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.