Not to seem pious, or preachy, but I think that we have the power to achieve our goal without taking a blind dive with another 'charismatic' politician, If we turn to prayer, both on an organized and on a personal basis. When this country was great, that was the foundation, and greatness cannot return without that foundation being restored.
When we turn to men for our solutions, we get what men have to offer. Reagan was not charismatic, he was devoted to the Lord.
I know what you mean. I recognize that charismatic is a problematic descriptor. IMO Reagan would have been toast if it hadn't been for his ability to 'connect' with the populace. Most people would have been toast when they cut off the microphone. Ronald Reagan was able to turn the tables on the powers that be. Just about anyone else would have come off harsh and brittle, not Reagan. I attribute that to his charisma.
I don't discount his religious component. I don't discount his message either, but good messages do not always a winner make. Reagan was able to parley a good message into something more. Once gain, I think it was his charisma.
I think of Reagan as a charismatic, but not in a bad way. He was able to connect to the average Joe, left and right. That takes a certain tallent that many don't have.
Thanks for the comment.