Youtube - Reagan Press Conferences - Demeanor Similar To Obama, But Positions Are Quite Different

[Median Democrat]

I can see why some older folks often refer to Reagan when describing Obama's abilities as a communicator. I do see some similarities, though from these clips, the press is still relatively deferential, and the questioning is pretty simplistic. Finally, Reagan does tend to stick to the talking points without demonstrating the type of understanding possessed by Obama. However, at least in demeanor, there is some similarity.

Finally, in the discussion on taxes, there is a lot of dishonesty by Regan in terms of calling taxes hikes fees, as well as not taking responsibility for the deficits that grew during his Presidency.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdngN5gAVRs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3eyISCTG5Y&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NxN_ZBwo3s&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UagCUHpiHy8&feature=related

[Clio the Leo]

1. The President admires Reagan....

... for his oratory and communication skills (which aren't the same thing.) There's no question about that. I'd even bet that he's studied him quite a bit.

And thankfully, that's where his admiration ends. lol

[Deja Q]

3. I think President Obama has studied a lot of previous Presidents.

And I think he knows what he's talking about too. :) I don't think the same could be said of Reagan; but whether Reagan was senile or lying, we will never know. Either way, he should have been impeached -- like Suze said, it all begins at the top.


http://www.liberalslikechrist.org/about/Reagan.html

[Clio the Leo]

4. Yep, he studied to learn both what to do and what NOT to do.

He's probably reading about the Tea Pot Dome scandal even as we speak. lol

[alsame]

5. Both senile and lying. Reagan was also an

actor, he was used to memorizing lines in scripts. He was, first and foremost, a performer. And I think that's what got him through the times when he wasn't totally 'there'.

As I recall, during his 8 years there were times when he seemed quite lucid and other times when you could tell his mind was drifting.

[Median Democrat]

6. The Problem For Reagan's Legacy Is That Republicans Have Rendered Him Cliche

Every Republican out there does a poor impression of Reagan in terms of trying to be folksy, and sticking to talking points in responding to questions. Worse, with folks like Limbaugh and Fox News, the talking points have become incredibly standardized. Reagan's recitation of talking points at least sounded fresh, because they weren't beaten to death over the internet and 24/7 cable news. However, today, those folks talking points now saturate the GOP. Worse, with Reagan, you actually did have moderate Republicans who did not necessarily worship at the alter of tax cuts. Look George Bush, Sr. who originally called Reagan's policies voodoo economics. However, now every Republican adheres to the same voodoo.

Thus, Reagan has been rendered a cliche by his own party. Indeed, Reagan actually did raise taxes, which the current right wing would automatically reject despite years of evidence that tax cuts are not a magic cure all.

Look at California where California Republicans invoke Reagan as they threaten to send the State into bankruptcy while ignoring the fact that despite his rhetoric, Reagan did raise taxes on occasion.

[Deja Q]

2. Now I have to wash my computer out with soap.

Senile e-cooties.