Thanks Mainframe...but remember, Reagan was the runner-up in 1976, and became the default front-runner for 1980...the whole primary system will have to be changed to “break the cycle”...how can this be done? I’m not sure...magritte
True, of course. But Reagan was never a member of the “Old Guard” pols who never cashed a non-government paycheck. He built his own political persona outside of the political establishment, and had no need to adjust it to win their approval. He was challenged by a few ankle-biters, but did not have a serious challenger. Palin won’t have “Death Valley Days” or “GE Theater” to remain visible, but she will have many other opportunities for radio and TV time.
And I would like to add to my version of the list two older presidents - Eisenhower (un-listed, and a great or near-great president in spite of the press portrayal of him as a detached dunce) and Nixon (listed, and nothing BUT political to the core).