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It would take a book or two to detail how Reagan did what he did and I'm lazy so I'll distill it down to a nubbin.

By the second term of Reagan average college studens in vast numbers all over America were identifying themselves as 'conservative'. Reagan had defined conservatism and linked it with a new resurgence and pride in 'The American Way.

He turned millions of disaffected babby boomers from Vietnam era depressives (like me) into proud Americans and made them think about what was really going on around this planet.

He did this speaking directly to the American people and LEADING. He defied his handlers and touched the heart of our society.

Then came GHWB and betrayed everything Reagan ever stood for. Then we got clintoon.

Twelve years of backsliding and debauchery.

Bush needs to understand this. If he could break the BUSH curse of mediocrity and institutionalized 'bureaucratism' that seems to be part of his genetic material ... he could be a great man.

I'm not holding my breath.

Bump to everything that you just said about Ronald Magnus. I remember the mood of the nation in the late 70s and early 80s; defeated and doubting. Bush faces a different problem in that the mood the toon left us is one of detatchment and self-justification. Supposedly Bush reveres Reagan-here's hoping he can take a page from the old man's playbook.