I remember very well the "energy crisis" under Carter, record interest rates, high inflation and unemployment, sagging personal income and tax revenues, and military morale in the ditch. All of these, and more, were tackled when Reagan had to work with entrenched democRat majorities in the House and Senate.
By election time in his first term, every important, seemingly intractable issue that plagued the Johnson administration through the Carter administration, was on the mend and gaining steam. These are tangible accomplishments versus campaign speeches.
Clinton is the democRat hero because of Reagan - inheriting a huge "peace dividend" and able to show a balanced budget on paper. George HW Bush had the same problem as Romney - he was a good family man and manager / executive, but he was perceived as an out-of-touch rich white guy who waffles on issues and doesn't inspire.
You are correct... I remember now as well.
Reagan was inspiring to the press, and admired by Hollywood & California - those are a couple of big advantages.
And I certainly am not “knocking” Reagan, because he was perfect for the time. But I don’t remember him dealing with the bigger economic fundamental problems we have today, which I think Romney was/is perfect for.
In the absence of leadership nothing will change... enjoy the roller coaster of the next 4 years. I’m turning off my TV and cancelling my paper.