[Pyncho]

You're making my case. Reagan was unapologetic, and direct, and could be witty. Ann is, in my view, far wittier, plus her demeanor in general is rascally (a word?). Reagan didn't need to get vicious with the Left, and neither does anyone else. But it is important for conservatives to become more direct - and as many have been saying in this post, call it as they see it.

[farmer18th]

Reagan called evil evil and he made witty fun of government largesse. I think the problem with the GWB generation of conservatives is that we assume the other side really wants to play by the rules and seek mutual compromise.

We should make it very difficult to be a leftist in this country; we should begin making the left seem un-American to the electorate, because that's exactly what they are.

[ichabod1]

Reagan didn't need to get vicious with the Left

No, he didn't did he, and that makes him look even more like a genius for being able to turn such a simple line as "there you go again" into such a devastating political bludgeon.

My other personal favorite was his promising not to hold Mondale's youth and inexperience against him.