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I would agree that George Will -- and, knowing Will's book columns, really John Patrick Diggins -- oversimplifies Ronald Reagan greatly. Reaganism could be excessively flattering, but it also contained some important truths. And Reagan exhibited a good deal of Burkean prudence while governing even if he did not always do so while giving speeches.

But the caricature of Reagan is as often drawn by his admirers as his critics (see Kemp, Jack). And while contemporary conservatives continue to profit from Reaganite optimism, we could still use another dose of Madisonian realism. It wouldn't compromise our anti-totalitarian commitment.