and compromise in many policy areas.
Those who support the Republican Party, and their on-going "just say no" strategy, like Sean Hannity, could learn much from looking at President Reagan's record. Reagan vs. "Reagan Conservative" Sean Hannity is a good place to start.
- Mark
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