BULLETPROOF: REAGAN AFTER HINCKLEY (Was There a Historic Presidential Epiphany That Day?) TV REVIEW

The New York Times ^ | December 7, 2001 | Leslie Camhi

[mountaineer]

Dreyfuss did his usual bit of spittle-spewing overacting in the role. The casting was less than inspired!

[dead]

Mr. Reagan's popularity soared after of the attack, and his advisers used it to push a series of tax cuts and other legislative victories through Congress.

As usual, everything at the Times is about image and perception. The actual legislation, Reagan’s direct appeals to the voters that thwarted obstruction in congress, and the positive effects that passage had, are all subordinate to people’s “feelings” about Reagan. Also, notice how Reagan's "advisers" got the legislation passed. In the world of the NY Times, Reagan was simultaneously a bumbling idiot and an evil genius, depending on the time of day.

His theory was, `We win and they lose.' "

Obviously, Reagan had a far more competent grasp on the real world than the emotional windbags at the Times.

[Stultis]

but have seen Dreyfuss all TV over promoting it & his portrayal of Haig

Oh, Jeez. I was never a big fan of Haig, but Dreyfuss isn't worthy to scratch his cajones.

[Twodees]

You're right, but Sarah is mentally ill herself. She has been used by venal politicians whose goal is civilian disarmament. Hinckley can buy another pistol today, completely unhampered by the Brady bill just as thousands of gangsters buy pistols every year.

I despise Sarah Brady and everyone associated with her. She should be in a rubber room somewhere.

[Twodees]

I watched the documentary, larded as it was with commentary by Chris Matthews. It was a dismissal of Reagan's accomplishments, or an attempt at a dismissal. Reagan did a lot of good, and his character overcame his politicking some times. I don't regret having voted for him twice, but he was the last monopoly party presidential candidate I've voted for.

The ivy league poseur who followed him was a disgrace.

[mountaineer]

Chris Matthews was absolutely insufferable (so what else is new). He acted like the whole thing was about him, not Reagan.

[Twodees]

Yes he did. That's typical of his kind anyway. Reagan accomplished some amazing things in two terms. Liberal talking heads' attempt to ascribe those successes to luck or certain circumstances doesn't work at all. Reagan's character and intelligence were behind his successes, and the ones who can't admit that just show themselves for what they are.

[machman]

I watched the movie last night, I didn't think it was that bad. Made Reagan look OK, best light shown on Nancy Baker Deaver, and Meese.

Although Dreyfus overacted (think Captain Kirk), he made you think Haig wasn't a wacko, just somebody who was confused a bit, but still was a good soilder.

It mostly was about how the US was not prepared to handle the situation and nothing was working.

I'll admit, I had very low expectations given who was in it, but they handled it better than I expetected.