Reagan used it. I think Reagan’s speaking style, phrasing, syntax, and vocabulary were much more more suited to edited speeches. Apparently he ad a lot of his own editing, even if it was written for him, so he was always reading something that was written the way he would word it. Reagan was also great off the cuff in interviews and pressers. He was a Hollywood actor and a radio host, etc.
Trump is far more comfortable off the cuff and far less comfortable reading.
When a speech needs to be delivered very carefully, such as a policy position speech, he is smart to use the Teleprompter. He clearly seems less comfortable but I don’t care and I doubt many others care.
To me it’s like wearing the bullet proof vest under the suit. It makes your suit look puffy and lumpy and awkward, but who cares?
Obama, despite his occasional stuttering, or error, is a polished and articulate speaker, and has a very rich voice for oratory. Yet, I can’t stand to hear him speak. I lurch for the mute button as soon as he opens his mouth.
That is because it is having the right message being sincere about it that counts - not how polished the speech is. I love to listen to Trump no matter how he chooses to do it, and I can happily forgive him for not being the most articulate politician in the world.
Reagan had the right message, was sincere, AND was a master at delivering a speech. I’ll be long dead before another one like RR cones along so I’ll take Trump in a heartbeat.
Actually, I have to disagree with one thing you said about Reagan: he was not particularly good with press conferences. He often had to be corrected the next day. And, of course, Reagan had years of experience in Hollywood, working for GE, SAG, etc., to hone his speaking skills. Trump is fairly new to this political stuff.