Ronald Reagan

[magenta321]

What's with all the Reagan nostalgia lately?

He was president through out my childhood, and I remember his failed idea of "trickle down economics" and what an embarassment he was to our country during Iran Contra and his "I do not recall" mantra.

I didn't hate the guy... but I'm interested in hearing what was so great about him. Wasn't he just an average president at best? Is he just the last decent Republican we've had, so that is why he has so much nostalgia around him?

[thinkerlady[$]]

Yes and no, and maybe. I think he had great charisma, and he had a vision for the country. He was the last great republican in office, and there was controversy around him as there is anyone in office. But he was well liked. I think our economy did well under him too.

I remember my parents hating Richard Nixon when he was in office. But looking back my mom recalls those years as good years, economically.

[magenta321]

Wasn't there a bad recession at the end of his term?

[thinkerlady[$]]

Of Regan's term? Bush (the dad) took office after Regan. Those were the worst 4 years of my life--economically speaking--until these last 8 years.

[mjfrombuffalo[$]]

I remember when Reagan asked if we were better off then than we were four years ago, and I could honestly answer "no." My dad's and grandmother's incomes hadn't kept up with inflation, my student aid had been drastically cut, etc.... I don't have nostalgia for Reagan personally but I figure some people must for some reason. Maybe because he looked and acted so much like an elder statesman - he did present himself in a way that I'm sure people felt was befitting the leader of the free world, so you could be proud of him and how he represented our country in that respect. I guess.

[thinkerlady[$]]

He was a great talker. He presented very well, and entertained elegantly. I don't remember much about his foreign policy, but I do know he was able to talk to foreign leaders. When he took office right after Jimmy Carter, Iran had held 400+ Americans hostage for close to a year. They released the hostages I think the day after the Inauguration. I think Regan commanded respect abroad.

[slick4591[$]]

Some might be coming from Obama's thoughts on Reagan.

[emeleel]

I was just a kid in the 80's and even I know the word "Reaganomics" and remember that the economy back then was horrible. But he was a charming man who was a great speaker, and I think he tried his best.

[wivabef]

Gosh, shouldn't this be in the symposium? She said sheepishly.

Baaaa baaaa

[mjfrombuffalo[$]]

I dunno. We all agree that folks think of him nostalgically, after all. We're just trying to pinpoint why.

[theworm[$]]

This Put....um, guy at work reminded me the other day (in the middle of his anti-Obama, anti-Democrat ravings) that Reagan was the best president ever - except for maybe Washington and Lincoln.
This is the same guy who said that he doesn't want health care reform because why should he have to pay for some other guy's problems (yes, that's a quote). The same guy who indicated that the Republican party is more open minded and forward because they nominated a woman for Veep, and the Democrats didn't (thought we had a serious female candidate for Pres).
I didn't ask him why Reagan is the best Pres ever, but he stated it like it was fact.

[Prepoia[$]]

There are idiots in every party (political or social parties

[lynnzop[$]]

magenta321 said

what an embarassment he was to our country during Iran Contra and his "I do not recall" mantra.

I can't believe I just read this.

As far as why he's back in popularity, I think it's because Regan was poo-pood by his dissenters when he was running for Prez because he was "too old"

Sound familiar????

[mjfrombuffalo[$]]

Reagan was only 69 when elected to the Presidency. 78 when he left, and according to some, showing signs of Alzheimer's towards the end of his second term. Maybe he really couldn't recall.

[magenta321]

Yeah, I do realize now that he really couldn't recall, but if I was a child and I can remember it, I'm sure the rest of you remember it -- "I do not recall" was the butt of every joke at that time. You don't remember thinking he was a liar at that point? You don't remember feeling embarassed that the leader of the free world was in court seeming like a flat out liar?

Sure, hindsight is 20/20, but, we didn't know he had alz at that point.

I'm not sure why I put the thread here, I'm surprised I did actually -- it can be moved to the symposium. That's where I would have thought I'd have put it. Maybe my alz is setting in already too.

[Prepoia[$]]

magenta321 said

Yeah, I do realize now that he really couldn't recall, but if I was a child and I can remember it, I'm sure the rest of you remember it -- "I do not recall" was the butt of every joke at that time. You don't remember thinking he was a liar at that point? You don't remember feeling embarassed that the leader of the free world was in court seeming like a flat out liar?

Sure, hindsight is 20/20, but, we didn't know he had alz at that point.

I'm not sure why I put the thread here, I'm surprised I did actually -- it can be moved to the symposium. That's where I would have thought I'd have put it. Maybe my alz is setting in already too.

If it belongs in the symposium I would guess that it's because of your attitude in your postings. I can't imagine what this good man could possibly have done that would inspire you to such disgust and disrespect. You recall unusual things from your childhood.

I do not remember "I do not recall" at all. I remember Bush's "No new taxes" etc. but not the recall statement. I was never embarrassed of him during his presidency. Other nations respected and admired him. The only thing I remember was when he visited Europe and fell asleep during one of the endless dinners and the press spread the picture everywhere. But, most people (not knowing of the Alzhiemers) just thought it was worth a smile and comment and blamed his advancing years.

Politically he inherited an economical mess. Reganomics worked for a while but wasn't a plan that could last. I think that history will judge him to be have been a good but not great president.

[thinkerlady[$]]

magenta321 said

You don't remember feeling embarassed that the leader of the free world was in court seeming like a flat out liar?

I'm sorry Margaret, but the present administration embarrasses me a whole lot more than Regan ever did. I too do not remember the "I don't recall"...but if it happened, it was most insignificant. Regan was old, and maybe he was not effective, but I only have good memories of his presidency. And I was an adult, married with children.

[theworm[$]]

I don't remember it either.

I do question why some look at Reagan as the best Pres ever, but I personally don't put him on a list of bad presidents.

[mjfrombuffalo[$]]

Reagan didn't appear in court, IIRC. It was Oliver North who had the "I do not recall" mantra.

[Prepoia[$]]

Yeah, MJ! Now I remember the line. Another example of how rumors get started

[JonSmith]

Reagan didn't recall on numerous occasions. Here is one example:

Ronald Reagan's testimony before a federal grand jury

[thinkerlady[$]]

Regan is credited with being involved heavily with the end of the Cold War. I don't remember exactly how much he had to do with it, but I remember the "break down that wall" speech. His communication skills were very sharp and speaking came easily to him.

[wivabef]

Reagan was known as the Great Communicator. He is credited with bringing a bit of pride back to the country after the Nixon, Ford and Carter downers.