In contrast, in winning the governorship of California and then the presidency -- and performing superbly well in both offices -- Reagan adopted a hopeful and optimistic tone, even in dealing with hard circumstances and dismal facts. Reagan had become "The Gipper," referring to the movie role he played to perfection as the dying but indomitable Notre Dame football player George Gipp.
On his deathbed in 1920, a Gipp told Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne that someday, when the football team was in a tough spot, to use his name as an inspiration and ask them "to win one for the Gipper." In 1928, in the midst of a poor season, Rockne did just that in a legendary locker room speech at halftime in a losing game against Army. Inspired by the call to "win one for the Gipper," Notre Dame's team went on to beat Army in the second half.
In life and in politics, we all sometimes have to deal with painful facts and hard times. We do best when we find ways to inspire ourselves and others with hope, a sense of purpose, and a bit of humor as well. Just as Reagan did.
That wouldn't work in 2025.