Republicans
Debating in Reagan’s shadow.
The Republican presidential debate last week 'œmay have been forgettable,' said Fred Barnes in The Weekly Standard, but clearly the same cannot be said for Ronald Reagan. The venue chosen for the event was Reagan's presidential library in Simi Valley, Calif., with Reagan's widow, Nancy, seated prominently in the front row. The candidates quickly proceeded to twist themselves into rhetorical pretzels trying to present themselves as Reagan's natural heir, mentioning his name 19 times in the 90-minute debate while barely mentioning President Bush at all. Each of these 'œReagan wannabes' latched onto a different aspect of the Gipper, said Newsday in an editorial. Rudy Giuliani repeatedly evoked Reagan's optimism. John McCain cornered the market in Reaganesque tough talk on foreign policy, vowing to personally hunt down Osama bin Laden 'œto the gates of hell.' But for sheer uncanniness of resemblance, nobody could touch Mitt Romney's 'œperfect head of hair and silky speaking manner.'
This is getting ridiculous, said Peggy Noonan in The Wall Street Journal. As a former speechwriter for our 40th president, I can tell you that 'œReagan was Reagan' and there will never be another. And why would we want one? Reagan's presidency was such a success because he was 'œa particular man at a particular point in history.' Obviously, the world has changed since then. 'œWhat is to be desired now is a new greatness,' not a Reagan impersonator. You'd think we would have already learned that lesson, said Michael Scherer in Salon.com. Eight years ago, Republicans were also on a mission to find Reagan II, and they thought they picked one: another folksy, charming 'œcowboy' of unwavering moral conviction by the name of George W. Bush. We know how that turned out.
Robert Borosage
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Chicago Tribune
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The genetic secrets of South Korea's female free-divers
Under The Radar Unique physiology of 'real-life mermaid' haenyeo women could help treat chronic diseases
-
Democrats: How to rebuild a damaged brand
Feature Trump's approval rating is sinking, but so is the Democratic brand
-
Unraveling autism
Feature RFK Jr. has vowed to find the root cause of the 'autism epidemic' in months. Scientists have doubts.
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?
In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
-
'Seriously, not literally': how should the world take Donald Trump?
Today's big question White House rhetoric and reality look likely to become increasingly blurred
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?
Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
-
Democrats vs. Republicans: who are the billionaires backing?
The Explainer Younger tech titans join 'boys' club throwing money and support' behind President Trump, while older plutocrats quietly rebuke new administration
-
US election: where things stand with one week to go
The Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
-
Is Trump okay?
Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
-
The life and times of Kamala Harris
The Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
-
Will 'weirdly civil' VP debate move dial in US election?
Today's Big Question 'Diametrically opposed' candidates showed 'a lot of commonality' on some issues, but offered competing visions for America's future and democracy