Reagan was not perfect then neither was George Washington see The Whiskey Rebellion.
But it is a lesson worth remembering. Reagan did several things that cut conservatives to the core but he needed help, politically, in building the coalition to win the Cold War. And that was worth it.
If some protectionist measures sway the anti-trade democrats into the Trump camp then it will be worthwhile.
Trump is doing what he does best, negotiating. Often times the threat will bring adversaries to the table which is what you want. For far too long our trade agreements have benefited other countries while simultaneously hurting our country.
The fact that Harley Davidson has to buy some parts from foreign suppliers, while regrettable it is still far better than this country not producing motorcycles at all.
After 4 years Harley Davidson itself requested the tariff be suspended.
"We're profitable again. We're recapitalized. We're diversified. We don't need any more help," said Vaughn L. Beals, the Milwaukee-based company's chairman and chief executive, explaining the request to the United States International Trade Commission to terminate tariffs on large Japanese motorcycles.
While you think Reagan made a mistake, I believe he did the right thing.
But yes, no one is perfect. It still does not change the facts, and that the same thing people criticize Trump for ignore the fact that Reagan did the very same thing. It did not cause a war or even hurt America as the "Never Trump" crowd claim Trump doing the same will now cause. Instead it gave the company an opportunity to become competitive again.