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The Obama Watch

The Reagan-Obama Presidential Olympics

A test of conservative and progressive presidencies: who is Michael Phelps?

Think of it as a presidential Olympics.

Barack Obama takes on Ronald Reagan.

One on one, mano a mano. To mix metaphors, two presidential matadors competing for the gold.

The contest, begun on election night of 2008, is now in the final four years. As is true with the athletic Olympics, the world is watching. Who will win history’s gold medal as a great president? Which man will prove to be the better president? 

It is January 20, 2017.

President Somebody Else has just finished taking the oath of office. As tradition dictates, President Else walks former President Obama down the steps of the East Front of the Capitol. Where Marine One awaits. Mr. Obama bids goodbye to the President and Mrs. or Mr. Else, the former President standing on the top step of the helicopter for one last wave to the crowd. He steps inside, and within seconds the chopper lifts up, swoops over Washington, and minutes later lands at Andrews Air Force Base where the Obama Cabinet waits to say farewell. A few minutes after that, the Obama family securely on board, the plane that was once Air Force One roars down the runway and begins Obama’s first trip in eight years as a private citizen, flying him to the destination of his choice. Hawaii, maybe. Or Chicago. He steps off the plane, the plane leaves.

With that, the Obama presidency recedes into the American rearview mirror.

The judgment of history awaits. The medal counting begins.

But there’s a catch. And a big one.

Barack Obama, according to multiple press accounts, has staked his entire presidency on both bookending and surpassing the conservative presidency of Ronald Reagan. Betting that progressive policies will leave the Reagan-era in the historical dust.

In that rarity of worlds inhabited only by the 43 men who have held the presidential office, Barack Obama, by his own quite deliberate choice and the demands of his supporters, has set himself up — and even more importantly set up the Progressive World View — for a direct, results-oriented side-by-side comparison to Reagan and the Conservative World View.

The New York Times swoons with a banner headline:

Obama Offers Liberal Vision: ‘We Must Act’ 

One might offer the eternal caution of being careful what you wish for — but too late for that.

So.

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About the Author

Jeffrey Lord is a former Reagan White House political director and author. He writes from Pennsylvania at jlpa1@aol.com.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (71) |

TLP| 1.25.13 @ 6:44AM

In keeping with what I wrote yesterday, on an article - The words to the Rolling Stones' "Symphony for the Devil" - I would like to Invite You over to The Drudge Report for an Update.

For anyone who still doubts that this Man is anything other than what I've been saying he is? Look at the Pictures of The One, and remember: This is the Middle of Winter, and that This is not the first time we've seen this occur, with him.

And, the Son of a B*tch never even tries to get it off of him.

Can you say: Beelzebub.

TLP| 1.25.13 @ 8:06AM

They say that a Picture tells a thousand words.

This insect is Attracted to Feces, Garbage, and Death.

It would seem that Mr. Fly is in the right place.

Riff Raff| 1.25.13 @ 8:38AM

I don't mean to be rude, but "mano a mano" means "hand to hand" not "one on one."

Louis Jenkins| 1.25.13 @ 8:48AM

Who says that Obama will go home after this term? Mr. Lord, you may be dreaming.

loulou| 1.25.13 @ 12:50PM

That was my thought.
Dear Leader has no plans of leaving. Furthermore, Moochelle and Mother Robinson have become accustomed to living in luxury.

Controse| 1.26.13 @ 7:09PM

He will only leave feet first.

Pecos Pete| 1.25.13 @ 8:54AM

I enjoyed the image of King O and his family departing forever. Could we move the date forward a few years?

Of course, The Village Idiots would be overjoyed if a national emergency absolutely required that King O extend his reign into 2028 or so.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 1.25.13 @ 9:01AM

Why is it when I picture Mr. Lord writing this article, that he intends it as a slap at the fawning sycophantic Obama-ite trolls such as Jack London, Purp and Arnie, and their counterparts in the broadcast and print media?

RABart| 1.25.13 @ 9:37AM

Speaking of Air Force One, I'd like to see both the pilot and co-pilot board the plane with parachutes at the ready. Somewhere between California and Hawaii---Geronimo!!

TLP| 1.25.13 @ 1:05PM

Don't you mean: Suicide Vests?

Drunken Sailor| 1.25.13 @ 2:01PM

I think he is meaning the pilot and co-pilot pull a D.B. Cooper somewhere between DC and Hawaii.

TLP| 1.25.13 @ 2:20PM

I don't get it.

Pecos Pete| 1.25.13 @ 6:29PM

Yes you do.

TLP| 1.26.13 @ 4:36PM

No I don't.

Doctor Right| 1.25.13 @ 9:52AM

I have a better scenario:

Obama lands in Hawaii, and is met on the runway by Federal Marshals, who "escort" him and his fetching bride to their new beachfront castle.

They have a few questions to ask the former President...

...and cooperation is expected.

Controse| 1.26.13 @ 7:12PM

I like this one also. Only in mine they stop on the way to the castle and pick up jugs of water and some boards.

Who Knows?| 1.25.13 @ 9:57AM

What difference does it make?

Those of a certain age might remember the great musical, “My Fair Lady”. At one point, Eliza sings to a suitor, “Words, words, words! I’m so sick of words!”

There you have it.

I’m afraid those in illusion, who aren’t aware they ARE in illusion, continue to play Pavlov’s dog, and “salivate” right on cue, even while they are being screwed.

Congressman Waxman used to say, “So what?”, when caught in some nefarious lie or act, back in the Clinton days. So what? A political generation later, we have a higher profile Hill-the-pill essentially saying the same thing, and…..

There are symbols and there are what they stand for. Democrats know that Republicans are all talk and no DOING. Why, right now, those of us who pay attention worry about how Obama is NOT following the Constitution, with all his executive orders, and the Democratic Senate breaks the law by NOT submitting a budget. And, so it goes.

But the GOP is even worse! They are letting Obama-Reid-Pelosi and their army of the enemy-within get away with it, offering hardly any ACTIONABLE resistance---just empty words.

Who Knows?| 1.25.13 @ 9:57AM

They recall the stupidest joke I ever heard—

This guy leaves his ranch. While away, Black Bart and his gang steal all his cattle, burn down his place, rape and kill his wife and children. When our hero returns, he vows to search the world over and get Black Bart.

He looks for years, and finally spots him in a bar. Confronting him, he asks, “Are you the guy who stole my cattle, burned my place, raped and killed my wife and kids?

Black Bart bellows, “YES!”

Our hero responds, “You better cut that out.”

That’s our GOP---word mongers, who’ve FAILED to defend the Constitution, for many decades, by doing more than talk, while “Black Bart” aka the leftists aka the “progressives” not only talk, but ACT.

Is it already over?

Doctor Right| 1.25.13 @ 10:12AM

Actually, the current crop of feckless losers "leading" the GOP would probably say that Black Bart is actually a "...really nice guy. He just doesn't know how to manage a ranch."

Doctor Right| 1.25.13 @ 10:15AM

YES; the GOP are worse.

That's because they are acquiescing in this assault on our Constitution.

They are NOT worthy of our loyalty any longer. They cannot be trusted to fight for what's right, and for what they were sworn to do - UPHOLD the Constitution.

That's why I say enough is enough. We cannot be willing dupes in our own demise. We will not sign our own death warrants.

The GOP is dead. They will NOT change, not in time for 2014, and not in time for 2016, when they will stick another mush candidate on the dais at the convention and expect us to vote for him.

LEAVE the GOP...now! Speak with your voter card.

There is no other way.

Von Mises Jr| 1.25.13 @ 10:04AM

If we wish to compare Obama to the most transformational leaders in recent history, that man may be Lenin. That's not John Lennon; Perp. Lenin still has a significant lead with the Bolsheviks achieving total revolution and totalitarianism. Obama: we will have to wait and see.

Second best choice may be Hitler as it relates to policy with universal health care, green energy and environmentalism, fascist propaganda, targeting groups with terror, isolation and atomization of the masses and the jury is still out on gun confiscation. Of course liberals have a cow when they are compared to the Nazis or their leaders to Hitler, but policy wise, it is spot on. If Iran gets a nuclear weapon and annihilates 7M Israelis, Barry may get the gold. Jury is still out.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 1.25.13 @ 10:36AM

Obama will always lose to Hitler on opposition to cigarette smoking, though. Der Fuehrer apparently was vehemently opposed to anyone igniting rolled tobacco in his presence; Dear Leader has been known to sneak a Kool from time to time.

loulou| 1.25.13 @ 12:52PM

I don't think Hitler was gay either.

TLP| 1.25.13 @ 1:06PM

Cat fight!

Albert Constantine Jr.| 1.25.13 @ 1:19PM

Your post raises an interesting issue, though. If Hitler had supported gay marriage (say, for Ernst Roehm, before he had him killed), would the Left claim to despise him as much?

WaffenSS| 1.26.13 @ 2:43PM

Interesting point

Job| 1.25.13 @ 10:21AM

Obamas double entendre escapes most, it's been said here before by others, but his transformation of America has nothing to do with her continued greatness.

RFisher66| 1.25.13 @ 10:47AM

It would be interesting to compare the class or lack of same of the most recent First Ladies. Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Laura Bush vs Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama. Now there is a contest with a clear set of winners. It's amazing how classless the Democrat First Ladies have been over the past few years and the stark difference shown by the absolute first class attitudes and actions of the Republican First Ladies. Pat Nixon and Mamie Eisenhower were also First Class First Ladies. What's up with that?

BShep| 1.25.13 @ 11:07AM

And in the 200 meter event the swimmer from the United States, Obama, comes in dead last but wait, the judges from the MSM, Marxists and Communists call a foul and, in a stunning upset, Obama is pronounced the winner and awarded the gold medal.

In related news, the swimmer from the United States, Obama, announces that the official Olympic pool is unsafe to hold any more races and declares himself the winner of all future events, which are canceled, forever.

Michele San Pietro| 1.25.13 @ 11:12AM

I think no trick will allow Obama to go down in history as a better president than Ronald Reagan. In any case, I hope 2017 will come soon!

RCV| 1.27.13 @ 7:25PM

It will be here in about four years.

Who Knows?| 1.25.13 @ 11:31AM

“A view is plausible because we prize it; we are enamored of its externals. We hold fast to it as the truth. No doubt the process is unconscious and goes beyond empirical experience; it may even be beginningless. Nevertheless, it acts as a cover in hiding the real from us. In that state we do not even know that it is a view. So long as we are in illusion, we do not know it as illusion. We become aware of its contradictions as we analyze it and know it inside out. Self-conscious reflection is not possible if anything were taken as true and unitary, as simple. When we entertain a view, we are possessed by it; we look at things in this colored way and are not even conscious of it. Only as a contrast is felt between what appeared and what it really turns out to be, there is self-consciousness. We must stand aside and perceive the inner flaw or fissure in our position. This is analysis which splits up entities and exhibits their inner nature.”

Page 136, “The Central Philosophy of Buddhism”, T R V Murti, 1955

“Only as a contrast is felt between what appeared and what it really turns out to be, there is self-consciousness.” I posit that there’s a whole lot of BIG ‘turning out’ that will be so contrasted with ‘what appeared’, that even the most rapt Obama-fans will be shocked into Reality.

America resembles Helen Keller, blind and deaf, about to be dumped on by a tsunami of ‘water’ = the Truth.

Wah-wah.

Jack London| 1.25.13 @ 12:53PM

"Barack Obama is no Ronald Reagan."

Well thank goodness for that.

Rhoetus| 1.26.13 @ 11:24PM

Obama would drown if he raced Reagan.

nathan| 1.25.13 @ 12:56PM

Lord's loyalty to his boss is admirable. Buchanan wrote a similar piece regarding Nixon where he actually mentioned the EPA as a good thing. If he says so . . .

Lord is talking again about the guy who went to Iceland with a proposal to eliminate ALL nukes right? That Reagan right? How much credit he gets for "ending" the Cold War is debatable. Once Russia was opened up we saw how incredibly bad our "intelligence" was. The fact even before RR's time they were spending a huge percentage of GNP on defense, not sustainable, and that, as much or more than anything HE did contributed to the end of the Cold War. But again domestically besides lowering taxes he did what? NOTHING. If I'm wrong then name a New Deal/Great Society program that was ended during his 8 years. Name one of the three cabinent positions created during Carter that he eliminated when it would have been relatively easy to do so. And failure to act domestically sowed the seeds for what is probably going to destroy this country now. So I'm supposed to sing praises to St. Ronald for ignoring the domestic side of his responsibilities? Really?

TLP| 1.25.13 @ 1:11PM

How soon some forget that he had a Democrat Controlled Congress to work with.

I don't blame you.

I realize that you see only the things you hear on MSNBC.

I get it.

nathan| 1.25.13 @ 1:39PM

For ALL 8 years sir? And if that was the case how pray tell did he get the tax cut through that as you say let me cut and paste here to make sure I get it right

Democrat Controlled Congress

You wouldn't want to explain that would you kind sir? I mean we praise him for getting the tax cut but we make EXCUSES for not touching those entitlements or anything else. Gee you and Lord and everyone else wouldn't be trying to have it BOTH ways would you?

And did he or didn't he go to Iceland with a proposal, if BHO made it would have you and everyone else here screaming their heads off?

RR was primarily interested playing with his friend Maggie. And by the way, his critics were right, he should never have given that speech at the military cemetary in Germany. We know, we really do that the german regular army participated fully in the Holocaust. Manstein probably their best general was absolutely a war criminal and should have been treated as such. RR should have known that and stayed FAR away from that place.

TLP| 1.25.13 @ 2:24PM

He had a Democrat Congress, and he still got his Economic Policies passed.

You should stick to things you know about.

Things like: Your hand in your pants.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 1.25.13 @ 2:24PM

Yes, Nathan, (again, as I posted this information in response to your misstatement of the same fact last week) Reagan had a Democrat controlled House of Representatives ALL 8 years. Tip O'Neill was Speaker of the House 1981-1987, and Jim Wright 1987-1989 (reflecting only the years of their terms in which RWR was President). Both were Democrats presiding over Democrat majorities.

The Senate had Republican majorities from 1981-1987. When Newt Gingrich, using the Contract With America, helped Republicans take back the House of Representatives following the November 1994 elections, it was the first time in 40 years that Republicans had a majority in the House. Part of those four decades were those years (1981-1989) that Reagan was President.

For someone who claims to have supported Goldwater back in 1964, you certainly seem to have selective recall about the political landscape of every other year since that election.

TLP| 1.25.13 @ 2:27PM

He's a Liar.

What a surprise, eh?

nathan| 1.25.13 @ 3:02PM

I'm conceding what both you gentleman say but he did get the tax cut passed. WHY NOTHING ELSE? Because he didn't try? DID HE TRY? How about this show me any evidence that he made any I mean any effort even to roll back the New Deal/Great Society. Or to put it this way, he put forward 8 budgets right? In any of those 8 budgets was there anything in any of them that made an effort to eliminate Medicare? Anything in any of them to rein in, in any meaningful way Social Security? Did he propose in any budget to zero out say Head Start? Did he propose to rein in or eliminate food stamps. Albert you're the detail guy here. Find something in those budgets that show he was remotely engaged in trying to deal with the issue that as we SEE TODAY is going to destroy this country. Not the jihadists, not Iran, but those out of control spending programs. The last Bush could care less right? He didn't veto a bill until his second term? Plan D added 2 tril to the deficit? And most of you sit here and praise him like he's some sort of hero. But going back to St. R, again show some tangible evidence he at least TRIED. I don't see it but if you can show me he made the effort win or lose, I'll cede the point but so far over several weeks, no one has. He talked it really well he just didn't do a lot of WALKING.

nathan| 1.25.13 @ 3:09PM

And please don't tell me this he didn't do it because he knew he would lose nonsense. he got the tax cut through, if he had wanted to he could have gone to the American people and made the case to them. He was the best speaker of his time. You sometimes have to make the effort even if you KNOW you're going to lose. Again Marek Edelman and his friends (Mordechai Aneleiwicz actually commanded) knew they were going to lose and lose big but on April 19 of this year we will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. If they put it all on the line I don't want to hear this nonsense, this whining about oh well he might have lost on those proposals, or he had a democrat controlled house. Those are excuses. He like Marek and the gang, should have made the effort ANYWAY. Now did he? I haven't see any evidence YET that he did. Show me and I'll say sorry and move on. But for now all I see is excuses for not doing anything.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 1.25.13 @ 3:55PM

Reagan campaigned on a number of issues, but near the top was the defeat of the Soviet Union and international communism. While he had a number of achievements in advancing the conservative cause by reducing government regulation, cutting taxes and helping the private sector and free markets grow, winning the Cold War was a top priority.

I served on active duty in the Marine Corps during both the first and second term, expecting every day that today might be the one we go toe to toe with the Russkies or their proxies. Shortly after his second term, the Berlin Wall fell (after he challenged Gorbachev to do so), and less than three years later, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ceased to exist.

The success of that monumental achievement, which nobody could have imagined or predicted during the Carter Presidency (and if they did, they kept really quiet about it), is that you seem completely unable to recall what a dominant role the Cold War played in both foreign and domestic policy not only during his Presidency, but for the US from 1946 through 1991.

Would it be better if Reagan had ended more unnecessary domestic spending and counterproductive Great Society programs? Of course it would have, but that was more of a priority and achievable goal for Congress, and is what Gingrich (arguing from the right during Reagan’s Presidency and beyond until he took over as Speaker in 1995) set out to do (again with mixed results).

Albert Constantine Jr.| 1.25.13 @ 3:55PM

As far as the rest of your post, and the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw uprising on April 19th, you started to lose me (not that it much matters; April 19 is the anniversary of the Waco Roast-1993, and Murrah Building OKBomb-1995. The next day is Hitler’s birthday and the anniversary of Columbine-1999. I don’t attend parties, memorials or gatherings on either day if I can help it).

Tina B| 1.26.13 @ 1:48PM

Albert I so love you and how you express yourself. You give me, as do many of the rest of the gang here, a view of my own past through eyes that were watching when I wasn't. As a daughter of a very military Polish Dad, I regret not serving during Vietnam Nam, as a nurse or in medical assistance of some kind, and sticking my head in the sand by not voting for at least 2 elections (see, I block out the exact memory) after the crazy summer of the DNC riots. When I met Tom Hayden I was a student journalist at a conference in Sacramento. My friends dared me to go over to him. I did. Ya know what I asked him? Nothing political, ostrich that I was, but how I could interview his wife. He gave me a number to call, I did, and so I interviewed Jane Fonda as she campaigned for him a month later at my college. Know what I asked her? Nothing political. What an idiot I was. In oh so many ways. But I changed. My Dad would be proud of me now, and I can't wait till we meet again. But meanwhile, thanks to you, Albert, and so many here who fill in the gaps for me.

aware| 1.26.13 @ 7:03AM

Nobody is better at excuses for failure than "conservatives". You've had plenty of practice.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 1.26.13 @ 8:01AM

I note, aware, that your post also includes a list of all of your achievements, of which I am certain that you can be proud.

Joellen| 1.26.13 @ 10:54AM

Albert, you are masterful, and I learn much from you and your wisdom. GOD bless.

Tina B| 1.26.13 @ 1:50PM

Woot, woot!

Albert Constantine Jr.| 1.26.13 @ 3:50PM

Joellen, you and Tina are quite kind in your endorsements. In times such as these, in the absence of a well-led and well-organized opposition to Obama and his agenda, it is refreshing to be able to coalesce (even briefly) around a thought or idea. Thank you.

TLP| 1.26.13 @ 4:43PM

Nice job, Marine.

aware| 1.27.13 @ 12:00PM

Why would I list whatever I have done? My point is that you always have excuses as to why no "conservative" agenda gets done. Been hearing the same tune since the '60s. Pathetic.

After much thinking on it I can only posit 2 possible reasons for failure: either you, or at least the "conservative" leadership, are dishonest(you never wanted Leviathan slain)
or: you, or "conservatives" in general, are the most inept and incompetent political operators ever.

Notice the Left never makes excuses, they make LAW. And it never goes away. They don't care how they do it so long as it is done. They never have to long for the "good old days" either, like Lord and his endless Reagan redux screeds, cause they are always ADDING to the past victories.

The proof is always in the pudding and so far no "conservative" pudding has made it out of the kitchen. You explain it, I'm only sneering at "conservatives" from the real extreme Right.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 1.27.13 @ 8:37PM

While my remarks were non-specific as to whether I was referring to you or the agenda and point of view you appear to espouse, presume for these purposes that it refers to both.

In the past couple of years, I can never recall you posting anything I would consider conservative. I don't own the trademark or copyright on the term, but I assumed you posted as aware because it is the word in your personal glossary between anarchy and away (the former seemingly to represent your philosophy, and the latter your requested destination).

Rhoetus| 1.26.13 @ 11:25PM

Except now we have a communist as President of the United States.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 1.27.13 @ 8:38AM

The domestic variety of socialism/ communism has morphed into a strain much more difficult to combat and defeat, in part because we're limited in our ability to use nuclear weapons on them. or missile shields to protect us from them.

Kingofthenet| 1.25.13 @ 3:15PM

You know why I cynically LOVE Social Programs? It 'might' be the ONE thing I get from the Govt. I am not going to get any REAL money from Capital Gains or 'Carried Interest', I don't own ANY companies that can outrageously overcharge the Federal Govt. like a lot of Republicans do. Me and my buddies aren't part of the Military-Industrial Complex that will rake in money hand over fist with endless wars. I 'could' lose my Liberal ways, NEVER to go Republican, that would just be worse for me, I would be paying the same, just getting less. How about WE all go Libertarian, cut the social programs by a lot, but the Military and the NeoCon's pet stuff by just as much?

Albert Constantine Jr.| 1.25.13 @ 3:32PM

One of the reasons that I think now a majority might now support cutting social programs (everyone come over to my Section 8 apartment tonight, we're having a social program) is that you will be cut off, as a result.

TeaPartyNow| 1.25.13 @ 3:45PM

Both political parties in America are aristocratic oligarchies who work hand in hand to spend without limit. You can continue to go back to the last conservative who beat out the republican oligarchy, or you can admit that the right is fatally flawed. & strive to achieve greatness in spite of the rights horrific advancement process.

The right pushes down conservatives, & pushes up "moderates" or anyone who is not a threat to their spending habits. Left in power, the election process will end America, & begin anew of a communist utopian hell.

There is no end to spending & with today's right there will be no return to conservatism. The oligarchy knows that it is safe within its' system. The whole of the right will continue to elect "moderates" & blame our demise on the left.

The right will never ever need to be conservative. Because no one in America will ever make it be.

Purp| 1.25.13 @ 5:57PM

Where do you get this crap?

You compare Apples to Oranges and not very well at that.

The simple Reagan Recession is nothing compared to the Bush Great Recession (altho I prefer Depression, since the stagnant economy is more indicative of Depression than a cyclical Recession) First Apple to Orange mistake.

Unemployment - there was NO widespread layoffs of the public sector under Reagan - in fact it increased employment, not decreased Government payrolls. Otherwise by economists estimates, we'd be below the Reagan era 7.3% unemployment. Second Apple to Orange mistake.

Cold War - Reagan benefited from the 40 years of Cold War containment by all other Presidents and happened to be just one more President to continue the trend - the Soviet Empire didn't fall until HW Bush was President. http://www.coldwar.org/article....._union.asp
Third Apple to Orange mistake.

Reagan presided over the beginning of the downfall of the American Middle Class - Corporations and the wealthy are going gangbusters, but Reagan's policies have dismantled the American Dream - with the Bush Twins help of course.

I could go on, but what's the point. Your fluff piece is dishonest in it's comparisons. But you don't care. History will and we'll see who wins.

CJW| 1.25.13 @ 7:42PM

Purpie the Village Idiot

Purpie still thinks that Romney's plan to cut the tax rate would have increased Purpie's 0% rate to 8%:

"Purp| 8.9.12 @ 2:13PM

Did you pass Math in school?
If I pay no income tax today, but by Romney's plan, 10% goes to 8%, but I pay nothing today - how do I not pay 8% more than I do today?
8% Romney - 0% today = 8% tax on my income, whatever it is.
Reply to this

CJW| 8.9.12 @ 4:02PM

Listen slowly idiot, 10% goes to 8% only if you area at 10%.
If you are at 0%, like you because you are too stupid to work, then you remain at 0% . You do not go to 8%
I am going to save this for a purpie screen shot. You actually believe that your rate goes from 0 to 8 because there is a reduction from 10 to 8."

Purpie the idiot will lie and say he meant to say that the tax base would be "broadened." But Romney never said he would increase 0 to 8%.

This is irrefutable evidence of Purpie's stupidity.

Joellen| 1.26.13 @ 10:59AM

And purp also advocates that "conservatives lay back and enjoy being raped". Who would ever take serious such a creep.

WaffenSS| 1.26.13 @ 2:54PM

Good observation, Grant was noted as the most corrupt president as by the number of his cabinet who were convicted and sent to prison... Until RR. Ronnie baby still holds the record as the most corrupt as counted by the number of his cabinet who were convicted and sent to prison.

hrgfue | 1.25.13 @ 7:51PM

NFL,NBA,2013 Fashion kickoff for u

Purp| 1.25.13 @ 8:55PM

Where do you get this crap?

You compare Apples to Oranges and not very well at that.

The simple Reagan Recession is nothing compared to the Bush Great Recession (altho I prefer Depression, since the stagnant economy is more indicative of Depression than a cyclical Recession) First Apple to Orange mistake.

Unemployment - there was NO widespread layoffs of the public sector under Reagan - in fact it increased employment, not decreased Government payrolls. Otherwise by economists estimates, we'd be below the Reagan era 7.3% unemployment. Second Apple to Orange mistake.

Cold War - Reagan benefited from the 40 years of Cold War containment by all other Presidents and happened to be just one more President to continue the trend - the Soviet Empire didn't fall until HW Bush was President. http://www.coldwar.org/article....._union.asp
Third Apple to Orange mistake.

Reagan presided over the beginning of the downfall of the American Middle Class - Corporations and the wealthy are going gangbusters, but Reagan's policies have dismantled the American Dream - with the Bush Twins help of course.

I could go on, but what's the point. Your fluff piece is dishonest in it's comparisons. But you don't care. History will and we'll see who wins.

CJW| 1.26.13 @ 4:51PM

Purp the Village Idiot posted the following after the elections:

"Purp| 11.8.12 @ 10:35AM

"The Lord rules, not Obama." - CORRECT!

The Lord works in mysterious ways... and this is something for the faithful to contemplate in the way the see the world:

Hurricane Sandy and Chris Christie was the Lord's way of pressing his thumb on the scale to tilt in the direction of President Obama. It was His punishment of Republicans for their lying and trying to cheat (Voter Suppression) their way to political victory, while espousing faith, freedom and constitutional credentials."

So purpie believes God killed over 100 persons and destroyed millions of dollars of property to help Obama win.

In Sept Purpie wrote that Amassador Stevens was at fault and caused his death.

Purpie also wrote that the unborn are biological entities not deserving of protection until God allows them to be born. (What does this mean?)

Purpie represents the Loon Left that should be mocked and ridiculed, and not engaged in conversation

Alex Feltham | 1.26.13 @ 6:05AM

History's judgment of Obama will depend on the thing he's least interested in: the economy.

Because of this the money will run out along with any hope of competing with Reagan.

There's a great analysis from a new blogger on this in "The Great Betrayal" at:

http://john-moloney.blogspot.com/

Purp| 1.26.13 @ 3:10PM

I disagree.

With the exception of FDR, most Presidents are remembered IN HISTORY for their foreign policy achievements.
Why? Because only in foreign policy is the President almost solely in command.
The economy is as much in Congress' hands or even more than the President's.

Obama will be remembered as the President who killed Osama Bin Laden.

CJW| 1.26.13 @ 4:52PM

Purp the Village Idiot posted the following after the elections:

"Purp| 11.8.12 @ 10:35AM

"The Lord rules, not Obama." - CORRECT!

The Lord works in mysterious ways... and this is something for the faithful to contemplate in the way the see the world:

Hurricane Sandy and Chris Christie was the Lord's way of pressing his thumb on the scale to tilt in the direction of President Obama. It was His punishment of Republicans for their lying and trying to cheat (Voter Suppression) their way to political victory, while espousing faith, freedom and constitutional credentials."

So purpie believes God killed over 100 persons and destroyed millions of dollars of property to help Obama win.

In Sept Purpie wrote that Amassador Stevens was at fault and caused his death.

Purpie also wrote that the unborn are biological entities not deserving of protection until God allows them to be born. (What does this mean?)

Purpie represents the Loon Left that should be mocked and ridiculed, and not engaged in conversation

Nightwinger| 1.26.13 @ 1:20PM

Lord forgets an important characteristic:

Likeability.

People liked Ronald Reagan

And, judging from this Election, people like this President too.

They did not like Romney.

Sure, these are subjective appraisals.....intangibles....that don't readily break down into meaningful numbers. But people often vote their gut-instincts on who they trust.

George Will said it best:

"If you lose because the voters didn't like you, it's one thing. But, if you lose because YOU didn't like the voters, that's worse." (Romney lost on both counts.)

Rhoetus| 1.26.13 @ 11:28PM

How did you discern this opinion? I really think that Romney really does like Americans and Obama is a hard core communist who must take the voters as fools (which they are).

batman| 2.6.13 @ 12:37AM

Never could understand why Fox, et. al worship this very strange man. Did such a great job advising Bush that we got the Obama nightmare. Read what the Bush clan thought about Reagan and you'll understand the contempt Rove has for "outsiders."

More Articles by Jeffrey Lord

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