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Another Perspective
Romney Can Be the Next Reagan
The temperament is there, as is the natural appeal of a friendly, modest, handsome leader.
(Page 2 of 2)
Romney has the same qualities. Whereas Newt would make a great General Douglas MacArthur, ready to challenge everyone else’s authority, Romney obviously prefers to organize without putting himself out front. He lets others have their say. His one great weakness is that he doesn’t yet seem to have the common touch. He still looks uncomfortable in crowds and can’t seem to relate to people who don’t share his background. Maybe the trip from Cranbrook to Cranford NJ isn’t that easy. But I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get better during the campaign.
As Jimmy Carter would ultimately discover, this election will not be decided by who can memorize the longest list of talking points. It’s going to be won by the candidate who voters feel most comfortable having in their living rooms. Obama passed the test in 2008. He was young and fresh and seemed to have a level head while McCain appeared old and tired. It was a fairly easy choice. But the President won’t have those advantages this time around. After four years of mismanaging the economy, he won’t be able to talk hope and change. His only option will be to go negative, portraying Romney as a rich boy who doesn’t care about anyone who doesn’t have money. That may work for a while but at some point people are going to want to hear something positive. At that point they will start listening to Romney. If he sounds like Reagan, they will find him an attractive and plausible alternative.
Romney is something we haven’t seen for a while in America — a benevolent family man. He’s the well-meaning father who knows how to do the right thing even if he can’t always express himself. Liberals are beginning to notice this and feel uneasy. Last week the New Republic ran a cover photo of him taken within three inches of his face that made him look like King Kong. Frank Rich has started harping on Mormonism, showing that religious bigotry is not dead in America. New York Times columnist Gail Collins is morally certain the public will turn on Romney once they perceive the true significance of the dog-tied-on-top-the-car. To her, Romney is capable of tying pregnant women to railroad tracks. But the public may see it as just another amusing episode of Father Knows Best.
And just listen to this indictment from Times contributor Lee Siegel, who calls Romney “the whitest white man to run for president in years.”
He is nearly always in immaculate white shirt sleeves. He is implacably polite, tossing off phrases like “oh gosh” with Stepford bonhomie. He has mastered Benjamin Franklin’s honesty as the “best policy”… He speaks of the founding fathers and the Declaration of Independence as phases of national creativity that we are destined to live through again. He frequently accompanies his recitative with verses from “America the Beautiful.”
Who would ever want to vote for a candidate like that?
Letter to the Editor View all comments (261) | Leave a comment
More Articles by William Tucker
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http://spectator.org/archives/2012/02/06/romney-can-be-the-next-reagan
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Kitty | 2.6.12 @ 6:20AM
You have got to be kidding. NO, Romney doesn't have Reagan's temperament. Reagan was a natural; Romney is scripted and seems ill at ease when off script. But more importantly, Romney is a self-professed "moderate" whose ideas and goals are "progressive," the antithesis of President Reagan.
PaulyD| 2.6.12 @ 6:53AM
Kitty,
I Absolutely agree.
Reagan was a conservative intellectual. Romney is not. Reagan never would have said the minimum wage needs to be indexed. He would have said it needs to be abolished. Romney's statement on the minimum wage gives him away. End of story.
Jack in Wi.| 2.6.12 @ 7:34AM
Romney will be the next Bush if he wins and the next, Dole or McCain if he loses. One thing he will never be is a conservative.
Jeremiah Smirking| 2.6.12 @ 7:44AM
I only had to read the headline to tell that this article had to be something only worthy of lining my birdcage, if only I was unconcerned about insulting the birds!
Moe Blotz| 2.6.12 @ 8:11AM
Say something nice about Ron Paul's buddy, Mitt Romney. They always get together after the televised "debates" to smile and chat. Mitt is even considering Ron Paul for running mate.
Clint| 2.6.12 @ 8:27AM
How's This, BibiBot.
“I don’t have probably any agreements with Mitt on policies — foreign policy, monetary policy, spending policy policy, bailout policy,” Paul said. “[But] I think I ended up probably defending him more than he defended himself.”
“He’s a victim of his own economic theories,” Paul said. “Rather than him being cold and heartless.”
The Tea Party Heads To Colorado, Minnesota & Maine.
Moe Blotz| 2.6.12 @ 10:04AM
That is just lovely, gives me a warm feeling running down my leg. Or I just spilled my tea.
Marco2| 2.6.12 @ 10:26AM
A great article on our soon-to-be nominee, Governor Romney, who has now gained majority conservative support. On the other hand, Rock'em, Sock'em Ron heads to three more landslide defeats in CO, MN and ME. He is tiresome.
USSAlabama| 2.6.12 @ 11:17AM
Some comments on this article from facebook:
"Someone's drinking the Ann Coulter kool-aid"
" You people at American Spectator should lay off the wacky tabakky,"
"Articles like this make you lose any credibility you have as being conservative. When you piss on our leg, dont expect us to believe you when you say it is raining."
"Romney spent his whole adult life on all fours looking for a butt to kiss. He is not his own man. He's whatever he has to be to get where he wants to go. He won't attack Obama the way he's attacking Newt and he'll make excuses all day for his lack of guts. He's Obama's ticket to a second term. The next Reagan?? Puh leeze."
" Romney could never be another Reagan... his love of the buck overshadows his pride in his nation."
" America Spectator you are losing your credibility quicky with statements like this !"
Dai Alanye | 2.6.12 @ 11:49AM
Tucker is absolutely delusional. As far as temperament, did Reagan smile at a man face-to-face before stabbing him in the back? That is Romney's tactic. And as far as policies, there's no comparison at all.
Occam's Tool| 2.6.12 @ 2:02PM
He's got plenty of disagreement on foreign policy, Clint.
Russel| 2.6.12 @ 12:30PM
And guess who'll be sending our country the way of Argentina . The Won who said today the Constitution makes his job harder . Just vote for Zero and we'll never have to worry about that crummy Romney again .
Wake| 2.6.12 @ 4:19PM
I don't know what the author is smoking but Romney is no Ronald Reagan where Reagan never "flip-flopped" on his ideologies other than when he switched parties because the Democrats no longer shared his views. I also find it hilarious with the authors description of Romney as a conservative where he voted for Tsongas for President and you can't get anymore liberal than this guy other than McGovern himself. Oh and btw, how about all those liberal justices he appointed to the MA Supreme Court using the excuse that they were "prosecutors afterall". And all his flip-flops on issues not only once but 3-times on such issues as gun control and abortion. Once Obama gets done showing those to the American people, he will lose all credibility. Then we could go into the Mormon issue but frankly, his stance on issues and his obvious thirst for "opportunism" stands out as reasons not to elect this guy. All I can say is the author must be a Mormon because Romney is NO RONALD REAGAN!
Geo. S. Smith| 2.6.12 @ 4:55PM
In a sane world, Romney would be a Democrat and Obama's running mate. He's never been anything but a liberal.
RJ| 2.6.12 @ 1:11PM
100% agree with you, Kitty. There is zero similarity between Reagan and Romney.
publius01| 2.8.12 @ 12:23PM
I agree with the Mr. Tucker. One of the things that Reagan so effective is that he was forced to learn how to work with the opposition and to employ conservative principles while actually still getting things done. It seems like modern conservatives are consent to wage their quixotic battles while obstructing the public business.
Speaking of which, you guys are nuts on this minimum wage issue. First of all, the real minimum wage (adjusted for inflation) was nearly $2 higher than it is today and remained higher for most of Reagan's presidency. Yet you notice he didn't push to abolish it, only to reduce it for young people.
Second, the minimum wage is supported by more than 75% of the American electorate from across the political spectrum. If a Republican presidential candidate has a platform opposing the minimum wage, you know he or she has no intention of winning the general election.
I swear, sometimes it seems like you guys WANT to find a way to lose to Obama...like you would rather be the obstructionist opposition than actually govern.
Mr ED| 2.6.12 @ 7:33AM
My gawd this endless psyops propaganda pushing Romney onto an unwilling electorate is not only unseemly, it is just plain silly. Even since the immigration debacle, when the Ruling Class Republicans decided to use the language and tactics of the Left, the party of stupid has morphed itself into the party of "You vil like vat ve tell you to like", complete with inane propaganda efforts like this article.
Mtncougar| 2.6.12 @ 4:38PM
"psyops propaganda" ... many smiles to Mr. Ed for this phrase.
Unbelievable how many of our pundits are drinking the kool aid about Romney. Remember the polls that show Romney doing well against Obama? That's before the leftist MSM gets their hands on him over Bain Capital and rips him to shreds.
Romney is the poster-boy for corporate wall street Republican rich guy. Add Bain Capital to the mix and it becomes a poison cocktail that plays right into the hands of the Obama media destruction machine.
Here's an interview with a conservative venture capitalist about Bain if you want to study up...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....e=youtu.be
Seriously, our "leaders" are so blind on this.
aware| 2.6.12 @ 6:13PM
And sooner or later, you and many who consider themselves conservatives need to understand that some of our "fellows" aren't just wrong on this, they flat out are NOT on your side and never have been.
They don't want what you want, but they sure do make you think they do. The most effective lie they use is making you think the Republican party is or can be "conservative".
If conservatives can't even gain control of a party how will they ever win control of a nation?
carnot| 2.6.12 @ 10:41PM
which begs the real question in all these tiresome threads: how come Conservatives can't make the sale?
Mtncougar| 2.7.12 @ 2:19AM
Gingrich tried. He was doing GREAT. Until Romney buried him in negative ads and Newt had to stop focusing on conservativsm and start hitting back at all the Romney-generated negativity. Really, it's too bad.
aware| 2.7.12 @ 6:34AM
Because it lacks focus. Conservatism has been diffused up blind alleys of side issues. It obsesses with symptoms, such as "gay marriage", Obamacare, or war on "terror" while being MIA in the fight with the real disease, which is the Cult of the State.
Some "conservatives" look with envy at the high priests of the State(the Left) and covet the benefits, such as the fawning worship of the Chattering Class and the power to remake the world.
Concentration on side issues allows the sowing of confusion. Such as when Romney claims he will "repeal Obamacare"(which he assuredly will not), it gains support from conservatives who are then blindsided by his growth of the State in many other areas.
Then there is our own cult of personality, where the loathing of the person of Obama(understandable) finds us in bed with anybody who isn't him. Kicking him off the drivers seat of the steamroller won't stop the next driver from flattening you just the same.
All this, and a few other things, allows conservatives to fall into the trap of believing that massive, all powerful government is not the paramount threat it is as long as "we" are running it. This is a lie that has conservatives "managing" instead of dismantling when they are in power.
So the State grows and grows. Conservatives find themselves more demoralized at the end of "conservative" control than ever, like '08 after Bush. A bigger than ever State then at the service of the High Priests again.
The size and scope of government is the only thing that matters. Having powerful government is like having elephants in your army, its as likely to trample you as the enemy.
Vern Crisler| 2.6.12 @ 9:21AM
I have to say, the first line of this article made me start laughing, and I couldn't read any further. Comparing Mitt to Reagan? Sheesh, I'm not sure what has happened to AmSpec writers; have they gone completely bonkers?
kf451| 2.6.12 @ 10:05AM
I totally agree. The punditry is now trying to "re-educate" us, but we're not stupid.
USSAlabama| 2.6.12 @ 11:20AM
Mainly, I just resent the Establishment picking the candidate before I even have a chance to vote in my Primary.
Mitt sucks.
Drek| 2.6.12 @ 11:39AM
That article was so fantasy based, it ought to be included in the fantasy/Sci-Fi section of the bookstore!
What a joke!
Gary B| 2.6.12 @ 2:13PM
Things have changed since Reagan. Now is the time to speak what's on the mind of every conservative in the country and that requires some anger. After all, we're on the verge of losing America to all-out tyranny and yet another Republican sellout is in the offing. This is flat out unacceptable.
Hansome families are not what we need. A candidate willing to take on the press and the DC elite and name names while doing it is what we need, not more of "my esteemed friend on the other side of the aisle."
scout| 2.6.12 @ 6:16PM
thank you.
i kept thinking whilst reading the article, 'is this guy watching the same romney i am?'.
Alan Brooks| 2.6.12 @ 6:29PM
Romney is safe and harmless.
'Nuff said.
Alan Brooks| 2.6.12 @ 6:31PM
Romney is similar to Norman Bates at the police station very close to the end of the film:
Romney "wouldn't hurt a fly."
Owen K| 2.6.12 @ 10:05PM
I agree 100%. You put it well. I can't add anything to it.
Catt| 2.6.12 @ 10:40PM
Kitty, you are mistaken. Romney has given hundreds of interviews with no script. The longer he campaigns, the better he gets at spontaneously expressing himself. Consider how difficult it would be to have to watch every word, knowing that the left would seize on the slightest hint of even a partial sentence that they might use against him.
The important thing about Romney is that he is a fiscal conservative who knows how jobs are created. All else pales against our crushing national debt and the many unemployed and desperate individuals all across this country desperately seeking to make an honest living.
Trinacria| 2.6.12 @ 11:20PM
Romney's the next Reagan like I'm the next Mr. Salma Hayek.
Commonman| 2.6.12 @ 11:31PM
Hi Salma.
Trinacria| 2.6.12 @ 11:16PM
Amen, Kitty. Rather a shame to see how far the standards have fallen at TAS.
Bumr50| 2.6.12 @ 6:21AM
Why can't some people understand that most conservative aversion to Mitt Romney has little to do with Romney himself (lousy candidate and all) and much to do with the GOP?
Again, there will be no "coalescing" this year.
It will be all I can do to vote for Mittens, let alone support him.
TrueBlue | 2.6.12 @ 2:06PM
The conservative aversion to Romney is that he is a liberal with an R next to his name. he doesn't have a conservative bone in his body.
c. j. acworth| 2.6.12 @ 6:28AM
Does the phrase "Triumph of hope over experience" mean anything to Mr. Tucker? I try to remain optimistic, but it's getting harder every day.
Jay| 2.6.12 @ 6:30AM
This column is a joke. I stay home if Romney is the nominee.
There is little difference between Obama and Romney. Vote for either.
Both Romney and Obama want to continue the wars in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas, they each favored the bail-outs, both are pro-gun control, both support indefinite detention of U.S. citizens, and neither is really serious about a meaningful reduction in taxes or the size of government.
The only difference I see is that Obama has been relatively consistent in his abortion policies; I am not sure where Romney stands this morning on the issue of abortion.
jmm1890| 2.6.12 @ 10:53AM
And they both have the same energy policy; they both would pick the same uber liberal judges; they both have the same tax policy; they both have the same EPA policy. You're right, stay at home and be the true Conservative!
irish19| 2.6.12 @ 12:58PM
Staying home is not an option this year. If you cannot bring yourself to vote for the eventual nominee for President (whoever it may be), you certainly need to vote for Congresscritters, Senators, Governors, &c. Taking the Senate and increasing the number of conservatives in the House will at least mitigate any damage from the top.
Drunken Sailor| 2.6.12 @ 1:41PM
Exactly right Irish! I depressingly find myself in that boat more and more as this primary goes on. I will concentrate on making a change in Congress, state levels and unfortunately pull the presidential lever while holding my nose for ABO.
purp| 2.6.12 @ 1:43PM
"critters" is the correct term, i must agree.
TrueBlue | 2.6.12 @ 2:09PM
I'll write a 36-yr old friend of mine in for President before I vote for Rombama. I agree with you Irish on just trying to make sure we get as many REAL conservative Congresscritters as we can to control whichever maniac ends up as President.
Hopefully we can get enough to push through an impeachment trial on whoever tries to use Executive Orders on anything beyond the Executive's control.
Anne Roberts | 2.10.12 @ 12:32AM
I will not stay home, refusing to vote, but why are there no voices "out there" questioning and discussing the support of the esteemed Senator John McCain for Mitt Romney's campaign? John McCain was one of the author's for NDAA which authorizes the government to pick up any American citizen at any time, any where, without the right of habeas corpus? Is anyone concerned about that? Then, there is his track record with health care. I do think American Standard went overboard with their report.
Appleby| 2.6.12 @ 6:44AM
I lived in California when Mr. Reagan was govrernor and voted for im for President with great enthusiasm because of what I saw him do. Of course the main thing we liked about Reagan was that he was an adult; after four years of hot dang you all I swan, it was good to have a president we didn't have to apologize for. But Romney is not that man. As a matter of fact, I am tired of him already.
btims| 2.6.12 @ 7:01AM
Are you serious? Mittens is a plastic, vapid wind-up doll candidate.
I predict Barry will cruise to re-election.
Carol| 2.6.12 @ 7:02AM
Sorry Mr. Tucker - not even bothering to read.
Reagan was warning America over 50 years ago what would happen if liberals got us to this point.
Romneycare is still defending the big program he signed making buying healthcare from the state mandatory - something Reagan warned about in 1961.
Clint| 2.6.12 @ 7:05AM
The Stupid Party McCain Redux.
DevilDog| 2.6.12 @ 8:18AM
wussboy coward who ran AWAY from the recruiters.
you mumble something?
Clint| 2.6.12 @ 8:28AM
Yeah, I Said You're A Coward, Dr.Reich's Plumber Crack.
Occam's Tool| 2.6.12 @ 2:04PM
Clint: unlike you, DD served in combat. The closest thing you've come to the front lines is throwing acid in little girls' faces. You are not fit to be around children, scumbag.
Clint| 2.6.12 @ 2:58PM
Unlike You, Neo-Chickenhawk Coward Israel Firstwer Traitor Bastard,Tool Job, I'm Not A Maniac Israel Firster Screwball Piece Of Traitor Bastard Garbage.
Takee Two Shock Treatments And Call Bibi In The Morning.
davod| 2.8.12 @ 1:11AM
???
BryanD| 2.6.12 @ 7:08AM
Forget supporting TAS, you guys have drunk some bad cool-aid lately. There is nothing in remotely close for Mitt "I'm proud to be a moderate" Romney to even be compared let alone mention in the same sentance. As Reagan!!
What's wrong with you 'conservative' blogs, I used to love coming here to get my conserv fix. But lately you seem to have gotten in bed with NRO and Komen!!
TAS needs to go actually sit in Rush's class!!
teflon93| 2.6.12 @ 7:59AM
We are finding out who these people really are, aren't we?
It's time for the Tea Party to rise.
It's time to choose between conservatism and Republicanism.
Pimarily Exhausted| 2.6.12 @ 7:17AM
The world went crazy 10 years ago when housing prices started decoupling from reality. This opinion and those of other pundits now hold the baton of absolute mental disorder. Starting with Ann Coulter and the rest who are now writing absurd rationale (Willard will "owe" conservatives), the GOP and its little echo chamber have become "grubs" (see original Star Trek episode).
POST American| 2.6.12 @ 7:41AM
"America better watch it or
in a couple of decades we're going
to be a minstrel show ---for RED China."
-Gore Vidal
1985
(the heyday of the Reagan era)
Vidal's prophesy itself looking
optimistic as the REALITY of
full-spectrum police state surveillance
and EUGENICS unfold.
As we've stated, the plan seems to be
sabotage and even further DIS-Abel-ing of
America ----to the point that, unable to
pay back the QUADRILLIONS in --FAKE--
derivatives, we fall into a 'sensible and
orderly' receivership under the Globalist
RED Chinese. Thus, once again, the
general public carries the burden of the
unutterably dark kharma of the Globalists,
and their thrice destroyed, now US taxpayer
underwritten ---RED China 'mere--ICK--ill'.
This scenario would also account for the
sheer brazeness of the capstone USURY con
----even on this, the eve of QE 3.
Though we expect 'BAR-Rockefeller' Obama
to be re-elected ---should things turn out
otherwise ---yes, Romney will do.
-----YES -----YES,
we believe 'SUB-Mitt ROME-knee'
could very well be the next Reagan.
-------YES INDEED. . .
Tim the Enchanter| 2.6.12 @ 1:28PM
Huh?
teflon93| 2.6.12 @ 7:57AM
Gee, I must have missed where Ronald Reagan was a slimy campaigner slipping opposition research on his fellow conservatives to the Left Wing Media in order to cripple their campaigns.
I must have missed where Ronald Reagan embraced the whole panoply of leftist policies and promised to outliberal Ted Kennedy.
I must have missed where Romney hotly defended himself against any insinuation he agreed with Reagan's policies:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pVqZzHm3Z4
You are delusional, sir. Worse---you are an apparatchik.
Lippits| 2.6.12 @ 10:52AM
Thank you for that great and punctilious word.
Indy| 2.6.12 @ 7:58AM
Today is Ronald Reagan's birthday and TAS has the nerve to post this piece, oh please, Romney is no Reagan...not even close
Here you can listen to some of Reagan's speeches, do you here him call himself a progressive like Willard has?
http://www.reaganfoundation.or.....gsb=Y&rc=1
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 2.6.12 @ 7:58AM
The article contains some good points and there are many others.
I hope Romney sees the mistakes Reagan made which led to many more in the future.
Romney is what America needs now, an organizer with some common sense.
If the Senate stays in Democratic hands he may have a rough time but he can accomplish much by ending Obama and Clinton Executive Orders.
DevilDog| 2.6.12 @ 8:16AM
romney will NOT end any executive orders.
but he WILL make MORE!
romney PANDERS(flip flops) to who ever is important in his eyes at the moment.
this group wants this. so i am for this. this next group is against this. so i am against this.
whatever it takes to won the election. groomed from birth to be a POLITICIAN!
richard ryan| 2.6.12 @ 10:12AM
I agree, some good points about personality styles and leadership. But I see Romney as a guy with liberal-moderate tendencies who goes conservative when it fits the plan. Most of us are trying to be OK with Romney, but wish he would be more like Reagan (conservative to the core). And you seem to be suggesting that he move away from Reagan. That's to the left, in my opinion.
Russel| 2.6.12 @ 1:15PM
You seem to be the only pragmatist here , Bill . Most of these posters are men . OK guys , how many women do you reckon will flock to another candidate ( you have to think illogically ) ?. What do women vote for ? . How many women vote ? . They'll vote for looks and security , period . I'm sorry , but that's the way it is . You can grouse all day long about the perfect candidate , but don't come crying here in a year when Zero the Destroyer has this country on its knees . At least we can survive a Romney .
Indy| 2.6.12 @ 2:10PM
"What do women vote for ? How many women vote ? They'll vote for looks and security , period . I'm sorry , but that's the way it is " Really? Wow, that's not what I see, so many leaders of Tea Party groups are women, they are standing up for limited constitutional government. The few that speak out against the GOP establishment are conservative women. I'll give you one example, have a read, Star Parker, conservative offers Romney free advice and she's spot on.
"Memo to Romney: Whole nation is on government plantation
The welfare state assumes from the start that individuals won't make it without government managing their lives."
http://www.urbancure.org/article.asp?id=3306
Russel| 2.6.12 @ 3:50PM
God bless the Tea Party women , but they didn't put Zero where he is . Independents now , unfortunately , have a great big say so . THEY are whom we must court .
JohnInFlorida| 2.6.12 @ 7:59AM
I find it hard to believe that Mr. Tucker lives on planet Earth.
No, Romney is not Reagan, he's not like Reagan, he made a point to distance himself from Reagan, we're not going to believe he could ever become Reagan, and Mr. Tucker is delusional if he thinks his column is going to do anything more than cause conservatives to shake their heads in amazement.
mjs_pa| 2.6.12 @ 8:01AM
In a lot of ways this article goes on to prove more than most that mitt romney is the"white" obama: friendly, nice family, and handsome. Policy wise there is little difference between romney and obama.
If romney is modest, he's got one up on the egomaniac uppity nose in the White House.
It's sad that so much time has passed that even writers for the AS would fall into the progressive propaganda that Americans liked Ronald Reagan personally but did not like his policies. (I'll take 20 years of economic expansion anytime!)
From the top of my lungs in my baritone voice:
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
Am I now qualified/fit to be the next president?
benny havens| 2.6.12 @ 8:08AM
Romney’s only likeness to Reagan is a full head of hair.
wodiej| 2.6.12 @ 8:42AM
lol...good one.
DevilDog| 2.6.12 @ 8:12AM
OOOOOOOH
lets vote on someone's LOOKS!
and friendly? been around animlas that were friendly. until they tried to take a bite out of someone.
modest?
my sons SERVE THEIR COUNTRY by campaigning for ME!
for the simpleminded progs, I am the country!
LarryK| 2.6.12 @ 8:14AM
I weep for my descendants.
Dmac| 2.6.12 @ 4:59PM
And we are all going to weep more for our children and their children.
Otis the Hand | 2.6.12 @ 8:17AM
"I'm hoping Republicans will soon wake up..."
Me too. Republicans need to realize that Romney has two troublesome streaks, one liberal, and one mean. They will prove the undoing of himself, and the Republican party.
Cato the Younger| 2.6.12 @ 8:19AM
Conservatives ought to read super-liberal Frank Rich's essay on Romney. I am as bona fide right wing as anybody, but his piece struck me as the best political journalism I have read so far in this election cycle.
http://nymag.com/print/?/news/.....ey-2012-2/
I agree with Bill Tucker: the alternatives are either worse or unelectable or distasteful or some combination of the three. But that hardly constitutes an endorsement of Romney. Clearly we have missed the train this election cycle if Romney is our candidate!
Otis the Hand | 2.6.12 @ 9:28AM
I read the article. I agree with most of Rich's assessment, and I do not see a single observation in his essay to allay conservative fears. If anything, his article ought to stoke them.
Republicans should investigate the prevailing conventional wisdom when Reagan ran. He too was "unelectable," we were told.
davod| 2.8.12 @ 1:18AM
Reagan "unelectable," because he was not the establishment candidate.
DevilDog| 2.6.12 @ 8:19AM
Ronald Reagan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRdLpem-AAs
the EXACT OPPOSITE of romneycare
Lippits| 2.6.12 @ 10:44AM
Sempre Fi! Why can't the establishment figure this out? It's so easy!
fmm| 2.6.12 @ 11:44AM
The establishment understands very well and they want it this way.
Maxwell| 2.6.12 @ 8:22AM
And here I thought it was the first of April with the headline.
Lippits| 2.6.12 @ 10:45AM
Indeed. I was hoping to find a punch line somewhere.
Janeway| 2.6.12 @ 8:25AM
I just commented on another site that the Spectator ought to be renamed "I Hate Romney Blog" but you appear to have at least one sane writer on your team, you might just listen to him but the rest of you are auditioning for the NYT. A rational man these days is rare. Thank you, Mr. Tucker.
Peppermint Tea| 2.6.12 @ 12:01PM
I agree, most of the comments are like the gun pointed at their own head--Give me a conservative candidate or this conservative gets it in the head!
Like Coulter, Tucker, etc., we are realizing that Mitt is the most conservative electable candidate. Too bad Reagan is dead and Sarah is Sarah, we'll just have to go with the smart, friendly, good-looking, humble rich guy.
Dmac| 2.6.12 @ 5:04PM
Janeway and Peppermint Tea,
just what is your idea of a conservative if you feel Romney is conservative? Sorry, but you are either young, naive or just simply don't understasnd the word "conservative" or "conservative principles".
Over the last few years I've used JFK as a barometer as to who is conservative and who is not conservative. Romney in my opinion is to the left of JFK. Therefore I don't consider him a conservative. He's a progressive in sheeps clothing just like Bush II was, only a bit worse.
NVA Patriot| 2.6.12 @ 8:35AM
Romney pilot tested every program in MA Barack Obama is implementing Nation-wide.
Reagan governed and believed what conservatives believe. Reagan attracted supporters and activists. Romney buys them. Reagan increased voter turn out. Romney depresses turnout. Reagan brought us Morning in America. Romney's advisors have told us he's retaining Obamneycare. Romeny brings twilight.
Reagan warned AGAINST socialized medicine. Romney IMPLEMENTED socialized medicine.
And for those Romney supporters who think junk like this will pursuade us that Romney is the NOT Obama we should vote for - I have a surprise for you - it's going attrit 5-20% of the conservative vote (2-8% of the general election vote) who believe electing Romney will damage what little is left of the Republican brand - better to ride to Socialist hell on a jack-ass vice a tired, weak, elephant.
Romney will do from the oval office what he did at Bain capital - Extract capital from small towns and move it overseas and bail out his friends - IF he can beat the weakest President since Andrew Johnson. And based on his reccent performances and comments regarding the poor - it's unlikely.
If I had been doing something for 8 years and could not get the basics down the Donald would FIRE me, not endorse me.
This headline tells it all - in a word - Delusion.
Marco2| 2.6.12 @ 10:39AM
NVA (the acronym for North Vietnamese Army) Patriot? A thinly disguised commie plant, so no wonder the disinformation.
NVA Patriot| 2.6.12 @ 11:06AM
I only feed 1 Romney troll/day - it's your day....
So beyond mindless name calling, what have I written that's wrong? It's the progressive way - don't deal with facts or engage in a positive debate, follow your mentor and candidate - slander and smear.
So how is this behavior different from Obama supporter behavior? It' s not; just like Romney is not different than Obama...
Kevin| 2.6.12 @ 8:35AM
William Tucker needs some serious, professional psychological assistance. MittCare Obamney couldn't be skid mark in Reagan boxers if he spent the rest of his manicured life trying.
wodiej| 2.6.12 @ 8:38AM
LOL...right. What does looks have to do w embracing Reagan qualities? This is the same person who once denounced going back to Reagan policies. Romney is a liberal-Reagan was not. Please, you so called journalists need to quit thinking you can fool all of the American public with another establishment candidate. We need a fighter like Gingrich.
MikeG| 2.6.12 @ 8:42AM
A fair article on Romney brings out the supporters of the losers to criticize Romney. Grow up. Romney is the candidate who will beat Obama. Put aside your petty politics. You guys are a joke. Axelrod could not write better anti Romney rants.
NVA Patriot| 2.6.12 @ 8:50AM
Mike G - You are the prototypical Romney supporter - Anyone questionsing the Father of Capitalism is told to Shut up; failure to shut up leads to public ridicule; followed by an assertion that Romney can beat Obama even though he's shown no evidence of beating a liberal Democrat - See Ted kennedy; See not running for Re-elect in MA.
Any conservative disagreeing with the liberal Republican is treated worse than liberal Republicans treat their 'collaborators' in the Democratic party.
And for the Fact challenged, the word 'collaborator' used in this context is Romney's word choice describing how he successfully socilized medicine in MA.
JimP| 2.6.12 @ 8:58AM
Yes, Reagan's temperament had a lot to do with his success. What the author ignores in this analysis is Reagan's conservative philosophy. He wouldn't have accomplished what he did without his conservatism. Mitt does not have a conservative philosophy or record. He has a long verifiable record as a Rockefeller. Therefore, regardless of his alleged mild mannered Clark Kent temperament [Mitt is perfectly willing to break Reagan's 11th Commandment by using smears, and trying to bully Gingrich backers into cutting off funding] and personal life that reminds some of Ronal Reagan: 'How can Rockefeller cast out Rockefeller?'
VonMisesJr| 2.6.12 @ 9:31AM
JimP, Methinks your logic is not applicable to Mr. Tucker's "Man Crush." You know how love can leave one stargazed?
Mr. Tucker's facts are not even correct. Ben Franklin was known as a brilliant and logical man, but the Europeans knew that he was a liar. The French and Dutch, I believe I recall reading from Rothbard, realized he was a scam artist; but both funded the American Revolution out of hatred of the British. Franklin was also a traitor to the colonist according to Rothbard in "Concieved in Liberty" since he was in favor of the Stamp Act, and actively petitioning the King for the profitable rights to print the stamps in his Philly press shop. Only when the war broke out, as ussual, Ben took the opposite side as his own.
Rothbard describes him as one of the most misrepresented heroes of our nation's history.
A man crush is one thing, but completely inaccurate and contradictory facts are not acceptible!
JimP| 2.6.12 @ 10:07AM
LOL, VMJr. I had that same thought about a "man crush" by the author.
VonMisesJr| 2.6.12 @ 10:39AM
I thought much more graphic and descriptive thoughts, but they were not fit for a public forum.
Drunken Sailor| 2.6.12 @ 1:46PM
ah yes, the Illogical "Bromance". Makes sense.
JimP| 2.6.12 @ 2:07PM
ROTFL.
Vern Crisler| 2.6.12 @ 11:25AM
I think you need to be careful in regards to Rothbard's interpretation of Franklin, or of American history in general. He tends to be conspiracy oriented and lacks critical distance from his subject.
Franklin was in fact extremely popular in Europe, especially in France, and did much to help the American cause throughout his life, not to mention advancing our understanding of electricity.
Remember, Rothbard even trashes Ronald Reagan, so how much stock can you place in his politics or history?
Good on economics, bad on everything else -- just like Ron Paul.
VonMisesJr| 2.6.12 @ 1:12PM
Perhaps, my friend, but I have seen other sources such as cable documentaries that raised questions about Franklin's moral character.
I also read his autobiography a few years ago, and while it has no Table of Contents to refresh my memory; I do not recall feeling great admiration of his virtue.
He came to America, well connected in Britain and used his position to petition the Governor of Philly. He had a common-law marriage with a married woman, Dorothy Read who's husband was unaccounted for. He had an illigitimate son William. Wikipedia also confirms his desire to profit off the Stamp Act that almost got his Philly home burned to the ground: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin
Vern Crisler| 2.6.12 @ 2:46PM
I agree with RCV and would recommend reading the Wikipedia article in full. It's an excellent summary of Franklin's life. It's almost depressing how "involved" this man was in the life around him.
Of course, Franklin was not perfect, but very few have ever questioned his morals. The main question was his views on religion. He is not easy to classify, any more than was Lincoln!
The one area where I would question Franklin is on his defense of paper money. Given that he was a printer, he made a lot of money from printing money. So perhaps his defense of paper money was self-serving, though I can't really prove it.
On all other things, Franklin was one of America's greatest exemplars, and no wonder children in Mark Twain's day had Franklin held up to them as to how they could succeed in life.
RCV| 2.6.12 @ 11:49PM
You're so right, Vern. Franklin was an utter genius, one of the great scientific minds of his age in addition to his contributions to our nation's founding. A free spirit, to be sure, much like our century's Richard Feynman.
RCV| 2.6.12 @ 2:20PM
I'll take Ben Franklin over Murray Rothbard any day of week. Rothbard and his pal Lew Rockwell were elitist racists. Consider this lovely column from Rothbard, lamenting David Duke's loss and the media ganging up on the poor KKKer:
"Well, they finally got David Duke. But he sure scared the bejesus out of them. It took a massive campaign of hysteria, of fear and hate, orchestrated by all wings of the Ruling Elite, from Official right to left, from President Bush and the official Republican Party through the New York-Washington-run national media through the local elites and down to local left-wing activists. It took a massive scare campaign, not only invoking the old bogey images of the Klan and Hitler, but also, more concretely, a virtual threat to boycott Louisiana, to pull out tourists and conventions, to lose jobs by businesses leaving the state. It took a campaign of slander that resorted to questioning the sincerity of Duke's conversion to Christianity – even challenging him to name his 'official church.' Even my old friend Doug Bandow participated in this cabal in the Wall Street Journal, which virtually flipped its wig in anti-Duke hysteria, to the extent of attacking Duke for being governed by self-interest(!) – presumably in contrast to all other politicians motivated by deep devotion to the public weal? It took a lot of gall for Bandow to do this, since he is not a sacramental Christian (where one can point out that the person under attack was not received into the sacramental Church), but a pietist one, who is opposed to any sort of official creed or liturgy. So how can a pietist Christian challenge the bona fides of another one? And in a world where no one challenges the Christian credentials of a Chuck Colson or a Jeb Magruder? But logic went out the window: for the entire Establishment, the ruling elite, was at stake, and in that sort of battle, all supposedly clashing wings of the Establishment weld together as one unit and fight with any weapons that might be at hand.
But even so: David Duke picked up 55 percent of the white vote; he lost in the runoff because the fear campaign brought a massive outpouring of black voters. But note the excitement; politics in Louisiana rose from the usual torpor that we have been used to for decades and brought out a turnout rate – 80 percent – that hasn't been seen since the nineteenth century, when party politics was fiercely partisan and ideological."
Dmac| 2.6.12 @ 5:15PM
I think one can decide where Franklin's loyalties lie when one looks at how he treated his Torry son. He showed little compassion and even less mercy.
Franklin was a busness man. You had no choice then did you. Earn a living or starve. He chose to earn a living. We would do the same.
I think we can all agree that we are grateful Ben Franklin was a part of the birth of this nation. If imitaion is the best for of flattery then I'll put it like this. Aren't all of here today writing our opinions nothing more than todays "Poor Richard"?
Barn Cat| 2.6.12 @ 9:01AM
Romney is a liberal. He doesn't WANT to be the next Reagan.
Rick H.| 2.6.12 @ 9:02AM
Well, since he's what our "leaders" have chosen for us we better hope this is the case but I doubt it. He seems more like clinton to me - no discernable core principles, will say anything to get elected. Clinton had the "Aw shucks" crap down pat, too, when he needed it if you remember.
Lawrence of Lutz| 2.6.12 @ 9:06AM
Willard will the the last republican to run for President. He is a mirror image of Obama, he will not stand toe-to-toe with the commie/socialist and slug it out. He follows the dems down the path ,only slower. Rather than vote for another loser, I'll wait for a new conserative party to emerge or accept my fate living under communism.
Nelson H.| 2.6.12 @ 1:42PM
No way. Better dead than Red.
Dmac| 2.6.12 @ 5:18PM
Instead of "accepting" life under communist rule, why not think like our forefathers? Think freedom, think liberty! If our forefathers could put it all on the line for us, and they did, why can't we do the same ofr our children and grandchildren? The only thing you have to fear is fear itself.
Ward B ond| 2.6.12 @ 9:07AM
The great victory of 2010 was caused by the conservative Tea Party movement. Since that time, the main goal of the Republican Est.has been to put down the insurrection within the ranks and again regain absolute control of the party.Goal #1. Their power, influence, and money. Basicly shove Romney down our throats. With Republicans like that, who needs Democrats?
bobmontgomery| 2.6.12 @ 9:07AM
Nice scarf, Mr. Tucker. And you're kind of "handsome" yourself. Aside from that, we wish you well in your pursuit of "green"stuff. Good grief, Spectator.
Anthony| 2.6.12 @ 9:07AM
Romney can only be the next Reagan if he jettisons his moderate aura and positions and has a conservative epiphany.
Being the protean man that he is, he could do.
If Romney plays it safe with Obozo and keeps his mittens on, like McCain did, Mr. Moderate will get as close to Reagan as Bonzo.
JimH| 2.6.12 @ 9:12AM
Looking at past Republican presidents, Romney seems most like Bush I. He is a wealth patrician with roots in both New England and the south west. Both were successful businessman. And both could only be considered conservative by using the loosest definition of the word. Romney lacks Bush’s military, foreign intelligence and Federal government experience. When Perry entered the campaign I had hopes that he might inherit the Gipper’s mantle; at least until his first debate.
JKS| 2.6.12 @ 9:16AM
I won't vote for him. I will write in a candidate. If he loses so be it. I hope it destroys the republican party. If he wins so be it. He will govern by fiat like the muslim dumbo. If we do not nominate a conservative candidate, we deserve to lose the country we live in. How long before it is time to water the tree of Liberty?
PaulC| 2.6.12 @ 9:17AM
Romney? The next Reagan? I want what he's having.
Seriously, that's just plain ludicrous.
Teaghan| 2.6.12 @ 9:31AM
I don't profess to be the smartest here, but what I see Mr Tucker doing here is showing that Romney who, from how it looks now, be our nominee, has the temperment of Reagan, the visual appeal, AS OBAMA DID to the masses, with his slick look, his schuck and jive body language and his sweet little family. I get what Mr Tucker is saying and feel he is right on the money. I do agree with you all here that he isn't conservative enough but hell folks, do you want nuclear newt as our nominee? He carries so much baggage, he's unattractive and has a nasty attitude. We have to get behind Romney folks if we have any chance of removing the destroyer from out White House and the fighting among we Republicans has to stop.
rightasrain| 2.6.12 @ 11:09AM
I couldn't agree more. We need to take incremental steps back to Reagan conservatism and Romney is a good place to start. After generations of creeping socialism, nominating someone who is perceived as a right-wing ideologue would be an exercise in futility as he would never be elected.
NVA Patriot| 2.6.12 @ 11:10AM
All the right people hate Newt - It's a good quality for these times
Peppermint Tea| 2.6.12 @ 12:08PM
Please Teaghan, don't make us like the friendly, good-looking, smart, humble rich guy!
Fionnagh| 2.6.12 @ 10:05PM
"...do you want nuclear newt as our nominee?"
Yep, this Indie does. The Republican party won't tell me for whom to cast my vote in the election before I've even had the chance to vote in the primary.
Garfield| 2.7.12 @ 3:24PM
Ronald Reagan wouldn't have pulled the hit job on a fellow Republican that Mitt Romney pulled on Newt Gingrich.
Reagan wouldn't have sent a Republican a cake to celebrate the anniversery of a political hatchet-job of an investigation that cared nothing of the truth.
To say Romney is even remotely similar to Reagan is insulting the memory of Ronald Reagan.
OllieK| 2.6.12 @ 9:35AM
Mr. Tucker, did you write this article with tongue in cheek or are you that delusional or intellectually dishonest? Just crazy nonsense! Spare us.
Crassus| 2.6.12 @ 9:39AM
Is a country worth saving when its choice for President is between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney?
PaulyD| 2.6.12 @ 9:45AM
As I've said before, its the choice between the fast lane to Hell (with Obama) or the slow lane to Hell (Romney)
Maybe we should just stay in the fast lane and get it over with sooner.
Marco2| 2.6.12 @ 10:43AM
No thanks. I'll take the high road, and you take the low road, and you'll get to Hell before me. I'm in no hurry.
PaulC| 2.6.12 @ 11:26AM
My sentiments exactly. What's the point of prolonging this depressing journey any longer than we have to. Either change course or go with the fastest driver. Hopefully, after we hit the rocks at the bottom of the cliff, there will be something left to salvage, but it will probably take a total crack-up before the country is in the proper frame of mind to adopt saner policies.
Bill| 2.6.12 @ 9:53AM
Romney's problems:
1. Romneycare
2. Abortion
3. Gay marriage
4. Gun control
5. Climate change
Romneycare is the foundation for Obamacare. Romney is for abortion, helped pass gay marriage bill in MA, and advocated for gun control and climate change. He in no Reagan.
Crassus| 2.6.12 @ 10:04AM
I read somewhere that Mittenz never voted for a Republican presidential candidate until pulling the lever for Bush the Elder in '92 (and that was only because he was appalled at Clinton's personal peccadilloes). That means that he voted for McGovern, Carter (twice), Mondale, and Dukakis. So how can Mittenz be the next Reagan if he didn't vote for the man in the first place? If you want to read an article that tells it like it is about O'Romney then read Geoffrey Norman's "The Last Republican."
Bill| 2.6.12 @ 10:42AM
Romney is a "New England big-government liberal RINO."
Nemo| 2.6.12 @ 10:09AM
I know several Mormons. They are nice people, and as a group exceptionally law-abiding. However, their beliefs are frankly Whacko. Christianity and Judiasm make sense. Mormonism does not. I don't want anyone who believes in it having the power to blow up the world. Don't believe me? Google it and read its doctrines for yourself.
Further, I'm not too sold on someone who spends so much effort sliming the other candidates from his own party.
Peppermint Tea| 2.6.12 @ 12:12PM
Whacko belief system produces nice, law-abiding people!
Tim the Enchanter| 2.6.12 @ 1:41PM
Ah, yes. Nothing like the doctrines of The Church of Joseph Smith of Latter-Day Sinners!
Dave Williams| 2.6.12 @ 6:32PM
Yeah, a talking snake advises a woman formed from a man's rib to choose to do something she was foreordained to do, and then a spirit splits itself so part of it can become a human being and die (but not really) on the cross, so all of us can be forgiven sins we didn't even commit and then live forever....makes PERFECT sense to me.
Seriously, how can grown, thinking adults believe such drivel for a MOMENT????
Nemo| 2.6.12 @ 10:13AM
Mountbatten was not a general, and was not a commander in the European theatre. I have never previously seen it alleged tha\t Bradley had a huge ego-rather the reverse. Anyway, what's wrong with a general having a huge ego?
Dai Alanye | 2.6.12 @ 12:06PM
If Romney is Esienhower, the desk general, I guess that makes Rick Santorum into Patton, a real fighting general. I'll go for that. Patton was the Allied commander the Germans feared, not Eisenhower, Bradley nor Montgomery, whom I suppose Tucker is attempting to refer to when he writes Mountbatten.
But the idea that Eisenhower had no ego is completely wrong. Not flamboyant, true, but all the ego he needed and then some.
Nelson H.| 2.6.12 @ 1:47PM
Well, he was Governor-General of India for a short time, but who's quibbling.
somnolence| 2.6.12 @ 10:20AM
I'm all for Romney's candidacy, but Tucker is guilty of the same shallowness that millions of conservatives are: there is NO Reagan out there anywhere!! Newt doesn't even come remotely close, nor does Santorum or Paul(but Paul is closer economically and fiscally than anyone else; I have to be truthful). This sad quest that the politically clumsy and historically deluded put themselves through is very sad to watch, as millions keep tripping over their shoelaces and salivate about the next potential REAGAN, quite like youngsters in the '80's with the refrain "I want to be like Mike". We have indeed fallen low and shallow in our pedestrian, seize the moment conveniences at our behest.
Solo| 2.6.12 @ 10:21AM
Romney is no conservative by any stretch of the imagination.
He doesn't want to change the government. He just wants to be in charge of it.
A Romney candidacy will guarantee an Obama 2nd term--not that one would be able to tell the difference...
RonL| 2.6.12 @ 10:23AM
The author's premise is based on fluff, not substance.
RonL| 2.6.12 @ 10:26AM
Hmmm. President Reagan didn't act like a nice guy in public while, behind the scenes, spending millions to trash his opponents in negative advertising.
bill glass| 2.6.12 @ 10:26AM
Reagan, I mean Mitt, will be better that Barry Obamao. If you fools want to stay home and cry, go ahead. We'll do our best to get the Marxist out and the best guy we can ge in. Sheesh!!
NVA Patriot| 2.6.12 @ 11:21AM
Bill - All of us who oppose Romney appreciate the sentiment.
Here's the question, if we get Mitt -( Newt still has a Shot - Santorum? Not so much) what do we get?
But assume Mitt' on top of the ticket - I see enough in Mitt to make me think Nixon is the honest guy.
Mitt will be a train wreck for Rrepublicans - his fundamental dishonesty and the crass, libelous behavior of his avid supporters will lead the Republicans to a 1972 like debacle. People like myself see that and would seek to be positioned to ensure the Republican brand is recoverable...and it may not be even today ;)
Unfortunately because of institutional barriers to entry we are stuck with 2 political parties. And before all the libertarians complain, please show me the libertarian team who is going to build a party infrastucture. Until there is some grasp that the US has a role in the World and unfortunately our interests dicatate intervention, there's a ceiling for libertarianism and we're there.
Al Adab| 2.6.12 @ 3:09PM
NVA:
I'm concerned. Does NVA mean North Vietnam or perhaps Northern Virginia? That would make a difference.
PaulC| 2.6.12 @ 3:47PM
Romney will only further discredit the Republican brand, unless of course the country is looking for uninspired "leadership," in which case Romney's the perfect choice. His campaign slogan should be "Drift Along With Mitt." And by the way, if Mitt's the "best guy we can get in," then the Republican Party has no good reason for existing.
Brian M.| 2.6.12 @ 10:29AM
I realize that I'm in the minority in the comments here, but I think that this is an insightful article. For those who don't get it, Mr. Tucker is not saying that Romney is the next Reagan, but that he has a chance to become the next Reagan.
It would have to be in his own fashion, of course. It's difficult for me to imagine Romney firing the air traffic controllers, for example, but then again, he is on record saying that he likes having the ability to fire people.
Some of the comments here are funny, however. It appears that many people are so caught up in the legend of Ronald Reagan that they have forgotten the man.
Cut government spending, you say? In some areas yes, in other areas no. During Reagan's time in the Oval Office, the National Debt saw the highest annual rate of growth of any former president in modern history (going all the way back to LBJ, and whether or not you adjust for inflation). Reagan's debt record was finally surpassed (with a wide margin) by the current occupant of the Oval Office.
Gun control, you say? It wasn't Romney who penned, "Why I'm for the Brady Bill."
Pete| 2.6.12 @ 12:11PM
He can't cut government spending without firing federal employees. He already has said that he won't. Reagan increased the defense budget, which caused the Soviet Union to finally implode. The end of the cold war allowed the US to cut its defense budgets and finally we had surpluses in the Clinton/Newt era. Bush like your typical RINO blew the budgets wide open and lead to the shameless Obama. Romney at best will be more like Bush.
Brian M.| 2.6.12 @ 3:40PM
So what you're saying is that, as Chief Executive, Clinton was more fiscally conservative than Reagan, right? Perhaps the GOP should be looking for a candidate that is a new Clinton rather than a new Reagan.
When did Reagan cut government spending? The year of Carter's last budget (FY1981), federal budget outlays were 22.2% of GDP. Reagan's last budget (for FY1989) resulted in federal outlays that were 21.2% of GDP, not much of a difference.
You can't blame defense spending for much of this either. Between FY1981 and FY1989, national defense went from 23.2% to 26.5% of federal budget outlays. (For comparison, national defense in the year of Nixon's first budget, FY1970, was 41.8% of federal outlays.) This is an increase (of 3.3 points), that is true, but it is not as large as the increase in net interest payed by the federal government, which rose from 10.1% to 14.8% of federal outlays (4.7 points higher) in the same time frame.
Government spending had dropped to 18.4% of GDP by 2000 (the year after Gingrich resigned from the House), but G.W. Bush's "wide open" spending raised that to a more Reaganesque 20.0% of GDP by 2007 (a percentage that is still less than anything seen during Reagan's eight years). Although G.W. Bush cut taxes, his "wide open" spending resulted in a compounded rate of increase in National Debt that was roughly half of what happened during Reagan's time in office.
I really liked Reagan as a president, but when it comes to fiscal responsibility, I hope that Romney is more like Bush (or even Clinton) than Reagan. In any case, anyone would be better than Obama.
Pete| 2.6.12 @ 10:11PM
You are ignoring the inflation rate that Reagan inherited. Of course the budget was hirer, but not Reagan was able to drastically reduce inflation, interest rates (which was running about 18 percent) and well as unemployment. That turn around is not something Clinton had to deal with because Reagan did.
Brian M.| 2.7.12 @ 12:01AM
No, percent of GDP is independent of inflation, as is the percentage of the total federal budget. Nice try, but wrong.
Citizen Jerry| 2.6.12 @ 10:39AM
I guess William forgot about Reagan's 1964 speech for the nomination of Barry Goldwater. He said he need a clear choice, not a pale pastel.
Willard is just a paler shade of Democrat blue than the real deal. And like mushy moderates before him, like Bob Dull and Juan McCain ... they LOSE.
NVA Patriot| 2.6.12 @ 11:22AM
Amen
Lippits| 2.6.12 @ 10:39AM
Where's the punch line?
somnolence| 2.6.12 @ 10:43AM
Brian M. has the most accurate observation on this entire page.
Dmac| 2.6.12 @ 10:51AM
Manufacturers sending jobs overseas, "nothing to get mad about". Wall Street pirates robbing or should I say stealing money from middle class workers 401ks due to all the insider trading that has and still does go on, "nothing to get mad about. Bankers and Wall Street financial companies betting on the failure of home loans making billions in one hand while they steal billions from the treausry at the same time, "nothing to get mad about". Another liberal posing as a conservative, "nothing to get mad about".
Romney isn't fit to shine Ronald Reagan's shoes much less be compred to him. Ronald Reagan beleived in Americans. He beleived in us as individuals. Romeny beleives in the Stock Market and how to make money. Reagan grew up in a time when the majority of Americans had to actually sweat to make a living. He came from a lower to middle class family. Romney grew up differently and has a white collared shirt on, not a blue one. I get offended when I see pundits copmpare some one to Ronald Reagan. We've yet to see another leader rise up on the conservative side that compares to Ronald Reagan. If we did, Romney would not win a single state in any primary.
StarTripper| 2.6.12 @ 10:59AM
Romney seems mature and temperate because he doesn't feel any passion for anything except running for office. And I am not too sure of that either.
HK| 2.6.12 @ 11:03AM
Romney may have the same/similar temperment as Ronald Reagan, but he DOES NOT have the same core beliefs as President Reagan did. And that is the crux of the matter. Just say "no" to Romney.
Simon Templar| 2.6.12 @ 11:10AM
Yeah, Tucker, Romney is just like Reagan with just one little bitty difference...
ROMNEY IS NOT A CONSERVATIVE BUT RATHER AN EAST COAST PROGRESSIVE LIBERAL ESTABLISHMENT REPUBLICAN.
Give me the name of the person who thought you were a conservative and gave you permission to write a column here.
Bill| 2.6.12 @ 11:33AM
Romney is a "New England big-government liberal RINO."
Caydon| 2.6.12 @ 11:34AM
There is more proof for what Prophet Joseph Smith taught than in any other religion. Joseph Smith explained many mysteries that other teachers were not able to explain in the King Follett Discourse. Based on Joseph Smith's teachings, Lorenzo Snow, the fifth president of the Mormon church, wrote that: "As man is, God once was; As God is, man may be." This is what we call exaltation. Look into this truth yourself.
Dai Alanye | 2.6.12 @ 12:21PM
You know these truths due to Joe Smith's golden plates inscribed in reformed Egyptian, right? The ones Smith translated with his seer-stone spectacles? The ones he had to give back?
I'll admit it's as good a tale as that of Mohammed secretly meeting with Gabriel, but Mo had to memorize, since he couldn't read.
Al Adab| 2.6.12 @ 3:14PM
Even better Dai is the doctrines and covenants translated also by Smith from a document in the possession of the Chicago Museum. Strangly that document has been translated by Egyptologists as well and says nothing like the Smith "translation".
fmm| 2.6.12 @ 11:35AM
This piece is sickening in its sophomoric approach. The baseline idealogies of Reagan and this poser Romney have a black and white contrast. A paraphrase of the footnote they use in science fiction works well here: "Any similarity to actual people or events is purely coincidental".
HarryS| 2.6.12 @ 11:58AM
You people at the American Spectator have got to be delusional. Comparing this plastic, passionless robot called Mitt Romney favorably to Reagan.
The conservative movement and the GOP have hit bottom. Tyrell said that liberalism is dead. He's dead wrong. Conservatism is dead and the so-called conservatives helped kill it.
Good luck suckers!
PCP Smoker| 2.6.12 @ 7:47PM
You are absolutely right. Tyrell goes around claiming Liberalism to be dead, but they just passed the biggest expansion of government ever. Conservatives, on the other hand, are voting for a fake like Romney, while Tucker is attempting to sell you fecal matter with the sign "gold" attached to it.
Teaghan| 2.6.12 @ 12:02PM
He's more than likely who we're going to have so I suggest you all, especially you men who seem to be envious of his good looks, get behind the man and let's help him win Such vitriol is not helping our cause!
The Big E| 2.6.12 @ 12:05PM
Mr. Tucker, you are either delusional, a liar, or utterly ignorant of the subject of which you speak.
You choose.
Pete| 2.6.12 @ 12:05PM
Romney has already said that he will not fire federal employees. What that tells me is that he will maintain the entire structure of a massive federal government. Eliminating any department would mean firing those workers.
So he is not going to do, what this author suggests and start balancing budgets.
What he will do is try to reward his friends with the huge power and money accumulated in Washington.
David| 2.6.12 @ 12:10PM
I have never read one of your columns before, and after this clap trap nonsense, probably never will again.
truzak| 2.6.12 @ 12:13PM
Romney the next Reagan? Not hardly.
It's more likely Romney will be the next John McCain who was the next Bob Dole who was the next George HW Bush who was the next Gerald Ford.
See a pattern, anyone?
David| 2.6.12 @ 12:19PM
Santorum will provide the greatest contrast with Bam Bam.
Remember, Newt, Mitt, and Barack all hold the following positions.
They believe in man-caused global warming baloney, and the regulations and restrictions that have resulted from such thinking. Santorum does not.
They supported the Wall Street bailouts. Santorum did not.
They support and/or supported individual mandates for health insurance. Santorum never has.
They all criticized Paul Ryan's plan to get our fiscal house in order. Santorum embraced it.
Santorum is of the opinion that ILLEGAL immigrants have not broken ONE law (by crossing the border) as many claim, but that they have continually been breaking America's laws by working here, driving here, etc., and should NOT be rewarded for doing so.
Santorum cannot be accused of being a flip-flopper.
Santorum cannot be accused of telling people what they want to hear.
Santorum cannot be accused of stating his positions based on the particular audience in front of him at the time.
It is clear that Santorum has been the adult in this race. His criticisms have been on the other candidates' records and he does not distort or misrepresent their records as they do to one another.
It is also clear that he has been the true, principled, consistent conservative his entire politcal career.
Nick099| 2.6.12 @ 12:59PM
Sorry, Santorum cannot win in the General Election. I like him....but he is too hard-core to get anything done or get elected for that matter. Gingrich understands this.
Al Adab| 2.6.12 @ 12:20PM
You would make me laugh were it not so sad. The next Nelson Rockefeller or George Romney perhaps. Just another in a long line of accomodationist republicans going back to Dewey, Bush 41, Dole, McCain we can follow to defeat.
Slacker| 2.6.12 @ 12:29PM
Mr. Tucker gets the award for being the first commentator to successfully transform RINO ejaculate into printed word.
Everybody get behind the Latter Day Conservative!
Nick099| 2.6.12 @ 12:44PM
This writer is out of his mind. Reagan had a core ideology. It was Conservatism. Mitt´s core ideology is Corporatist....huge difference. Perhaps this author should look it up eh????? Imbecile.
Garfield| 2.6.12 @ 1:00PM
Hey author of this article, I had a good laugh reading your delusion, but I live in reality. Comparing Romney to Reagan is like comparing Obama to Reagan.
I am disgusted that you besmirched Ronald Reagan's good name by saying he's comparable to Obamney.
libertyhillpatriot | 2.6.12 @ 1:56PM
The GOP is toast. The neo-cons and Rhinos hijacked the only semblance of sanity within the GOP ranks. Now all the Tea Party can talk about is bombing Iran and increasing military expenditures.
I predict we will see the start of a new party effort this cycle that will dominate the 2016 election.
As a registered (R) myself, I will never vote for the "other Progressive". The only difference is that Mitt wears a temporary (R) patch on his sleeves. BTW, I personally know of no true fiscal Conservative who will vote for the Mitt-flopper.
WTH - Has American Spectator become another Progressive mouthpiece doing the Romney-pump? Good luck with that.
Garfield| 2.6.12 @ 2:01PM
All conservatives need to get behind one candidate, and not care what the lamestream media says, not care what the polls say etc.
Personally I think that candidate should be Newt Gingrich.
If nothing else we should not let the George Soros approved candidate get the nomination.
Drek| 2.6.12 @ 2:01PM
I have to say it's heartening to see so many readers jump all over the author of this brain dead piece.
Jeff Garrigues| 2.6.12 @ 2:09PM
This is a great article and the author is correct. Mitt Romney does have the correct temperment for the job. He won't be exactly like Reagan, but he will be a great President and reverse much of the damage that has happened with Obama. Buy the way, Mormons have never been violent. They have most certainly been the victims of violence, perpetrated by bigoted Americans.
Garfield| 2.6.12 @ 2:18PM
Romney is nothing like Reagan.
Reagan had more integrity in his pinkie than Romney has in his entire body for starters.
I highly doubt it is even plausible to say with a straight face that George Soros approved Romney is anything like Ronald Reagan.
Jeff Garrigues| 2.6.12 @ 2:52PM
You are being highly judgemental and you are just plain wrong. Mitt Romney is an honest man who is faithful to his wife, family, church and country. You will see.
Garfield| 2.6.12 @ 3:04PM
Romney has been lieing to our faces. There is no way someone whom was to the left of Ted Kennedy is suddenly a conservative.
Oh btw, he has also been lieing about Gingrich's record.
http://townhall.com/columnists.....thics_case
The IRS cleared Newt Gingrich of the charges, will Romney apologize to Newt, nope.
I am not going to support a George Soros approved candidate.
Slacker| 2.6.12 @ 4:39PM
"Buy the way, Mormons have never been violent. They have most certainly been the victims of violence, perpetrated by bigoted Americans."
Thanks for the laugh.
If you kooky cultists want to assign yourselves victimhood status, then go right ahead. Don’t expect the rest of us to care that your cult was kicked out of Missouri in the 1830’s. Cult members are subject to the annoyances of being associated with cult. Get over it.
Garfield| 2.7.12 @ 3:30PM
Actually the Mormons have a history of violence, while what happened to them in Missouri was wrong. What they later did to a group of settlers a few decades later was just as wrong. Wiped out those settlers down to the last child over a certain age. Only children they spared were those deemed "too young to have a soul yet."
So if the Mormons want to start blaming others for how they got treated nearly 200 years ago, I think I can find things about their bad behavior about 150 years ago.
Quite frankly I thinking bringing up both situations is rather ridiculous, but if the Mittbots want to start bringing up history, fine then but they can't complain when someone turns the tables on them.
Mimi| 2.6.12 @ 4:55PM
Physical violence is one thing....The utter scorched earth against fellow Republicans in this Primary have been a horror, quite unusual and more destructive to their quest for consideration for the Presidency. That...what we have all seen is much slicker and sleazy than any act of pure violence.... a lot of damage to a lot of people which is certainly not deserved.
He used his MONEY to destroy...he deserves NO MORE. Newt and Rick are still standing and Rick has had little attention where as Newt has gotten the BEATING of his life....WHO WANTS THIS RUTHLESSNESS...? This guy is no REAGAN , a noble soul who gave out the 11th Commandment that ROMNEY ignores to his OWN detriment and has BACKFIRED!!
Indy| 2.6.12 @ 2:14PM
"Memo to Romney: Whole nation is on government plantation
The welfare state assumes from the start that individuals won't make it without government managing their lives."
The full post illustrates why Romney is nothing like Reagan, he's wrong at the core. Star Parker gets it, Romney doesn't.
http://www.urbancure.org/article.asp?id=3306
Joe D.| 2.6.12 @ 2:18PM
Mr. Tucker, what you and many others seem to forget is that Romney is not a conservative but as one of your colleagues points out is an opportunist. What did Romney do in the only 4 years we can judge as a governor of Mass. In running for the governorship and senate he gave no difference. He was a northeastern RINO.
Now he is running for president and is a Reagan conservative. I don't think so. We, Tea Party conservatives, were not born yesterday. We know when we are being taken to the cleaners by our so called Republican establishment betters. Mr. Tucker please wake up. You and Anne and others need to get back on the reservation.
Melvin| 2.6.12 @ 2:30PM
As many have said before, "Romney is a manager, a fixer, and he moves on." President Reagan was a visionary, in where he wanted this Country to go. His vision is still being played out to day by the Conservative movement.
Not the Progressive Republican Establishment Party, but the Conservative Movement. After this election, it would be wise for the Tea Party members and other Conservatives to band together and form a the Conservative Party of the United States of America.
The Republican Party leadership has been heavily influenced by the Socialism that has replaced Conservative Democrats.
The Democrat Party now leans toward Socialism and Communism, and the Republican Party has morphed into what used to be Progressive Conservative Democrats.
The Progressive Republicans will never ever allow a Conservative to run for President and heavily discourages Conservative candidates for lesser offices. Congressman Allen West is a prime example, of the Progressive Republican disdain for Conservatives.
John Boehner's traitorous act of allowing a hidden fee into future mortgages that involve Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac that basically was an added tax to pay for the Payroll Tax Cut.
Garfield| 2.6.12 @ 3:06PM
Romney is a liar and a smear merchant.
http://townhall.com/columnists.....thics_case
Look what is finally coming out about the ethics investigations he keeps hitting Gingrich over the head with. So in other words Romney is showing his true colors as a left wing Democrat trying to pose as a Republican.
Mimi| 2.6.12 @ 5:09PM
Thanks for the LINK...Romney has been grossly unfair and not honest...he owes Newt and all of us an APOLOGY !
Clint| 2.6.12 @ 3:06PM
RINO-CINO Romney Wants To Index The Minimum Wage.
"Indexing the minimum wage would be an absolute job killer," Club for Growth President Chris Chocola said. "Mitt Romney's proposal is anti-growth and would harm our economy. It's disappointing to hear that the leading candidate for the Republican nomination believes that the government can set the price of labor better than the free market."
Fred Farkel| 2.6.12 @ 8:05PM
Romney/ Paul, that's the winning ticket!
RJ| 2.6.12 @ 3:18PM
Someone has to say it.
We knew Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan was a great leader of ours. Mitt Romney, you are no Ronald Reagan.
KyleS| 2.7.12 @ 6:55PM
How do you know he won't be better than Reagan? Reagan was a liberal state governor just like Romney. If voters had held him to your current day standards, he wouldn't have been elected. I know...I didn't vote for him in 1980 because I thought he was too liberal.
Derek Leaberry| 2.6.12 @ 3:31PM
Reagan was an average actor who became a great president. Romney can't act and he certainly won't be a great president. The author's logic is faulty.
ltw| 2.6.12 @ 3:32PM
Ah, "He's got a first class temperament" case. Reminds me what pundits were saying about Pres. Obama. Pay no attention to his record, though, right? I don't think you know much about the history of Massachusetts universal healthcare, or the actual results.
Brian| 2.6.12 @ 4:02PM
Romney will be the next Harry Reid.
KyleS| 2.7.12 @ 6:56PM
Sounds like a democrat troll to me. The blogs are full of them.
jstwndring| 2.6.12 @ 4:43PM
Yes, Romney can be the next Reagan. Minus Reagan's belief in limited government. Minus Reagan's belief in the power of the people. Minus Reagan's belief in the One True God. Yes, besides all of that, he'll be just like Reagan...................
For those of you who don't know, Mormons believe in the idea of they themselves ascending to godhood. In other words, they believe in the original lie Satan told himself, and then Adam and Eve: You shall be as gods.
It's a popular lie among the proud and vain. I'm surprised more politicians aren't Mormons. Well, they are in spirit.
jstwndring| 2.6.12 @ 4:54PM
I'm sorry, but, I also must point out the folly of believing what one says while ignoring what they actually do. Romney, on occasion, sounds like a conservative. His actions, however, say the opposite.
It's time for a new party boys and girls. We better get going. Time's 'a wastin'. We need a strict party constitution with a litmus test and a promise to immediately punish any candidate that violates party principles. Also, no politicians from the Republican or Democrat party need apply. You are not welcome. Forget the Republican Party. They are a lost cause.
KyleS| 2.7.12 @ 6:57PM
You're a silly democrat, trying to dissuade republican voters.
Controse| 2.6.12 @ 5:06PM
My god you surrender moneys weave the most fantastical web of delusion out of wisps of wishes to good to come true. You say Santorum's clear statement of the bleeding obvious about the inability of Romney to draw a distinction between himself and Obama, or whoever he is, on mandated healthcare is "fulmination" and Romney's rejoinder "it is nothing to get angry about" is Reaganesque must mean in your eye Miss Piggy isn't all that fat after all.
I bet the same cabal that wants us to believe Romney is a conservative want us to believe Mr. Tucker isn't an Obama, or whoever he is, mole placed here to drive us insane.
jstwndring| 2.6.12 @ 5:14PM
They're beer-goggling it big-time with Romney. They'll regret it the morning after.
former Republican| 2.6.12 @ 6:01PM
Laugh Out Loud Funny!
The Feel Good Propaganda Hit of the Campaign Season!
Mitt Romney in Its Morning in America Part Deux!
David| 2.6.12 @ 6:33PM
Santorum will provide the greatest contrast with Bam Bam.
Remember, Newt, Mitt, and Barack all hold the following positions.
They believe in man-caused global warming baloney, and the regulations and restrictions that have resulted from such thinking. Santorum does not.
They supported the Wall Street bailouts. Santorum did not.
They support and/or supported individual mandates for health insurance. Santorum never has.
They all criticized Paul Ryan's plan to get our fiscal house in order. Santorum embraced it.
Santorum is of the opinion that ILLEGAL immigrants have not broken ONE law (by crossing the border) as many claim, but that they have continually been breaking America's laws by working here, driving here, etc., and should NOT be rewarded for doing so.
Santorum cannot be accused of being a flip-flopper.
Santorum cannot be accused of telling people what they want to hear.
Santorum cannot be accused of stating his positions based on the particular audience in front of him at the time.
It is clear that Santorum has been the adult in this race. His criticisms have been on the other candidates' records and he does not distort or misrepresent their records as they do to one another.
It is also clear that he has been the true, principled, consistent conservative his entire politcal career.
KyleS| 2.7.12 @ 7:05PM
Santorum wouldn't know what to do if he were elected president. His speeches would be about Catholic doctrine vs. dogma, and about people not using contraception. He is a failed politician who didn't get but 41% of republican votes in his senate reelection campaign. He has very little experience in the real world. He was a big government porker from PA. You think he can beat Obama just because social conservatives want him to win?
Most of you know nothing about what it takes to run a corporation, much less the presidency. No wonder the republicans keep losing...it isn't the establishment, it is the conservative mantra for some ideology that no one can live up to in the real world....that is why everyone is a RINO to you. You wouldn't think Christ himself was conservative enough.
albert constantine jr| 2.6.12 @ 6:44PM
I’ve been trying to avoid posting anything negative about the Republicans left in the race, as even if they are not my first choice, I hate to have to eat my words when pulling the lever for them in the general against the incumbent POTUS. Clearly, Mr. Tucker feels differently.
If anyone has ever seen a picture of Delaware’s now senior senator (since Biden’s “promotion to VPOTUS) Tom Carper, with some minor variations (such as the hairline), he bears a fair resemblance to the former Massachusetts Governor. If you’ve ever seen him speak, he has a similar speech patterns and robotic manner, or as Tucker wrote “He still looks uncomfortable in crowds and can't seem to relate to people who don't share his background”.
If you look at Carper’s record (he was DE Governor for 8 years, and US Congressman for 8 years before that), it is fairly moderate, with some shifting positions (particularly if they helped his electability), also bearing some resemblance to the current GOP frontrunner’s record.
Out of the elected Democrats I’ve had to endure from Delaware, he hasn’t been the worse, by far. It nevertheless bears mentioning that I’ve never voted for Carper (someone else was always a better choice), and I never would use Reaganesque as a word to describe him.
I’ve also never seen Carper and Romney in the same photograph.
Ken| 2.6.12 @ 6:45PM
When I saw the title of this article I knew I wouldn't be able to read it without barfing so I went straight to the comments instead. I'm glad to see that a majority of American Specator readers remain true conservatives and don't want to see Romney get the nomination. Indeed, if he gets it I'll vote Republican down ticket but I'll never be able to bring myself to vote for him as president. I'll cast my vote for a 3rd party or not vote for president at all.
KyleS| 2.7.12 @ 7:13PM
Reagan wasn't fully a true conservative before he became president. That is why I didn't vote for him in 1980.
Who Knows| 2.6.12 @ 7:10PM
Way to go, Mr. Tucker! Honestly---someone at this site who' s sane.
Just perusing the comments tells me there's a whole lot of fringe rightwingers with too much time on their hands.
Remember when, just as the stock market was about to crash, in 1929, Rockefeller (I think it was him, but maybe it was a Kennedy?) got stock picking advice from his shoe shine boy---and, knew it was time to get out of the market?
Perhaps all the wailing by radical rightwingers will be the indication of the sea change that's coming.
Romney could be a closet CONSERVATIVE---coming out, at an election near you.
Parkerchandler| 2.6.12 @ 7:12PM
Hahahaha! You've got to be kidding?
PCP Smoker| 2.6.12 @ 7:40PM
You owe me 4.00 bucks. I just puked all over myself while reading this garbage. I'll mail you some of my puke. By the way, Mitt is not Reagan, he is GOD
PCP Smoker| 2.6.12 @ 7:44PM
Tucker, share the PCP laden joint with me. I'll like to try out what is like to be completely out of my mind.
Fred Farkel| 2.6.12 @ 7:58PM
All Romney needs to emulate Ronald Reagan is charisma, firm belief in the American culture and clear principles.
Steven Yoder| 2.6.12 @ 8:26PM
Santorum seems to me to be a very kind man. He has studied up on the issues and understands the centrality of the family to all of the problems of our country. He would probably make a fine president.
Dawg| 2.6.12 @ 9:36PM
Well let's see, he could be Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Teddy Roosevelt or Ronald Reagan, but as of right now he is Mitt Romney and just like Barack Obama that is all he will ever be...
If this is all we have to offer to the American people then we are in up to our waist in alligators.. I will vote for him if he is nominated but don't tell me i've got to be excited about someone you
could put side by side with a progressive and
come away feeling like we have won the Super Bowl.....
stage9| 2.6.12 @ 9:37PM
Romney Can Be the Next Reagan...
LOL! oh, you're serious...wow. A New England liberal the next Reagan? Really?
Owen K| 2.6.12 @ 10:01PM
You have got to be kidding. This guy compares Romney to Regan? This is nothing more than a sad joke.
Tim Finley | 2.6.12 @ 10:10PM
www.nomormonpresident.org
February 6, 2012
With the possibility of a Mormon being nominated to the highest government office in the United States of America, it is imperative that all voters understand what Mormons believe. Most orthodox Christian theologians consider Mormonism a cult! You must know the truth before you vote!
The following is an overview of Mormonism and can be found on pages 267-269 of my book titled JESUS CHRIST Is the EASY and ONLY Way to HEAVEN, which is available in major brick & mortar bookstores, on Amazon, or by visiting the website at the heading of this correspondence.
Tim Finley, author
Palm Beach County, FL
561/969-7743
Why I am not Mormon
I considered becoming a Mormon (The Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints “LDS”) until I realized they are not Christian. They claim the Christian name, but their beliefs are counter-Christian. In fact, although they profess to revere the New and Old Testaments, they have added a third book, The Book of Mormon; a fourth, The Pearl of Great Price; and even a fifth; Doctrine and Covenant.
WARNING: Beware of any religion that claims to be of the Christian faith if they have a book, or books, that must accompany the Bible to defend their beliefs. The New and Old Testaments are all that are needed.
Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. Galatians 1:8
I never knew much about Mormonism until many years ago when my wife, Loveda, and I became friends with a Mormon family in Columbus, Ohio. They were fine, hard-working, moral, and successful individuals. We were so impressed that we thought maybe there was something to Mormonism. We set out to learn more by asking them some questions regarding Mormonism.
Their answers were just what we wanted to hear, so we ask more questions – only these new questions were more specific. Of course these answers were also just right, except they kind of skirted the issue – sort of like when you ask a used car salesman a detailed technical question and he answers you with a lot of great things about the car, but never really answers your original question. Their answers were very appealing, except these fine people usually changed the subject somehow. Deception is the red flag that killed the deal for me. I lost tremendous respect for these folks because of this.
I wasn’t going to allow their deception to stop me from being part of something that I could believe in, so I investigated Mormonism further. They call themselves Christians, and I suppose legally they are not breaking any laws by doing so. But their beliefs are not orthodox Christian.
I have outlined what I found in regard to their teachings. Although I do not guarantee its accuracy, I feel fairly confident I am close. If you ever feel the inclination to join their organization, please remember what I am about to tell you, if for no other reason than to protect yourself from being hoodwinked or becoming part of a cult.
Mormons believe that the god of this universe is a being composed of flesh and blood who at one time lived on another planet (or in another galaxy) where, by following their rules, he became one of their many gods. He was then sent to this Earth to be our god, accompanied by his goddess wife.
This god produces spirit children who grow and mature, but whose spirit remains in Heaven waiting for a home here on Earth. When a baby is born here on earth, that spirit, which was waiting in Heaven, enters the body of the new baby, but the memory of that spirit is masked. That is mankind, as we know it.
They also believe that because we are creatures of sin, we needed a savior god, so god came to earth, had sex with Mary and went home. Her child was Jesus. The Mormons believe this was a plan worked out prior to the conception between this god and Jesus. They also believe that Jesus was a spiritual brother to Lucifer, who became jealous and rebelled, then convinced a large portion of the spirits in Heaven to side with him and oppose god.
Here is a big factor: They do not believe in the Trinity. They will lead you to believe they do until you back them into a corner, and then the truth prevails. Be very careful here!
They also put a lot of faith in a man named Joseph Smith (1805-1844), who supposedly was called upon by god as a messenger. There were gold tablets involved, but these apparently were only seen by Mr. Smith and were lost somewhere along the way.
There are many, many differences within the Christian community that probably can be justified because historical records are just that – historical records. But most Christians have the same basic beliefs, and also an innate brotherhood as Christians. You may turn on a Christian radio station and hear ministers from various denominations preaching various doctrines, but you will not hear Mormons on those stations because they are not considered Christians, by Christians.
NOTE: I sincerely apologize for not capitalizing the word ‘god’ in this section regarding Mormonism. This was done intentionally because I cannot think of the Mormon’s god as being the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Here is an external link to help you decide: http://irr.org/mit/voting-mormon-president.html
James| 2.7.12 @ 8:09PM
Keep at it. Those who understand Mormonism get a big kick out of reading stuff like this. Maybe next you could write a screenplay for Michael Moore or Al Gore :))
Jill Johnson| 2.9.12 @ 8:00AM
Wow. A pitch for selling his book disguised as responsible commentary ... well, not so much disguised.
Sonny119| 2.6.12 @ 10:23PM
LOL.. Mr. William Tucker, you are as delusional as Romney is.
Romney is no Ronald Reagan, and never will be, period. In fact, he is the antithesis of Reagan and Reagan Conservatism.
Romney and his policies, are liberal to the core. So in fact, he, Romney, is exactly like Obama in almost every aspect. More so than Hillary is. In fact, Obama, Hillary, and Romney are the exactly same political liberal socialist animal, with the exact same liberal policies and agenda-Obamacare, Romneycare, and Hillarycare. ie; each of them created their force mandated State Socialized Medicine program- all of their own liberal socialist making. And of all the politicians running for the Republican Party Nomination, only Speaker Newt Gingrich stopped it.
Romney said publically on the record, that he was and is, an independent progressive Republican, who disliked and did not support Reagan and Reagan conservative policies, political and economic. In other words he is liberal Republican Party establishment RINO elitist.. and that is NOT like President Ronald Reagan, period.
So Romney's so called pretentious, disingenuous and disgustingly absurd attempt to portray and paint himself in the light of President Ronald Reagan, is without a doubt, the most egregious and outrageous disgusting display of hypocrisy and fraud, I have ever seen in anyone, let alone in this Political Republican party race.
Romney is not only a liberal politician, but he is truly a political pariah.. He runs his politics, like he ran Bain Capital.
Romney and his lies, makes me, and every true patriotic Reagan Conservative in America, want to puke from the disgusting stink of hypocrisy, and propagandist lies, that Mr Romney reeks of.
POST American| 2.6.12 @ 10:25PM
-------------------BOTTOM LINE-----------------------
In the face of untold plunder by the
unaccountable, psychopathic, fractional
reserve Globalist-USURY mafia
--AND!
full-spectrum, US taxpayer underwritten
handover of the last shreds of the American
economy to the most awesomely genocidal
regime mankind's EVER seen ACROSS
the Pacific
---AND!
as USURY feuled, ultra-rich, TAX FREE
EUGENISTS weaponize food, water, air
and meds with carcinogens, sterilants
and gender and organ destroyers
--AND!
as the Obama sourced expansion of
Bushes criminal 'sick-cure--IT---he'
directives overturn the Constitution
with authorization of the secret arrest,
exile, citizenship stripping, torture
and execution of American citizens
---ANYWHERE
--------------------TAKE HEART!-----------------------
Over 74% of ALLLL donations to the
campiagn from our serving military are
going to RON PAUL.
Further, it's out that MOST of BOTH
Romney's and Gingrich's crowds are
PAID to be there ---and over 90%
of Gingrich's Twitter followers --are FAKE.
Leveut| 2.6.12 @ 10:29PM
"Romney can be the Next Reagan"
No he can't.
Reagan was a conservative, Romney is not a conservative.
Reagan was conservative, Romney is not conservative.
Reagan could clearly articulate conservative principles, even when mumbling in his sleep. Romney would not know a conservative principle to be able to articulate it if one bit him on his butt.
Tucker, alas, has bought the "liberal" trope, that Reagan was appearance, and not substance.
Fool.
Lynn| 2.6.12 @ 10:57PM
I loved this, very well written. I hope you are 100% right...your faith in the American people is a little stronger than mine! At one time we could recognize greatness with ease..these days...Im not so sure...
Daniel Peterson| 2.6.12 @ 11:10PM
Thanks, Mr. Tucker, for a fine article. I've always appreciated your writing, and this piece gives me yet another reason to do so.
Trinacria| 2.6.12 @ 11:12PM
Really, Mr. Tucker; aren't you a little old to be smoking crack?
Commonman| 2.6.12 @ 11:35PM
Sure are a lot of nasty sounding bitter acting people on here this evening. Nasty and bitter won't beat President Obama. Optimism and class will. I'm sure several of you will be anxious to start ripping and shredding this post as well. Have a nice day.
KyleS| 2.7.12 @ 9:29PM
Oh leave them alone. They are united and happy in their hatred of Romney. They are worse than a bunch of middle school adolescents...calling people names, belittling good people, and bullying people who disagree with them.
At least they'll have a lot of fun complaining when Obama does more serious damage in his second term. They think this is a game.
theo | 3.2.12 @ 4:43PM
There will be no damage in his second term because the do nothing TPubs will be voted out. With control in the house and Senate, great things will happen. No time will be used up trying to get hate bills towards women passed.
Ken| 2.6.12 @ 11:45PM
I had to stop reading this about halfway through it. This is your gig, and you obviously are offering your opinions. But that is all they are, and I mightily disagree with you on many accounts.
If the GOP is sufficiently blinded to nominate this character, Romney, then I'll sit this one out and will smile when Obama thrashes him in the election.
No, I'm not a Dem, and I nearly loathe Obama. But the GOP and all its various minions have rightly earned all my perpetual disdain.
The Bruce| 2.7.12 @ 1:14AM
By William Tucker on 2.6.12 @ 6:08AM:
"Romney Can Be the Next Reagan. The temperament is there, as is the natural appeal of a friendly, modest, handsome leader."
Let's just take that one at a time, shall we?
"Romney can be the next Reagan." Um, no. Even the next Reagan wasn't the next Reagan (look at his sons). And Romney has no convictions, unlike Reagan.
"The temperament is there..." Um, maybe.
"...as is the natural appeal of a friendly..." Um, maybe.
"...modest..." $10,000 bet, anyone?
"...handsome..." Okay, I suppose.
"...leader." Um, no, unless leadership is now defined as pointing your moistened index finger into the wind to determine which way it's blowing.
Comparing Reagan to Romney is like comparing Barry Goldwater to George H. W. Bush.
However, if given the choice between voting for Obama vs. Romney, I'll pick Romney seven days a week and twice on Sunday. The reasons why should be plain:
Even if you're convinced that Romney is Obama-lite, which do you prefer -- the full-court press that is Obama, or the kinder, gentler usurper that is Romney?
Do you believe that Romney would go on a year-long "America Sucks" tour, as Obama did?
Do you believe that Romney would continue the current administration's policy of declaring the private sector as evil, or, as Obama has said, "the enemy?"
I'm not necessarily saying that Romney wouldn't suck, I'm just saying he would suck far less than the current administration.
Don't agree? No problem. Just stay home on election day and go glassy-eyed at your television screen as you watch the Republican candidate go down in flames against Obama.
I think the main problem might be with some "conservatives" like Margie, that are so bigoted that they could never pull the lever for a Mormon, Catholic, or other non-Protestant, et al, that they'd allow their narrow religious view get in the way of what's better for the country (getting the usurper out of office).
Go with Christ, Margie (if you can),
Me
KyleS| 2.7.12 @ 6:49PM
Thanks for stating the possible hidden agenda of some voters. I read on blogs all the time that Evangelicals and very conservative voters won't vote for him. However, I'm in an organization called Evangelicals for Mitt Romney and one called Tea Partiers for Romney. Election results so far have shown him with wide support from all demographic groups including very conservative and tea party. I fear that instead of choosing the best candidate, many are choosing some conservative ideology "litmus test".....which if used will surely ensure Obama another four terms. The litmus test relates to Reagan's performance during his presidency...not who he was as a candidate. Romney has given speeches of late that are as great as many by Reagan. Rather than digging in to an "anybody but Romney" position, read his book and his speeches. I think you will see that the author is on the right track.
After being a lifelong republican, I voted for Jimmy Carter over Reagan in 1980...the only time I ever voted for a democrat. I did it because Carter was a Christian and I thought he had been unfairly treated by the press because of it. I thought Reagan was too liberal, and an actor could never be a good president. Obviously, I was wrong.
theo | 3.2.12 @ 4:53PM
Bruce, You are trying to influence Marie to vote for someone who do not share her thoughts and views. Is this the way you Repubs vote, is this the way you all got us George Bush with his lies concerning Irak. If she prefer to sit it out, its her choice and nothing you could say or do to make her vote for this fool. She is probably not a hillbillie as you are that refuses to let hate for color leave her soul. She is advanced Bruce. Not one of them has a chance anyway against Obama.
Dave| 2.7.12 @ 1:27AM
Excellent article, a rare and wonderful breath of fresh air. To those of you who are against Mitt, I do believe you are living in dreamland if you think conservatives have a better candidate. Don't profess yourself to be wise and become a fool, leave that to Obama!
Wemedge| 2.7.12 @ 3:40AM
Finally, someone who understands Romney's potential. I'm an Evangelical Pastor and have no problem with his Mormonism. Sure Romney was born to privilege, but he got where he is by outworking everyone else. He'll work just as hard for us.
Garfield| 2.7.12 @ 4:28PM
Ronald Reagan would not have lied about and smeared a fellow Republican. Romney smeared Newt Gingrich at a level I've never seen from anyone except Obama.
KyleS| 2.7.12 @ 6:54PM
Bravo Pastor. People need to hear this all over the conservative blogs. This Evangelical is 100% on board with Romney. I always say that the Bible tells us that we can see God's hand in a person's life by the fruit they bear (...you will know them). I see God's blessings on Romney and his family; what a wonderful example they are to other Christians.
theo | 3.2.12 @ 5:01PM
Wemedge, ja, he got there stealing from other people like you all Pastors do. He never worked in his life. He spent a lifetime stealing and if you agree with someone whom steals from others then, your yourself is a non beleiver and not a Pastor! Do you know anything about Bain Cap's read up on it. Only a few companies made profits there under romney, the rest was targeted for bankrupt with the after effects Romney earning bails amount of money.
Bulgaricus| 2.7.12 @ 4:57AM
Gagging & puking noise. Ok...just when did the author start smoking dope???
Bulgaricus| 2.7.12 @ 4:59AM
If Romney can be the next Reagan, then Carter was the next Lincoln! Gimme a break!
KyleS| 2.7.12 @ 6:30PM
After reading Mitt Romney's book "No Apology - Believe in America," I can tell you there is
absolutely nothing in his plans for the country that ISN'T conservative. I wholeheartedly agree with the author.
Some of his Agenda for a Free and Strong America
1. Promote small business and entrepreneurship through lower taxes
2. Stop the trillion dollar
deficits and spend only what we have.
3. Publish an annual balance sheet for the country
5. Reduce and simplify taxes
6. Adopt a strong dollarstrategy including spending restraint and entitlement sustainability
7. Reform entitlements
8. Adopt an annual budget for entitlements
9. Reform tort liability
10.Stop any new government growing stimulus programs
This is only 10 of 64. Isn't it logical that if people care as much about the country as they claim, that they get his book and learn about him for themselves...including the conservative media. They are shameless...just like the MSM and there is NO difference except the candidate they're shilling for.
davod| 2.8.12 @ 2:18AM
Did he write it himself.
Jimmy Jansen| 2.7.12 @ 8:04PM
"The Mormons were indeed a violent and divisive sect in the 19th century."
Oh, my, we have a long way to go educating the literati on even the basics of Mormon history. Mormons were not violent -- they were the victims of violence, driven from pillar to post, for the most part defending themselves only if necessary, and only at times. Just read the history and you'll see.
RCV| 2.7.12 @ 11:31PM
Let's not overdo the reaction to that statement. The victims of the Mountain Meadows Massacre might have a different take.
Jill Johnson| 2.8.12 @ 6:18PM
There is no overreaction to the statement. It is factually wrong, painting with a broad brush the temperament of the church as a whole. Mountain Meadows, which tragic, was an isolated incident, and not representative of the character of the church. The church on any number of occasions could have annihilated their enemies militarily, such as in the aftermath of Smith's death. They chose not to do so, but just wanted to be left alone. A little historical knowledge of the LDS response to violence would go a long way here ...
By the way, the church put out an excellent analysis of Mountain Meadows, folks here may want to take a look.
theo | 3.2.12 @ 5:26PM
Take a look, at what,I understand The Mormons who beleives God came from another world and had sex with Mary. (read this earlier) Mormons believe that the god of this universe is a being composed of flesh and blood who at one time lived on another planet (or in another galaxy) where, by following their rules, he became one of their many gods. He was then sent to this Earth to be our god, accompanied by his goddess wife.
Jill Johnson| 2.7.12 @ 8:15PM
I fear you are right about Santorum's temperament and wrong about Romney, which is the dilemma we conservatives face
Prof22| 2.7.12 @ 9:39PM
People within and outside the Republican party have been watching conservatives attacking moderate candidates, and it isn't appealing. It does nothing for the conservative cause or to help elect House and Senate candidates.
The same thing goes for the conservative media. They have now alienated half their base...half their paying customers for publications like the Weekly Standard, where today Bill Kristol mocked Tim Pawlenty. I'm frankly glad I finally got a glimpse of the "real conservative values" of bigotry and ridicule.
davod| 2.8.12 @ 1:34AM
The Rhomboids, especially the conservative commentators, have truly bitten of the fruit of the Alinsky tree. The truth be damned if it doesn't fit the message.
Black is white, up is down. With little or no correction by the fourth estate.
davod| 2.8.12 @ 2:14AM
"People within and outside the Republican party have been watching conservatives attacking moderate candidates, and it isn't appealing. It does nothing for the conservative cause or to help elect House and Senate candidates."
In the words of a statesman "There you go again." Negativity swept through the 2012 Republican primaries on a wind driven by the Romney campaign, ably assisted by numerous surrogates.
Other candidates could only mount a feeble defence against the relentless onslaught of money, news print, and TV ad buys.
And you whine about the one in 65 that slips through the wall of propoganda.
Romney's problem is his history as Governor, and his repudiation of not just consevatism but Republican values.
Remember "It's not worth getting angry about."
"When Santorum was assailing Romney on health care in Jacksonville, Romney told Santorum, "It's not worth getting angry about." Well, the voters in Missouri and Minnesota may not have been angry, but something about Mitt Romney concerned them. I suspect at the heart of their concern was Romneycare. And I suspect it's worth Mitt Romney getting worried about."
http://www.weeklystandard.com/.....am-kristol
theo | 3.2.12 @ 5:10PM
YEA, he is a flip flopper who do not understand a simple question, no i do not support the law, one hour later Romney, i did not understand the law, sure i support the law. I did not understand the question, this is a Harvard grad people. He is so full of it and only goes the way the wind blows.
Worried for the country| 2.8.12 @ 11:27AM
I agree with the author. Romney will likely be more effective than Reagan. Why? Because he will have a GOP congress led by Paul Ryan. The Gipper was handicapped by a Dem congress.
theo | 3.2.12 @ 6:36PM
Nice one, try again, having bad dreams lately what.
Tim| 2.8.12 @ 5:30PM
If Gingrich left race and strongly endorsed
Santorum, Romney would be guaranteed one more win.....Utah.
Principles trump big cash every day of the week and twice on Sunday!
Carlton| 2.21.12 @ 3:22AM
" That's why he shows that deer-in-the-headlights look when the others first started attacking him. "Why are you going after me?" he seems to say. "Aren't we supposed to be going after President Obama?" He's learned to fight back, which is good, but there is still a definite modesty about him."
lol... while his Super PAC was spending tens of millions bashing his opponents heads in.
theo | 3.2.12 @ 4:19PM
William Tucker is really in love with the loser come November. Talking nonsense or bull..it.