Listen, my main point, which, admittedly, was not articulated very clearly, is that effective Presidents (Reagan, GWB) pick out a handful of critical policy objectives and devote all their attention and political capital toward those ends. Ineffective Presidents (Carter, Clinton) try to impose their political philosophy on innumerable policy issues, with the result that they accomplish nothing of value.
You might want to try Google. President Reagan had a great deal to say about the war on drugs...a great deal. If you want to lump him in with Carter and Clinton because of that be my guest.
Would you like me to post some specific Reagan examples?