>>America is NOT the same nation as we were in 1980. <<
I would add to this that it is an error, in my opinion, to assume the principles defined Reagan. Rather, it was Reagan who defined the principles. Reagan, THE MAN, not the checklist.
I do not recall there being another Reagan in American history, especially not in the last 7 presidential elections—win or lose. Again, it’s because copying Reagan’s positions does not make one equivalent to him.
I happen to think Trump is the closest IN SOME WAYS — mainly being able to take bold pro-American positions, often ignoring even well-intentioned advice, and to be a GREAT COMMUNICATOR . . . at least in the eyes of some of us.
That definitely is not Trump. Reagan started in politics in the 40s, became governor of California for 8 years beginning in the 60s, spent years doing a daily radio program in politics and wrote a weekly newspaper column for many years extolling the principles he believed in.
Neither Cruz nor Trump comes close to that kind of experience. But it is also true that Trump comes closest to those ideals and can communicate them - perhaps not in the same way as Reagan, but he surely does come closest to Reagan.
Trump comes closest to no one really. Trump has some good points, but articulating ideals, freedom and liberty, surely is not a Trump strong point. Trump is much better than he was when he started out last summer, but has a long ways to go, but that may be enough for this year...we will find out.