Got it. Fact is, though, Reagan knew how to pick up a two-by four when the need arose, albeit in a gentlemanly way.
Absolutely. That two-by-four is very important and my comment in no way should be taken to say I am against really whacking people over the head with the truth. Just make sure it is truth you are whacking them with and not just insults. And make sure there is no other alternative. In a republic it is persuasion and charm that earns votes. You can be correct and still lose if you are needlessly rude and negative.
I actually think Cruz as a candidate is doing a very good job. It is important that supporters of a candidate follow the candidates lead. So much of what people think comes from secondary sources.
I guess my point is that I want LESS compromise, not more. They should say what needs to be said, just consider HOW it is said. That does not mean I want “I just want to say I love homosexuals....” type of ridiculous nonsense.
The reason Reagan’s “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” was so effective was that it was TRUE, it was direct, and it was no more or less than it needed to be.
Our current politicians are erring on both by watering down the message and by being unlikable and unpleasant and needlessly harsh.